Househacking / Investing in Federal Hill, Baltimore

Househacking / Investing in Federal Hill, Baltimore

Professional · Towson, MD · Member since 2015 · 14 posts · 5 votes

Hello BP!

Are there any investors out there who have experience working in the rental market in Fed Hill? What's your take on status of the market and what are some of the rental rates you are charging if you feel comfortable sharing.

I'm thinking of investing there in the future.

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Baltimore, MD · Member since 2014 · 145 posts · 65 votes
10y

@Andrew Nugent It's a hot neighborhood for the 21-35 crowd, but the prices might make it tough to make a profit. I found that the floor for Federal Hill was about $650 per bedroom near Riverside Park or near the southern end of Federal Hill proper. If the place was nicer or closer to Cross Street, you might be $1000 or more per bedroom. Parking of course always commanded a premium. My numbers are a bit old, but from my limited experience, it looks hard to break 4-5% cap rates in the area. I think the Charles Street Corridor north of the Harbor is a better bet.


If you are looking to househack, however, Federal Hill might be perfect. Lots of 20 somethings looking for rooms to rent. The trick is finding someone who is at your level as far as partying goes. Fed Hill has a ton of reasons to stay out until 2am. If you are a light sleeper, early riser, or teetotaler, you might want to screen carefully.

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  • Lender · Baltimore MD · Member since 2015 · 201 posts · 66 votes
    10y

     @Andrew Nugent

    A few Easy ways to determine rental rates are:

    1. Rentometer.com, this takes the neighborhood average rents. 

    2. craigslist search the zip code and see what quality houses are going for in terms of rent.

    3. The best way is probably actually calling Property Mgmt companies, They should know the street and neighborhood well. and can give you a quote. 

    Be careful with the first two options, as you know Baltimore is block by block. So because one street rents for 1400, doesn't mean the house the next block over will do the same. 

    @Andrew Nugent

  • Baltimore, MD · Member since 2014 · 145 posts · 65 votes
    10y

    @Andrew Nugent It's a hot neighborhood for the 21-35 crowd, but the prices might make it tough to make a profit. I found that the floor for Federal Hill was about $650 per bedroom near Riverside Park or near the southern end of Federal Hill proper. If the place was nicer or closer to Cross Street, you might be $1000 or more per bedroom. Parking of course always commanded a premium. My numbers are a bit old, but from my limited experience, it looks hard to break 4-5% cap rates in the area. I think the Charles Street Corridor north of the Harbor is a better bet.


    If you are looking to househack, however, Federal Hill might be perfect. Lots of 20 somethings looking for rooms to rent. The trick is finding someone who is at your level as far as partying goes. Fed Hill has a ton of reasons to stay out until 2am. If you are a light sleeper, early riser, or teetotaler, you might want to screen carefully.

  • Ned CareyPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    10y

    I have no experience there, but that is by choice. I view it as too expensive an area to get decent positive cash flow. If you have no need for positive cash flow and you are investing for appreciation  it might make sense. 

    Just a plucked from air guess, I would say that rents would be $1400-1800 a month.

  • Baltimore, MD · Member since 2016 · 41 posts · 7 votes
    10y

    Craig's list is a great source of info for rental pricing in Federal Hill.  always seems to be a strong market there.  offstreet parking is a critical factor in the neighborhood.

  • Baltimore, MD · Member since 2016 · 41 posts · 7 votes
    10y

    Craig's list is a great source of info for rental pricing in Federal Hill.  always seems to be a strong market there.  offstreet parking is a critical factor in the neighborhood. 

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