During the Pandemic Housing Boom, a surge in housing demand, low mortgage rates, and rapid home price appreciation spurred a wave of home flippers into the market, as short hold times and rising values made quick resales highly profitable. Since then, however, higher borrowing costs, compressed margins, and slower price growth have significantly slowed U.S. home flipping activity.
Despite strained housing affordability, certain metro areas can still be considered great markets for home flippers—particularly in those where home prices are still rising, inventory remains tight, and flipper return potential remains strong.
To identify the best markets for home flipping in 2025, LendingOne evaluated the following data for 183 metro area housing markets:
- Year-over-year change in home prices between December 2023 and December 2024, according to the Zillow Home Value Index
- Year-over-year change in active housing inventory for sale between January 2024 and January 2025, as measured by our analysis of Realtor.com data
- Active housing inventory for sale at the end of January 2025 compared to January 2019, as measured by our analysis of Realtor.com data
- The typical gross profit on home flips in Q3 2024, according to ATTOM Data
- The typical gross return on investment (ROI) on home flips in Q3 2024, according to ATTOM Data
LendingOne’s methodology logic is based on the idea that the tightest housing markets are those where active inventory remains well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels and home prices are rising at an elevated year-over-year rate. These conditions create an environment where flippers are most likely to see appreciation while holding a property this year. To validate this, we also analyzed home flip success in the latest reported quarter to ensure flippers in these markets are still turning a profit.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 markets for home flippers in 2025.
#1 Rochester, NY
- Typical home value: $252,247
- Year-over-year home price change: 8.2%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $95425
- Q3 2024 Gross ROI: 78%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -58%
Rochester’s housing market has emerged as the top spot for home flippers in 2025, thanks to surging buyer demand and extremely tight inventory. The city’s relatively affordable home values, steady economic growth, and proximity to natural attractions like the Finger Lakes and Niagara Falls have made it one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. The market is also supported by a robust local economy with companies like Wegmans Food Markets and Paychex employing thousands of residents. With these factors combined, Rochester is poised to offer home flippers strong returns in a thriving, evolving market.
#2 Rockford, IL
- Typical home value: $195,139
- Year-over-year home price change: 9.7%
- Typical flipping gross profit:: $54250
- Gross ROI: 47%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -63%
Rockford, IL is an ideal market for home flippers in 2025, with the typical home valued at under $200,000 according to the December Zillow Home Value Index. Its affordable housing is in sharp contrast to the Chicago metro’s steep prices, making it an attractive option for those seeking a move less than two hours away. With hybrid work models here to stay, many are now open to living further from city centers to expand their homebuying options. Rockford has benefited from this trend, making it a strong market for profitable home-flipping activity.
#3 Atlantic City, NJ
- Typical home value: $361,464
- Year-over-year home price change: 7.4%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $144000
- Gross ROI: 83%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -58%
Atlantic City is an ideal market for home flippers in 2025, with property prices significantly lower than in nearby parts of New Jersey. The city is on a development kick, with infrastructure improvements and a focus on attracting tourism creating strong demand for both short-term rentals and long-term homes. In January 2025, development group DEEM Enterprises announced it’s secured $3.4 billion in funding for a new waterfront community, featuring a Formula 1 raceway and hundreds of green-energy condominiums. Additionally, Atlantic City’s proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia makes it an attractive option for commuters seeking more affordable housing while still maintaining access to these urban hubs.
#4 Syracuse, NY
- Typical home value: $234,398
- Year-over-year home price change: 9.9%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $65000
- Gross ROI: 44%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -55%
Syracuse is a top market for home flippers, offering affordable housing, job growth, and access to nature. The city’s lower housing costs make it ideal for purchasing and renovating properties. Micron’s new megafab in nearby Clay, NY, is set to create nearly 50,000 jobs over the next two decades, driving increased demand for housing. Syracuse also has some of the country’s oldest housing stock, so there are a lot of structures in need of restoration and repair. The city’s proximity to natural landscapes like the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes further enhances its appeal.
#5 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Typical home value: $205,173
- Year-over-year home price change: 6.3%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $90000
- Gross ROI: 100%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -47%
Scranton, PA, is among the most affordable markets in the country, with a typical home priced at just $205,173, making it a prime location for home flippers seeking value. The city also boasts one of the oldest housing stocks in the country, providing numerous opportunities for renovations and restorations. Scranton’s low property taxes further enhance its appeal, offering homebuyers and investors a cost-effective environment for property investment. Additionally, Scranton’s proximity to major urban centers like Philadelphia and New York City adds to its appeal, as commuters can enjoy more affordable living without sacrificing access to these bustling hubs.
#6 Reading, PA
- Typical home value: $290,014
- Year-over-year home price change: 6.7%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $95000
- Gross ROI: 78%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -55%
Reading, PA, is a prime Rust Belt market for home flippers in 2025, offering affordable entry costs and strong resale potential. Home prices continue to climb yet remain well below the national average, allowing investors to buy low and sell high. Just over an hour from Philadelphia, Reading’s steady price growth and strong demand mean increasing profit margins for flippers. Despite higher interest rates, buyers continue to find value, making it an ideal location for profitable renovations and quick resales.
#7 Cleveland, OH
- Typical home value: $229,735
- Year-over-year home price change: 6.4%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $94000
- Gross ROI: 78%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -46%
Cleveland, OH, has become a prime market for home flippers in 2025, with home prices continuing to climb through 2024. Despite this surge, the median home price remains significantly below the national average, offering investors affordable entry points. The city's diverse economy is anchored by massive organizations like the Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland-Cliffs as well as several Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, Cleveland's older housing stock provides ample opportunities for value-adding renovations. With rising property values, a strong job market, and abundant renovation prospects, Cleveland offers substantial profit potential for home flippers in 2025.
#8 Akron, OH
- Typical home value: $218,294
- Year-over-year home price change: 6.3%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $90500
- Gross ROI: 85%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -43%
Akron, OH, is quickly emerging as a strong market for home flippers in 2025, thanks to its affordability, steady home price growth, and proximity to Cleveland. Akron benefits from the economic and job opportunities of the larger metro area while maintaining a more budget-friendly housing market. With inventory still limited, competition for properties is intensifying, but the lower home prices create room for profitable renovations and strong returns.
#9 Springfield, MA
- Typical home value: $350,714
- Year-over-year home price change: 6.1%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $140000
- Gross ROI: 74%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -50%
Springfield, MA, stands out as an ideal market for home flippers, particularly because it boasts one of the oldest housing stocks in the region. With limited space available for new development, existing homes are the primary source of market activity, boosting demand for fix and flip projects. The city’s homes are also relatively affordable—sitting well below the Massachusetts average. Flippers in Springfield have opportunities to restore historic homes while investing in the city’s growing market. Additionally, the market’s proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Boston enhances its desirability, drawing buyers seeking affordable housing within reach of major job markets.
#10 Canton-Massillon, OH
- Typical home value: $203,126
- Year-over-year home price change: 7.9%
- Typical flipping gross profit: $55190
- Gross ROI: 45%
- Inventory compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels: -42%
Canton, OH, is emerging as an attractive market for home flippers, offering a combination of affordable housing and historical charm. Known as the birthplace of the NFL and home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the city’s old housing stock presents ample opportunities for renovation and restoration. The local market is experiencing steady home price appreciation, creating strong potential for profitable flips. With inventory levels significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, demand for homes is high, driving competition. Additionally, Canton’s proximity to Cleveland adds appeal, attracting buyers seeking affordable homes with access to larger job markets.
Big Picture: While home flipping activity has slowed nationally since the Pandemic Boom, there are still strong home flipper markets in Rust Belt cities and smaller metros in the Northeast and Midwest, where affordable housing, rising prices, and tight inventory create profitable conditions for renovations.