Is your property really paying you enough? Use a Rental Yield Calculator to check now.
Check your true rental ROI in 30 seconds.
Buying to let is only profitable if the math stacks up.
Our free Rental Yield Calculator lets you know your gross yield, net yield, and pay-back period before listing the property.
Just add purchase price, monthly rent, and annual costs – the numbers update live so you can tweak scenarios on the fly.
How to Use a Rental Yield Calculator
Time needed: 2 minutes
A Rental Yield Calculator is a powerful tool that automates the calculation process, making it faster and more accurate.
Follow these steps to get the most out of it:
- Enter the Purchase Price
Input the total cost of the property. Ensure you include major expenses like renovations or upgrades if applicable.
For example, ₹1,00,00,000 (₹1 Crore). - Add Operational Costs
Enter all recurring annual expenses associated with the property. These could include:
Maintenance fees
Property taxes
Insurance premiums
For this example, say this is ₹12,000. - Input Monthly Rental Income
Provide the monthly rent you receive from tenants.
For example, ₹35,000 for a 2BHK apartment in a prime location. - Review the Results
The calculator will automatically display:
Gross Income: Your total rental income before expenses.
Annual Income: Net income after deducting costs.
Rental Yield: The percentage return on your investment.
Payback Period: How long will it take to recover your initial investment?
– Gross Income: The total rental income before deducting costs (₹35,000 × 12 = ₹4,20,000 annually).
– Annual Income: The total income after deducting operational costs (₹4,20,000 – ₹12,000 = ₹4,08,000).
– Rental Yield: The percentage return on investment (4.08% in this example).
– Payback Period: The time it will take to recover the purchase price through rental income (24 years and 6 months).
What is Rental Yield?
Rental yield represents the percentage return on a property’s value generated through rental income. It helps investors evaluate how profitable a property is relative to its purchase cost, operational expenses, and market trends.
Gross Rental Yield
- A straightforward calculation of rental income as a percentage of the property’s purchase price.
- Formula:
Gross Rental Yield=(Annual Rental Income/Purchase Price)×100
Net Rental Yield
- A more detailed metric that subtracts operational costs like maintenance, taxes, and insurance.
- Formula:
Net Rental Yield= {(Annual Rental Income−Operational Costs)/Purchase Price } x 100
Gross vs Net Rental Yield: What’s The Difference?
Here’s a concise Gross Rental Yield vs Net Rental Yield comparison in a tabular format:
Feature | Gross Rental Yield | Net Rental Yield |
---|---|---|
Definition | Rental income as % of property value, before expenses | Rental income minus expenses as % of property value |
Calculation | (Annual Rent / Property Value) × 100 | ((Annual Rent – Expenses) / Property Value) × 100 |
Includes Expenses? | No | Yes |
Complexity | Simple, quick to calculate | More detailed, requires expense data |
Usefulness | Initial screening, quick comparison | Accurate profitability, informed investment decisions |
Typical Yield | Higher (overestimates returns) | Lower (realistic returns) |
Case-Study: “Will This ₹1 Crore Flat Pay for Itself?”
(A day in the life of a Bangalore home-buyer)
1. Meet the Protagonist
Ayesha Rao, a 33-year-old product manager in Bengaluru’s start-up corridor, has just received her annual bonus. She dreams of buying a 2-BHK that can double up as an investment while she continues to rent closer to work. Scrolling through listings on a Sunday morning, one apartment on Sarjapur Road catches her eye:
- Quoted All-In Price: ₹1,00,00,000 (includes stamp duty & registration)
- Expected Monthly Rent: ₹35,000 (broker quotes from three recent leases)
- Annual Society Charges & Misc. Upkeep: ₹12,000
Ayesha decides to run the numbers before letting the glossy brochure sway her.
2. Turning Coffee-Shop Conversations into Cash-Flow:
At a nearby café, she opens a spreadsheet and plugs in the figures:
Step | What She Does | Calculation | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Gross Rental Income | ₹35,000 × 12 | ₹4,20,000 |
2 | Subtract Annual Costs | ₹4,20,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹4,08,000 (Net Income) |
3 | Rental Yield % | (₹4,08,000 ÷ ₹1,00,00,000) × 100 | 4.08 % |
4 | Payback Period | ₹1,00,00,000 ÷ ₹4,08,000 | ≈ 24.5 years |
She highlights 4.08 % in yellow—that’s her take-home yield after costs.
3. Real-World Context:
- Broker’s Pitch vs. Reality
The broker boasted a “4 %+ yield—great for Bangalore!”
Ayesha’s sheet confirms it: Yes, but only barely. - The 25-Year Litmus Test
Her parents, who bought property in the 1990s, always used a thumb rule:
“If the rent can repay the price in ~20–22 years, it’s decent; any longer, you’re banking heavily on appreciation.”
At 24.5 years, this flat sits on the cusp. - Opportunity-Cost Check
She compares the 4.08 % net yield with:- A tax-free 4 % savings account (too low)
- A 7.1 % PPF (locked for 15 yrs but higher)
- A 12 % index-fund SIP (volatile but historically stronger)
- Vacancy & Repairs—The Dark Horse
One month’s vacancy would shave ~0.3 % off yield, pushing payback beyond 25 years. A major repaint could erase another half-year of income overnight.
4. Decision Time: Heart vs. Spreadsheet
- Emotional Pull: Sarjapur’s new metro line, cafés, and a good builder brand.
- Financial Verdict: Acceptable yield but no margin of safety.
Ayesha drafts two action plans:
If She Buys | If She Passes |
---|---|
Negotiate ₹5–7 lakh discount to bring payback < 23 yrs | Park funds in a balanced index + debt fund SIP |
List on a corporate-housing portal to minimize vacancy | Re-evaluate market in 12 months or seek REIT exposure |
Re-run numbers every year; sell if yield < 3.5 % | — |
5. Key Lessons:
- Run the Net, Not the Gross: That ₹35k headline rent felt impressive—until upkeep trimmed it to 4.08 %.
- Payback Period Keeps You Grounded: Anything nudging 25 years demands above-average capital appreciation to beat equities.
- Excel Before Emotions: One spreadsheet hour can save decades of under-performing returns.
- Stress-Test Scenarios: Always model 1-month vacancy and 10 % unexpected repairs. If the deal still sings, you’ve found a keeper.
Bottom Line:
Ayesha’s story shows how a seemingly attractive listing translates into a modest 4 % yield and a quarter-century payback. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, let the numbers, not the brochure photos, take the driver’s seat.
Looking at Average Rental Yields in India Now: A Comparative Study
Here is a detailed city/town/area-level list of the highest rental yields in India currently, based on recent 2025 data and trends:
1. Hyderabad
- Kokapet: Emerging as a prime rental hotspot with strong IT and financial sector growth, metro connectivity, and Outer Ring Road advantage.
- Expected Rental Yield: 7-10%
- Reasons: Rapid IT expansion, infrastructure boom, and high influx of professionals driving rental demand.
2. Bangalore
- Whitefield: Major IT parks like ITPL and EPIP Zone attract IT professionals and expats.
- Expected Rental Yield: 6-9%
- Reasons: Strong employment base, premium residential developments, upcoming metro connectivity boosting accessibility.
- Bangalore also leads in office space rental yields, with a 26% growth in yields over 5 years, highest among Indian cities.
3. Pune
- Hinjewadi, Magarpatta, Kharadi: Thriving IT hubs attracting professionals.
- Expected Rental Yield: Around 5-7% (general city range)
- Reasons: Expanding IT sector, educational institutions, and growing demand for co-living spaces.
4. Mumbai Metropolitan Region
- Thane: Affordable alternative to Mumbai with strong rental demand.
- Expected Rental Yield: 5-8%
- Reasons: Infrastructure growth (metro, expressways), commercial expansion, and lower property prices compared to Mumbai city.
5. Chennai
- Pallikaranai: Close to IT corridors and healthcare hubs.
- Expected Rental Yield: 5-7%
- Reasons: Affordable housing demand, good connectivity to Velachery, OMR, and GST Road.
- Chennai office space rental yields grew by 20% in recent years, driven by BFSI and manufacturing sectors.
- Average gross residential rental yield around 3.6%, with rental prices rising steadily.
6. Kolkata
- New Town: Smart city development with IT and commercial growth.
- Expected Rental Yield: 6-8%
- Reasons: Affordable property prices, high rental demand, and growing infrastructure.
7. Ahmedabad
- GIFT City and SG Highway: Highest rental yields in Ahmedabad.
- Expected Rental Yield: 5-7% in GIFT City and SG Highway; 4.5-6.5% in SG Highway specifically
- Other areas like Bopal, Thaltej, and Naroda offer 3-6% yields depending on locality.
- Reasons: Proximity to corporate offices, educational institutions, shopping malls, and good connectivity.
8. Delhi-NCR
- Rental yields vary but emerging suburbs show promise.
- Average rental price growth around 27% YoY in Q4 2024.
- Commercial real estate is a strong driver of rental demand.
Summary Table of Approximate Rental Yields by City/Area
City/Area | Rental Yield Range (%) | Key Drivers |
---|---|---|
Hyderabad (Kokapet) | 7 – 10 | IT growth, metro connectivity, affordability |
Bangalore (Whitefield) | 6 – 9 | IT parks, expats, metro connectivity |
Pune (Hinjewadi, Magarpatta) | ~5 – 7 | IT sector, education institutions |
Mumbai (Thane) | 5 – 8 | Affordable alternative, infrastructure growth |
Chennai (Pallikaranai) | 5 – 7 | IT corridor, healthcare, connectivity |
Kolkata (New Town) | 6 – 8 | Smart city, IT growth, affordability |
Ahmedabad (GIFT City, SG Highway) | 4.5 – 7 | Corporate proximity, infrastructure |
Delhi-NCR (Emerging suburbs) | Varies, up to ~6-7 | Commercial demand, government offices |
Additional Notes
- Southern cities (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai) lead in office space rental yield growth, with Bangalore highest at 26% growth over 5 years.
- Rental yields tend to be higher in emerging suburbs or satellite towns compared to city centers due to affordability and infrastructure development.
- IT hubs and areas with strong corporate presence consistently show higher rental yields.
- Co-living spaces and student accommodations are increasingly driving rental demand in cities like Pune and Bangalore.
This list reflects the current rental yield hotspots in India for 2025, combining residential and commercial rental yield data to provide a comprehensive view for investors. Rental Yield Calculator.
Source of Information: Top 5 Rental Investment Hotspots in India in 2025 | By the Times of India.
Why Use a Rental Yield Calculator?
The usage of a Rental Yield Calculator has several key financial benefits, the biggest of them include:
- Accurate Analysis: Eliminates the need for manual calculations, reducing errors.
- Scenario Planning: Easily compare multiple properties or evaluate how changes in rent or costs impact profitability.
- Time Efficiency: Instant results save time and effort.
- Investment Confidence: Provides a clear picture of whether a property is worth the investment.
Calculating Rental Incomes: Identifying Undervalued Properties for Investment
Let’s understand how to identify undervalued properties (ripe for investment) using the Rental Income Calculator Estimation method.
Case Study
Is a ₹1 Crore Apartment in Sarjapur Road Fairly Priced?
Applying the “Rental-Yield + Capital-Gain” Rule-of-Thumb
1. Background & Objective
Bangalore investors often rely on gut feel or broker talk when judging whether a flat is over-priced.
This case study walks through a data-driven check on a brand-new 2-BHK in Sarjapur Road listed at ₹1 crore, using the quick formula:
Total Return % = Rental Yield % + Expected Capital Appreciation %
If Total Return ≥ 12 %, the property is considered attractively priced compared with alternative investments (Nifty-50 SIP, corporate bonds, etc.). Anything below 12 % flags a potential over-valuation.
2. Core Assumptions & Data
Item | Source / Rationale | Value |
---|---|---|
Purchase Price | Quoted by developer (all-in cost incl. stamp duty) | ₹1,00,00,000 |
Market Rent | Current listings for similar 2-BHKs, 1,200 sq ft | ₹20,000 / month |
Vacancy / Maintenance | 1 month vacancy + ₹4 psf maintenance | ₹30,000 / yr (approx.) |
Expected Annual Price Growth | Historical Sarjapur CAGR (last 10 yrs) | 10 % |
Note: Bengaluru’s gross rental yields hover between 2 % and 3 %; 10 % capital growth is on the optimistic side but still achievable in fast-growing micro-markets.
3. Step-by-Step Calculation
- Annual Gross Rent
₹20,000 × 12 = ₹2,40,000 - Net Rent after Costs
₹2,40,000 – ₹30,000 = ₹2,10,000 - Rental Yield %
(₹2,10,000 ÷ ₹1,00,00,000) × 100 = 2.1 % - Total Return %
2.1 % (yield) + 10 % (price growth) = 12.1 %
Result: 12.1 % ≥ 12 % ⇒ Passes the quick test → “Good Price”.
4. Sensitivity Analysis
(What happens if our rosy assumptions shift?)
Scenario | Capital Gain % | Net Rental Yield % | Total Return % | Verdict |
---|---|---|---|---|
Base Case | 10 % | 2.1 % | 12.1 % | Good |
Price growth slows | 7 % | 2.1 % | 9.1 % | Over-valued |
Rent rises to ₹23k | 10 % | 2.43 % | 12.4 % | Good |
2-month vacancy | 10 % | 1.9 % | 11.9 % | Borderline |
Take-away: the model is highly sensitive to capital appreciation—a small drop from 10 % to 7 % pushes the deal into over-valued territory.
5. Benchmark Comparison
Investment Option | Expected Annual Return* | Liquidity | Risk Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Nifty 50 Index Fund | 12–14 % | High (T+1) | Market risk |
Corporate Bond Fund | 8–9 % | High | Interest-rate risk |
This Apartment (Base Case) | 12.1 % | Low (illiquid) | Market + Tenant risk |
*Post-tax returns assumed for 3-year holding period.
Property barely matches a diversified equity SIP’s expected return while tying up ₹1 crore in a single asset—an important consideration for risk-averse investors.
6. Decision Framework for Buyers
- Verify the Inputs
• Check actual rent agreements, not listing prices.
• Use realistic CAGR (consult Knight Frank or ANAROCK micro-market reports). - Stress-Test the Deal
• Re-run the calculator at 6 % capital growth and 1 month vacancy.
• If Total Return still ≥ 12 %, you have a margin of safety. - Compare Opportunity Cost
• Ask: “Would investing ₹1 crore in index funds + REITs give me a better risk-adjusted payoff?” - Account for Leverage
• A 70 % home loan changes cash-on-cash returns drastically. Always model EMI, tax deduction (Section 24B), and interest outgo.
7. Key Lessons for Readers
- Rental Yield alone is rarely enough in Indian metros; appreciation carries the deal, but it’s speculative. It’s always to use a Rental Yield Calculator to cross-check these financial decisions.
- 12 % is just a rule-of-thumb, rooted in historical equity returns. Your personal hurdle rate may differ.
- Do a full cash-flow model (including registration, brokerage, renovation, exit charges) before committing.
Bottom line: On optimistic assumptions, the Sarjapur Road flat squeaks through the 12 % hurdle—but reduce capital growth even slightly and the investment looks ordinary. Use this framework to sanity-check any listing before you sign an agreement.
Factors Influencing Rental Yield in India
A Rental Yield Calculator uses several key factors to determine your net and gross rental income, some of these factors include:
Factor | Description |
---|---|
Property Location | Prime areas tend to have higher rents but also higher property values, which may lower rental yield. |
Operational Costs | Higher maintenance or taxes reduce net yield. |
Occupancy Rates | Frequent vacancies decrease annual income, affecting profitability. |
Market Trends | Growing areas or tech hubs (e.g., Whitefield in Bangalore) often offer better yields. |
Which Cities in India Offer the Highest Rental Yields for Residential Properties?
The cities in India offering the highest rental yields for residential properties as of early 2025 are:
1. Bengaluru
- Rental Yield: Approximately 4.45% (Q1 2024)
- Key Areas: Sarjapur Road, Whitefield, Electronic City
- Drivers: Robust IT sector, strong demand from IT professionals, rising rental prices (8% surge in prime areas), and return-to-office trends.
- Bengaluru leads among metros with the highest residential rental yields, reflecting strong rental demand and relatively affordable property prices compared to Mumbai and Delhi.
2. Ahmedabad
- Rental Yield: Around 3.9% (highest among Indian cities per Magicbricks report)
- Key Areas: Shela, South Bopal
- Drivers: Affordable property prices (~₹5,927/sq.ft), strong rental demand, 7.9% rent increase in recent quarters, and steady capital appreciation.
- Ahmedabad offers the best rental yields due to a combination of affordable prices and rising rents, making it attractive for rental income investors.
3. Kolkata
- Rental Yield: About 5.03% (Magicbricks data) or up to 3.9% in other reports
- Key Areas: New Town, key residential hubs
- Drivers: Affordable real estate, steady population growth, diverse economy, and rising rents (12.9% YoY increase).
- Kolkata is noted for stable rental yields and consistent rental demand, making it a lucrative market for landlords.
4. Chennai
- Rental Yield: Around 3.1% to 5.06%
- Key Areas: Adyar, Anna Nagar, Mylapore, Pallikaranai
- Drivers: Proximity to commercial hubs and educational institutions, steady rental growth (~7%), and moderate property prices.
- Chennai’s rental yields are moderate but stable, supported by tech and service sectors.
5. Hyderabad
- Rental Yield: Approximately 3.35% to 3.88%
- Key Areas: Madhapur, HITEC City, Gachibowli, Kokapet, Tellapur, Shamshabad
- Drivers: Booming IT and business sectors, infrastructure projects (metro, ring roads), rising rents (28.2% increase in some areas), and affordable property prices relative to metros.
- Hyderabad is emerging as a top city for rental returns with yields rising due to strong demand from tech professionals and infrastructural growth.
6. Pune
- Rental Yield: Around 3.09% to 4.35%
- Key Areas: Hinjewadi, Magarpatta, Kharadi
- Drivers: Educational institutions, IT and industrial growth, and demand for co-living and rental housing.
- Pune’s rental market is growing steadily, with yields improving due to diverse tenant base and infrastructure development.
7. Delhi NCR (including Gurugram, Noida)
- Rental Yield: Varies from 2.5% to 4% depending on locality
- Key Areas: South Delhi, Gurugram, Noida sectors (150, Greater Noida West), Yamuna Expressway
- Drivers: Government offices, embassies, commercial hubs, and infrastructure projects like RRTS and metro expansions.
- Rental yields in Delhi NCR are generally lower compared to Bengaluru or Ahmedabad but can reach up to 4% in emerging suburbs and affordable localities.
8. Mumbai Metropolitan Region
- Rental Yield: Around 2.44% to 4.15% (higher in suburbs like Thane, Panvel)
- Key Areas: Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kanjurmarg
- Drivers: Financial capital with high property prices, steady rental demand in suburbs, infrastructure projects (Metro, Coastal Road).
- Mumbai’s rental yields are lower due to high property costs, but the suburbs offer relatively better yields.
- Summary Table of Residential Rental Yields in Top Indian Cities (Approximate)
City | Rental Yield Range (%) | Key Areas / Drivers |
---|---|---|
Bengaluru | 4.0 – 4.5 | Sarjapur Road, Whitefield; IT sector demand |
Ahmedabad | ~3.9 | Shela, South Bopal; affordable prices, rising rents |
Kolkata | 3.7 – 5.0 | New Town; steady economy and rental demand |
Chennai | 3.1 – 5.0 | Adyar, Anna Nagar; proximity to commercial hubs |
Hyderabad | 3.3 – 3.9 | HITEC City, Gachibowli; IT boom, infrastructure |
Pune | 3.1 – 4.3 | Hinjewadi, Magarpatta; education and IT hubs |
Delhi NCR | 2.5 – 4.0 | South Delhi, Gurugram, Noida; govt offices, infrastructure |
Mumbai MMR | 2.4 – 4.1 | Thane, Navi Mumbai; financial hub suburbs |
Key Insights
- Bengaluru currently leads in residential rental yields among metros due to strong IT-driven rental demand.
- Ahmedabad tops in terms of highest rental yield percentage due to affordable property prices combined with rising rents.
- Kolkata and Chennai also offer attractive rental yields, especially in well-connected and commercial proximity areas.
- Hyderabad and Pune are emerging as strong rental markets with growing IT and educational sectors.
- Delhi NCR and Mumbai have relatively lower rental yields due to high property prices but offer good opportunities in emerging suburbs.
This data reflects rental yields primarily for residential properties and is based on recent market reports and research from 2024-2025. A Rental Yield Calculator will help potential investors make the right financial decisions.
Source of Information: An Analysis of Rental Yields in India | By Asset Monk.
Tips to Maximize Rental Yield
- Optimize Rent Pricing: Set competitive rents based on market research.
- Reduce Vacancies: Start advertising before a lease expires.
- Minimize Costs: Choose cost-effective maintenance and insurance options.
- Target High-Demand Areas: Invest in locations with strong rental demand, like IT hubs or university towns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using The Rental Yield Calculator
Not Factoring Vacancy Periods: Always account for at least one month of vacancy annually.
Ignoring Costs: Exclude no expenses when calculating net yield, as hidden costs can reduce profitability.
Overestimating Rent: Base rental income on realistic market rates, not optimistic assumptions.
Conclusion
The Rental Yield Calculator is a must-have tool for property investors looking to assess profitability and make informed decisions.
Automating complex calculations saves time, minimizes errors, and offers valuable insights into gross and net rental yields. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring your first property purchase, this calculator provides the clarity you need to maximize returns.
Start using the Rental Yield Calculator today and unlock smarter property investment decisions!
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Rental yield measures the annual rental income as a percentage of the property’s value, indicating the return on investment.
A good rental yield in India typically ranges from 6-8%.
However, this can vary widely depending on the city, property type, and market dynamics.
A 4% rental yield can be considered good depending on location, market conditions, and investment goals.
It may indicate favorable returns in high-demand areas.
Location affects rental yield through demand and supply dynamics, property values, and rental rates.
High-demand areas can command higher rents, potentially increasing yield, while areas with oversupply might see lower yields.
Local economic conditions and amenities also play crucial roles, as they can attract tenants willing to pay more, influencing both property valuation and rental income positively.
Rental yield can offer insights into the immediate return on investment and is useful for comparing properties.
However, it doesn’t account for long-term factors such as property appreciation, market fluctuations, or future maintenance costs.
Thus, while helpful, it should be considered alongside other indicators for predicting long-term property profitability.
Gross rental yield = (Annual Rent / Property Value) × 100. This calculation doesn’t account for expenses.
Net rental yield = [(Annual Rent – Annual Expenses) / Property Value] × 100. This provides a more accurate return by factoring in costs.
Expenses typically include property management fees, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and vacancy costs.
No, mortgage payments are not included in rental yield calculations; they are considered separately in cash flow analyses.
A higher vacancy rate reduces annual rental income, thereby lowering both gross and net rental yields.
Using the purchase price reflects your actual investment return, while market value offers insights into current performance.
Calculate the net rental yield for each property to compare profitability, considering all expenses and income.