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Know How To Calculate ROI On A Rental Property

By Tata Capital
14 December 2025
10 mins read
2608

Most people invest to increase their wealth. Of course, the reasons behind such a move can differ, but the primary motive is to generate a good return on investment (ROI).

The rise of new-age investment options has failed to convince most investors. It means that traditional assets, such as real estate and stocks, are more likely to rule the market, at least in the near future.

Real estate refers to a tangible property which includes the land and the structures built on it. It is considered an excellent form of investment, especially if people are looking to invest for rental purposes.

But how do investors calculate ROI, and is the internal rate of return on the rental property any different?

Let us find out. This article discusses the calculation of return on investment on rental property.

Why lending a purchased home for rent is a good idea?

While humans primarily buy a home for residential purposes, the idea of renting it out can help them generate passive income with little to no effort. The rental income is tuned to the current market conditions and usually follows an upward curve. It allows them to earn decent returns until they decide to sell it off.

In addition, if investors are investing in a rental property via a home loan, it minimizes the chances of financial stress and helps them earn valuable tax savings, too.

Also, read – Home Credit Loan Settlement Process

What is ROI on rental property?

Renting out property is an excellent investment option, allowing the owner to earn passive rental income. But they need a measure to know if they are making some money or ending up paying more than the inflow it achieves.

The best return on investment on rental property hovers between 3% and 4.6% in India. To understand what it means, the concept of return on investment needs to be understood.

ROI or return on investment refers to the profitability of a rental property in percentage terms. While some people follow cash on cash return, most look at ROI in net terms, i.e., how much returns rental property generates for the outflow required to maintain it.

Also, read – When Non-Occupancy Charges Do Not Apply: Rates, Calculation, and Exceptions

What do investors need to calculate ROI on rental property?

If an investor has found the perfect property to invest in, they need to ensure they will make some money via it and not end up paying more in the form of expenses. So, for this, they will have to calculate the rate of return on investment in rental property, and here are the essential elements they will need –

1. Details of the property – ROI calculation requires details, such as the property’s value, area in square feet, repair cost incurred, and the number of rooms.

2. Rental expenses details – This includes outflow as to maintenance, repairs, utilities, and other monthly costs incurred by the owner.

3. Loan details – This includes the loan term, interest rate, closings costs, and premium payments.

4. Annual rental income – Calculate the yearly rental generated by the property after considering the possible vacancy.

An illustration to explain how to calculate real return from the rented property

Here is an ROI analysis illustration that would help understand the real returns generated from rented house property –

For example, Mr. X has let out a property worth Rs INR 1 crore for receiving rental income. He rents it out at a monthly rent of INR 30,000. Assuming he paid INR 40,000 annually, calculate his annual return from the rental property.

Particulars	Amount (in lakhs)
Gross annual rental (0.30*12)	3.60
Less: Property Tax	0.40
Net Rental Income (a-b)	3.20
Cost of the house	100
Rate of Return (c/d*100)	3.20%
Income tax on rental income after assuming 39% income tax and allowing a 30% standard deduction	0.87
Real Rate of Return (c-f)/d*100	2.33%

From the above example, Mr. X’s cash flow from the property is INR 3.60 lakh annually, but his gross return is only 3.20%. If tax outflow is considered, the real return comes down to 2.33% annually.

Also, read – What Is Home Loan Insurance & Its Benefits?

Ways to calculate the ROI

Now that how to calculate the real return on a rental property has been discussed, the next section introduces different ways in which investors can calculate the ROI of a let-out home –

Net Operating Income

The net operating income (NOI) represents the net profitability of the investment. It takes into account their operating expenses deducted from the gross rental income to calculate net operating income.

Cash-on-cash Return

Cash-on-cash return represents the cash ROI, i.e., the monetary return they expect from letting out a property on rent. To calculate it, divide the pre-tax annual cash flow by the amount of cash paid for buying the property.

Cap Rate

The most commonly used method to calculate the ROI of a rental property is Cap Rate. For this, divide the net operating income by the cost of the property. It helps compare this investment to other investment opportunities available.

Annual Cash Flow

Annual cash flow refers to the amount that remains after deducting interest on the debt from the net operating income from the rental property. It considers all the expenses and loan payments to help understand annual returns from the property.

Annual Gross Rent Multiplier

It represents the current ROI a rental property is generating. To calculate this, divide the total sales price by the gross annual rent generated by the property.

Also, read – Residual Value: Meaning, Importance, How to Calculate and Examples

What is a good return on investment for a property?

In most parts of the world, the best return on investment on rental property hovers around 10% annually. However, in reality, anything between 5% and 10% is acceptable as most people perceive it to be passive income.

Unfortunately, rental yields are one of the lowest in India. As mentioned above, it hovers between 3% and 4.6% in most parts of the country. One of the major reasons why the yield is lower than the global average is because the country has not experienced a proportional increase in rent compared to property prices.

Another reason behind India’s low rental ROI is job mobility. Unlike in most parts of the world, where people prefer moving across the country to secure better job opportunities, people are content here and prefer to stay longer in the same city.

However, with more and more people willing to rent rather than own a property, the ROI can flourish in the next few years. So, owners shall make smart choices to maximize their property’s rental potential.

Also, read – Home Loans for Under-construction Properties: Detailed Process

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Our Rental Property ROI Calculator

Once you gather the basic property and rental details, you can use the rental property ROI calculator to estimate your returns instantly. Here’s how to calculate rental ROI accurately before making any investment decision.

1. Enter the property purchase price along with repair and renovation costs incurred.

2, Add the expected monthly rent and annual rental growth, keeping vacancy periods in mind.

3. Enter recurring rental expenses such as repairs, maintenance, utilities, taxes, and insurance.

4. Provide home loan details (if applicable), including interest rate, EMI, and loan tenure.

5. Review the property ROI calculation guide summary generated by the tool to understand annual returns, cash flow, and net profitability.

Also, read – Top 10 home loan benefits you should know in India

Common ROI Metrics Explained: Cap Rate, Cash-on-Cash, Gross Rent Multiplier

Here are the different rental ROI metrics that help you evaluate rental opportunities from all angles before investing.

1. Cap Rate Calculation

Cap rate shows the rate of return on the total property value.

Formula: Net Operating Income ÷ Property Cost.

It helps compare multiple properties quickly and decide whether the investment is worthwhile.

2. Cash-on-Cash Return Meaning

Cash-on-cash return focuses on real cash returns generated compared to the actual cash invested.

Formula: Annual Pre-Tax Cash Flow ÷ Total Cash Invested.

This metric is useful when an investor buys a property using a home loan.

3. Gross Rent Multiplier Formula

Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM) highlights how quickly the rental income can cover the purchase price.

Formula: Property Purchase Price ÷ Gross Annual Rent.

A lower GRM typically indicates better returns and faster capital recovery.

Also, read – Can I Claim 80EEA For Under Construction Property?

Factors Influencing Rental Property ROI in India

Multiple rental property ROI factors come together to determine how profitable an investment will be. Together, these real estate return factors in India impact rental income, cash flow, and long-term appreciation, making them important property investment ROI drivers.

1. Location, connectivity, and tenant demand in the surrounding area

2. Quality of construction, amenities, and building age

3. Future development plans such as metro lines, tech parks, or commercial hubs

4. Vacancy periods and turnover frequency

5. Tax implications and deductions on rental income

6. Home loan interest rates and repayment affordability

Also, read – How You Can Repay Your Home Loan Quicker

How to Maximize Your Rental Property ROI

Small improvements and smart management choices can significantly improve rental property ROI over time. These practical upgrades and rental property renovation tips help consistently boost rental income.

1. Renovate kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring to justify higher rent

2. Offer modern amenities such as modular wardrobes, fresh paint, or smart home devices

3. Keep the property well-maintained to boost tenant satisfaction and reduce vacancy

4. Research similar properties in the neighbourhood to increase real estate returns without pricing too high

5. Consider leasing to professionals, students, or corporate tenants for higher rental stability

Also, read – Tax Exemptions on Taking a Home Construction Loan

Hidden Costs & Risks to Consider When Calculating ROI on Rental Properties

While rental properties generate steady income, overlooking additional expenses can reduce actual profitability.

Hidden costs to track:

– Repair and replacement costs/

– Property tax revisions and insurance premium hikes.

– Society maintenance charges and special assessments.

Real estate investment risks to consider:

– Prolonged vacancy periods or tenant turnover.

– Rental disputes or property damage.

– Unexpected loan burden due to rising interest rates.

Wrapping up

Historically, rental ROI has not yielded the most terrific results in the Indian landscape. GenZ’s changing approach towards housing, however, makes for exciting times ahead and a chance for this market to explode and generate better returns.

So, if an investor is looking to jump the gun and make fresh investments in this ecosystem, the time is ripe, but they must get into the details instead of making hasty decisions. With real estate not coming cheap, one wrong move and they can see a significant dent in their cash flow. Investors would be glad to know that Tata Capital offers home loans of up to INR 5 crores at a special interest rate to its customers. So, if they want to build a passive rental income, getting a home loan from Tata Capital can be a key driver in making their dream a reality. Click here to explore Tata Capital’s Home Loan online.

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FAQs

Can I calculate ROI before buying a rental property?

Yes, you can calculate estimated ROI using projected rent, expenses, vacancy rate, and loan details to check whether the property is financially viable before investing.

How does appreciation affect rental property ROI?

Property value appreciation increases long-term returns even if rental yield is moderate. The combined benefits of rental income and capital growth boost the property’s overall ROI.

What costs should I include when calculating rental property ROI?

You should include all recurring and one-time expenses such as property tax, society maintenance charges, utilities, insurance, repairs, vacancy losses, and loan interest payments. Adding these costs gives you a realistic picture of your net returns instead of just gross rental earnings.

How to use a rental property ROI calculator effectively?

You can get accurate insights by entering the property price, rent, expected vacancy rate, monthly expenses, and loan details into the calculator. Reviewing the cash flow, net return percentage, and break-even timeline will help you compare multiple properties before making a final decision.

What is considered a good ROI on a rental property in India?

A good rental ROI in India typically ranges between 3% and 4.6% depending on the city, tenant demand, and amenities. If the location offers strong appreciation potential and high occupancy rates, even a slightly lower rental yield can still be considered a profitable investment.

How do loan details affect rental property ROI?

Home loan interest rates and EMI payments directly impact your monthly cash flow and final rental returns. Lower interest rates, longer tenures, or prepayments at the right time can improve ROI by reducing repayment pressure and increasing net rental income.

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