glossarycap rate

Cap Rate

Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate)

Cap Rate is a real estate metric used to measure the return on an investment property based on its income.


Cap Rate Formula

Cap Rate = (Net Operating Income ÷ Property Value) × 100


Example

  • Net income: €20,000
  • Property value: €250,000

Cap Rate = (20,000 ÷ 250,000) × 100 = 8%


What Cap Rate Means

  • Higher cap rate → higher return, higher risk
  • Lower cap rate → lower return, lower risk

Typical Cap Rate Ranges

  • 3%–5% → Low risk, stable markets
  • 5%–8% → Balanced investment
  • 8%+ → Higher risk, higher return

Key Insight

Cap rate helps compare investment properties regardless of financing.