REAL ESTATE UNDERWRITING

Cap rate

Also called: capitalization rate · going-in cap

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PLAIN-ENGLISH DEFINITION

A yield metric commonly calculated as annual NOI divided by property value or purchase price.

What it means in practice.

Cap rate is a snapshot, not a total-return forecast. It does not by itself capture financing, future rent growth, capital expenditures, sale proceeds or tax consequences.

Why it matters.

Replacement-property investors use cap rates to compare pricing, but a lower cap rate is not automatically worse or safer.

Additional notes.

Cap rate is a snapshot, not a total-return forecast. It does not by itself capture financing, future rent growth, capital expenditures, sale proceeds or tax consequences.

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