Debt yield is determined by dividing a property’s net operating income (NOI) by the total loan amount. For instance, if a building generates an NOI of $1,000,000 and is financed with a $10,000,000 loan, the debt yield is 10% ($1,000,000 / $10,000,000 = 0.10 or 10%). The result represents the lender’s return on its loan based solely on the property’s income.
This metric provides a quick assessment of the risk associated with a commercial real estate loan. Higher figures generally indicate lower risk, as the property generates sufficient income to cover debt obligations. It serves as a crucial tool for lenders to evaluate the potential downside of a loan, particularly in situations where property values may decline. The measure gained prominence following the 2008 financial crisis, as lenders sought more conservative underwriting standards.