Investor Resource

Cap Rates and Cash Flow

How cap rate is calculated, what it signals about risk, and how it interacts with financed cash-on-cash return.

The Formula

Cap rate equals in-place net operating income (NOI) divided by purchase price. It is an unlevered yield used to compare properties on a like-for-like basis.

What It Signals

Higher cap rates generally reflect higher perceived risk or lower growth expectations; lower cap rates typically reflect stronger locations, credit tenants, or growth. Cap rate alone does not capture lease term, tenant credit, or capex exposure.

  • Unlevered yield metric
  • Compare against submarket comps
  • Adjust for lease term and tenant mix
  • Use with NOI trend and rent-roll analysis

Leverage and Cash-on-Cash

Financed buyers also model cash-on-cash return, which factors debt service. Small changes in rate, amortization, or LTV can materially change cash-on-cash even at a fixed cap rate.

Educational content only. Not tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult qualified professionals for your specific situation.