Understanding Cap Rates: The Investor’s Quick Guide

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Introduction: Cap rates are the cornerstone of evaluating commercial property investments. But what do they really mean?

What is a Cap Rate? The capitalization rate (cap rate) measures a property’s net operating income (NOI) relative to its purchase price.

Formula: Cap Rate = NOI / Purchase Price

Why It Matters:

  • Lower cap rates indicate lower risk and higher valuations.
  • Higher cap rates signal higher risk but potentially stronger returns.

Practical Example: A property with $100,000 NOI priced at $1,000,000 has a 10% cap rate.

Takeaway: Understanding cap rates helps investors compare opportunities and align risk tolerance with goals.

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