One Percent Rule
Does monthly rent equal or exceed 1% of property value?
Example Result
Sample DataBased on a sample $385,000 property with $2,850/month rent, 20% down, 7% interest rate.
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What This Means
A sample property priced at $385,000 with $2,850/month rent has a one percent rule of 0.74% at Purchase (Month 0). The 1% rule is the fastest deal screening tool. You can evaluate a potential purchase in seconds without a calculator. While not definitive, properties that pass the 1% rule are worth deeper analysis.
Where This Value Comes From
One Percent Rule is not entered directly — it is calculated from Monthly Rent and Property Value. See the formula breakdown above and the detailed inputs below.
Inputs That Determine One Percent Rule
Platform Distribution
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Unlock Rental Property CalculatorWhy It Matters
The 1% rule is the fastest deal screening tool. You can evaluate a potential purchase in seconds without a calculator. While not definitive, properties that pass the 1% rule are worth deeper analysis.
Detailed Explanation
The 1% rule checks whether monthly rent is at least 1% of property value. At the moment of purchase, Property Value equals your Purchase Price — so this is the classic quick acquisition screen. As you hold the property over time, rent typically grows with inflation and property value changes with the market, and this ratio evolves to reflect your current rent yield relative to market value. This is a rule of thumb, not a guarantee of cash flow.
Discussion
Example
Based on a sample $385,000 property with $2,850/month rent, 20% down, 7% interest rate.
Related Calculations
Years Owned
UTime elapsed since the property was purchased, calculated from the purchase date to today.
Profit If Sold
UNet profit if sold today, based on actual years owned.
Return If Sold
UNet sale profit as a percentage of initial cash invested, based on actual years owned.
Total Cash to Close
UCash needed at the closing table to acquire the property.
Total Cash Invested
UTotal cash committed to the property: closing costs, rent-ready, reserves, and negative cash flow.
All-In Cost Per Unit
UTotal acquisition cost (including closing and rehab) per unit.
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