Commercial Real Estate Cap Rate Calculator
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Cap Rate: 0%
Understanding the Cap Rate in Commercial Real Estate
The Capitalization Rate, or "Cap Rate," is one of the most vital metrics for commercial real estate investors. It represents the expected annual rate of return on a real estate investment property based on the income that the property is expected to generate.
How to Calculate Cap Rate
The formula for calculating the capitalization rate is straightforward:
Cap Rate = (Net Operating Income / Current Market Value) x 100
Why Cap Rate Matters
- Risk Assessment: Generally, a higher cap rate implies a higher risk and higher potential return, while a lower cap rate indicates lower risk and lower return.
- Property Comparison: It allows investors to quickly compare the profitability of several different commercial properties without considering financing variables.
- Trend Tracking: Cap rates reflect the current sentiment of the market. If cap rates are compressing (going down), property values are typically rising.
Example Calculation
Imagine you are looking at a small office building priced at $1,200,000. After accounting for all operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance) and vacancy losses, the property generates a Net Operating Income (NOI) of $84,000 per year.
Using the calculator: ($84,000 / $1,200,000) = 0.07. Multiplying by 100 gives you a 7% Cap Rate.