Are you looking to invest in an income property in Toronto but don’t know where to start? 

One way to build long-term wealth that could be profitable is to invest in a condo in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Before making a decision, it is important to look at the finances and numbers of the property. 

In this post, we’ll talk about what you need to consider when evaluating the finances of an investment condo property in and around Toronto.

Research the Rental Market

The first step in analyzing the financials of a condo investment property is to research the rental market around the Greater Toronto Area. You need to evaluate what the rental rates are like in the area and what potential renters are looking for in a condo. 

RELATED: The Pros & Cons of Investing in Condos in Toronto: What Every Investor Should Know

Another indicator would be the vacancy rates in the area. A low vacancy rate indicates that there is a high demand for rental properties in the area, which means that you are more likely to find renters for your condo. A high vacancy rate, on the other hand, suggests that there is less demand for rental properties in the area, and it could indicate an area to avoid.

Calculate the Gross Rental Income

Once you have a good understanding of the rental market, you can calculate the gross rental income for the condo. The gross rental income is the total income that you can expect to generate from the condo rental.

Gross Rental Income = Monthly Rent x 12 months x (1 – (Vacancy Rate(%)/100))

You can also estimate this using the rental rates you found in your research to estimate the rental income, which could help with initial decision making.

Determine the Net Operating Income (NOI)

The net operating income (NOI) is the income that is left over after you subtract all of the operating expenses from the gross rental income. This includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and property management fees.

NOI = Income – Expenses

The NOI is a crucial metric in analyzing the financials of an investment property. It tells you how much money you can expect to generate from the rental property after you pay all of the operating expenses.

Calculate the Cap Rate

The cap rate is another crucial metric in analyzing the financials of a condo investment property. It is a ratio that measures the potential return on investment of the property. The cap rate is calculated by dividing the NOI by the purchase price of the property.

For example, if the NOI is $50,000 and the purchase price of the property is $500,000, the cap rate would be 10%. A higher cap rate indicates a higher potential return on investment.

Evaluate the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

The debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) is a ratio that measures the property’s ability to cover its debt obligations. It is calculated by dividing the NOI by the annual debt service (principal and interest payments).

Most people think that a DSCR of 1.25 or higher is a good sign of financial stability. This means that the property is generating enough income to cover its debt obligations and is less likely to default on its loans.

Assess the Cash-On-Cash Return

The cash-on-cash return is a ratio that measures the return on investment based on the amount of cash invested. It is found by dividing the property’s annual cash flow by the total amount of cash invested in it.

For example, if the annual cash flow is $30,000 and the total cash invested in the property is $300,000, the cash-on-cash return would be 10%. A higher cash-on-cash return indicates a higher potential return on investment.

Evaluate the Potential Appreciation

Along with rental income, it’s important to think about how much the property could go up in value. The appreciation rate is the rate at which the property value increases over time. This can be influenced by various factors, including local economic growth, population growth, and infrastructure development.

To figure out how much the property might go up in value, you can look into its past and future growth rates. You can also look for any upcoming development or infrastructure projects that may impact property values. For example, if there is a new transit line being built near the condo, it could increase the value of the property.

Overall, it takes a lot of research and analysis to figure out the financials of a condo investment property in the Greater Toronto Area. You need to understand the rental market, calculate the gross rental income and NOI, evaluate the cap rate and DSCR, assess the cash-on-cash return, and consider the potential appreciation.

Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent and accountant is important to make sure that all financial analysis is accurate and complete. They can help you identify potential risks and opportunities and make informed decisions about your investment.

In addition, you should also consider the location, age, and condition of the property. A well-maintained and modern property in a desirable location is more likely to attract renters and generate a higher return on investment.

Great Property Management Starts With Contacting DelRentals

In conclusion, investing in a condo property in the Greater Toronto Area can be a great way to build long-term wealth, but it is important to look at the finances of the property before making any investment decisions. If you follow these steps and work with professionals who have been in the business for a while, you can make better decisions and increase your chances of being successful in the real estate market.

Are you looking for more information on how to properly manage a high-rise condo rental property in Toronto? Contact DelRentals today to learn more and see what works best for the hundreds of landlords like you.