Real Estate Investing in Lewes, Delaware (19958)
Should you buy in 19958 (Lewes, DE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 26.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Lewes, DE (19958)?
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Market Analysis: 19958 Lewes
This part of Sussex County is not an easy win. The 19958 ZIP comes in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The 19958 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
On balance, 19958 offers a low basis, the region around Lewes has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Employment concentration in 19958 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategically, 19958 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lewes:
Property Strategy for 19958
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $372,408 | $1,850 | 3.6% | +5.2% | $186,204 |
| 3BR | $530,052 | $2,320 | 3.2% | +6.6% | $176,684 |
| 4BR | $726,726 | $2,870 | 2.8% | +6.4% | $181,682 |
| 5BR | $983,080 | — | — | +6.9% | $196,616 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 19958 Compare?
| Metric | 19958 | Lewes | Salisbury, MD-DE | Delaware |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $590,175 | $590,175 | N/A | $397,840 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.8% | 3.8% | N/A | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $2,096 | $2,096 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 19958 (Lewes, DE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $590,175 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,096 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.8% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.2% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -1.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -2.4% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.8%). 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 19958
Population: 29,599
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 19958
Schools in This ZIP Code
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Lewes, DE?
Lewes, DE home values average about $590K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $2,096/mo in monthly income.
How should investors approach Lewes, DE?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Lewes, DE. With home values at $590K and rents near $2,096/mo, other strategies can work but produce consistent rather than outsized returns.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Lewes, DE?
Expect elevated vacancy in Lewes, DE. Rents at $2,096/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Are landlord laws favorable in Lewes, DE?
Lewes, DE falls under DE landlord-tenant law, which is balanced. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
What is the average monthly rent in Lewes, DE?
Investors in Lewes, DE typically see rents near $2,096/mo per month against $590K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
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