Capitalization Rates (Cap Rates) in Commercial Real Estate
The capitalization rate, or cap rate, is calculated by dividing the net operating income of a property by its market value. This is the key tool appraisers use to determine the value of a commercial property and is the key metric behind the income capitalization approach to valuation.
Interest Rate Caps in Commercial Property Loans
An interest rate cap is used to limit the risk on a floating rate commercial property loan. A floating rate property loan has a variable interest rate, borrowers usually opt for this type of loan during periods of low-interest rates, because if the interest rate decreases further than the borrower benefits. A floating interest rate can also increase and that may be a huge financial risk if it increases rapidly or by too much. For this reason, borrowers try to cap the amount by which interest on the loan increases.