Skip to Content

Pros and Cons of Investing in an Older Home as a Rental Property in Council Bluffs

Two Garage Brick House in Council BluffsInvesting in older single-family homes to be utilized as a rental property can be a successful strategy. Regardless, there are still a lot of pros and cons that come with selecting older homes instead of the newer ones. For example, older homes frequently offer a great location, lower purchase price, and a more stable market rate. However, there are also downsides to procuring an older home, including a higher cost of repairs and improvements, lower energy efficiency, and the risk of losing out on widespread renter appeal. When scouting for your next investment property in Council Bluffs, both the pros and cons ought to be considered carefully before making any final decisions.

There are numerous advantages to buying older homes to use as rental properties. Quite possibly, one of the major benefits an older home offers is the location. Unlike newer homes that are commonly settled at a distance from many of the area’s best amenities, older homes can often be found within a short distance of desirable social and commercial areas. For Millennial renters, young professionals, or seniors seeking for ways to enjoy their retirement, a rental home with excellent access to the downtown area or other attractions can be a strong draw. Older properties also tend to be found in recognized neighborhoods, which oftentimes have more predictable rental rates. Being capable to reliably forecast your rental income is one of the most important benefits when purchasing an older home.

In many areas, older homes provide the benefit of being more affordable than new construction. This can significantly lower the upfront cost of the property and allow investors to restrain how much is used on any improvements or upgrades. While an older home would reasonably necessitate some effort, investors can control costs by choosing to do some of the work themselves or by scheduling projects to maximize cash flow. Depending on the age and condition of the home, investors may also be able to rely on higher-grade architecture and a more conventional floor plan. Such highlights may please specific demographics, particularly renters looking for a home with a unique look or feel.

While these benefits can make older homes an attractive option for investors in Council Bluffs, there are also some drawbacks. Older homes tend to have outdated heating and cooling systems, plumbing and wiring problems, and so on. They may also have code compliance issues, which can be an expensive fix. Windows in older homes are often less energy efficient than newer ones, creating higher energy bills and making it difficult for tenants to control the temperature inside the home.

Unlike basic maintenance and repairs, older homes bring the risk of expensive updates and improvements to keep the house both safe for occupants and attractive to potential tenants. The more expensive upfront costs that result may place a short-term strain on your cash flow, making it imperative for investors to feel assured about funding repairs, big or small.

Another potential disadvantage of buying an older home could be the composition of the neighborhood. It is necessary to gather detailed information on a neighborhood before buying there, monitoring thoroughly for signs of neglect. In so many circumstances, the area in which the home you pick may be due for a water main or sewer line upgrade, and these projects normally come with a hefty special assessment or tax to the owner that can be due shortly. If the area is in deterioration, property prices may be low but so too might be the home’s expected future market value.

Older houses can make excellent investment properties, but they can also become a drain on an investor’s finances. Although old houses offer many features that newer homes do not, careful evaluations, and market assessments are an absolute necessity. At Real Property Management Legacy, we can help investors evaluate and vet potential rental properties as well as provide detailed information about the home’s neighborhood and the current state of affairs in regards to the rental market in Council Bluffs. We are committed to helping real estate investors make the most feasible investment decisions. Contact us online or call 402-905-0459 for more information on how we can help you.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details