What the net income multiplier measures
The net income multiplier (NIM) expresses how many years of net operating income (NOI) it takes to equal the property value. It is the reciprocal of the capitalization rate and gives investors a quick way to compare income properties without running a full discounted cash flow model.
NIM and cap rate describe the same relationship from different angles. For direct cap rate math, use the capitalization rate calculator. To build NOI from gross income and expenses first, start with the net operating income calculator. For a gross-income screening metric before expenses, try the gross rent multiplier calculator.
Net income multiplier formula
If the cap rate is 8%, the NIM is 12.5x. That means the property trades at 12.5 times its annual NOI. A lower NIM implies a higher cap rate and potentially higher unlevered yield.
Worked example: 8% cap rate
- Capitalization rate: 8%
- NIM: 100 / 8 = 12.5x
- Annual NOI: $80,000
- Estimated property value: $80,000 x 12.5 = $1,000,000
When investors use NIM
- Comparing stabilized properties in the same market when cap rates are quoted as percentages but multipliers are easier to discuss.
- Backing into value from NOI when you know the market NIM from recent sales.
- Converting between cap rate and NIM when reviewing broker offering memorandums.
Frequently asked questions
What is the relationship between NIM and cap rate?
How do I estimate property value with NIM?
Does NIM include mortgage payments?
Is a higher NIM better?
Can I solve for cap rate instead of NIM?
Are my inputs stored on a server?
Resources and references
The formulas and methods in this calculator were checked against these independent sources.