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  1. Glossary
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  3. Cash-on-Cash Return
Accounting & Finance C

Cash-on-Cash Return

Also known as: COCR, Cash on Cash Return

Cash-on-cash return compares annual cash flow with the cash invested in a property, expressed as a percentage.

Cash-on-cash return compares annual cash flow with the cash invested in a property, expressed as a percentage. Under the common convention described here, cash flow is net operating income less debt-service payments, before income tax.

Property operations example: identify the reporting year and cash invested, including the down payment, closing costs, and initial improvements when applicable. Keep projected cash flow separate from verified operating results.

Source: J.P. Morgan, Using the cash-on-cash return in real estate, August 12, 2024.

Investor Yield Model

Cash-on-Cash Equity Yield Calculator

Calculate pre-tax cash flow yield generated on actual initial equity investment down payments and upfront capital improvements.

Cash-on-Cash (%) = (Annual Pre-Tax Cash Flow / Total Cash Invested) × 100
$
$
Cash-on-Cash Return
8.00%
Illustrative calculation; no return benchmark.
Financial Formula & Calculation
Cash-on-Cash Return = (Annual Pre-Tax Cash Flow / Total Cash Invested) × 100
Formula Breakdown: Measures annual cash yield relative to initial equity down payment, closing costs, and upfront capital expenditures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cash-on-cash return include property appreciation?

No. This periodic cash-flow measure does not include appreciation, equity growth from loan repayment, or proceeds from a future sale.

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Related Terms

  • Return on Investment
  • Cash Flow
  • Debt Service

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Accounts Payable

Accounts payable are unpaid vendor balances for goods or services bought on credit.

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Additional Rent

Charges billed to a commercial or residential tenant beyond base rent, including CAM reconciliations, property taxes, insurance, and late fees.

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Amortization

Loan amortization is the repayment of principal over time through scheduled payments that also cover interest.

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Bad Debt Reserve & Delinquency Aging

The accounting methodology categorizing past-due receivables into 30/60/90-day aging buckets and provisioning an allowance for uncollectable rent.

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Base Year & Gross Up Provision

A commercial lease provision adjusting variable operating expenses to reflect 95-100% occupancy to ensure equitable pass-through billings.

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