how to calculate cap rate on rental property
Here's a summary of how investors can determine what a "good" cap rate in any particular market or asset.
Time: The cap rates for investments can also change with the macro-economic and micro-economic conditions on the local and national markets and the timing and value of the real estate market cycle. If the economy is healthy, consumer spending tends to increase when there is job growth and consumer trust. Strong macroeconomic inputs have a significant impact on all aspects of commercial real property. These include the capital available to finance and buy properties, as well as the actual assets - office space to locate employees, industrial (space that houses the goods people want), retail (space that allows them to buy the goods), and multifamily (space for employees to live). Strong economic conditions can positively impact all these areas. If the economy isn’t doing well, commercial property tends to experience downturns. The interest rate is an economic indicator. In an economy that is growing, rising interest rates are an attempt to reduce inflation. The cash flow from commercial properties is less likely to support mortgage debt. Commercial real estate buyers who use leverage are more likely to accept lower offers. Rising interest rates are usually a sign of a strong economy. However, when rates rise, prices for commercial property tend to drop and cap rates tends to rise. A market's cap rates will fluctuate over time depending on what the economy is doing. This includes the local economy where the most spending and jobs are. It is worth noting that buyers might want to look at historical cap rates trends to assess whether current cap rate trends are appropriate in historical context. Specifically, will the buyer be willing to purchase an asset where cap rates have been lower than they were in the past. They may need to be aware that markets are unpredictable and the cap rate could rise in the future. This may also depend on how the asset's rents appreciate. If the cap rate increases, the property's price may drop.
Investors should choose the property with the highest cap rate. This is because it predicts a higher return.
Here's a summary of how investors can determine what a "good" cap rate in any particular market or asset.
Additionally, cap rates can change over time. They can change depending on changes in building value or NOI. Market conditions and improvements made by investors to the property may also affect this change in return value.
Risk Profile: Returns on all investments (real estate or not) are directly proportional to risk. A treasury bonds, which are guaranteed by the full faith of the US Government, have a low return and one of the lowest investment risks, and is backed by the US Government's entire credit. However, junk bonds have a higher risk rating and are subject to higher returns but have a higher chance of default. They are also "junky". A low cap rate (less that 5%) in real estate often indicates a lower risk profile. Conversely, a higher rate (greater then 7%) can be considered a more risky investment. An investor's opinion on a cap rate is directly related to their perception of the investment's potential return and risk. A Class A 98% occupied multifamily unit in San Francisco may be offered for sale at the 3% cap rate. The investor considers this a "good" rate. A Class C single tenant office located in Richmond, Virginia is available at 100% occupancy and 8%. They are both correct in that they reflect different risk profiles and desire for higher risk and higher returns. As real estate investors, the question is: "Does this cap rate reflect my willingness to take the risk, all things considered?
Debt is not included in cap rates. Other return metrics such as cash on cash returns and internal rate (IRR), should be calculated. They provide a wider view of the opportunity.
Real estate investors frequently ask, "What's a good caprate?" This is often a question they are asking. Or, "If I take the cash flow from an asset, without taking into account mortgage payments, and divide it by the purchase price to reach the capitalization rate (caprate), what return would be desirable for a commercial property asset bought with all cash?" Simply put, there is no universal cap. It is dependent on many factors. Also, how one defines "good" (For the purposes of this discussion, the term "good" will be used to describe any favorable investment one might make). For those who get frustrated by the "it depends” response, the broker package is a good place to start looking for guidance about possible cap rates for purchasing an asset. Here you will find comparable sales cap rates. Be skeptical as these assets could be cherry-picked or not truly comparable.
