The Las Vegas housing market has been through ups and downs over the past few years, with the pandemic having a significant impact on the market. As of January 2023, the market is facing a mix of opportunities and challenges for both buyers and sellers. In this blog post, we'll discuss the housing market trends in Las Vegas based on the report released by Las Vegas Realtors.
Las Vegas Housing Market Update
According to the report published by Summerlincommunities.com (Data by LVR), the Las Vegas housing market is experiencing a slowdown in terms of sales volume, but median prices have shown mixed trends. While single-family home prices have decreased compared to the previous year, they still show significant gains compared to April 2021. The same applies to condos and townhomes, with a decrease in median prices from April 2022, but an overall growth compared to April 2021.
Single-Family Homes
In April 2023, 1,962 single-family houses were sold, a 16.9% decrease from March and a 34.6% decrease from April 2022.
The median sales price for previously owned single-family homes increased from $425,000 in March to $430,000 in April, a 1.2% increase from the prior month but a 9.5% decrease from the previous year.
Comparing April 2022 to April 2021, the median price increased by $100,000. However, from April 2022 to April 2023, there was a decrease of $45,000 in median price.
The peak of the market was in May 2022, with a median sales price of $482,000. Since then, there has been a $52,000 decrease.
It is predicted that the difference between May 2022 and May 2023 will be under $50,000, indicating a minor price drop. However, considering the $100,000 gain from April 2021 to April 2022, there is still room for growth.
Condos and Townhomes
The median sales price for condos and townhomes increased from $260,000 in March to $270,000 in April, a 3.8% increase from the prior year but a 5.6% decrease from April 2022. In April 2023, 784 condos and townhomes were sold, a 16.7% decrease from March and a 28.2% decrease from April 2022. Compared to April 2022, the median price for condos and townhomes decreased by $16,000.
Similar to single-family homes, the peak of the market for condos and townhomes was in May 2022, with a median sales price of $310,000. Since then, there has been a $40,000 decrease. While there has been a decrease in median prices for both single-family homes and condos/townhomes from April 2022 to April 2023, it's important to note that the market is still experiencing growth compared to April 2021. The significant gains seen in the previous year have set a higher baseline for prices.
Inventory and Days on Market
The supply of available homes in April 2023 remained low, with only 3,052 single-family homes and 895 condos/townhomes on the market. This represents a decrease of 9.5% for single-family homes and a 14.1% decrease for condos/townhomes compared to April 2022. The low inventory continues to drive competition among buyers, leading to a faster pace in the market.
In April 2023, the median number of days on the market for single-family homes was 19, a decrease from 26 in April 2022. Similarly, condos and townhomes spent a median of 17 days on the market, down from 23 days in April 2022.
On a monthly basis, here's how the Las Vegas housing market ended in March 2023
Las Vegas Real Estate Market Forecast 2023-2024
What are the Las Vegas real estate market predictions for 2023? The Las Vegas real estate market is one of the most dynamic and ever-changing markets in the United States. One factor contributing to this growth is the strong job market in Las Vegas. With major industries such as hospitality, gaming, and entertainment, Las Vegas has a strong job market that attracts many people to the city. This, in turn, increases the demand for housing in the area, which drives up home values.
Another factor contributing to the growth of the Las Vegas housing market is the city's reputation as a popular tourist destination. As more people visit Las Vegas and enjoy the city's amenities, they may be more inclined to purchase a home in the area, which can increase demand and home values.
According to Zillow, the average home value in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise area is currently $398,194. This reflects a decrease of 3.6% over the past year. The market data from April 30, 2023, also suggests that homes in the area typically go pending within approximately 30 days.
Here are some key figures to consider:
- Typical Home Values: The average home value in the Las Vegas area is $398,194, as of April 30, 2023.
- 1-year Value Change: Over the past year, home values in Las Vegas have experienced a decrease of 3.6%.
- 1.8% 1-year Market Forecast: Zillow provides a 1-year market forecast that suggests a projected increase of 1.8% in home values for the coming year.
- 0.983 Median Sale to List Ratio: The median sale to list ratio, as of March 31, 2023, is 0.983. This ratio indicates that, on average, homes are selling slightly below their list price.
- 15.4% Percent of Sales Over List Price: In March 2023, approximately 15.4% of sales in the Las Vegas area were made above the list price. This suggests that there is still competition among buyers, leading to some homes selling for more than their initial listing price.
- 63.9% Percent of Sales Under List Price: Conversely, about 63.9% of sales in March 2023 were made below the list price. This indicates that a significant portion of homes in the area sold for less than their initial asking price.
- Median Days to Pending: The median number of days it takes for a home to go pending is 30, as of April 30, 2023. This figure represents the time it takes from when a home is listed for sale to when it goes under contract.
It's important to note that these figures and forecasts are provided by Zillow and are based on historical data and algorithms. Real estate market conditions can be influenced by various factors, and future trends are subject to change.
If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Las Vegas area, it is recommended to consult with a local real estate agent who can provide more specific and up-to-date information tailored to your individual circumstances.
Las Vegas Real Estate Market: Is It A Good Place For Investment?
Now that you know where Las Vegas is, you probably want to know why we're recommending it to real estate investors. Is Las Vegas a Good Place Real Estate Investment? Many real estate investors have asked themselves if buying rental property in Las Vegas is a good investment. You need to drill deeper into local trends if you want to know what the market holds for the year ahead. We have already discussed the Las Vegas housing market's historical and current trends for answers on why to put resources into this market.
Las Vegas is a minimally walkable city in Nevada. It is the 32nd most walkable large city in the US with 583,756 residents. Las Vegas has some public transportation and does not have many bike lanes. Downtown Las Vegas, home to the casinos and hotels, is the city's most accessible neighborhood, but housing is sparse there. In 2018, the Las Vegas housing market was so hot that it outperformed the best U.S. housing markets like Seattle. The Las Vegas real estate market is entirely brimming with new businesses.
It isn't just about casinos, medicine is a growing industry as well. The University of Las Vegas and Zappo's, the internet shoe store, is also based in Vegas. Its friendly business environment is propping up the economy and helping towards the positive Las Vegas real estate market trends. The new businesses are propping up at a much faster rate than the national average.
Las Vegas has a mixture of owner-occupied and renter-occupied housing units. It is a big rental property market. According to Neighborhoodscout.com, a real estate data provider, three and four-bedroom single-family detached homes are the most common housing units in Las Vegas. Other types of housing that are prevalent in Las Vegas include large apartment complexes, duplexes, rowhouses, and homes converted to apartments.
Las Vegas is the destination point of millions of visitors, the town is famous for its vibrant nightlife, exciting gaming action, and the natural allure of the beautiful desert that surrounds the greater metropolitan area. Tourists pour billions of dollars in Southern Nevada through which thousands of tourism jobs are supported.
Let's learn more about Las Vegas and find out why one should invest in this sturdy real estate market. These things make the Las Vegas real estate market stand out when it comes to choosing a place to invest in 2020 and beyond. Keeping aside the short-term impact of the ongoing pandemic, let's take a look at the number of positive things going on in the Las Vegas real estate market which can help investors who are keen to buy an investment property in this city.
| Why Is Las Vegas A Good Place For Real Estate Investment? | |
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THE CITY & ITS DEMOGRAPHICS
THE HOUSING MARKET & PRICES
THE ECONOMY
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These are just some of the highlights that make Las Vegas a great place to live and invest in real estate. The list can go on and on. Before the coronavirus pandemic hit the state, the Las Vegas real estate market forecast was as hot as the desert heat in Nevada. Keeping aside this crisis for a moment, the housing market in this region provides an excellent opportunity for investors. They are expressing confidence in the stable housing prices and the number of available housing units on the market.
New businesses are being created at a much faster rate than the national average. Las Vegas is also a strong rental market. Nearly 40% of the population rents in Las Vegas. Rental properties near these new businesses will benefit greatly due to the increasing tenant pool and the general improvement in economic activity that they bring. The first half of the previous year saw a huge increase in the demand for housing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The inventory of homes has further decreased from last year. The current local housing inventory in Las Vegas is just over a two-month supply of homes available for sale. The high demand is followed by an increase in population, as well as an overall improvement of the economy in the area. All these factors have had a huge impact on the Las Vegas housing market, which is considered one of the hottest markets in the nation. Las Vegas has experienced several booms in its history, and it saw an incredible real estate bust during the Great Recession.
Las Vegas' recovery hasn't made the same headlines as the 50% or greater declines in home values did a decade ago. Yet its recovery shouldn't keep investors away. For savvy investors, the Las Vegas real estate market is both stable and predictable. Let's find out the latest trends and forecasts.
Las Vegas Home Prices Are Low Relative to Recent Highs
There have been articles claiming that Las Vegas is ready for another bust. However, prices are declining somewhat as new housing stock comes onto the market. This explains why the inventory of unsold existing homes doubled at the end of 2018. Yet the demographic trends that keep the Las Vegas housing market so hot aren't stopping.
This means that the Las Vegas real estate market is seeing a lull with a guarantee that the price will start to rise. The Las Vegas housing market is a great place for real estate investment. It remains relatively affordable than the expensive seller markets in the US. When people lose their jobs in great numbers, home prices crash as they did in Las Vegas a decade or so ago.
Homes went from an average price of over $300,000 to less than $150,000. Home prices have recovered, though due to inflation, they remain well below historic peaks. Likewise, Las Vegas foreclosure rates have fallen but they remain high by national standards. Around one in a thousand homes are foreclosed on each month.
Las Vegas Housing Prices Are Rising Slowly but Surely
The wide-open deserts around Las Vegas constrain the Las Vegas real estate market. The federal government owns the vast majority of the state. The Clark County government asked the federal government to allow them to take over 38,000 acres of land and start building housing. Nevada Congressional delegation has to ask the Bureau of Land Management, and they may take years to give their permission if they ever do.
This means that Las Vegas is surrounded by a lot of open lands, but it cannot simply expand to meet demand. This will continue to drive up prices in the Las Vegas housing market. We don't think the Las Vegas housing market is set up for a bust because it isn't overheating. The home values have gone up 1.8% over the past year. That's a healthy growth rate, whereas double-digit price increases are unhealthy. This rate is skewed by the number of new luxury homes coming onto the market and the constant churn at the high end of the market.
Las Vegas Is Landlord Friendly
Unlike many other Western states, the Las Vegas real estate market is landlord-friendly. It isn't difficult to evict non-paying tenants from Las Vegas investment properties. In general, they have five days from the date rent is due to “cure” the problem or eviction can begin. The same time frame is used to correct issues like lease violations, after which the person can be evicted. After those five days, the case can go to court, and these are landlord-friendly. Rulings typically arrive the same day, after which point the tenant has one day to leave the premises.
Landlords don't have to pay interest on deposits. There are no limits on late fees, though the late fees due must be spelled out in the rental agreement. There is no payment grace period set by state law. All of this adds up to the Las Vegas real estate market being a paradise for landlords.
Update: On July 1st, 2019, a new tenant protection legislation named SB 151 officially went into effect. It provides tenants with more time to deal with the consequences of eviction after they have had an eviction notice posted on their homes. They will now have seven judicial days to pay their rent or quit. The previous time frame was five calendar days.
For landlords, this new housing legislation also enables them to utilize an attorney or agent to prosecute the eviction action on their behalf. They will now need to go find a permitted eviction process server to carry out these tasks. Those who oppose SB 151 claim that giving tenants more time to go through the eviction process, will make it more difficult for owners to get their properties back on the rental market.
Las Vegas Job Market Attracts People
The Las Vegas job rate has ranged from half a point to a full point above the national unemployment rate. However, that's better than the unemployment rate in Arizona, Salinas, or the San Fernando Valley. And it is places like that sending de facto refugees to Las Vegas. The diverse economy of Las Vegas includes low-skill but good-paying jobs in entertainment, hospitality, and services. It draws thousands of new residents each year. This growth, coupled with its unusual economic basis, has made Las Vegas one of the wealthiest cities in the country.
Since the 1990s, Las Vegas has had one of the fastest-growing employment bases in the country, benefiting from a large labor pool and a favorable business climate. These conditions enabled city promoters to entice businesses of all kinds to choose Las Vegas over California. Every job-killing regulation in California drives businesses to Oregon and Nevada, too, taking jobs with them. This explains why future job growth for the next ten years is expected to be nearly 40%, well over the 33% expected for the nation as a whole. A growing supply of jobs will propel the demand for the Las Vegas housing market.
Las Vegas Rent Prices Are On the Rise
During the Great Recession, Las Vegas went from a fifth of its residents renting to nearly two-fifths. As the job market and personal credit improved, the area is back to having around 19% of residents choosing to rent. However, rents are on the rise. While homes are being built, many people are unable to afford them. This is because the developers who survived the Great Recession are maximizing their profits by building luxury homes, not the affordable homes that many want.
Due to an improving local economy and ongoing population growth, the demand for apartments remains strong in Southern Nevada. For those who can afford Las Vegas investment properties, this guarantees a large rental population that isn't going to be able to afford the new upscale properties that are coming onto the market.
As of May 2023, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas, NV is currently $1,236. This is a 5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the past month, the average rent for a studio apartment in Las Vegas decreased by -4% to $1,061. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment decreased by -4% to $1,236, and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment decreased by -3% to $1,496.
The Las Vegas real estate market is a great place to invest in real estate based on these trends. There was a short-term decline in the rents but they are rising back. The unemployment rate is also decreasing so it is a great time to snatch up hot real estate deals by selecting the best neighborhoods.
Another report, issued by the Nevada State Apartment Association (NVSAA) shows that Southern Nevada’s apartment market is starting to stabilize, with rents projected to rise more slowly this year than previously projected. The report, produced by the NVSAA based on data provided by CoStar, predicts that apartment rents in Southern Nevada will increase by more than 20 percent from the end of the first quarter of 2022 to the end of the same quarter one year later. The average monthly rent in the first quarter was $1,451, up from $1,198 a year earlier.
Meanwhile, local apartment vacancy rates remain stable, with the average vacancy rate during the first quarter of 2022 at 5.4%. That’s up 0.3% from the same time in 2021. Local apartment construction is also on the rise, with the industry projected to catch up with demand by the end of 2022. The report showed more than 7,000 new local apartment units under construction through the first quarter, compared to about 3,800 units during the same time last year.
The average size for a Las Vegas apartment is 893 square feet with studio apartments being the smallest and most affordable, 1-bedroom apartments are closer to the average, while 2-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom apartments offer more generous square footage. You can, of course, charge much more for a three or four bedrooms single-family home than an apartment.
The most affordable neighborhoods in Las Vegas are Beverly Green, where the average rent goes for $1,061/month, Crestwood, where renters pay $1,061/mo on average, and Francisco Park, where the average rent goes for $1,061/mo. Other good neighborhoods for affordable rentals include Hillside Heights ($1,061), Huntridge Park ($1,061), and John S. Park ($1,061), where the asking prices are below the average Las Vegas rent of $1,471/mo.
The most expensive neighborhoods by Average Rent are:
| Las Vegas Neighborhood | Average Rent |
| Mountain Trails | $2,591 |
|---|---|
| Sun City | $2,591 |
| The Hills | $2,591 |
| Red Rock | $2,438 |
| Amber Hills | $2,335 |
| The Canyons | $2,125 |
| The Crossing | $2,125 |
| Paradiso | $2,036 |
| Summerlin Village | $2,036 |
| The Paseos | $2,036 |
California's Loss Is Nevada's Gain
A $430,000 median price may be steep if you're coming from the heartland where a mid-market home costs $150,000 to $200,000. However, tax refugees from California flooding into Nevada find that same house to be an outright bargain compared to the $781,050 price for a comparable property in Los Angeles.
Southern Nevada is one of the cheaper metropolitan areas in the United States, and it is a fraction of the cost of living in California on nearly every front. This explains why you see so many California license plates in Vegas and why it costs $120 to rent a moving truck to go from Vegas to San Francisco but $2000 to come to Las Vegas.
As per the data by Lasvegasrealestate.org, the luxury home market has expanded as 30% of buyers are moving from California to take advantage of Las Vegas' low cost of living. Even the most expensive custom homes from builders such as Blue Heron are found to be a bargain for out-of-state buyers and investors.
Possibly our second-largest market is retiree buyers in 55+ Communities who enjoy the weather, health care, and activities that only Las Vegas can combine in one city at a value not matched in any major city anywhere in the USA.
Nevada Is the Ultimate, Low Tax Locale
While those who own Las Vegas investment properties will need to pay their mortgage if they don't pay cash for the property and ongoing expenses like maintenance and insurance, Nevada offers very low taxes. There is no state income tax.
Nevada's property tax rates are among the lowest in the U.S. The state's average effective property tax rate is just 0.69%, which is well below the national average of 1.08%. Homeowners in Nevada are protected from steep increases in property tax bills by Nevada's property tax abatement law, which limits annual increases in property tax bills to a maximum of 3% for homeowners.
Thus, even if home values increase by 10%, property taxes will increase by no more than 3%. The taxable value of a property is calculated as the cash value of the land (the amount the land alone would sell for on the market), and the replacement cost of all buildings minus depreciation of 1.5% per year since construction.
The assessed value is equal to 35% of that taxable value. Thus, if your County Assessor determines your home's taxable value is $100,000, your assessed value will be $35,000. Tax rates apply to that amount.
There are numerous tax districts within every Nevada county. Hence, when comparing between counties, it is useful to look at average effective rates. Clark County contains almost 75% of the state's residents and includes Las Vegas. The average effective property tax in the county is 0.70%, slightly higher than the statewide average, but still significantly lower than the national average.
If you're planning to buy in Nevada, the most common type of home loan is a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. This option gives you plenty of time to pay back the loan and your interest rate remains the same for the duration of the loan's life unless you refinance. You can also consider a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage.
It allows you to pay off your loan quicker and comes with a lower interest rate, but your monthly payments will be higher. As we write this, the average Nevada rate for a fixed 30-year mortgage is 3.46%, and for a fixed 15-year mortgage it is 2.83%.
Nevada Real Estate Investment Markets
Las Vegas is a shining beacon in the desert for those fleeing California or simply hoping to make it big. Many others simply come to earn a living serving the many tourists who visit here each year or work at the firms relocating to this tax haven. All of this gives the Las Vegas real estate market a bright future.
According to PwC's annual real estate report, the Las Vegas housing market will enjoy a population growth rate that is well above the national growth rate. This is a continuing trend as data from the US Census Bureau shows a net migration of 6.46% from 2012-2016.
This earned the Las Vegas real estate market a spot among the best places that people were moving to in 2018. The city will hold this title well into 2020 according to the forecast. Good cash flow from Las Vegas investment property means the investment is, needless to say, profitable.
A bad cash flow, on the other hand, means you won't have money on hand to repay your debt. Therefore, finding the best investment property in Las Vegas in a growing neighborhood would be key to your success. If you invest wisely in Las Vegas real estate, you could secure your future. The best investment is now looking for a rental property that will generate good cash flow.
Your best tenants would be retirees who intend to relocate to Las Vegas and want to purchase property to rent out. The running costs for owning and managing a Las Vegas rental property should not be high. A cheaper neighborhood in Las Vegas might not be the best place to live in.
A cheaper neighborhood should be determined by these factors – Overall Cost Of Living, Rent To Income Ratio, and Median Home Value To Income Ratio. It depends on how much you are looking to spend and if you are wanting smaller investment properties or larger deals such as duplex and triplex in Class A neighborhoods.
Las Vegas home prices have reached new heights, the market remains attractive to residential real estate investors. As they continue to compete for potential investment properties at the lower end of the market, the challenges for first-time homebuyers will remain. Millennial homebuyers can't outbid real estate investors and hence end up renting.
As with any real estate purchase, act wisely. Evaluate the specifics of the Las Vegas housing market at the time you intend to purchase.
There are many other markets near Vegas, that you can choose for real estate investing. As a result of an influx of companies and jobs in Northern Nevada, strong housing demand continues to put pressure on the available supply. The Reno real estate market is ideal for investors for several reasons. Supply is limited, and demand is growing.
Rental rates are driven by several competing markets that aren't going to slow down any time soon. Forget owning a couple of condos in Las Vegas and invest in a more affordable, stable real estate market like Reno. Good cash flow from Reno investment properties means the investment is, needless to say, profitable. A bad cash flow, on the other hand, means you won't have money on hand to repay your debt.
Buying or selling real estate, for a majority of investors, is one of the most important decisions they will make. Choosing a real estate professional/counselor continues to be a vital part of this process. They are well-informed about critical factors that affect your specific market areas, such as changes in market conditions, market forecasts, consumer attitudes, best locations, timing, and interest rates.
NORADA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS has extensive experience investing in turnkey real estate and cash-flow properties. We strive to set the standard for our industry and inspire others by raising the bar on providing exceptional real estate investment opportunities in many other growth markets in the United States. We can help you succeed by minimizing risk and maximizing the profitability of your investment property in Las Vegas.
Not just limited to Las Vegas or Nevada, you can also invest in some of the best real estate markets in the United States. All you have to do is fill up this form and schedule a consultation at your convenience. We're standing by to help you take the guesswork out of real estate investing. By researching and structuring complete Las Vegas turnkey real estate investments, we help you succeed by minimizing risk and maximizing profitability.
Latest Market Data, Trends, and Statistics
https://www.lasvegasrealtor.com
http://myresearcher.com/glvar-section-new
https://www.zillow.com/las-vegas-nv/home-values
https://www.lasvegasrealestate.org
https://www.littlebighomes.com/real-estate-las-vegas.html
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/nv/las-vegas/real-estate#description
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Las-Vegas_NV/overview
https://summerlincommunities.com/las-vegas-real-estate-market-update-august-2020/
LAS VEGAS' ECONOMIC & JOB GROWTH INDICATORS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas
https://downtown.vegas/visitors-guide/fun-facts
Low taxes
https://smartasset.com/taxes/nevada-property-tax-calculator
Geographical constraints
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/clark-county/clark-county-unveils-land-proposal-draws-ire-from-groups
Price growth
https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/las-vegas-housing-market-2019
https://knpr.org/knpr/2018-09/las-vegas-housing-booming-does-mean-another-bust-horizon
https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/las-vegas-appears-to-be-entering-a-steady-housing-market
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2018/07/17/why-las-vegas-luxury-real-estate-is-the-next-big-market-boom/#7b20b1c41543
Landlord friendly
https://www.costellomgmt.com/landlord-tenant-laws-nevada
http://lasvegasgleaner.com/the-rent-is-too-damned-highhttps://www.avail.co/education/laws/nevada-landlord-tenant-law
Loss of California
https://www.ktnv.com/news/nevada-sees-population-boost-as-people-leave-california-in-droves
California refugees
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hottest-housing-market-2018-163701109.html
https://www.ktnv.com/news/nevada-sees-population-boost-as-people-leave-california-in-droves
Job Market
https://patch.com/california/encino/map-unemployment-rate-drops-in-state-in-may
https://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/article213798654.html
Foreclosure rates
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/las-vegas-foreclosure-rate-dropping-still-among-highest
https://www.realtytrac.com/statsandtrends/foreclosuretrends/nv/clark-county/las-vegas
