Real Estate Investing in Austin, Texas (78736)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78736 (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: -1.5% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 33.0 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Austin, TX (78736)?
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Market Analysis: 78736 Austin
ZIP 78736 in Austin, TX carries a robust set of headwinds. Home values near $594K and rents of $1,499/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Rent of $1,499/mo on a $594K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 78736 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
In the broader TX picture, 78736 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 78736 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.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. substantial returns are possible in 78736, 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 Austin:
Property Strategy for 78736
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $320,353 | $2,110 | 4.7% | +2.8% | $160,177 |
| 3BR | $497,210 | $2,670 | 3.9% | +4.0% | $165,737 |
| 4BR | $702,159 | $3,140 | 3.2% | +5.4% | $175,540 |
| 5BR | $981,272 | — | — | +7.0% | $196,254 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78736 Compare?
| Metric | 78736 | Austin | Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $593,841 | $561,613 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,499 | $1,810 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% | 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 78736 (Austin, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 78736 (Austin, TX)?
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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 | $593,841 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,499 |
| Price-to-Rent | 33.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 0.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -2.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -1.5% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -6.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -4.1% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.0%). 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 78736
Population: 9,849
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
Is Austin, TX good for landlords?
Austin, TX falls under TX landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
What kind of tenants rent in Austin, TX?
Tenant quality in Austin, TX ranks as solid. Landlords generally report even-keeled occupancy at market rents of $1,499/mo.
Is Austin in TX worth investing in?
Investors tracking Austin, TX will find a 2.0/5 rating supported by $594K median home values and $1,499/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting steady returns.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Austin, TX?
Rental rates in Austin, TX average $1,499/mo. Tenant demand and $594K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is house hacking profitable in Austin, TX?
House hacking works a challenging in Austin, TX. Rents of $1,499/mo against $594K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
You know 78736 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 78736 ranks in Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
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