Capitalization Rate
Also known as “cap rate” or “income yield”, Capitalization Rate is a useful way to compute the rate of return on a real estate investment. It is commonly used in the Income approach to determine the Market Value of a property.
Say you want to buy a property just to rent it and make a profit. You will be advised to discover the cap rate of that property in order to calculate what you will approximately earn renting that property to a Tenant.
To discover the capitalization rate of a property, divide the Net Operating Income (NOI) by the amount you’ll pay to acquire that property. In short, the capitalization rate is the value that one property produces divided by the value that property costs.
Here’s an example to better visualize it:
A building is for sale. It cost $100,000 when it was built 20 years ago. And it produces - between residential and commercial rent - $50,000 a year. The capitalization rate is 50,000/100,000, which equals 0.5%.
An important thing to realize regarding the cap rate is that it does not take into consideration the depreciation of a property. That’s why, when valuing a house, it’s crucial for an Appraiser to use all methods of evaluation appropriate to the case.
Real Estate Tips:
Maybe just learning a new term won't be enough to solve your situation. Check out our real estate questions; perhaps someone else has gone through what you're going through!
Or just head to The OFFICIAL Real Estate Agent Directory® and leave it to the pros.
Popular Real Estate Terms
Room containing a toilet and wash basin, but does not include a shower or bath tub. ...
The addendum definition is an attachment, clause, or section added to an agreement or contract specifying additional terms, conditions, or requirements to the original agreement or ...
The closing process is the final step of a property sale. It starts when the home seller agrees to the home buyer’s offer and it ends after all Closing costs are paid ...
Short-term leases are leases that run its completion in a faster time than regular ones.In real estate, short term-leases usually refer to temporary housing; that is: rent.The length of a ...
Clay-baked, glazed piping that is not damage by water. It is often used in underground drainage. ...
Valuation method for land or improvements to property. It takes into account gross rentals less operating expenses. ...
Nonload bearing layer of brick covering a wall of decorative purposes only. The wall is usually constructed of wood framing or masonry block. ...
Proposing or presenting for acceptance a price for a property parcel. Evidence of willingness to enter into a sales agreement. The bid price in a real estate or security ...
Rooflike cover that extends over any place to provide shelter from the sun, rain, or wind. ...

Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.