Cap rates, or capitalization rates, are a fundamental concept in commercial real estate, offering insight into the potential return on investment for a property. Understanding how cap rates are calculated and what they signify can be crucial for investors, lenders, and real estate professionals.

What is a Cap Rate?

A cap rate is essentially the rate of return on a real estate investment property based on the income that the property is expected to generate. It is calculated as follows: Cap Rate = Net Operating Income (NOI) ➗ Purchase Price

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To calculate NOI, factors such as vacancy and collection loss, replacement reserves, and management costs (both offsite and onsite, if applicable) are considered. This calculation assumes a passive investment perspective, not that of an active property manager.

Typical Cap Rates by Property Type

1. Office Buildings or Retail Centers: Cap rates typically range from 7.5% to 9.0%.

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2. Concrete Industrial Buildings: These properties usually have cap rates between 8.5% and 10.0%.

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3. Steel Skinned Industrial Buildings: These tend to have cap rates in the range of 9.5% to 11.0%.

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4. Motels & Hotels: Similar to steel skinned industrial buildings, these have cap rates between 9.5% and 11.0%.

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5. Office and Industrial Condos: These properties have lower cap rates, usually ranging from 5.5% to 7.0%.

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6. Small Office Buildings and Converted Houses: These often have cap rates between 5% and 6.5%.

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The lower cap rates for office and industrial condos, and small freestanding office buildings, reflect their popularity with owner-users rather than rental investors. These properties often command high prices per square foot, which cannot be justified purely on economic grounds. This phenomenon is likened to the "Blue Ferrari Theory," where the desire for ownership drives the prices, similar to how some people overpay for luxury cars or Veblen goods.

Small Apartment Buildings

Small apartment buildings, typically with 5 to 12 units, also sell at relatively low cap rates of 5.0% to 7.5%. This is often due to the high demand from individuals wanting to enter the apartment building market, coupled with their affordability constraints. As a result, the prices of these buildings can be disproportionately high compared to their income-generating capabilities.

Financing Challenges

Financing small income properties can be challenging with institutional lenders, as they often do not cash flow at greater than 55% loan-to-value. However, purchases of office and industrial condos are frequently financed through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

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Cap rates are a vital tool in evaluating commercial real estate investments. They provide a quick snapshot of a property’s potential return and help in comparing different properties. Understanding these rates, along with market trends and specific property nuances, is key for investors looking to make informed decisions in the commercial real estate market.

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