The Best US Real Estate Markets for Flipping in 2026
Where flips clear inventory fast at favorable comps — ranked by appreciation tailwind, exit speed, and buyer competition.
DATA · ZILLOW REGIONAL ROLLUPS · 12 CITIES
- 01Anchorage, AK4.0% YoY, 28% sold above list, median DOM 5d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $414kYoY +4.0%RENT $1,698/moYIELD 4.92%
- 02Buffalo, NY3.7% YoY, 56% sold above list, median DOM 11d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $241kYoY +3.7%RENT $1,390/moYIELD 6.91%
- 03Chicago, IL3.1% YoY, 36% sold above list, median DOM 10d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $324kYoY +3.1%RENT $2,350/moYIELD 8.70%
- 04Grand Rapids, MI2.9% YoY, 37% sold above list, median DOM 7d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $310kYoY +2.9%RENT $1,636/moYIELD 6.34%
- 05Lansing, MI3.3% YoY, 28% sold above list, median DOM 15d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $166kYoY +3.3%RENT $1,218/moYIELD 8.79%
- 06Madison, WI2.2% YoY, 48% sold above list, median DOM 7d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $429kYoY +2.2%RENT $1,697/moYIELD 4.74%
- 07Milwaukee, WI3.6% YoY, 37% sold above list, median DOM 22d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $226kYoY +3.6%RENT $1,461/moYIELD 7.74%
- 08Richmond, VA1.6% YoY, 37% sold above list, median DOM 7d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $374kYoY +1.6%RENT $1,678/moYIELD 5.38%
- 09Rochester, NY3.6% YoY, 75% sold above list, median DOM 8d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $242kYoY +3.6%RENT $1,532/moYIELD 7.61%
- 10San Francisco, CA6.0% YoY, 66% sold above list, median DOM 13d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $1.4MYoY +6.0%RENT $4,101/moYIELD 3.59%
- 11Syracuse, NY5.3% YoY, 52% sold above list, median DOM 7d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $215kYoY +5.3%RENT $1,592/moYIELD 8.88%
- 12Toledo, OH5.1% YoY, 34% sold above list, median DOM 10d100/100FLIP FIT SCOREMEDIAN $130kYoY +5.1%RENT $1,122/moYIELD 10.35%
How the ranking is computed.
Score = base 40 + YoY × 600 + (% above list × 80) + ((60 − median DOM) × 0.4). Appreciation tailwind reduces ARV slippage risk; above-list closings prove buyer urgency at full price; faster DOM reduces carrying costs.
Frequently asked.
Why does YoY matter so much for flippers?
Most flips take 4-9 months from acquisition to exit. If the market is softening, the ARV you underwrite today may be 3-5% lower by the time you list. Markets with positive YoY give you a tailwind; markets with negative YoY demand tighter discipline on the 70% rule.
Are fast-DOM markets actually better?
For flippers, yes. Each extra month of carry is real cost — interest, taxes, insurance, utilities. Markets clearing in 30-45 days produce more predictable margins than 75+ day markets where carry eats your spread.
What about competition?
A high % sold above list signals buyer urgency, which is good for flipper exits. It also signals competition at acquisition. The trade-off is real but usually favors the operator with established sourcing channels.
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