Vacation Rentals · Tool 04

Short-Term Rental Yield Calculator

Calculate the capitalization rate (cap rate) of your short-term rental property to evaluate its profitability and return on investment.

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Analyze Investment

Quickly assess the profitability of a potential or existing rental property.

/ 02

Maximize Your Return

Understand the key drivers of your rental income and make smarter decisions.

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Compare Properties

Use a standardized metric to compare the performance of different properties.

The calculator

Run the numbers

Rental Yield Calculator

Property & Revenue

Annual Expenses

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results

The theory

Understanding Rental Yield.

The Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate) is a fundamental metric in real estate investing. It measures the annual rate of return on a property based on the income it generates. It's a quick way to compare the profitability of different properties.

/ Formula

A higher cap rate generally indicates a more profitable investment, but it's important to consider the market and the risks involved. This calculator does not account for debt service (mortgage), so it represents the unlevered return of the property.

Cap Rate = (Net Operating Income / Property Value) × 100
Questions, answered

Frequently asked questions.

A 'good' cap rate is subjective and depends on the market, but generally, a rate between 8% and 12% is considered strong for a short-term rental property due to the higher management intensity and turnover compared to long-term rentals.
NOI is the income generated by a property after subtracting all operating expenses. It is a before-tax figure, so it does not include debt service (mortgage payments) or income taxes. It's a key indicator of a property's ability to generate profit.
Cap Rate is a measure of a property's intrinsic profitability, regardless of how it's financed. By excluding debt service, you can compare properties on an apples-to-apples basis. To analyze your return with financing, you would calculate your Cash-on-Cash Return.
You can increase your yield by either increasing your Net Operating Income (NOI) or, less commonly, by acquiring the property at a lower price. To increase NOI, focus on maximizing revenue (e.g., dynamic pricing, upselling services) and minimizing operating expenses (e.g., energy efficiency, preventative maintenance).
For calculating the potential return of a new investment, use the purchase price. To understand the performance of a property you already own, it's often more insightful to use the current market value. This tells you if the property is still a good investment compared to other opportunities.
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