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Cap Rate Calculator

Calculate NOI and capitalization rate — the standard metric for comparing rental properties on equal footing.

Property

Annual operating expenses

Capitalization rate

5.75%

Market range

Net operating income (NOI)

$28,752

Annual rent net of opex

Effective rent

$45,600

After vacancy allowance

Total operating expenses

$16,848

Incl. $3,648 mgmt

Monthly NOI

$2,396

Income to service debt

Analysis & insights

Your cap rate is 5.8% (NOI of $28,752 on a $500,000 purchase price). That's a 1.6 percentage-point premium over the risk-free 10-year Treasury — a modest premium. Verify you have a strong appreciation thesis to justify the work. Operating expenses run 37% of effective rent — within the typical 35-50% range for residential rental.

Market-rate yield

5.8% cap is the typical range for stabilized properties in healthy secondary markets.

Risk & benchmark gauge

Current band

Market range

5.8% cap rate

0255075100
Yield-lightMarket rangeAbove-marketVerify risk

Industry benchmarks

  • Your cap rate5.8%
  • Class A multifamily (national)4-5%
  • Class B multifamily6-7%
  • Class C / value-add8-10%
  • 10-year Treasury (risk-free)~4.2%

Key insights

Risk premium: 1.6 pts over Treasuries

Modest premium over Treasuries — accept only if you have strong appreciation thesis.

Operating expense ratio: 37%

Within the healthy 35-50% range for residential rental property.

Cap rate is a no-leverage metric

This is the yield as if you paid all cash. Once you add financing, your cash-on-cash return can be dramatically higher (or lower) — run the Cash on Cash calculator next.

Scenario analysis

You

Current scenario

5.8%

NOI $28,752 ÷ price $500,000.

Rent +5%

6.5%

+0.48 pts

Modest rent growth often achievable within 1-2 years through unit improvements or market correction.

Opex -10%

6.1%

+0.34 pts

Negotiating insurance + property tax appeal + smarter maintenance typically yields 5-15% opex reduction.

Vacancy doubles to 10%

5.3%

-0.48 pts

A market softening that pushes vacancy from 5% to 10% takes a significant bite out of your cap rate.

Recommended actions(3)

Verify rent comps in the same submarket

Medium priority

Property listings often quote optimistic rents. Pull actual rented prices from Rentometer, Zillow Rent Estimate, and local property manager data.

Underwrite for value-add upside

Medium priority

Identify 2-3 specific improvements (unit upgrades, RUBS implementation, amenity additions) that justify rent increases. This is where most real estate returns are made.

Re-check after closing

Quick win

Your actual NOI in year 1 is usually within 5-15% of proforma. Track monthly to identify variance drivers early.

This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation.