Allentown
Investment Analysis

Allentown, PA
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

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60
Investment Score
Buy
Cap Rate (Est.)
3.3%
Gross Yield
5.5%
P/R Ratio
17.7x
YoY Growth
+3.9%
Median Home Price
$249,450
Average Rent (1BR)
$1,137/mo
Median Income
$47,175
Population
124,871

Investment Breakdown

47
Value Score
89
Growth Score
54
Safety Score
52
Afford Score

Allentown has a price-to-rent ratio of 17.7x, which indicates buying is moderately favorable.

The estimated cap rate of 3.3% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of +3.9% indicates stable market conditions.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $1,137
Annual Gross $13,644

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$312
Insurance (~0.5%) -$104
Maintenance (~1%) -$208
Est. Net Cash Flow $513/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

๐Ÿ”ฎ Allentown Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“ˆ Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$303K2027$329Kโ–ฒ 8.5%2028$348Kโ–ฒ 14.7%20232024Now
$365K$245K
Current
$249K
2026
Projected
$329K
โ†‘ 8.5% by 2027
Projected
$348K
โ†‘ 14.7% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+7.9%
Confidence:High
Rยฒ:0.97
โ–ผ

When looking at the Allentown housing market forecast for 2026-2028, the data suggests a period of consolidation rather than explosive growth. The recent stagnation, with a 0.0% YoY Price Change, combined with a Market Temperature of 50/100, indicates a market that has found a temporary equilibrium. While the 5-Year Price Change of 48.7% demonstrates significant historical appreciation, the current Median Home Price of $249,450 is beginning to test the limits of local affordability. For those asking if Allentown home prices will drop, the risk grade of C implies some vulnerability to broader economic headwinds, but the 35 Days on Market figure shows that well-priced properties are still moving without stalling.

In the context of Allentown real estate Allentown 2027, the local economy will be the defining factor for stability. As part of the broader Lehigh Valley, Allentown benefits from its strategic location between New York City and Philadelphia, which continues to drive corporate relocation and job growth in logistics and healthcare. However, the Price-to-Rent Ratio of 18.3x is hovering just above the national average, signaling that the rental market remains a competitive alternative for residents priced out of purchasing. This dynamic may cap future price appreciation if wage growth does not accelerate to keep pace with the 8.1% 5-Year CAGR seen previously.

Ultimately, the forecast for Allentown is one of measured stability with modest potential. The Buy/Rent Verdict of NEUTRAL accurately reflects the current landscape: it is neither a buyer's nor a seller's market, but rather a transitional phase. Buyers should not expect the rapid equity gains of the past five years, while sellers must price realistically to attract attention in a market that is no longer overheated. The Price Range of $203,975 โ€“ $303,265 suggests that while entry-level inventory exists, the upper tier faces pressure from interest rate sensitivity. For the 2026-2028 window, Allentown appears poised for steady, incremental growth tied directly to regional employment trends.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
2.6%
5yr CAGR
+7.9%

Job Market

Unemployment 3.7%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +0.9%

Healthcare

76
Score
Good

Risk Factors

Low Risk Profile

Market Activity

Source: Redfin ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 99.2%
Months Supply 1.6
Price Drops 27%
Gone in 2 Wks 44%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Average

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Allentown.

Total ROI
16%
on $49,890 invested
Annual ROI
3%
compounded
Total Return
$7,992
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$844
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y162kY274kY387kY4100kY5114k
Appreciation
$52,588
Cash Flow
-$44,596
Final Equity
$114,172

* Estimates based on 3.9% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Allentown

Property

Purchase Price$249,450
Monthly Rent$1,137
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$764
Monthly Cash Flow
-$9,162/ year
-18.4%
Cash-on-Cash
2.4%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$1,137
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$1,261
โˆ’ Property Tax$249
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$208
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$57
= Net Cash Flow-$764

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$49,890
Loan Amount
$199,560
Total Monthly Expenses
$1,901
Gross Yield
5.5%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026