Chesapeake, VA Cap Rate: 3.98% — Rental Property Analysis
Chesapeake is a higher-priced market in the South with a mid-sized city of 252,000. At a 3.98% estimated cap rate, this is a appreciation-focused market where rents of $1,790/mo lag behind home prices. With a median home price of $365,000 and steady population growth supports long-term rental demand, Chesapeake is primarily an appreciation play that requires creative strategies to generate positive cash flow.
Market data powered by Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) · Updated Feb 2026
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Challenging for pure cash flow
Based on $365,000 median price and $1,790/mo median rent
Est. Cap Rate
3.98%
1% Rule
0.49%
Fails
GRM
17.0x
Price / Income
4.7x
Market Data
Median Home Price$365,000
Median Monthly Rent$1,790
Property Tax Rate0.82%
Population252,000
Population Growth0.9% / yr
Median Household Income$78,200
Vacancy Rate4.8%
Annual Appreciation3%
2026 Market Update: Chesapeake
Chesapeake's 0.5% rent-to-price ratio is well below the 1% rule. At median prices of $365,000, the $1,790/mo rent produces only $1,211/mo in NOI. Investors here need to target below-median properties or pursue value-add strategies to make the numbers work.
At current rates, a 20% down conventional loan ($73K at 7%) would result in approximately $-731/mo cash flow — negative at median prices. Larger down payments, seller financing, or buying 15–25% below median are strategies to turn the numbers positive.
The 17.0x gross rent multiplier and 4.8% vacancy rate position Chesapeake as a balanced market. With annual appreciation at 3%, total returns (cash flow + equity growth) run approximately 7.0% before financing leverage.
Cap Rate Calculator — Chesapeake
Pre-filled with Chesapeake medians. Adjust to match a specific property.
Property Details
$
$
3–8% typical
%
Monthly Expenses
0.82% rate
$
$
8–10% of rent
$
8–12% of rent
$
Cap Rate
3.32%Low
Net Operating Income ÷ Purchase Price
NOI / Year
$12,133
net operating income
Gross Rent Multiplier
17.0x
High (>15)
1% Rule
0.49%
✗ Fails
Monthly Cash Flow
$1,011
before debt service
Annual Breakdown
Gross Rental Income$21,480
Less Vacancy−$1,031
Effective Income$20,449
Less Operating Expenses−$8,316
Net Operating Income$12,133
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Factor in financing to see your actual return on invested capital in Chesapeake.
$
$91,250
%
%
years
$
taxes + ins + maint + mgmt
$
$
Cash-on-Cash Return
-8.77%Weak
Annual Cash Flow ÷ Total Cash Invested
Total Cash Invested
$102,200
$91,250 down + $10,950 closing
Monthly Mortgage
$1,785
on $274K loan
Monthly Cash Flow
$-747
after all expenses
Annual Cash Flow
$-8,960
before taxes
Cash Flow Breakdown
Monthly Rent$1,790
Less Expenses−$752
Less Mortgage−$1,785
Monthly Cash Flow$-747
Is Chesapeake a Good Place to Invest in Rental Property?
Chesapeake, VA has a population of 252,000 and has been growing at 0.9% annually — roughly in line with national trends, meaning demand is stable but not exceptional. The median home price of $365,000 paired with median rents of $1,790/mo produces an estimated cap rate of 3.98%.
Property taxes at 0.82% fall within the national average range and shouldn't present unusual challenges. The vacancy rate of 4.8% is impressively low, indicating tight rental supply and strong tenant demand — favorable for landlords.
At a price-to-income ratio of 4.7x, homes cost about 4.7 times the local median income of $78,200. This moderate ratio indicates a balanced rent-vs-buy market. Home values have appreciated at roughly 3% annually. Steady appreciation means total returns will be primarily cash flow-driven — the more sustainable model for long-term wealth building.
Bottom line: At current median prices, Chesapeake is challenging for pure cash flow investing. Consider BRRRR strategies with below-market purchases, or look at neighboring metros with stronger price-to-rent ratios.
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