Real Estate Investing in Austin, Texas (78728)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78728 (Austin, TX)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Declining values: -2.1% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.5 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Austin, TX (78728)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 78728 Austin
ZIP 78728 inside Travis County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $403K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
For an experienced owner, 78728 can be a worth a close look for hunting ground — but the discount at $403K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Nearby ZIPs in Austin have seen price recovery that 78728 has not matched. Travis County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Demographically, 78728 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Austin:
Property Strategy for 78728
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $301,568 | $1,770 | 4.2% | +4.1% | $150,784 |
| 3BR | $393,202 | $2,240 | 4.1% | +4.1% | $131,067 |
| 4BR | $453,506 | $2,640 | 4.2% | +4.7% | $113,377 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78728 Compare?
| Metric | 78728 | Austin | Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $403,035 | $561,613 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,315 | $1,810 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.7% | - | - |
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 78728 (Austin, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Travis County
Manage rentals here? List your business →512-Society Property Management provides single-family and multi-family property management services across North Austin and Round Rock since 2005. summary from their website
Darwin Homes offers tech-driven property management services, making renting easy with 24/7 support, smart locks for viewings, and assistance with moving and utility setup. summary from their website
Guest Haus Property Management offers Airbnb and vacation rental management services in Austin. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $403,035 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,315 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.9% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 0.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -3.8% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -2.1% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -3.5% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -5.4% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.6%). 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 78728
Population: 26,776
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 78728
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
DAVIS EL
SUMMITT EL
PARMER LANE EL
WESTVIEW MIDDLE
PREMIER HIGH SCHOOL-AUSTIN WELLS BRANCH
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best play in Austin, TX?
Austin, TX investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($403K prices, $1,315/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Austin, TX?
Occupancy in Austin, TX runs measured with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,315/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What are rental rates like in Austin, TX?
Rental rates in Austin, TX average $1,315/mo. Tenant demand and $403K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is the tenant base reliable in Austin, TX?
Tenant demand in Austin, TX is solid. The local workforce $1,315/mo rents across most rental classes.
Does Austin, TX favor landlords or tenants?
Rental owners in Austin, TX deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 78728 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 78728 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 78728 ranks in Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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