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ValuationValuation Methodslevel4MEDIUM

A commercial property produces net annual income of $120,000. If the market capitalisation rate is 8%, what is its value using the income approach?

Correct Answer

C) $1,500,000

Using the income approach, value = net annual income ÷ capitalisation rate: $120,000 ÷ 0.08 = $1,500,000. The income approach is commonly used for investment properties and values a property on its income-producing ability.

Answer Options
A
$1,200,000
B
$1,300,000
C
$1,500,000
D
$1,600,000

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Value = net income ÷ capitalisation rate = $120,000 ÷ 0.08 = $1,500,000.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: $1,200,000

$1,200,000 is $120,000 capitalised at 10%, not at the 8% market rate.

Option B: $1,300,000

$1,300,000 implies a capitalisation rate of about 9.2%, higher than the 8% given.

Option D: $1,600,000

$1,600,000 is $120,000 capitalised at 7.5%, a lower rate than the 8% given.

Deep Analysis of This Valuation Question

Comparing this with a 7.5% rate on the same income ($1,600,000) shows how sensitive value is to the rate: half a percentage point moves value by $100,000. That is why valuers support the rate with several sales of comparable investments.

Background Knowledge for Valuation

The income approach capitalises net income at a market-derived rate. Rates reflect risk and growth prospects: a secure, well-located property with a strong tenant usually sells on a lower rate (higher value) than a riskier one.

Memory Technique

Remember DICE: Divide Income by Cap rate Equals value. Think of rolling dice in a casino - you're gambling on income returns. Just like dividing winnings, you Divide the annual Income by the Capitalisation rate to get the property's value.

When you see income approach questions, immediately think DICE. Identify the annual income, find the cap rate, then divide income by cap rate. This prevents confusion with multiplication or other incorrect calculations.

Exam Tip for Valuation

Always write the formula first: Value = Income ÷ Cap Rate. Convert percentages to decimals (8% = 0.08). Double-check your division - income divided BY cap rate, not multiplied.

Real World Application in Valuation

A real estate agent is advising a client considering purchasing a small office building generating $120,000 annually. Comparable properties in the area are selling at 8% cap rates. Using the income approach, the agent calculates the property's value at $1,500,000, helping the client determine if the asking price of $1,450,000 represents good value. This valuation method helps justify the investment decision and supports negotiation strategies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Valuation Questions

  • •Multiplying income by cap rate instead of dividing
  • •Forgetting to convert percentage to decimal
  • •Using wrong cap rate from memory instead of given rate

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

income approachcapitalisation rateannual rental incomeproperty valuationinvestment property
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