Annual Cash Flow

The numerator for cash-on-cash return. Positive cash flow means NOI covers the loan payments with surplus.

BTCF ≈ NOI − annual mortgage debt service.

Tip: Keep “Annual NOI” and “Annual Debt Service” on the same basis (period, units, and population) before calculating Annual Cash Flow.

Cluster: Real Estate hub · Cap rate · Percentage guide

Annual cash flow (before tax) is NOI minus annual debt service.

Enter NOI and annual debt service (P&I for the year).

$
Net operating income
$
Annual P&I (and required debt)

Annual Cash Flow

Understanding Annual Cash Flow

How we calculate. BTCF ≈ NOI − annual mortgage debt service. The form uses the same arithmetic as the worked examples on this page. See our methodology and accuracy policy.

Real-world scenario: A typical Annual Cash Flow case uses annual noi 75000 and annual debt service 55000. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.

What is Annual Cash Flow?

The numerator for cash-on-cash return. Positive cash flow means NOI covers the loan payments with surplus.

  • Debt service = annual P&I (and required debt payments)
  • Before income tax
  • Pair with CoC

The Formula

Before-Tax Cash Flow
Cash flow = NOI − Annual debt service

Worked Example

Scenario: NOI $75,000; annual debt service $55,000.
Step 1: Cash flow = 75000 − 55000 = $20,000
Answer: Annual cash flow is $20,000.

Common Use Cases

  • Deal underwriting: levered surplus
  • Hold/sell decisions: cash yield
  • CoC inputs: annual cash flow

Pro Tips

  • Stress vacancy and rates
  • Include HOA if applicable in OpEx/NOI first
  • Reserves are separate

Limitations: Annual Cash Flow results are educational real-estate planning aids—not appraisals, loan offers, or investment advice. Confirm figures with qualified professionals.

FAQ

Is this the same as NOI?

No. NOI is before debt service; cash flow subtracts the loan payments.

Can cash flow be negative?

Yes—if debt service exceeds NOI, the result is negative.

Authoritative References

For real estate investing concepts, consult: