About the Rental Yield Calculator
The Rental Yield Calculator is free to use and all calculations run entirely in your browser. Rental yield is the annual return you earn from a buy-to-let property, expressed as a percentage of the property's value. This tool calculates both gross and net rental yield, helping landlords and property investors assess whether a property is financially viable.
Gross vs. Net Rental Yield
- Gross rental yield — annual rent divided by the property purchase price, multiplied by 100. A quick, simple measure that ignores costs.
- Net rental yield — annual rent minus all annual costs (mortgage interest, maintenance, insurance, management fees, void periods), divided by purchase price. A more accurate measure of actual returns.
What Is a Good Rental Yield?
Across Europe, a gross rental yield of 5–8% is generally considered strong, with yields varying significantly by city and country. Net yields are usually 1–2 percentage points lower once all costs are factored in. High-yield properties sometimes carry higher void risk or require more management.
Costs to Include in Your Net Yield Calculation
- Mortgage interest payments (not capital repayment)
- Letting agent fees (typically 8–15% of rent)
- Buildings and landlord insurance
- Maintenance and repairs budget (typically 1–2% of property value per year)
- Void period allowance (properties are rarely tenanted 100% of the time)
- Landlord licensing fees where applicable
Yield vs. Capital Growth
Rental yield is just one part of the total return from property investment. Capital growth — the increase in the property's value over time — can significantly boost overall returns but is less predictable. Many investors in higher-value areas accept lower yields in anticipation of stronger capital appreciation.
Related Calculators
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- Buy vs Rent Calculator — True total cost of buying versus renting over any timeframe.
- Stamp Duty Calculator — Transfer tax for UK, Ireland and EU countries.