Limited Time Offer: Save 10% on all 2021 and 2022 Premium Study Packages with promo code: BLOG10    Select your Premium Package »

# Computing Property Values Using Direct Capitalization and Discounted Cash Flow Methods

## Direct Capitalization Method

Remember that the direct capitalization method takes a single years’ NOI and the property value into account. When we consider the aspect of property growth at a constant rate in terms of income and value, then:

$$\text{Cap rate} = (\text{Discount rate} – \text{Growth rate})$$

Note that the growth rate is implied in the cap rate and has to be explicit when using the DCF valuation method.

Our primary function of calculating the cap rate is as follows:

$$\text{Cap rate} = \frac {\text{NOI}}{\text{Value}}$$

Where:

$$\text{NOI}$$ = Expected income from year one of ownership of the commercial property.

$$\text{Value}$$ = An estimation of the worth of the property at the time of purchase.

Hence rearranging the above formula to calculate the property value in the equation:

$$\text{Value} = \frac {\text{NOI}}{\text{Cap rate}}$$

It is worth noting that the cap rate can be obtained by comparing the rate at which other similar properties are retailing.

## Discounted Cash Flow Method

Based on our earlier discussion, you’ll remember that this method uses the discount rate to determine the intrinsic value of commercial properties. DCFM does this by discounting the future expected net cash flows, taking the inherent risk into account.

An investor will most likely attach value to a commercial property based on its projected income, considering the risk involved.

Recall:

$$\text{Cap rate} = (\text{Discount rate} – \text{Growth rate})$$

Therefore, when we substitute for the discount rate:

$$\text{Discount rate} = (\text{Cap rate} + \text{Growth rate})$$

Take note of the following:

• Cap rate is based on NOI as of year one.
• Growth rate focuses on future changes in NOI concerning property value.
• The basic difference between the discount rate and the cap rate lies in the growth in income and value.
• The similarity, in both the discount rate and the cap rate, is that they both start from the same NOI in year one.
• Practically, an investor will likely pay more for an increasing income than one that is constant. Hence, when the price is higher, the cap rate will be lower, explaining the cap rate’s growth concept.
• If the growth rate is constant, then the equation becomes similar to the dividend growth model.

## Question

An investor has the following commercial real estate properties.

$$\small{\begin{array}{c|c|c|c} \textbf{Commercial Property} & \bf{X} & \bf{Y} & \bf{Z} \\ \hline \text{NOI} & 2,000,000 & 4,000,000 & 12,000,000 \\ \hline \text{Value} & ? & 32,000,000 & 170,000,000 \\ \hline \text{Lease terms (Years)} & 8 & 6 & 2 \end{array}}$$

Using the direct capitalization valuation method, the value of Property X is closest to:

1. $2,000,000. 2.$32,000,000.
3. \$16,000,000.

### Solution

Property X is closely similar to Property Y , compared to Property Z in terms of the lease period and NOI value. Given this information, we can estimate the value of Property X using cap rate calculated from information derived from Property Y as follows:

$${\text{Property Y cap rate }(r_y)} = \frac{\text{NOI}_y}{\text{Value}_y} = \frac{4,000,000}{32,000,000} = 12.5\%$$

Value of Property $$X(V_x)$$, therefore, is calculated as:

$$V_x = \frac {NOI_x}{r_y} = \frac {2,000,000}{12.5\%} = 16,000,000$$

A is incorrect. The amount relates to the NOI value for Property X.

B is incorrect. The amount relates to Property Y’s value, which aids in calculating the cap rate.

LOS (i) Calculate a property’s value using the direct capitalization and discounted cash flow methods.

Featured Study with Us
CFA® Exam and FRM® Exam Prep Platform offered by AnalystPrep

Study Platform

Learn with Us

Subscribe to our newsletter and keep up with the latest and greatest tips for success
Online Tutoring
Our videos feature professional educators presenting in-depth explanations of all topics introduced in the curriculum.

Video Lessons

Daniel Glyn
2021-03-24
I have finished my FRM1 thanks to AnalystPrep. And now using AnalystPrep for my FRM2 preparation. Professor Forjan is brilliant. He gives such good explanations and analogies. And more than anything makes learning fun. A big thank you to Analystprep and Professor Forjan. 5 stars all the way!
michael walshe
2021-03-18
Professor James' videos are excellent for understanding the underlying theories behind financial engineering / financial analysis. The AnalystPrep videos were better than any of the others that I searched through on YouTube for providing a clear explanation of some concepts, such as Portfolio theory, CAPM, and Arbitrage Pricing theory. Watching these cleared up many of the unclarities I had in my head. Highly recommended.
Nyka Smith
2021-02-18
Every concept is very well explained by Nilay Arun. kudos to you man!
2021-02-13
Agustin Olcese
2021-01-27
Excellent explantions, very clear!
Jaak Jay
2021-01-14
Awesome content, kudos to Prof.James Frojan
sindhushree reddy
2021-01-07
Crisp and short ppt of Frm chapters and great explanation with examples.