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Terminal Cap Rate Calculator

Terminal (exit) cap rate is the single most important assumption in commercial DCF. Most underwriters default to entry cap + spread to account for aging. This calculator computes terminal cap and resulting exit value.

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$
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Terminal cap rate

6.25%

Exit value

$4,776,209

Exit-year NOI

$298,513

How the math works

Terminal cap rate = entry cap + aging spread. Most institutional underwriting uses 25-75bps of spread to account for the asset being older (and therefore needing more capex) at sale.

Skepticism about terminal cap is the #1 red flag reviewers watch for. If a sponsor uses flat or compressing cap at exit, they're implicitly betting on market tailwinds.

How to Use

  1. Enter entry cap rate.
  2. Enter basis-point spread (aging premium).
  3. Enter year-1 NOI.
  4. Enter hold years and NOI growth.
  5. Read terminal cap rate and exit value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical spread?

25-75bps for core/core-plus; 50-100bps for value-add; 0-50bps for brand-new construction. Institutional LPs commonly require a minimum 25bps cushion regardless of view.

When is spread zero or negative?

When you plan to substantially reposition and exit into a better-rated asset class (e.g., B-class multifamily renovated to A-minus). Even then, LPs push back — use 0 flat at most.

How does spread interact with interest rates?

Rising rates widen spreads (cap rates expand); falling rates narrow them. Don't assume today's cap stays flat — history shows 100-150bps moves over 5-7 years are routine.

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