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Cap Rate Compression Calculator

When cap rates compress (go down), property values rise even if NOI doesn't change. This calculator sizes the value lift from a cap-rate move so investors can quantify market tailwinds separate from operating performance.

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%
%

Value lift from compression

$501,672

Value at entry cap

$3,846,154

Value at exit cap

$4,347,826

% value lift

13.04%

Cap rate move (bps)

75

How the math works

Cap-rate compression means the market will pay more per dollar of NOI. If NOI stays flat but cap rates fall from 6.5% to 5.75%, the property value rises ~13% purely from market tailwinds.

Sophisticated investors separate value creation into: (1) NOI growth from leasing/operations and (2) cap-rate movement from market forces. Never underwrite compression as your primary return source — it's exogenous and unpredictable.

How to Use

  1. Enter current NOI.
  2. Enter entry cap rate at acquisition.
  3. Enter exit cap rate at sale.
  4. Read implied value lift from compression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes cap-rate compression?

Falling interest rates, strong buyer demand, limited supply, and narrowing risk perception. Cap rates also compress in hot asset classes like industrial in 2019-2021 or multifamily in low-rate environments. Compression = price per dollar of NOI rises.

Is compression sustainable?

No — cap rates mean-revert. Underwriting an exit at 50-100bps below entry is aggressive and often fails in rising-rate environments. Stress-test with flat or expanded exit cap rates to see downside.

How much value does 25bps move?

On a 5% cap property, 25bps of compression (5.00% → 4.75%) lifts value by ~5.3%. On a 7% cap, the same move lifts value ~3.7%. Lower-cap assets are more sensitive to basis point moves.

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