What is IRR in Real Estate?

Investors use different metrics to assess potential investments. One of these metrics is internal rate of return (IRR). Real estate investors use this metric because it includes several factors that are not included in the calculation of return on investment (ROI).

As a metric, IRR is based around the idea of the net present value (NPV) of money. NPV represents the difference between the present value of cash gains and the present value of cash losses over a certain period of time. This means NPV and IRR have similar uses. They have the same goal of determining profitability over time.

With the IRR calculation, an investor considers the projected cash flow and the time value of money (TVM) when calculating a project’s ROI. Calculating IRR can help investors choose between multiple options before investing. Selecting the real estate property with the highest IRR would likely lead to greater returns.

Investors can use IRR to estimate how much prospective real estate investments will be worth in the future by showing what it is currently worth. IRR calculations rely heavily on projected future cash flows, which means it is not entirely accurate. Projected cash flow can be influenced by external factors that are unpredictable.

So while IRR does not give you a completely accurate depiction of a property’s future returns, it can still help you recognize the investment opportunities with the most potential.

What is IRR in Real Estate & How is it Determined?​

Internal rate of return is a metric that is used to evaluate real estate investments over time. Investors can use it to evaluate the profitability of a potential investment. IRR can also be used by business managers to analyze capital budgeting projects. [1]

By calculating IRR, investors can make more intelligent investment decisions. It is a way to compare the future value of a particular real estate investment as if it were valued in today’s dollar. Calculating a property’s current value and its potential future value will help investors determine its risk.

The IRR is often used as a tool for comparing real estate projects and making capital budgeting decisions. In general, a higher IRR indicates a more profitable investment.

IRR can be used to evaluate commercial real estate, residential real estate, and other types of investments.

The formula for calculating IRR is as follows: [2]

Internal Rate of Return (IRR) = (Future Value ÷ Present Value)^(1 ÷ Number of Periods) – 1

It is important to note that investors are not expected to calculate IRR by hand. A real estate investor can use a financial calculator and simply enter the details of a real estate property to calculate the final IRR within seconds. There are plenty of IRR calculators online that will provide a variety of options and levels of detail. [1]

What is the Difference Between IRR and ROI?

While there are similarities between IRR and ROI, they are not interchangeable. In fact, these two metrics will have different outcomes entirely.

ROI refers to an investment property’s annual growth rate and is calculated by taking the difference between the current or expected value and the original value divided by the original value, multiplied by 100. [1]

So while ROI calculates what has already occurred, IRR gives you a projection of what will happen to the property. Return on investment does not consider TVM, while IRR does. But because ROI is easier to calculate, most investors use this method instead of IRR.

Tax Depreciation Benefits of Owning Real Estate​

While IRR can help you determine an investment’s potential, it does have its limitations. IRR can predict cash flow but it is still limited to estimates and projections. As such, it can be misinterpreted. Investors should always keep this in mind when using IRR for prospective real estate investments. Do not use IRR as the sole basis for your investment decisions. [2]

One limitation of IRR is that it can lead to some ambiguity in cases where there are multiple changes in sign in the cash flow stream. It is possible to get multiple IRR values, which can make the results ambiguous.

IRR also ignores cash flows beyond the payback period. IRR only considers cash flows up to the payback period and ignores any cash flows beyond that period. Since some investments may have higher returns over a longer time period, this can lead to inaccurate investment decisions.

IRR is also sensitive to the size of the initial investment, which can distort the true profitability of the real estate property.

The most effective way to find the best investment opportunity while building your portfolio is to use multiple metrics. [2]

What is a “Good” Internal Rate of Return for a Real Estate Investment?​

Generally, a higher IRR is considered better, as it represents a higher return on investment. An IRR that exceeds the cost of capital or a benchmark rate of return is considered good.

However, what is considered a “good” IRR depends on the investor’s goals, the investment’s risk level, the cost of capital, etc. What one investor may consider an acceptable IRR may not be ideal for another. Some investors may prefer an IRR of 25% or higher. Others may be more comfortable with a 20% IRR. Use internal rate of return to determine the profitability of a real estate property based on your specific financial goals and investment strategy.

Using various metrics can help you make better real estate investing decisions.

A Great Investment Option for Accredited Real Estate Investors: Multifamily Syndication​

Out of all the real estate investing strategies you can try, multifamily investing is one of the most profitable. However, it’s not easy to get into multifamily investing because it usually comes with a much larger barrier to entry due to the fact that these properties are much more expensive.

The average investor could not purchase an entire apartment building on their own because these properties can cost millions. Even accredited investors may not want to purchase an apartment complex all on their own, despite having the income and net worth for it.

Another major challenge is property management. It’s not easy being a landlord, but it’s even tougher to manage a large multifamily real estate property especially if you do not have enough experience. Landlords have to collect rent, manage tenants, handle repairs, and deal with the day to day operations of the entire building. It’s a very hands-on investment approach if you are not interested in hiring a property manager.

But if you overcome these challenges, multifamily real estate can provide a strong and consistent cash flow. Luckily, there’s multifamily syndication: a real estate investing strategy that solves the biggest problems associated with multifamily investing.

Multifamily syndication is a real estate investment strategy where a group of investors pool their money together to purchase and manage a large apartment complex or multifamily property. [3]

The investors share the risks, responsibilities, and profits of the investment. The syndication is usually led by a sponsor or a general partner who manages the day-to-day operations of the property and oversees the investment on behalf of the investors.

Investors receive returns from rental income and appreciation of the property’s value, depending on the deal structure. Multifamily syndication is a popular investment strategy among real estate investors seeking passive income and long-term wealth building opportunities.

By participating in a syndication deal, you can avoid the high upfront costs of multifamily investing. This setup means investors don’t have to worry about buying an entire apartment building by themselves.

The syndicator will also handle property management, taking it off your hands. It eliminates the usual headaches that come with being a landlord. This makes multifamily syndication a truly passive investment. [3]

Multifamily syndication helps investors diversify their portfolio while generating passive income. The syndication deal is also safer compared to purchasing an apartment building by yourself because the risk is spread among multiple investors.

Syndicators like BAM Capital offer professional management so that investors no longer have to worry about the day-to-day operations of the property. This allows investors to focus their energy on other wealth-building endeavors.

Multifamily syndication also lets investors enjoy significant tax benefits such as depreciation deductions and the ability to defer capital gains taxes through 1031 exchanges.

Overall, multifamily syndication offers a range of benefits to investors without a much lower level of risk involved. It’s an attractive investment option for those looking to generate steady income and build wealth over time.

It is important to take note that most syndication deals are only accessible to accredited investors.

Why Accredited Investors Choose BAM Capital for Multifamily Syndication

Multifamily syndication can be a great source of passive income, and the best part is that it does not take as much work as purchasing an apartment complex by yourself. You still need to do some due diligence when it comes to choosing a syndicator to work with, but most of the work is done once you have selected a syndicator you trust.

In order to fully enjoy the benefits of multifamily syndication, you need to work with a trustworthy syndicator.

BAM Capital is an Indianapolis-based syndicator that is known for its consistent track record. This syndicator now has over $700 million AUM and 5,000+ units, making it one of the most reliable syndicators for accredited investors.

BAM Capital has a strong Midwest focus, prioritizing properties that are Class A, A-, and B++. They offer properties with in-place cash flow and proven upside potential. Add in BAM Capital’s award-winning approach that creates forced appreciation and you have a recipe for success. BAM Capital makes sure to mitigate the risk faced by their investors. Their goal is to help accredited investors grow their wealth through multifamily syndication. [5]

This is a vertically-integrated company, meaning they can handle every step of the syndication process and guide you along the way. They will negotiate the purchasing of high quality multifamily real estate and also handle property management and renovations. [5]

No investment is without risk. Make sure to consult your investment advisor or speak to a BAM Capital investment team member before making any financial decisions.

For accredited investors who want to enjoy the passive income and all the other benefits of being in a multifamily syndication, look no further than BAM Capital. Schedule a call with BAM Capital and invest today.