Key Metrics for Calculating ROI

Net Operating Income (NOI): This is your annual rental income minus all operating expenses.

Income: Monthly rent x 12 months

Expenses:

• Property taxes (annual)
• Insurance
• Maintenance & repairs
• Management fees (if applicable)
• Vacancy allowance (estimate periods the property may sit empty)

Total Investment Cost: This includes everything you spent to acquire and prepare the rental:

• Purchase price
• Closing costs (legal fees, etc.)
• Renovation or improvement costs
• Any initial furnishing expenses

The ROI Formula

ROI is expressed as a percentage. Here’s the basic formula:

ROI = (NOI / Total Investment Cost) x 100

Example

Let’s imagine you purchase a property in Awka, Anambra State for ₦15,000,000, with an additional ₦2,000,000 in closing costs and renovations.

You rent it out for ₦120,000 per month.

Annual Expenses:

• Property taxes: ₦150,000
• Insurance: ₦100,000
• Maintenance estimate + vacancy allowance: ₦300,000

Calculation:

• Annual rental income: ₦120,000 x 12 = ₦1,440,000
• Net Operating Income (NOI): ₦1,440,000 – ₦550,000 = ₦890,000
• Total Investment: ₦15,000,000 + ₦2,000,000 = ₦17,000,000
• ROI: (₦890,000 / ₦17,000,000) x 100 = 5.24%

Important Considerations for Southeast Nigeria

• Rental Market Fluctuation: Thoroughly research the typical rent rates in your target location and be aware of potential seasonal shifts in demand (e.g., some areas may see higher demand during the festive season).
• Maintenance Costs: Factor in potentially higher maintenance expenses for older properties or those in areas with a harsher climate.
• Property Appreciation: While not a guarantee, if the property’s value increases over time, your overall long-term ROI can be significantly higher when you eventually sell.

What’s a ‘Good’ ROI?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A desirable ROI depends on your risk tolerance and your other investment opportunities. As a general guideline, many investors aim for an ROI within the 5% to 10% range for rental properties, but it can vary greatly.

Additional Tips

• Screen Tenants Thoroughly: Minimize your vacancy periods and the risk of costly damage by carefully selecting responsible tenants.
• Re-evaluate Periodically: Recalculate your ROI annually to monitor your investment’s performance and adjust your strategy if needed.

Disclaimer: This guide offers a simplified overview. Consider seeking the advice of a real estate professional or financial advisor for more complex scenarios and personalized ROI analysis.