The best U.S. cities for house flipping in 2026, ranked by return

As someone who guides clients through Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and the surrounding Maryland markets, I’m always tracking where house flipping delivers the strongest returns. Across the U.S., profits on home flips have tightened—typical gross margins are now 25.4%, and the process averages 165 days due to higher purchase prices, steeper borrowing costs, and longer renovations. Yet, I’ve noticed that cities featuring older, more affordable homes can still offer excellent opportunities, with margins ranging from 62% to 86%. For those interested in investment strategies, understanding where these higher-margin flips are happening can make all the difference.