Newsletter Subscribe
Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter
What is the 1% Rule (Real Estate)?
The 1% Rule is a real estate investment guideline that states a rental property should generate monthly rent equal to at least 1% of its purchase price to be considered profitable.
Key takeaway: The 1% Rule helps investors quickly evaluate whether a rental property’s income potential justifies its cost.
Definition
The 1% Rule in real estate is a rule of thumb used by investors to estimate a property’s cash flow potential by ensuring monthly rent covers expenses and provides a return on investment.
Why It Matters
Real estate investors need a quick, simple way to screen deals before performing deeper analysis. The 1% Rule acts as a first-pass metric to eliminate overpriced properties or those unlikely to yield positive cash flow.
Key Features
- Estimates rental property profitability.
- Simplifies early-stage deal screening.
- Applicable across residential and small multifamily properties.
- Assumes 1% of purchase price should be met or exceeded in monthly rent.
- Helps compare multiple property investment options.
How It Works
- Calculate 1% of the Property Price: Multiply the purchase price by 0.01.
- Compare to Expected Rent: Estimate monthly rent and see if it meets or exceeds that figure.
- Assess Viability: If rent meets the 1% threshold, proceed to detailed financial analysis (e.g., ROI, cap rate, expenses).
- Adjust for Market: Modify expectations in high or low-cost regions.
Types
- Residential 1% Rule: Single-family homes or small rentals.
- Multifamily 1% Rule: Applied across unit-based income.
- Adjusted 1% Rule: Adapted for regional variations (0.8%–1.2%).
Comparison Table
| Feature or Aspect | 1% Rule | Cap Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Simplicity | High | Moderate |
| Focus | Monthly rent vs. price | Annual return rate |
| Data Needed | Basic | Detailed |
| Use Case | Quick screening | Full financial evaluation |
Examples
- Example 1: A property costs $200,000 → should rent for at least $2,000/month to meet the 1% Rule.
- Example 2: A $150,000 duplex generating $1,800/month exceeds the rule — likely a good deal.
- Example 3: A $300,000 home renting for $2,100 fails the rule — deeper analysis needed.
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits
- Provides fast, easy property screening.
- Encourages disciplined investing.
- Helps maintain positive cash flow.
- Useful across markets and property types.
Challenges
- Ignores taxes, maintenance, and financing costs.
- May not apply in high-cost cities with low rental yields.
- Should not replace full investment analysis.
Related Concepts
- Cap Rate: Annual return based on net income.
- Cash-on-Cash Return: Percentage of annual return on invested cash.
- Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM): Property price divided by annual rent.
FAQ
Who uses the 1% Rule?
Real estate investors, property managers, and real estate analysts use it as a quick evaluation tool.
Is the 1% Rule always accurate?
No — it’s a screening tool, not a profitability guarantee. Market and property conditions vary widely.
Does the 1% Rule apply to commercial real estate?
Not typically; commercial deals require more advanced financial metrics.
How does it compare to the 2% Rule?
The 2% Rule is stricter, used in markets with lower property prices and higher rents.
Sources and Further Reading
- BiggerPockets: Real Estate Investment Rules of Thumb
- Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/1/1-rule-real-estate.asp
- Roofstock Learning Center: Rental Property Profitability Metrics
Quick Reference
- Monthly Rent: Rental income per month.
- Purchase Price: Total cost of acquiring the property.
- Cash Flow: Income remaining after expenses.
