Investor-friendly real estate agents in Albuquerque, NM
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Get matched in AlbuquerqueVetted investor agents across the Albuquerque metro
Albuquerque is cheaper than most Western metros, but it isn't a cash-flow market at median prices anymore. Typical home values have nearly doubled in 10 years, to about $350,000, while rents rose more slowly, to about $1,500 a month. Growth is slow: the metro added about 4% more people between 2010 and 2025, and in most years about as many Americans moved out as moved in. Jobs didn't get back above their 2007 level until 2019. Prices and rents are both still rising, about 1.5% over the past year. New Mexico bars cities from rent control and lets landlords start a nonpayment case with a 3-day notice. Our vetted agent partners are Albuquerque-based and work with buyers, sellers, foreclosures and out-of-state investors.
Buyer representation on rental purchases from a partner who has lived in Albuquerque for 44 years and knows the city block by block.
Help buying foreclosed and bank-owned homes, where the price is often lower but the condition and the process take more work.
Listing representation when you're ready to sell or trade out of an Albuquerque property.
Relocation experience for investors buying from another state who need someone local to see the property for them.
Is Albuquerque worth investing in? The long-term trends
People, jobs, rents and prices for the Albuquerque metro, straight from the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Zillow. Hover or tap a chart for exact values.
View data table
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 889,419 |
| 2011 | 897,311 |
| 2012 | 900,628 |
| 2013 | 903,030 |
| 2014 | 901,988 |
| 2015 | 902,869 |
| 2016 | 905,506 |
| 2017 | 907,878 |
| 2018 | 909,905 |
| 2019 | 912,852 |
| 2020 | 917,692 |
| 2021 | 919,732 |
| 2022 | 919,656 |
| 2023 | 922,544 |
| 2024 | 924,628 |
| 2025 | 925,279 |
View data table
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| 2011 | +2,183 |
| 2012 | -1,936 |
| 2013 | -3,026 |
| 2014 | -4,479 |
| 2015 | -2,871 |
| 2016 | -457 |
| 2017 | +81 |
| 2018 | +155 |
| 2019 | +863 |
| 2020 | +2,997 |
| 2021 | +1,625 |
| 2022 | -132 |
| 2023 | +174 |
| 2024 | -1,513 |
| 2025 | +287 |
View data table
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 373,600 |
| 2011 | 372,400 |
| 2012 | 370,900 |
| 2013 | 374,800 |
| 2014 | 377,100 |
| 2015 | 380,800 |
| 2016 | 386,600 |
| 2017 | 389,100 |
| 2018 | 393,700 |
| 2019 | 398,700 |
| 2020 | 376,000 |
| 2021 | 387,600 |
| 2022 | 405,100 |
| 2023 | 415,400 |
| 2024 | 420,900 |
| 2025 | 420,300 |
View data table
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| Dec 2015 | $843/mo |
| Dec 2016 | $860/mo |
| Dec 2017 | $890/mo |
| Dec 2018 | $928/mo |
| Dec 2019 | $973/mo |
| Dec 2020 | $1,045/mo |
| Dec 2021 | $1,228/mo |
| Dec 2022 | $1,351/mo |
| Dec 2023 | $1,405/mo |
| Dec 2024 | $1,443/mo |
| Dec 2025 | $1,468/mo |
| Aug 2026 | $1,499/mo |
View data table
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| Dec 2010 | $174,071 |
| Dec 2011 | $166,931 |
| Dec 2012 | $165,167 |
| Dec 2013 | $168,235 |
| Dec 2014 | $170,862 |
| Dec 2015 | $177,119 |
| Dec 2016 | $185,038 |
| Dec 2017 | $191,020 |
| Dec 2018 | $199,186 |
| Dec 2019 | $213,734 |
| Dec 2020 | $240,512 |
| Dec 2021 | $279,582 |
| Dec 2022 | $312,073 |
| Dec 2023 | $330,484 |
| Dec 2024 | $342,411 |
| Dec 2025 | $346,781 |
| Aug 2026 | $349,919 |
View data table
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| Dec 2015 | 17.5× |
| Dec 2016 | 17.9× |
| Dec 2017 | 17.9× |
| Dec 2018 | 17.9× |
| Dec 2019 | 18.3× |
| Dec 2020 | 19.2× |
| Dec 2021 | 19.0× |
| Dec 2022 | 19.2× |
| Dec 2023 | 19.6× |
| Dec 2024 | 19.8× |
| Dec 2025 | 19.7× |
| Aug 2026 | 19.5× |
Data retrieved October 15, 2026. Figures cover the Albuquerque metro area.
The numbers and rules that matter in Albuquerque
Zillow Home Value Index, Albuquerque metro, Aug 2026 (+1.5% YoY).
Zillow Observed Rent Index, all home types, Aug 2026 (+1.5% YoY). Single-family 3-beds rent higher.
Typical rent ÷ typical home value. Well under the 1% rule; plan on cash flow from buying right, not from rents.
Over the past year: home values +1.5%, rents +1.5%.
New Mexico landlord-tenant basics
New Mexico's rules are in the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act, Chapter 47, Article 8 of the statutes (NMSA 1978). The points investors ask about most:
- No rent control: state law (NMSA § 47-8A-1) bars cities, counties and home rule municipalities from controlling rents on private property. A 2025 bill to repeal it (SB 216) did not pass. There's no statewide cap on increases.
- Nonpayment (§ 47-8-33(D)): give a written notice of nonpayment and your intent to end the lease. If the tenant doesn't pay in full within 3 days, you can end the rental agreement and file for possession. The courts publish the notice form (Form 4-901).
- Security deposit (§ 47-8-18): on a lease shorter than a year, the deposit can't be more than one month's rent. On an annual lease you can take more, but if it's over one month's rent you must pay the tenant interest on it each year. Prepaid last month's rent isn't counted as part of the deposit.
- Deposit return: within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later, return the deposit or give an itemized written list of deductions. Miss that and you lose the right to withhold any of it, and bad-faith withholding carries a $250 civil penalty.
- Entry (§ 47-8-24): give 24 hours' written notice stating the purpose, date and estimated time, unless the tenant agrees otherwise. You can enter without notice in an emergency, or to make repairs within 7 days of the tenant's request.
Short-term rental rules in Albuquerque
Albuquerque treats any rental of 29 consecutive days or less as a short-term rental. The city's STR ordinance took effect in April 2021, and operators need a permit before they list.
- Permit: you need a City of Albuquerque STR permit for each unit, plus a city business license, which in turn needs a New Mexico business tax ID. The city lists the permit at $120 for the first year and $90 a year to renew. Confirm current fees with the Planning Department.
- The application asks for a floor plan, a Good Neighbor Agreement posted in each unit, and proof of short-term rental insurance (Airbnb's or VRBO's coverage counts for bookings made there). Overnight occupancy is capped at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2.
- Taxes: the city charges a 5% lodgers' tax and a 1% hospitality fee on room revenue, due by the 25th of the following month. Even when Airbnb or VRBO remits them for you, you still have to file a monthly report. New Mexico gross receipts tax also applies to short-term rentals.
- No cap or spacing rule, for now: the City Council has voted down proposals to space out or cap STRs three times, most recently in February 2026 (5-4). Councilors on both sides say the existing rules aren't well enforced, so expect the issue to come back.
- HOAs, condo bylaws and your lender can still prohibit short-term rentals. Rio Rancho, Bernalillo County and other nearby areas set their own rules.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice — rules and fees change, so confirm with the city, the statute, or your attorney before you rely on them. Sources: Zillow Research data (ZHVI, ZORI) — Albuquerque metro; New Mexico Supreme Court Law Library — Landlord-Tenant Resource Guide (2025); NMSA § 47-8-18 — Deposits; NMSA § 47-8-24 — Right of entry; NMSA § 47-8-33 — Noncompliance and nonpayment; New Mexico Courts — Form 4-901, Three-day notice of nonpayment of rent; New Mexico Legislature — SB 216 (2025), rent control preemption repeal; City of Albuquerque — Short-term rental FAQ; City of Albuquerque — Short-term rental permits website launch; City of Albuquerque Treasury — Lodgers' tax and hospitality fee; New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross receipts tax overview; City Desk ABQ — Why Albuquerque can't agree on short-term rentals (Feb 2026).
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Questions investors ask about Albuquerque
Which areas does your Albuquerque agent cover?
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Our vetted agent partners are based in Albuquerque and work with Keller Williams. They represent buyers and sellers, help with foreclosures, and work with investors relocating or buying from out of state. Tell us your strategy, budget and target neighborhood and we'll match you.
Is Albuquerque a good market for cash-flowing rentals?
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Not at median prices with a mortgage. Typical rent-to-price in the Albuquerque metro is about 0.43% a month, far below the 1% rule, because home values have nearly doubled in 10 years while rents rose more slowly. Growth is slow, so don't count on appreciation to fix the numbers. Investors who make it work here buy below median, add value, or put more cash down.
Is New Mexico landlord-friendly?
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Mostly. State law bars local rent control, nonpayment cases start with a 3-day notice, and you need 24 hours' written notice to enter. Deposits are capped at one month's rent on leases under a year, and on annual leases a deposit over one month's rent earns the tenant interest. You have 30 days to return the deposit or itemize deductions.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Albuquerque?
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Yes. Rentals of 29 days or less need a city STR permit for each unit and a city business license. You also owe the city's 5% lodgers' tax and 1% hospitality fee plus New Mexico gross receipts tax, and you file a monthly report even when Airbnb or VRBO remits the taxes. The council has rejected caps and spacing rules three times, most recently in February 2026.
Can I invest in Albuquerque if I live out of state?
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Yes. Pick an agent who will walk properties for you, attend inspections and connect you with a property manager. Our partners here have relocation experience and one has lived in Albuquerque for 44 years.
What does it cost to get matched with an Albuquerque agent?
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Nothing. Agents Invest is free for investors. The agent pays us a referral fee only if you close a deal with them.
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