FREE ONLINE CLASS
Learn How To Start Investing In Real Estate
FREE ONLINE CLASS
Learn How To Start Investing In Real Estate

Harrisburg, PA: Real Estate Market & Trends 2016

Written by Than Merrill

The Harrisburg real estate market continues to make improvements in 2016. The first-half of the year saw small improvements in terms of home prices and appreciation rates, although prices remain down from a year ago. Total equity gains remained stagnant during the first half, but gains in the last three years have extended the trend of positive price growth since the recession, which bodes well for Harrisburg real estate investors and homeowners alike.

Despite low home prices, the Harrisburg real estate market also witnessed improvements in other areas, including supporting factors such as home affordability, new housing construction and the local economy. The Harrisburg housing market was among the most affordable markets in the country during the first-half, while also enjoying one of the stronger economies compared to other markets. That said, the Harrisburg real estate market should continue the trend of improvements in the second-half of 2016.

Harrisburg, PA Real Estate Market Statistics:

Harrisburg housing market

Home appreciation for Harrisburg real estate continues to underwhelm in 2016. One-year appreciation rates were -0.4 during the second quarter, while three-year rates reached 4.4 percent — both of which are below the national average. Furthermore, price trends in the last three years have undercut the steady post-recession home equity growth, despite homeowners paying down principle. For those considering Harrisburg real estate investments, the following spotlights appreciation gains in previous years:

  • Homes purchased in the Harrisburg, PA housing market one year ago have appreciated, on average, by $2,129. The national average was $14,963 over the same period.
  • Homes purchased in the Harrisburg, PA housing market three years ago have appreciated, on average, by $15,202. The national average was $46,878 over the same period.
  • Homes purchased in the Harrisburg, PA housing market five years ago have appreciated, on average, by $24,118. The national average was $82,353 over the same period.
  • Homes purchased in the Harrisburg, PA housing market seven years ago have appreciated, on average, by $24,320. The national average was $77,054 over the same period.
  • Homes purchased in the Harrisburg, PA housing market nine years ago have appreciated, on average, by $23,304. The national average was $31,126 over the same period.

Total equity gains for Harrisburg real estate have not been as strong as one would hope. Gains in the last nine years have fallen short of the national average. The largest margin of difference was in year five, when home in Harrisburg appreciated by $24,118, compared to gains by the national average of $82,353. Despite minimal gains, investment opportunities in Harrisburg continue to develop, as low home prices and equity (in any form) will propel future venture into real estate.

The Harrisburg real estate market had approximately 588 properties in some stage of foreclosure during the month of October, according to RealtyTrac. Although that’s 49 percent lower than the previous month, it’s also 12 percent higher than the same time last year. Furthermore, REO properties (bank owned real estate) in Harrisburg witnessed a massive increase during the second quarter, as the number of REOs skyrocketed by 562.5 percent from the previous month, and 96.3 percent from the same time last year. From an investor perspective, the massive increase in a short period of time reveals lucrative investment opportunities are, in deed, waiting in the wings.

Harrisburg, PA Real Estate Market Summary:

Harrisburg real estate investing

  • Current Median Home Price: $164,700
  • 1-Year Appreciation Rate: -0.4%
  • 3-Year Appreciation Rate: 4.4%
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
  • 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 2.0%
  • Population: 49,188
  • Median Household Income: $32,476

Harrisburg, PA Real Estate Market (2016) — Q2 Updates:

Harrisburg real estate

The Harrisburg real estate market continued to chip away with improvements in the second quarter of 2016. The median home price was $164,700 during the second quarter, compared to the national average of $239,167. Although prices are still down from a year ago, the trend is improving and moving in the right direction. Appreciation rates for Harrisburg remained stationary, as one-year and three-year rates during the second quarter settled at -0.4 and 4.4 percent a piece.

However, despite low prices, the appeal for Harrisburg real estate continues to grow. Home affordability, for examples, remains a key component to Harrisburg’s growth in recent years. Homeowners paid 7.2 percent of their income to mortgage payments, whereas the rest of the country paid 15.8 percent. Compared to other markets, the Harrisburg housing market remains one of the more affordable in the nation. New housing construction, a major driving force in home affordability, continues to increase. The current level of construction is 36.4 percent above the long-term average, while single-family housing permits reached 31 percent, in comparison to the national average of 10.6 percent. Construction in Harrisburg is on the rise relative to last year, which suggest that local inventory has stabilized.

Additional supporting factors also include the local economy. Pennsylvania’s economy is growing and Harrisburg continued to see remnants of improvement in the second quarter. The unemployment rate in Harrisburg, which was 4.7 percent compared to the rest of the country at 4.9 percent, is better than the national average and improving. Additionally, employment has held up and is on an upward trend. One-year job growth was two percent during the second quarter, as opposed to the 1.9 percent achieved by the national average. Compared to other markets, the local economy in Harrisburg is strong and should further improve in the second half of 2016.

Foreclosures should also play a key role in the growth of investment activity in Harrisburg. The number of properties in foreclosure was slim compared to other markets, although the rate of real estate owned properties (REO) is mystifying. REOs in Harrisburg increased 562.5 percent from the previous month, and 96.3 percent from the same time last year. For Harrisburg real estate investing purposes, the rate of foreclosures and REOs is something to pay attention to during the second-half.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Harrisburg real estate market is expected to experience weaker price growth than the rest of the country in the second-half. The NAR predicts home prices for Harrisburg will grow by 3.1 percent in the next 12 months, compared to the national average of 3.6 percent. The bright side, however, is that this prediction is higher than their local expectations. Moving forward, the Harrisburg real estate market is expected to experience stronger numbers in the second-half and beyond.

*The information contained herein was pulled from third party sites. Although this information was found from sources believed to be reliable, FortuneBuilders Inc. makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees, either express or implied, as to whether the information presented is accurate, reliable, or current. Any reliance on this information is at your own risk. All information presented should be independently verified. FortuneBuilders Inc. assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever, including any direct, indirect, punitive, exemplary, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with your use of the information presented.