Yield on Cost Analysis: in Real Estate

Definition: A real estate investment metric that measures the return a developer earns on their total development cost. Calculated as the stabilized Net Operating Income divided by the total development cost, including land, construction, and soft costs.

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Yield on Cost: RE Analysis

YOC RE analysis: used for feasibility, comparison, underwriting, and exit strategy. Institutional: 150-200 bps above cap minimum. Development: land + construction + soft + overhead; target 150-250 bps above cap (higher risk). Value-add: acquisition + renovation; target 100-150 bps above cap (lower risk). Both create value when YOC > cap. Limitations: projections may differ, no time value, no risk differentiation, no financing structure, and market changes. Use with IRR, NPV, and cash-on-cash.

Investor Use

Development vs. Value-Add

Limitations

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Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC

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