Rental Yield Calculator
Estimate the gross rental yield on an investment property. Enter the property value and expected weekly rent to see your annual return as a percentage. Use this to quickly compare rental returns across different properties.
How this calculator works
Enter the property value
Use the purchase price (for properties you're considering buying) or the current market value (for existing investments). Don't include purchase costs or improvements.
Enter the weekly rent
Use the actual rent (for tenanted properties) or the realistic market rent based on comparable listings in the area. Be conservative — overstated rent skews the yield.
Review the gross yield
See the annualised return as a percentage. Compare yields across multiple properties to identify cash-flow opportunities, and compare to local market averages on property portals.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good gross rental yield in Australia?
There's no single 'good' yield — it depends on the market. As a general benchmark: yields under 3% are considered low (typical for inner-city Melbourne and Sydney), 4–5% is moderate, and 6%+ is considered high (more common in regional and outer suburbs). High-yield areas often have lower capital growth potential, so investors usually choose between yield and growth.
What's the difference between gross and net rental yield?
Gross yield is annual rent divided by property value, before any costs. Net yield subtracts ongoing costs (council rates, water, insurance, strata fees, maintenance, property management, vacancies) before dividing by property value. Net yield gives a much more accurate picture of the actual return — it's typically 1.5–2.5 percentage points lower than gross yield.
How do vacancies and costs affect my real return?
Even short vacancies dramatically reduce yield. A 4-week vacancy in a year cuts effective yield by roughly 8%. Property management fees (typically 7–10% of rent) and ongoing maintenance further reduce the cash return. Always model net yield with realistic assumptions about vacancies and costs before buying for cash flow.
Should I prioritise rental yield or capital growth?
It depends on your strategy. Cash-flow investors prioritise high yield (positive cash flow with minimal top-ups). Growth investors prioritise capital growth and accept lower yield (negatively geared). Many investors blend both — aiming for a balance of moderate yield and steady growth in established areas.
Does this calculator include negative gearing or tax effects?
No. This is a gross yield calculator only. Negative gearing, depreciation, capital gains tax, and other tax consequences depend on your individual financial situation and require modelling with a tax accountant or property investment specialist.