What is a real estate capitalization rate?

@jamir 

Real estate capitalization rate, also known as cap rate, is a financial metric used in real estate investing to evaluate the profitability of an income-generating property. It is calculated by dividing the property's net operating income (NOI) by its current market value or purchase price.

The formula for cap rate is as follows:

Cap Rate = Net Operating Income / Property Value

The net operating income represents the property's income generated from rent or other sources, minus operating expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and property management fees.

The cap rate is expressed as a percentage and provides investors with a way to assess the expected return on their investment. A higher cap rate indicates a higher potential return, while a lower cap rate suggests a lower return. Cap rates can vary based on the location, type, and condition of the property, as well as market conditions and investor preferences.

Investors commonly use the cap rate to compare different investment opportunities and determine the relative attractiveness of properties. However, it is important to consider other factors such as market trends, potential for future appreciation, risk factors, and financing costs when making real estate investment decisions.