What Is 1% Rule?

The 1% rule is a quick rental-investing screening test: a property's monthly rent should be at least 1% of its purchase price for the deal to be worth a closer look.

Formula

Monthly Rent ÷ Purchase Price ≥ 1%

Example

A $250,000 property would need to rent for at least $2,500 per month to pass the 1% rule.

Why It Matters

It's a fast first filter, not a substitute for a full cash flow analysis — many solid deals in expensive markets don't hit 1%, and passing it doesn't guarantee positive cash flow once real expenses are counted.

Related Terms

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