Real Estate & Investing

Cap Rate

Cap rate, short for capitalization rate, is the ratio of a property's net operating income to its value or purchase price.

Quick answer

Cap rate, short for capitalization rate, is the ratio of a property's net operating income to its value or purchase price.

It matters because investors often use it as a quick way to compare potential real estate returns before financing effects.

A property with $100,000 of net operating income and a $2 million value has a 5 percent cap rate.

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Plain-English Definition

What Cap Rate means

Cap rate, short for capitalization rate, is the ratio of a property's net operating income to its value or purchase price.

Why it matters It matters because investors often use it as a quick way to compare potential real estate returns before financing effects.
Simple example A property with $100,000 of net operating income and a $2 million value has a 5 percent cap rate.
Related Questions

Questions people ask about Cap Rate

What does Cap Rate mean?

Cap rate, short for capitalization rate, is the ratio of a property's net operating income to its value or purchase price.

Why does Cap Rate matter?

It matters because investors often use it as a quick way to compare potential real estate returns before financing effects.

What is a simple example of Cap Rate?

A property with $100,000 of net operating income and a $2 million value has a 5 percent cap rate.

When should I ask a CPA about Cap Rate?

Ask a CPA when the term affects property tax planning, rental activity, depreciation, basis, or gain on a sale.

How is Cap Rate different from Debt Service Coverage Ratio?

Cap Rate means Cap rate, short for capitalization rate, is the ratio of a property's net operating income to its value or purchase price. Debt Service Coverage Ratio means Debt service coverage ratio, often shortened to DSCR, is the ratio comparing property or business cash flow to required debt payments. The difference is that they apply to different tax, accounting, or business situations and should not be treated as interchangeable.

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