Real Estate Investing in Brighton, Iowa (52540)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52540 (Brighton, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.0% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Brighton, IA (52540)?
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Market Analysis: 52540 Brighton
The 52540 ZIP covers a section of Brighton that demands careful diligence. Prices near $166K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
The investment case in 52540 is solid only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $166K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Within IA, ZIP 52540 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Jefferson submarkets outperform. The gap is real and resilient enough to shape underwriting.
Resident income in 52540 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. resilient returns are possible in 52540, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Brighton:
Property Strategy for 52540
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $130,381 | $930 | 5.1% | +5.4% | $65,191 |
| 3BR | $162,485 | $1,130 | 5.0% | +5.9% | $54,162 |
| 4BR | $207,470 | $1,240 | 4.3% | +7.5% | $51,867 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52540 Compare?
| Metric | 52540 | Brighton | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $166,422 | $166,422 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.6% | 5.6% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $837 | $837 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52540 (Brighton, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $166,422 |
| Monthly Rent | $837 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.9%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 52540
Population: 1,102
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is real estate in Brighton, IA?
The median home value in Brighton, IA is roughly $166K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
What is the renter demographic in Brighton, IA?
Brighton, IA offers a measured renter base at the $837/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
What is the investability score for Brighton, IA?
Brighton, IA registers an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $166K and average rents around $837/mo. That combination puts it in the durable tier for investor interest.
What is it like being a landlord in Brighton, IA?
IA law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Brighton inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Brighton, IA?
Brighton, IA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
You know 52540 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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