By Ruben Pueyo | Bricksave
October 21, 2025
News > Blog Article > Cleveland is Quietly Outperforming — Here’s …
Cleveland combines sustainable price appreciation with strong rental demand and stable operating conditions. The city’s housing fundamentals have strengthened further in 2025, making it one of the most compelling markets in the Midwest for investors seeking both yield and long-term growth. Over the past 12 months, Cleveland has recorded the highest home value appreciation in the U.S. and the fourth-fastest rental growth nationwide. With home prices still below the national median, a diverse employment base, and a favorable legal environment for landlords, Cleveland offers the rare mix of affordability, cash flow, and resilience that few U.S. markets can match.
Homes in the city of Cleveland sold for a US$244k median in September 2025 — far below national at $410k median. That affordability supports double-digit gross yields while keeping rents accessible for a broad tenant base.
The Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Sherwin‑Williams provide a strong foundation for long-term housing demand. These institutions continue to attract skilled labor to the metro, particularly to neighborhoods near University Circle, Ohio City, and the Near West Side.
With only around 2,600 units under construction metro-wide, supply pressure remains manageable. For smaller multi‑unit assets, this means less competition from large new builds and more consistent tenant retention.
Bricksave has been actively sourcing and acquiring homes and small buildings (2–6 units) across Cleveland for over a year. Our experience confirms what the data suggests — the city’s smaller residential assets consistently deliver strong rental yields and low volatility when properly managed.
Workforce SFR properties in stable, renter‑dense neighborhoods continue to provide 8–10% net yields with moderate renovation costs. We favor 3‑bed homes in good school districts and near transport corridors that appeal to long‑term tenants.
This size segment is Cleveland’s sweet spot. It combines SFR‑style management simplicity with multifamily efficiency. Typical rents of US$800-US$1,200 per unit produce gross yields around 10–12% at current purchase prices, with minimal new supply competition. Light value‑add strategies (modernized interiors, energy efficiency, laundry upgrades) can further lift returns.
Our acquisition team continues to target off‑market and lightly listed homes where we can add value through consistent renovation and high‑quality management. Each property is underwritten using block‑level data on rents, crime, and schools. We standardize renovations to minimize variance and maintain cost discipline. Centralized property management ensures timely rent collection and preventative maintenance, protecting investor income and asset value.
Cleveland doesn’t rely on speculation or hype — its appeal is grounded in real numbers and repeatable performance. After a year of direct acquisition and management experience in the market, Bricksave has confirmed that smaller residential assets here provide sustainable, high‑yield opportunities supported by strong tenant demand and a pro‑investment policy environment. For investors looking to balance income stability with capital growth, Cleveland’s 2–6 unit and single‑family assets are proving to be one of the most resilient and scalable real estate strategies in the U.S. today.
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Investing carries risk, including loss of capital and illiquidity. Figures cited are point‑in‑time and subject to change. This article is for informational purposes and not investment advice.
Investing carries risks, including loss of capital and illiquidity. Please read our Risk Warning before investing.
