Union Bridge, MD — Rental Investment Analysis

🔴WEAKappreciation play only

Data: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.

Investment Summary

As of 2026, Union Bridge, MD has a 2.2% cap rate, indicating limited cash flow potential at current prices of $453,505 median.

Union Bridge is primarily an appreciation play with limited cash flow potential. At $453,505 median home price, Union Bridge requires significant capital. A 20% down payment alone is $90,701. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,790/month, the 2.2% cap rate tells the story. Cash flow is deeply negative at -$1,588/month with standard assumptions. This market requires appreciation to justify the investment.

At 0.39% on the 1% rule, rents are low relative to purchase prices. You'd need a significant discount from asking price to make the numbers work. DSCR of 0.34 is below 1.0, meaning rental income doesn't cover the mortgage. DSCR lenders will likely decline this market at current prices.

Bottom line: At current valuations, Union Bridge doesn't make sense for rental investors focused on returns. Look at lower-cost markets unless you have specific local knowledge.

Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Cap Rate

2.2%

Below average

Monthly Cash Flow

-$1,588

After all expenses

Price-to-Rent

21.1

Overpriced for rent

DSCR

0.34

Fails

Key Metrics

Median Home Price
$453,505
Average Rent (3BR)
$1,790/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.1(high)
1% Rule
0.39%(fails — need 1%+)
Cash-on-Cash Return
-18.3%
Vacancy Rate
8.0%

Market Strength

Unemployment Rate
4.4%(+0.1% vs national)
Rent Growth (YoY)
+2.9%(national avg)
Population Growth
+1.05% YoY

Assumptions Used

20% down, 6.52% rate, 30yr, 8% vacancy, 10% maintenance

Customize these numbers →

Property Tax Rate

1%

of assessed value (MD avg)

Median Income

$87,063

household (MD avg)

Rent-to-Income

24.7%

Affordable

Section 8 Max Rent

$1,790/mo

3BR voucher payment

MD Investor Climate

Landlord Friendly

5/10

State Income Tax

Has state tax

Property Tax

1% effective

Population Trend

+1.05% (3yr)

Best Zip Codes in Union Bridge for Investors

21762
Cap Rate: 3.8%Cash Flow: -$728/mo$334,306
21791
Cap Rate: 2.2%Cash Flow: -$1,588/mo$453,505
21791
Cap Rate: 2.2%Cash Flow: -$1,588/mo$453,505

All Zip Codes in Union Bridge

ZipCap RateCash FlowHome PriceRent (3BR)DSCR
217623.8%-$728$334,306$1,860/mo0.59
217912.2%-$1,588$453,505$1,790/mo0.34
217912.2%-$1,588$453,505$1,790/mo0.34