Rental Yield

A rental yield can be defined as the annual returns from an income-generating property as a percentage of its net asset value. This measure aims to provide a metric that helps real estate investors assess the potential profitability of rental property investment.

The rental yield is an essential parameter for property owners who rent out their properties. The value differs depending on the type of market. Therefore, property owners can compare their yield with the market average; if it falls short, they can make necessary changes and maximize their returns. Hence, it is similar to calculating the return on investment and measures the capacity of an asset to provide reasonable income to the owner.

• Rental yield refers to the income generated from rental property as a percentage of its total purchase value. 
• The property owner can also account for the additional expenses, such as insurance, taxes, maintenance and repairs, advertising, etc.
• Computing this value will help property owners assess renting or leasing their property. They can compare their returns with the market average and adjust their income or expenses accordingly.
• Therefore, this yield differs from the cap rate in that the former considers the property's purchase cost, and the latter considers the current market value.

The rental yield refers to the income generated by a rental property relative to the property's value. Significantly, for some, it is a secondary source of income, while for others, primarily retirees, it is the primary income source. Hence, when a person rents or leases their house, it is their investment. The rental income they receive is the return on the investment. Furthermore, the expected rental yield is just an estimate, and it depends on factors such as the location, type of property, rental market conditions, and rental prices in the area.

Nevertheless, analyzing and studying this concept can be of great help to property owners. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, any investment requires a minimum amount of time and effort from the investor/ owner. Thus, if a person rents a property, they will incur certain expenses for maintenance, insurance, taxes, etc.

Thus, comparing yields will help property owners understand the average market returns. Based on this, they can maximize their returns by cutting down on costs or demanding reasonable rent from the tenant. Therefore, property owners should carry out sufficient research before renting or leasing their property. Moreover, the average rental yield varies depending on the location and type of the property.

This yield itself is of two types – gross and net yield. The distinction between the two is the same as between gross and net profit. Hence, gross yield is broad and considers the income and asset value. On the other hand, the net yield is more comprehensive since it thinks the owner's expenses too.

Therefore, an average rental yield of 5%-8% is considered reasonable for residential properties, while commercial properties may have lower or higher yields depending on the type of property and location. But no matter what, a net yield of less than 1% is a red flag.

The income generated from the rental properties formula is a simple calculation.

Hence, the formula is as follows:

Rental Yield = (Annual rental income / Property value) x 100

As already discussed, it is possible to calculate gross and net yield.

#1 - Gross rental yield 

(Annual rental income/ Total asset value ) x 100

This value shows the income one generates from a property. However, in reality, there are a bunch of other expenses an owner will incur towards the property. These expenses should be accounted for to understand the actual yield.

#2 - Net rental yield

(Annual rental income – Annual expenses) / Total asset value x 100

Annual expenses include:

• Maintenance of property
• Property taxes
• Insurance
• Depreciation
• Advertising expenses 

Let's work out a hypothetical example to understand the concept better.

Example #1

Let’s assume Lily works in New York. She rents out her parent's house in Alabama to George. George pays $2000 per month. After 11 months, George informs Lily that he will move out by next month. Lily starts looking for new tenants. How much is her yield from rental income?

Asset value = $350,000

Taxes = $5000

Insurance = $3000

Maintenance = $2000

Advertising = $1000

Annual rental income = $2000 x 12 = $24,000

Annual expenses = $ (5000 + 3000 + 2000 + 1000)

= $11,000

Gross yield:

(24,000 /350,000) x 100

= 6.85%

Net yield: 

(24,000 – 11,000)/ 350,000 x 100

= 3.71%

Therefore, property owners can use online rental yield calculators that help make faster and more accurate computations. 

Example #2

Let’s say John owns a rental property that generates an annual rental income of $20,000, and the property value is $400,000. Hence, to calculate the rental income  

Rental Yield = (Annual rental income / Property value) X 100

= ($20,000/ $400,000) X 100%

0.05X 100%

= 5%

Therefore the rental yield of the property is 5%

Hence, this means that the property generates a rental income of 5% of its value per year.

All three metrics are essential for evaluating a property investment, and investors should consider each of them while making investment decisions. Hence, let’s look at the differences to understand them better.

This has been a guide to what is Rental Yield. Here, we explain its formula, calculation, examples, and comparison with capital growth and cap rate. You can learn more about it from the following articles –

• Capital Growth
• Alternative Investments
• Investment Property