If you’re interested in Charlotte real estate investing, you should know that this market is quickly growing. It’s also the second-largest banking center in the United States, after New York, and it passed San Francisco to become the 14th-largest metro in the US.
Due to its growth and high-income workforce, Charlotte is an excellent real estate market for investors looking for appreciation. Charlotte’s price points are higher, and cash flow is lower, which means most investors break even in the first year. Rents increase over time, helping generate small amounts of cash flow.
The local Charlotte metro team in RealWealth’s network is the actual builder of the rental properties and not just a broker. As such, they have more control over the quality and the construction schedule. Below are the reasons to consider Charlotte for your next real estate investment.
Charlotte Investment Opportunity Quick Facts
- Investment Objective: Lower cash flow, higher appreciation
- Types of properties for sale: New construction SFRs and duplexes in A and B neighborhoods; New subdivisions
- Average home price: $300,000 – $400,000
- Average monthly rents $1,800 – $2,100
Why Charlotte is a Great Place To Buy Rental Property
There are a variety of factors that make Charlotte a great place to buy rental property today.
- Affordability: Charlotte remains an affordable rental market, with an average home price of $383,000, just slightly above the national average.
- Significant Appreciation: Homes in the Charlotte metro have appreciated by more than 130% over the last 10 years, 40% faster than the national average.
- Rapid Population Growth: Charlotte’s population has grown by 28% since 2010, 183% faster than the national average.
- Considerable Job Growth: In the last 12 months, Charlotte has added 33,900 jobs. This growth rate of 2.46% is higher than the national average.
Rental Properties for Sale in Charlotte, NC
We previously worked with a turnkey rental property team that sold single-family homes and duplexes in A- and B-neighborhoods in Charlotte. We do not have a team at the moment, but hope to have another soon. Please check back!
Frequently Asked Questions about Charlotte, NC
Is Charlotte a good place to invest in real estate?
Charlotte has strong fundamentals: homes in the metro have appreciated over 120% in the last ten years, 40% faster than the national average, and the population has grown 22.49% since 2010, 191% faster than the national average. It is the second largest banking center in the US after New York, and it passed San Francisco as the 15th largest US metro in 2020.
That said, Charlotte is an appreciation market, not a cash flow market. Most investors break even in year one, with cash flow building gradually as rents increase over time.
What should I know about real estate investing in Charlotte?
Charlotte is a higher price point market at $300,000 to $400,000 with lower initial cash flow. Rents average $1,800 to $2,400 per month. The investment objective is lower cash flow and higher appreciation, which makes it better suited for investors with a longer time horizon who prioritize equity growth over monthly income.
When RealWealth had an active team here, a distinctive feature was that the local team was the actual builder, not just a broker, giving more control over quality and construction schedules. New subdivisions and new construction SFRs and duplexes in A and B neighborhoods were the focus.
What types of turnkey investment properties are available in Charlotte?
When RealWealth has an active team in this market, the focus is on new construction SFRs and duplexes in A and B neighborhoods including new subdivisions. Properties are priced $300,000 to $400,000 and rent for $1,800 to $2,400 per month. Charlotte’s previous team was the builder itself, not a third party turnkey provider, which means more oversight over construction quality and timelines.
What cash flow can I expect from Charlotte investment properties?
Charlotte is explicitly positioned as a low cash flow, high appreciation market. Most investors break even in year one. Rents in the $1,800 to $2,400 per month range on properties priced $300,000 to $400,000 produce thin initial margins, with cash flow improving as rents increase over time. If monthly income is your primary goal, Charlotte is likely not the right fit. Birmingham, Cleveland, or Cincinnati will produce better year one cash flow at lower price points. Charlotte is better suited for investors focused on long-term equity growth.
Can I invest in Charlotte real estate from out of state?
Yes, when RealWealth has an active team in the market. Charlotte’s previous team was unique in being the actual builder of the properties, which gave remote investors strong confidence in construction quality. Sign up for a free membership to stay informed about Charlotte team availability, and schedule a complimentary strategy session to discuss whether Charlotte’s appreciation profile aligns with your portfolio strategy.
What are property taxes and landlord laws like in Charlotte?
North Carolina has state income tax. Charlotte sits in Mecklenburg County, one of the more expensive property tax areas in the state, though generally manageable relative to rents at the $300,000 to $400,000 price point. North Carolina is considered a reasonably landlord-friendly state. Charlotte’s strong job market and high-income workforce, anchored by the banking and financial services sector, supports stable occupancy and steady rent growth over time.
What makes Charlotte different from other RealWealth markets?
Charlotte stands apart as the second largest banking center in the US, which means a high income, white-collar tenant base that is relatively stable and creditworthy. The previous RealWealth team was also the actual builder, not a resale operator, giving investors direct access to new construction at a tighter margin. Most RealWealth markets are selected for cash flow. Charlotte is one of the few appreciation plays in the portfolio, alongside Jacksonville and Cape Coral. It is a market for investors who want to own in a rapidly growing major metro and can afford to wait for equity to build.
How do I get started investing in Charlotte real estate with RealWealth?
Sign up for a free membership to be notified when a new Charlotte team is active. In the meantime, a complimentary strategy session can help you evaluate whether Charlotte’s appreciation profile or an alternative market is the right fit for your timeline and goals.
