Real Estate Investing in Oakland, California (94612)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 94612 (Oakland, CA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 12.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -7.3% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 9.2% in the last year.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Oakland, CA (94612)?
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Market Analysis: 94612 Oakland
This part of Alameda County is not an easy win. The 94612 ZIP reports softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
From an investor standpoint, the numbers look inviting — $536K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 94612 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Nearby ZIPs in Oakland have seen price recovery that 94612 has not matched. Alameda County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The 94612 ZIP's population of 17,663 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 94612 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Oakland:
Property Strategy for 94612
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $452,849 | $2,510 | 4.0% | -7.9% | $452,849 |
| 2BR | $660,754 | $3,060 | 3.3% | -5.2% | $330,377 |
| 3BR | $770,303 | $3,910 | 3.7% | -4.0% | $256,768 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 94612 Compare?
| Metric | 94612 | Oakland | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $536,099 | $734,424 | N/A | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $2,956 | $2,585 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% | 2.9% | - | - |
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 94612 (Oakland, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $536,099 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,956 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.6% |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | N/A |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -9.2% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -8.5% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -7.3% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | -2.8% ▼ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +14.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.1% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.3%). 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 94612
Population: 17,663
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 94612
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
MetWest High
Kaiser Early Childhood Center
West Oakland Middle
McClymonds High
Claremont Middle
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 5,901 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which investment style suits Oakland, CA?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Oakland, CA. The numbers - $536K homes against $2,956/mo rents - support that play.
How do home values compare in Oakland, CA?
Typical homes in Oakland, CA go for around $536K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% even-keeled price movement.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Oakland, CA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Oakland, CA. Rents at $2,956/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Oakland, CA?
CA law tenant-protective for landlords, and Oakland inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Oakland, CA?
Investors in Oakland, CA typically see rents near $2,956/mo per month against $536K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
You know 94612 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 94612 ranks in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA
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