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Rental Yield: Analyze rental properties with cap rate, DSCR, and yields. The Rental Yield Calculator analyzes rental properties showing gross yield, net yield, cap rate, DSCR, and cash-on-cash return metrics.

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Rental Yield Calculator

Analyze rental property investments with comprehensive yield metrics. Calculate gross yield, net yield, cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and monthly cash flow.

Property Details
Purchase and investment costs
Rental Income
Monthly rental and other income
Operating Expenses
Annual costs (taxes, insurance per year)
Key Investment Metrics

Gross Yield

8.23%

Net Yield (Cap Rate)

0.48%

Cash-on-Cash Return

-18.82%

Monthly Cash Flow

-$1,607

1% Rule (Rent/Price)0.69%
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage)0.08x
Expense Ratio93.89%
Annual Income & Expenses

INCOME

Gross Rental Income$28,800
Less: Vacancy (5%)-$1,440
Effective Gross Income$27,360

OPERATING EXPENSES

Property Tax$4,200
Insurance$1,800
Property Management$2,189
Maintenance & Repairs$17,500
Total Operating Expenses$25,689
Net Operating Income (NOI)$1,671
Less: Mortgage Payments-$20,957
Annual Cash Flow-$19,286
Investment Summary
Purchase Price$350,000
Down Payment (25%)$87,500
Loan Amount$262,500
Closing + Renovation$15,000
Total Cash Invested$102,500
Monthly Mortgage Payment$1,746

Understanding Rental Yields

Key metrics every real estate investor should know

Investment Analysis Tips
  • 1.Use conservative rent estimates (verify with comps)
  • 2.Budget 5-10% for vacancy, even in hot markets
  • 3.Include property management even if self-managing
  • 4.Maintenance costs are often underestimated
  • 5.Factor in capital expenditures (roof, HVAC, etc.)
  • 6.Consider appreciation potential beyond cash flow
  • 7.Compare multiple properties before deciding
  • 8.Get professional inspection before purchase

How It Works

1. Enter Property Details

Input purchase price, financing terms, and any renovation costs for your investment property.

2. Add Income & Expenses

Enter monthly rent, vacancy rate, and all operating expenses including taxes, insurance, and management fees.

3. Analyze Your Returns

Get instant calculations for gross yield, net yield, cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and monthly cash flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Complete Rental Yield Calculator for Smart Investors

Making informed real estate investment decisions requires understanding multiple financial metrics. Our free rental yield calculator helps you analyze potential rental properties by calculating gross yield, net yield (cap rate), cash-on-cash return, DSCR, and monthly cash flow in one comprehensive tool. Whether you're evaluating your first rental property or expanding a portfolio, these metrics are essential for comparing opportunities and avoiding costly mistakes.

Why Rental Yield Analysis Matters

Successful real estate investors don't rely on gut feelings or rough estimates. They analyze deals using proven metrics that reveal the true profit potential of a property. Gross yield provides a quick initial screen, but it's the net yield and cash-on-cash return that tell the real story. By accounting for all operating expenses, vacancy rates, and financing costs, you can see exactly what returns to expect and compare properties on an apples-to-apples basis.

Beyond the Numbers: Making Better Investment Decisions

While yield calculations are critical, they're just one part of the investment analysis. Consider the neighborhood trajectory, tenant quality, potential for appreciation, and your long-term investment goals. A property with a slightly lower yield in an appreciating market may outperform a high-yield property in a declining area. Use this calculator as a starting point, then factor in qualitative aspects before making your final decision.

Key facts

Rental Yield: how it is calculated and what people ask

Formula

Gross yield = annual rent ÷ price. Net yield = (annual rent − operating expenses) ÷ price. DSCR = NOI ÷ annual debt service.

Worked example

  • Price $300,000; rent $2,500 a month ($30,000 a year); operating expenses $12,000
  1. Gross yield: 30,000 ÷ 300,000 = 10%
  2. Net yield: (30,000 − 12,000) ÷ 300,000 = 6%

A 10% gross and 6% net yield. Lenders on investment property usually want a DSCR of 1.20 or better.

What is the 1% rule in rental property?

The 1% rule says monthly rent should be at least 1% of the purchase price, so a $300,000 home would rent for $3,000. It is a quick screen, not an analysis: it ignores taxes, insurance and the rate on the loan, and in many markets few properties meet it. Use net yield and DSCR for the real decision.

What DSCR do lenders require?

Debt service coverage ratio is net operating income divided by the annual loan payments. Most investment-property lenders want at least 1.20 to 1.25, meaning the property earns 20% to 25% more than the payment. DSCR loans qualify on the property’s income rather than the borrower’s, so the ratio sets the maximum loan.

Last reviewed September 8, 2026 by the EstatePass editorial team. Formulas and program limits are checked against the published rules; figures on this page are arithmetic, not market statistics.

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