Real Estate Investing in Buffalo, Iowa (52728)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52728 (Buffalo, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 11.5% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Buffalo, IA (52728)?
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Market Analysis: 52728 Buffalo
The 52728 ZIP in Buffalo, IA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $159K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The 52728 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Regionally, 52728 sits on the difficult end of the IA spectrum. The a viable market for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
The demographic picture in 52728 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Buffalo averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The 52728 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Buffalo:
Property Strategy for 52728
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $130,849 | $1,010 | 5.6% | +5.9% | $65,425 |
| 3BR | $172,174 | $1,320 | 5.5% | +5.0% | $57,391 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52728 Compare?
| Metric | 52728 | Buffalo | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $159,312 | $159,312 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.9% | 3.9% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $909 | $909 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% | 4.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52728 (Buffalo, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $159,312 |
| Monthly Rent | $909 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.9% |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.5%). 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 52728
Population: 987
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
🎓 Schools in 52728
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (1 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Andalusia Elem School
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 1,931 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rents high in Buffalo, IA?
Buffalo, IA rentals go for roughly $909/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $159K acquisition costs.
Is Buffalo, IA good for landlords?
For rental operators, Buffalo, IA rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
What approach is best for Buffalo, IA real estate?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Buffalo, IA. The numbers - $159K homes against $909/mo rents - support that play.
What is the typical renter like in Buffalo, IA?
Buffalo, IA offers a even-keeled renter base at the $909/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Buffalo, IA?
Occupancy in Buffalo, IA runs stable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $909/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 52728 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52728 ranks in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
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