Top 5 Best Real Estate Investment Markets in Hawaii (2024)

The Hawaii real estate market is in a state of stagnation. With properties growing by just 2.6% last year, and forecasted levels of 1.7% over the next 12 months, the housing market is looking bleak for investors. However, certain regions still make aworthy investment choice.

Top 5 Best Real Estate Investment Markets in Hawaii (1)

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If you’re looking to purchase property as an investment vehicle, then it is important that you assess the strengths and weaknesses of each housing market on a region-by-region basis.

While a particular state might be going through a slump in demand, certain regions within the state might actually be performing well. This could be for a number of reasons, such as inventory levels, demand from buyers, or median property prices.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in Hawaii, we've listed five markets that are a good starting point, and offer tips on how to find profitable deals.

1. Waikiki

Although homes in Waikiki lost an average value of 2.8% last year, forecasts over the next 12 months put the region at a smaller loss of 0.6%. This is the case across much of Hawaii, which is currently going through a slump in property values. The good thing about Waikiki is that median property prices currently average just $414,200, which is low for Hawaii.

This makes Waikiki properties close to $200,000 cheaper than the state average. These prices will be attractive to both low-income and first-time buyers, which is why Waikiki makes our list.

Median household incomes are also on the rise in Waikiki, with a 4.51% increase to $59,432 in comparison to last year.

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The first step in your real estate investing journey is to find a top local realtor with experience helping real estate investors find great deals. The right agent can help you find the best property for your goals and budget — and craft a winning offer so you can stop looking at houses on Zillow and start building wealth.

If you need help finding a realtor who specializes in investment properties, CleverReal Estate can match you with an experienced local agent so you can find the right property and get a great deal. You can also earn cash back when you close on your purchase!

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2. Pearl City

Pearl City median property prices, at $733,300, are more expensive than the state average. However, properties grew by 3.2% last year, with the next 12 months forecast to grow by 0.2%.

Although these figures are rather uninspiring, you need to remember that many Hawaii regions are not expected to grow at all. Pearl City is also home to one of the largest median household incomes in the state. At $91,122, this reflects the higher than average property prices.

We should also note that only 2.9% of homes are currently in negative equity in Pearl City. In comparison to the state and national averages of 4.7% and 8.2% respectively, this is a further plus point.

3. Hilo

Arguably one of the best areas in Hawaii for a real estate investment is that of Hilo. With a median property value of just $332,500, Hilo is one of the cheapest areas to buy property in Hawaii.This makes it ideal for low-income and first-time buyers looking for a more affordable purchase.

More importantly, the Hilo area experienced growth of 4.9% last year. Growth is forecast at 3.9% over the next 12 months. This means that Hilo is expected to outperform the wider state of Hawaii. As noted earlier, much of Hawaii is not experiencing anygrowth at all, so Hilo makes a noteworthy investment choice.

Median household incomes have also grown in Hilo, up 4.56% in the last year. This could go in your favor if you are looking to rent the property out.

4. Kahului

While Hilo outperformed growth levels on a state-wide basis last year, Kahului outpaced the national average. With a 7.2% growth in median property prices, Kahului is one of the best areas in Hawaii for appreciation growth.

Next year properties are expected to grow by 4.3%, which just about out-performs the U.S. average.

With median property prices at $642,500, prices are slightly more expensive than the state average. However, median household incomes grew by 7.38% last year, which broadly matches appreciation levels in the same period.

5. Urban Honolulu Metro

Although median property values in Urban Honolulu Metro grew by just 1.4% last year, and are expected to lose 0.3% in value over the next 12 months, the area is potentially the best location for rental yields.

The median rent price in Urban Honolulu Metro is currently $2,300. Urban Honolulu is also displaying signs of a strong job market. With a 2.43% jump in employee numbers and a 6.2% growth in median household income, this is extremely beneficial for the rental market.

The median listing price per square foot amounts to $570 in Urban Honolulu, which is higher than the state average of $526, but not by much.

How to find Hawaii investment properties

The best deals in Hawaii are usually found on homes with motivated sellers, and homes that need extensive repairs or major cosmetic updating.

Types of homes that make for good flips or rentals in Hawaii often include foreclosures, pre-forecloses, short-sales, and abandoned or neglected properties. Here's how to find them.

1. Use real estate investment software

One of the biggest challenges of flipping homes or finding rental properties in Hawaii is finding great deals (homes are priced really high!). But the DealMachine app is one tool that can really help you.

DealMachine's real estate software helps Hawaii investors find and research distressed homes (think: pre-foreclosures, foreclosures, short sales, etc), and get in touch with owners fast via batch skip tracing and direct mail campaigns.

DealMachine's driving for dollars app is fast and easy to use. When you're driving around town and spot a home that could be a great deal, you can send the owner direct mail through the app for huge time savings (no post office visits required).

Download the DealMachine app to find Hawaii properties as you drive. DealMachine offers a 7-day free trial and $15 in free credits that can be used towards marketing (like sending out direct mail to homeowners).

2. Partner with an investor-friendly realtor

Partnering with an investor-friendly realtor is the best way to ensure a favorable, easy home purchase.

Agents have expertise in Hawaii's variety of markets, understand real estate laws and practices specific to the state, and can provide access to off-market properties you simply can't find elsewhere.

Clever's real estate agents can guide you through Hawaii's real estate market and make your house hunting journey a breeze. As a bonus, buyers can get cash back on their home'spurchase price after closing.

Real estate investments in Hawaii: The verdict

Hawaii as a state is currently growing at a much slower pace in comparison to the U.S. average. In fact, properties in several Hawaii regions are expected to lose value over the next 12 months, which is concerning.

However, certain regions such as Kahului and Hilo are displaying strong growth levels, and are expected to continue this trend over the course of the next year.

Ultimately, obtaining the services of an experienced real estate agent based in the Hawaii area is highly recommended. They'll be able to identify potential Hawaii hot-spots that represent noteworthy real estate investments. They'll also be ableto provide advice on the best way to break into the Hawaii marketplace.

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Top 5 Best Real Estate Investment Markets in Hawaii (2024)

FAQs

Is it a good investment to buy property in Hawaii? ›

With its limited availability, stable market, and growing vacation rental market, owning a piece of Hawaii is a solid, safe investment. Whether you're looking for a vacation home, rental property, or a long-term investment, Hawaii real estate offers something for everyone.

What are the hottest real estate markets right now? ›

The hottest housing markets include those markets in North Carolina, Colorado and Texas that were also popular during the pandemic, including Raleigh and Durham, Denver and Austin. Markets to watch that improved the most between November and December 2022 include Portland, Oregon, Richmond, Virginia, and St.

Where is the highest ROI in real estate? ›

What state has the highest ROI on real estate? The state with the highest one-year ROI on residential single-family homes is Arizona with 27.42 percent, according to iPropertyManagement data. The next two highest states are Utah with 27.05 percent and Idaho with 27.02 percent.

What state has the best ROI for real estate? ›

Investors probably need no explanation why and convincing that Florida tops the list of the best states for the long term rental investment strategy. Our nationwide rental market analysis shows that, on average, you can expect the highest rate of return in the Sunshine State.

Are Hawaii home prices dropping? ›

Hawaii Real Estate Market Statistics

The Hawaii sale-to-list price dropped 3.3 points year-over-year to 97.9%. 17.2% of home prices dropped in March 2023- compared to just over 10% in March 2022.

Which Hawaiian island has the least expensive real estate? ›

This is not surprising, as Honolulu is one of the most popular destinations and a business center. Generally, the lowest housing costs are on the Big Island, which is considered the cheapest Hawaiian island to live on.

What are the top 10 most overvalued real estate markets? ›

  • Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • Memphis, Tennessee. ...
  • Lakeland, Florida. ...
  • Palm Bay, Florida. Average listing price: $345,520. ...
  • Detroit. Average listing price: $226,101. ...
  • Deltona, Florida. Average listing price: $334,978. ...
  • Tampa, Florida. Average listing price: $361,065. ...
  • Nashville, Tennessee. Average listing price: $420,932. ...
5 days ago

What state has the best housing market 2023? ›

Texas replaced California in 2023 as the strongest housing market by state. With an existing home inventory of 83,222, the available houses for sale have more than doubled since last year. It has seen a drop of about 6% in new construction and is now at 248,648 since 2022.

Why buying real estate in 2023 could be a good investment? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

Do most millionaires invest in real estate? ›

Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world have built their wealth through real estate. In fact, it's estimated that 90% of all millionaires invest in some form of real estate. There are several reasons for this, but in today's article, we'll share seven reasons why millionaires invest in real estate.

Where is real estate growing the fastest? ›

U.S. metros with the biggest increases in home values in 2022
Metro areaGrowth
1.FarmingtonNew Mexico20.3%
2.North Port-Sarasota-BradentonFlorida19.5%
3.Naples-Immokalee-Marco IslandFlorida17.2%
4.Greensboro-High PointNorth Carolina17%
11 more rows
Feb 13, 2023

What state has cheapest property tax? ›

All of the data below comes from the Census Bureau's 2021 1-year American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates. Hawaii has the lowest property tax rate in the U.S. at 0.27%. The Aloha state has a home median value of $722,500.

What cities have the best ROI? ›

The return on investment (ROI) was calculated based on housing price appreciation, rental income, and exchange rate fluctuations. Ten U.S. cities made it to the top 50 on the return on investment list, including Philadelphia, Phoenix, Houston, Sacramento, Tampa, Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, New York and Atlanta.

Which state is best to buy a house? ›

10 best states for first-time homebuyers plus key factors
RankState1-year home price change: 2021–2022
1Pennsylvania4.1%
2North Carolina10.1%
3Utah5.8%
4Kentucky7.2%
6 more rows
Mar 2, 2023

What is the average price of a house in Hawaii 2023? ›

Median sales prices for March 2023 increased from January and February but were mixed compared to a year ago. The monthly median price for single-family homes declined 5.8% from $1,150,000 in March 2022 to $1,083,750 last month.

Is there a housing crisis in Hawaii? ›

The state has the fourth-highest per capita rate of homelessness in the nation after California, Vermont and Oregon. On Thursday, new data showed the islands experienced net population loss five of the last six years.

Is it hard to sell a house in Hawaii? ›

Selling a home isn't easy. It's a high-stakes, complex transaction and requires a considerable amount of time and expertise to get a good outcome. If you're looking to sell your Hawaii home for the best price — and minimize stress along the way — you need to find a top-rated real estate agent in your area.

Where do the richest live in Hawaii? ›

Hawaii Loa Ridge - Considered to be one of the most premier gated communities in Oahu, Hawaii Loa Ridge is located on the south shore of Oahu about 15 minutes away from Waikiki. Lavish homes have access to the best panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and eastern Oahu.

What is the best Hawaii island to live at? ›

If amenities, urban life, and spectacular surf are your preferences, you may like Oahu. If you like rural living but also might enjoy some amenities and tourists along with beautiful landscapes, Maui may be your place. And if you want wide-open spaces and have an adventurous spirit, you may prefer the Big Island.

Why 90% of millionaires invest in real estate? ›

Federal tax benefits

Because of the many tax benefits, real estate investors often end up paying less taxes overall even as they are bringing in more income. This is why many millionaires invest in real estate. Not only does it make you money, but it allows you to keep a lot more of the money you make.

What are the most overrated real estate markets? ›

The most overvalued markets to purchase a home tend to be in California, but also include Seattle, Washington, and “Zoom towns” such as Boise, Idaho, and Greeley, Colorado. The most overvalued markets to rent a home are mostly found in California and Florida.

Which real estate has the biggest bubble? ›

In 2022, Toronto, Canada, was the housing market most at risk with a real estate bubble index score of 2.24. Frankfurt and Zurich followed close behind with 2.21 and 1.81, respectively.

Will there be a housing crisis in 2023? ›

It's also worth noting that while foreclosure rates are up year-over-year, experts do not expect to see a wave of foreclosures in 2023, even where home values are depreciating, as many homeowners have substantial equity due to progressive home price appreciation in recent years.

Where is the hottest housing market in the US? ›

A midsize town in Georgia about 75 minutes by car from Atlanta is the nation's hottest real estate market, as a tide of renters flee pricey cities in search of homes in more affordable places. That's the takeaway from a new Bankrate analysis of nearly 200 housing markets around the country.

Will house prices go down in 2023 usa? ›

Although home prices are expected to improve in the second half of the year, the California median home price is projected to decrease by 5.6 percent to $776,600 in 2023, down from the median price of $822,300 recorded in 2022.

What markets will boom in 2023? ›

Three Key Sectors in Which to Invest in 2023
  • Consumer staples. ...
  • Precious metals. ...
  • Healthcare.
Jan 12, 2023

Where to invest in 2023 recession? ›

9 Best Recession Stocks Of 2023
  • The Best Recession Stocks of June 2023.
  • Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX)
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. ( TMO)
  • Merck & Company, Inc. ( MRK)
  • PepsiCo, Inc. ( PEP)
  • CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)
  • Ameren Corporation (AEE)
  • Xcel Energy Inc. ( XEL)

Is the end of 2023 a good time to buy a house? ›

The combination of persistent buyer demand and low inventory has driven property prices up. There are fewer sellers, so prospective buyers need to contend with higher housing prices. As such, if you buy a home in 2023, you're likely to pay a premium.

Why buying real estate in 2023 is smart? ›

2023 is a balanced year for housing supply and demand. This is ideal for retail purchasers and rental property investors. No longer a “seller's” market. Rising interest rates raise the monthly mortgage payment, which reduces homebuyers and lowers property values.

Which city has the highest rental yield? ›

City-Wise Rental Income Trends
CitiesRental Yield (in %) in 2019Rental Yield (in %) in 2021
Bangalore3.63.5
Mumbai3.53.5
Navi Mumbai2.82.7
Thane2.72.6
5 more rows
Feb 17, 2023

How much do top 1% realtors make? ›

Each real estate office sets its own standards for top producers, but it's safe to say that a top producer would have to sell at least one home per month to qualify. Top producers earn around $112,610 a year to start, according to the BLS. 1 Mega-stars could earn $500,000 per year and up.

What is the most profitable type of real estate investment? ›

Commercial real estate is known to yield higher returns than residential real estate. If you can afford to manage a commercial space, it can prove lucrative over time, depending on your area.

What bank do millionaires use? ›

Some of the most popular banks for millionaires and billionaires include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and UBS. Other examples of banks that may be popular among the ultra-rich include: Private banks: Private banks are banks that offer specialized financial services to high net worth individuals and families.

What is the slowest month in real estate? ›

Typically, winter time is the slowest of the year to sell a property, specifically November, December, and January. However, there are some exceptions because there are several conditions that affect the housing market.

Where real estate prices are cooling the fastest in the US? ›

Home prices in some US cities are finally cooling, with Seattle's housing market slowing faster than any other in the country. The 10 fastest-cooling markets are almost entirely in the West, with Seattle, Las Vegas, and the three California cities of San Jose, San Diego and Sacramento leading the way.

Where is the housing market falling the fastest? ›

1. Nevada
  • Typical home price in November 2022: $438,170.
  • Decline in value between June and November 2022: -4.8%
  • Difference between the average Nevada home and national average: +22%
  • Difference in insurance costs between 2021 and 2022: +24%
Mar 15, 2023

Why is Hawaii property tax so low? ›

A major reason Hawaii has low property taxes is that it offers generous exemptions on owner-occupied residences. Homeowners are eligible for exemptions ranging from $80,000 to $160,000, depending on their county of residence.

Which state has no property tax in USA? ›

Unfortunately, there are no states without a property tax. Property taxes remain a significant contributor to overall state income. Tax funds are used to operate and maintain essential government services like law enforcement, infrastructure, education, transportation, parks, water and sewer service improvements.

What state has no income tax? ›

As of 2023, eight states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming — do not levy a state income tax.

What state has the best ROI for houses? ›

Investors probably need no explanation why and convincing that Florida tops the list of the best states for the long term rental investment strategy. Our nationwide rental market analysis shows that, on average, you can expect the highest rate of return in the Sunshine State.

Where in America has the best ROI? ›

1. Wyoming: 203% 5-year ROI on College. Wyoming has some of the highest wages for high school graduates: $31,936 a year, on average. This results in a 43 percent increase in pay for earning a bachelor's degree.

Where is the highest return on investment in the US? ›

RankCityObserved rent value ($)
1San Jose, CA3,289.09
2Missoula, MT1,353.53
3San Francisco, CA3,121.83
4Logan, UT1,266.33
6 more rows
Jun 3, 2023

What's the best state to live in financially? ›

Take a look at the 10 cheapest states to live in for 2022.
  1. Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
  2. Kansas. ...
  3. Alabama. ...
  4. Oklahoma. ...
  5. Georgia. ...
  6. Tennessee. ...
  7. Missouri. ...
  8. Iowa.
Mar 31, 2023

What state has the cheapest houses 2023? ›

Mississippi

Mississippi, “The Magnolia State,” is the birthplace of Elvis Presley and the delta blues. It's also the cheapest state to buy a house in 2023. As of 2020, the total state population was 2,961,279, making it the 32nd most populated state. The most populated city is Jackson, with 153,701 residents.

Where can I get the most house for my money? ›

Buying a home in these 7 states gives you the most bang for your...
  1. Indiana.
  2. Mississippi. ...
  3. Arkansas. ...
  4. Ohio. ...
  5. West Virginia. ...
  6. Alabama. Alabama's median home price of $92 per square foot translates into a 3,256-square-foot home for $300,000. ...
  7. Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, $300,000 will buy you a 3,175-square foot home, on average. ...
Jun 29, 2017

What is the downside of living in Hawaii? ›

However, there are also potential drawbacks to living in Hawaii, including the high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and the risk of natural disasters. The state's isolation from the rest of the nation and traffic congestion in larger cities can also be challenges for residents.

Is it a good idea to move to Hawaii? ›

Living in Hawaii has its perks, including year-round warm weather and access to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. The island lifestyle is laid-back and relaxed, and there is a strong sense of community and connection to the land.

When you buy a house in Hawaii do you own the land? ›

A Hawai'i Quirk: You Own the Home But Not the Land.

What is the safest island in Hawaii to live on? ›

If you're just looking at the sheer number of incidents on each island, Kauai is the safest island to live on.

What is the best island to live on in Hawaii? ›

If amenities, urban life, and spectacular surf are your preferences, you may like Oahu. If you like rural living but also might enjoy some amenities and tourists along with beautiful landscapes, Maui may be your place. And if you want wide-open spaces and have an adventurous spirit, you may prefer the Big Island.

What is the most affordable place to live in Hawaii? ›

Most Affordable Places to Live in Hawaii
  • Hana, Maui.
  • Hilo, Island of Hawaii.
  • Kahuku, Oahu.
  • Kapa'a, Kauai.
  • Wailuku, Maui.
  • Waimalu, Oahu.
Feb 1, 2023

What month is best to sell a house in Hawaii? ›

If you're after the best sales price, the best month to sell in Hawaii is August when houses sell for 10.83% more than average. If your priority is speed, May is the best time to sell because homes tend to sell 8 days faster.

How much tax do I pay on a home sale in Hawaii? ›

What is the actual Hawaii capital gains tax? The Hawaii capital gains tax on real estate is 7.25% of the gain plus depreciation. If the collected amount is too large, how do you obtain a refund? If the 7.25% of sales price withholding is too large, the owner files a Hawaii form N-288C after closing.

Do you pay sales tax on a house in Hawaii? ›

Will You Have to Pay Taxes When You Sell Your Home in Hawaii? Sales tax is not applied to property sales on either a federal or state level. However, if your home appreciated in value since you bought it, you may need to pay capital gains taxes on your annual tax return.

What is a good income to live in Hawaii? ›

To live comfortably in Hawaii, an annual income of around $70,000 to $100,000 for a single person, or $120,000 to $200,000 for a family is recommended. Is it expensive to live in Hawaii? Yes, Hawaii is known for its high cost of living due to factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

What state do most Hawaiians move to? ›

According to 2021 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the biggest growth of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander populations was in Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, and Sacramento County, California.

What is the best island to retire in Hawaii? ›

Hilo, Big Island

Hilo tops this list as the best place to retire in Hawaii for its reasonable cost of living and relaxing lifestyle. In fact, it's much cheaper than the more popular cities in Hawaii. The cost-of-living index is 18% less expensive than the state average, according to AreaVibes.

How much does 1 acre of land cost in Hawaii? ›

What is the cost of land in Hawaii? You won't find much for under $10,000 per acre, with some of the higher-priced regions costing hundreds of thousands per acre. Fortunately, places such as Captain Cook, Hawaii County and Pahoa offer an abundance of properties.

Does Mark Zuckerberg own land in Hawaii? ›

In September 2014, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg bought two adjacent properties on Kauai's North Shore. Zuckerberg paid $49.6 million for 350 acres that includes the area above Pila'a Beach. Zuckerberg also purchased the 357 acre Kahu'aina Plantation, a former sugar plantation, for $66 million.

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