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Debt Yield Break-Even Calculator

Debt yield = NOI ÷ loan. Lenders use it because unlike DSCR or LTV it doesn't flex with rate or cap rate — it is a pure return on the lender's capital. Use this calculator to check whether a proposed loan sizes to a target debt yield, the maximum loan at that minimum, and the NOI cushion above break-even.

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Current debt yield

8.40%

Max loan at minimum debt yield

$4,666,667

NOI required to meet minimum

$450,000

NOI cushion above minimum

-$30,000

Meets lender minimum

No

How the math works

Debt yield = NOI ÷ loan amount. It measures return to the lender if they had to foreclose and take the property. It is independent of cap rate and interest rate, which is why post-2008 lenders rely on it.

Typical minimums: 8–9% on stabilized multifamily, 10–11% on retail and office, 12%+ on hospitality. The break-even point is where NOI exactly equals loan × minimum debt yield.

How to Use

  1. Enter the stabilized NOI for the property.
  2. Enter the proposed loan amount from the lender.
  3. Enter the lender's minimum debt yield requirement (typical 8–12%).
  4. Read the current debt yield, max loan, and NOI cushion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do lenders use debt yield instead of DSCR?

DSCR depends on amortization and interest rate — a lender can hide weak cash flow behind a 30-year IO loan. Debt yield strips those out and asks: 'If I foreclose tomorrow, what return do I earn?'

Typical minimums?

Stabilized multifamily: 8–9%. Retail and office: 10–11%. Self-storage and industrial: 9–10%. Hotels: 11–13%. CMBS lenders are usually 1–2% higher than banks.

Break-even NOI?

It's the NOI at which current loan × minimum debt yield = NOI. Below that, the lender is out of cushion and will resize the loan down.

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