#rental-calculator-wrapper {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 20px;
background: #fff;
color: #333;
}
.calc-box {
background: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 25px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
margin-bottom: 40px;
}
.calc-header {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
}
.calc-header h2 {
margin: 0;
color: #2c3e50;
font-size: 24px;
}
.input-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.input-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.form-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.form-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 14px;
color: #555;
}
.form-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: border-color 0.3s;
}
.form-group input:focus {
border-color: #3498db;
outline: none;
}
.calc-btn-wrapper {
text-align: center;
margin-top: 20px;
}
button.calc-btn {
background-color: #27ae60;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px 40px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
border-radius: 5px;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s;
}
button.calc-btn:hover {
background-color: #219150;
}
#results-area {
margin-top: 30px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 2px dashed #ddd;
display: none;
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
padding: 12px 0;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
}
.result-row:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
}
.result-label {
font-size: 16px;
color: #444;
}
.result-value {
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 700;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.positive-cf {
color: #27ae60;
}
.negative-cf {
color: #c0392b;
}
.metric-card {
background: #fff;
border: 1px solid #eee;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 6px;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.metric-title {
font-size: 12px;
text-transform: uppercase;
color: #888;
letter-spacing: 1px;
}
.metric-big {
font-size: 24px;
font-weight: 800;
margin-top: 5px;
color: #34495e;
}
.seo-content h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #3498db;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 40px;
}
.seo-content h3 {
color: #34495e;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.seo-content p {
line-height: 1.6;
color: #555;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.seo-content ul {
margin-bottom: 20px;
padding-left: 20px;
color: #555;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.highlight-box {
background-color: #e8f6f3;
border-left: 4px solid #1abc9c;
padding: 15px;
margin: 20px 0;
}
function calculateRentalROI() {
// Get Input Values
var price = parseFloat(document.getElementById("purchasePrice").value);
var rent = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyRent").value);
var downPercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById("downPayment").value);
var interestRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById("interestRate").value);
var years = parseFloat(document.getElementById("loanTerm").value);
var expenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyExpenses").value);
// Validation
if (isNaN(price) || isNaN(rent) || isNaN(downPercent) || isNaN(interestRate) || isNaN(years) || isNaN(expenses)) {
alert("Please fill in all fields with valid numbers.");
return;
}
// Calculations
var downPaymentAmount = price * (downPercent / 100);
var loanAmount = price – downPaymentAmount;
// Mortgage Calculation (Monthly)
var monthlyRate = (interestRate / 100) / 12;
var numberOfPayments = years * 12;
var monthlyMortgage = 0;
if (interestRate === 0) {
monthlyMortgage = loanAmount / numberOfPayments;
} else {
// Formula: M = P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1 ]
monthlyMortgage = loanAmount * (monthlyRate * Math.pow(1 + monthlyRate, numberOfPayments)) / (Math.pow(1 + monthlyRate, numberOfPayments) – 1);
}
var totalMonthlyExpenses = monthlyMortgage + expenses;
var monthlyCashFlow = rent – totalMonthlyExpenses;
var annualCashFlow = monthlyCashFlow * 12;
// NOI Calculation (Income – Operating Expenses, excluding mortgage)
var annualOperatingExpenses = expenses * 12;
var annualIncome = rent * 12;
var noi = annualIncome – annualOperatingExpenses;
// ROI Metrics
var capRate = (noi / price) * 100;
var cashOnCash = (annualCashFlow / downPaymentAmount) * 100;
// formatting helper
function formatCurrency(num) {
return "$" + num.toFixed(2).replace(/\d(?=(\d{3})+\.)/g, '$&,');
}
// Update DOM
document.getElementById("displayMortgage").innerText = formatCurrency(monthlyMortgage);
document.getElementById("displayTotalExp").innerText = formatCurrency(totalMonthlyExpenses);
document.getElementById("displayNOI").innerText = formatCurrency(noi);
document.getElementById("displayCapRate").innerText = capRate.toFixed(2) + "%";
var cfElement = document.getElementById("displayCashFlow");
cfElement.innerText = formatCurrency(monthlyCashFlow);
if(monthlyCashFlow >= 0) {
cfElement.classList.remove("negative-cf");
cfElement.classList.add("positive-cf");
} else {
cfElement.classList.remove("positive-cf");
cfElement.classList.add("negative-cf");
}
var cocElement = document.getElementById("displayCashOnCash");
cocElement.innerText = cashOnCash.toFixed(2) + "%";
if(cashOnCash >= 0) {
cocElement.classList.remove("negative-cf");
cocElement.classList.add("positive-cf");
} else {
cocElement.classList.remove("positive-cf");
cocElement.classList.add("negative-cf");
}
// Show results
document.getElementById("results-area").style.display = "block";
}
Understanding Rental Property Cash Flow
Investing in real estate is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth, but not every property is a good deal. The key to successful real estate investing lies in understanding the numbers. This Rental Property Cash Flow Calculator helps investors analyze the profitability of a potential purchase by breaking down income, expenses, and return on investment (ROI).
What is Cash Flow?
Cash flow is the net amount of money moving in and out of a business or investment. In real estate, positive cash flow means that your monthly rental income exceeds all your expenses, including the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Positive cash flow puts money in your pocket every month, while negative cash flow requires you to pay out of pocket to keep the property running.
Formula:
Cash Flow = Gross Rental Income – (Operating Expenses + Debt Service)
Key Metrics Explained
- Net Operating Income (NOI): This represents the annual profitability of the property before factoring in the mortgage. It is calculated by subtracting operating expenses (taxes, insurance, repairs) from the rental income.
- Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate): The Cap Rate measures the natural rate of return on the property as if you bought it with all cash. It is calculated by dividing NOI by the property's purchase price. A higher Cap Rate generally indicates a better return, though it may come with higher risk.
- Cash on Cash Return: This is perhaps the most important metric for leveraged investors. It measures the annual cash flow relative to the actual cash you invested (the down payment). It tells you how hard your specific dollars are working for you.
How to Estimate Expenses
One common mistake new investors make is underestimating expenses. When using this calculator, ensure you account for:
- Vacancy Rates: Properties won't be rented 365 days a year. It's wise to budget 5-10% of rent for vacancy.
- Maintenance & Repairs: Things break. Setting aside 10-15% of the monthly rent for future repairs (CapEx) is a prudent strategy.
- Property Management: Even if you self-manage, you should account for your time or the potential future cost of a manager (typically 8-10% of rent).
What is a "Good" Return?
A "good" return varies by investor goals and market conditions. Generally, investors look for a Cash on Cash return of 8% to 12%. However in high-appreciation markets, investors might accept lower cash flow (or even break-even) in exchange for significant equity growth over time.
Use the calculator above to run different scenarios. Try adjusting the rent, the down payment, or the interest rate to see how sensitive your investment is to changes in the market.