Cleveland Real Estate Market Report May 2025: A Smart Choice for International Rental Property Investors

FREE DOWNLOAD: 10 Costly Mistakes Foreigners Make Buying U.S. Real Estate

For international real estate investors, finding the right market is key. You want places that offer steady returns. You also want to build long-term wealth. Cleveland, Ohio, stands out as a strong choice. It offers unique benefits for rental property investments.

This report looks at the Cleveland real estate market in May 2025. We will show why it is a top market for investors. We will focus on its affordability and strong rental market. We will also explain why Cleveland is more stable than other cities. This helps you get consistent cash flow rentals and good long-term price appreciation.

Investment Properties: Browse Turnkey Investment Properties in our Online Portal

Key Takeaways: Cleveland Market Insights for Investors

• Affordable Market: Cleveland’s median home price is much lower than the national average. This makes it a great entry point for investors.

• Steady Price Growth: Home prices in Cleveland are still growing year-over-year. This shows stability, unlike some other markets.

• Quick Sales: Homes in Cleveland sell faster than the national average. This points to strong buyer demand.

• Strong Rental Demand: Cleveland’s affordability drives a robust rental market. This helps ensure consistent cash flow rentals.

• Price Resilience: Cleveland’s lower prices make it less likely to see big price drops. This offers more safety for your long-term wealth.

Download Report: Download the Comprehensive Cleveland Real Estate Market Investor Report

Section 1: Cleveland’s Real Estate Snapshot (May 2025)

The Cleveland market shows promising signs for property investors. Data from Realtor.com’s May 2025 report gives us a clear picture.

• Median Listing Price: In May 2025, the median listing price in Cleveland was $275,000. This is about 37.5% cheaper than the national average. This price also went up by 3.9% compared to last year.

• Average Time on Market: Homes in Cleveland sold quickly. The average time on market was 37 days. This is 14 days faster than the national average. It only went up slightly from last year.

• Hotness Rank: Realtor.com ranked Cleveland as 44 out of 300 top markets. This shows it is a desirable place for real estate activity.

These numbers show Cleveland is an affordable market. It also has steady growth and strong demand.

Related: The Best Places to Invest in the U.S. Real Estate Market in 2025

Section 2: Why Cleveland Shines for Rental Property Investors

Cleveland offers several advantages that make it one of the best real estate markets for international investors looking for rental properties.

One of the Most Affordable in the U.S.

Cleveland’s low median listing price is a huge draw. Being much cheaper than the national average means:

• Lower Entry Costs: Investors can buy properties for less money. This reduces the initial investment needed.

• Higher Rental Yields: Lower purchase prices often lead to better rental income compared to the property cost. This boosts your cash flow.

• Wider Access: More people can afford to buy or rent in Cleveland. This keeps the market active.

This affordability makes Cleveland a financially smart choice for building a rental portfolio.

Strong Jobs Market

A healthy job market is vital for real estate. It brings people to the area. It also helps them afford housing. Cleveland’s job market supports its housing demand. When people have good jobs, they can pay rent. They can also look to buy homes later. This creates a stable base for the housing market. A strong job market helps ensure your consistent cash flow rentals.

Excellent Cash Flow and Strong Rental Market

Cleveland’s affordability directly supports its strong rental market. When buying a home is expensive elsewhere, more people choose to rent. This increases the pool of potential tenants in Cleveland.

• High Demand for Rentals: Many people need places to live. They choose renting due to affordability.

• Consistent Income: High rental demand leads to low vacancy rates. This means your properties stay rented. This provides consistent cash flow rentals.

• Attractive Returns: The combination of lower property prices and steady rental income can lead to excellent cash-on-cash returns for investors.

Cleveland’s rental market is robust. It offers reliable income streams for investors.

Related: The Best U.S. Real Estate Markets for First Time Investors

Section 3: Price Resilience: Cleveland vs. Other Markets

Cleveland shows more price resilience than many other markets. Price resilience means a market’s home values are less likely to fall sharply. This is often true for affordable markets. They are less at risk from sudden price drops or “housing bubbles.”

Why is Cleveland more resilient?

• Not Overheated: Prices did not skyrocket as much as in some other areas during the pandemic boom. This means less room for a big fall.

• Sustainable Growth: Cleveland’s price growth is steady and manageable. It is based on real demand and affordability.

• Less Speculation: Affordable markets attract fewer speculative buyers. These buyers often leave when times get tough.

Let’s look at some other markets where prices are falling. These markets often saw very fast price increases. This made them less affordable. Now, they are seeing prices decline.

• Austin, TX: This market saw huge price surges. Now, prices are falling. For example, Austin saw a -6.3% year-over-year median price decline in May 2025. Some homes have dropped significantly. Source: Realtor.com – May 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report, Econofin YouTube – Top 10 Cities Where Home Prices Are Collapsing in 2025 (June 2025).

• Cincinnati, OH: This city also experienced a -6.2% year-over-year median price decline in May 2025.

• Denver, CO: Denver saw a -5.8% year-over-year median price decline in May 2025. It also has many listings with price cuts.

• Tampa, FL: This market has seen many price reductions. It had 29.9% of listings with price cuts in May 2025.

These examples show that markets with rapid price growth can be risky. Cleveland’s steady, affordable growth offers a safer path to long-term price appreciation for international investors.

Related: U.S. Housing Market Forecast and Expert Predictions 2025 to 2030

Section 4: Smart Moves for International Investors in Cleveland

For international investors looking at Cleveland, a smart strategy is key.

• Focus on Local Areas: Research specific neighborhoods within Cleveland. Some areas might offer even better deals or rental demand.

• Understand Rental Needs: Look for properties that fit the local renter base. Think about size, number of bedrooms, and amenities.

• Partner with Experts: Work with a local real estate agent. Find a good property manager. They understand the Cleveland market. They can help you manage your cash flow rentals from afar.

• Consider Financing: Explore specialized loans for non-residents. These can help you buy properties even if you are not in the U.S.

• Plan for the Long Term: Cleveland’s market offers steady, not rapid, growth. This is ideal for building long-term wealth over many years.

Related: How Much Have U.S. House Prices Gone up in the Past 30 Years

Conclusion: Cleveland – A Solid Investment for Long-Term Wealth

The Cleveland real estate market in May 2025 shows great promise for international real estate investors. Its strong affordability, healthy job market, and robust rental demand make it a prime location. Cleveland offers excellent consistent cash flow rentals. It also provides a more price-resilient environment for long-term price appreciation.

By focusing on Cleveland’s unique strengths, international investors can build a stable and profitable portfolio. This helps them achieve their financial goals and grow long-term wealth in the U.S. real estate market.

Previous Article: U.S. Housing Affordability is Getting Worse: What You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Investing in Cleveland Real Estate

• Q1: Why is Cleveland considered a good real estate market for international investors? A1: Cleveland is highly affordable compared to the national average. It has a strong job market and a robust rental demand. This combination helps investors achieve consistent cash flow rentals and long-term price appreciation.

• Q2: How affordable is Cleveland’s housing market compared to the U.S. average? A2: In May 2025, Cleveland’s median listing price was $275,000. This is about 37.5% cheaper than the national average. This makes it a very accessible market for property investors.

• Q3: How does Cleveland’s affordability lead to better cash flow for rental properties? A3: Lower property prices mean lower mortgage payments. Combined with strong rental demand (due to many people needing to rent), this can lead to higher rental yields and more consistent cash flow rentals for investors.

• Q4: What does “price resilience” mean for Cleveland’s real estate market? A4: Price resilience means Cleveland’s home values are less likely to drop sharply. Because prices didn’t rise too fast, the market is more stable. This protects your investment from big price swings and supports long-term price appreciation.

• Q5: How does Cleveland’s market compare to other U.S. cities regarding price stability? A5: Cleveland shows more stability. Some markets like Austin, Cincinnati, and Denver have seen prices fall after very rapid growth. Cleveland’s steady, affordable growth offers a safer path for long-term wealth building.

• Q6: What should international investors do to succeed in the Cleveland market? A6: Investors should research specific Cleveland neighborhoods. They should also pick properties that appeal to local renters. Working with professional property managers and understanding specialized financing for non-residents are also important steps.