What is a good cash on cash ratio?

Asked by: Mr. Leone Runte IV  |  Last update: August 1, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (59 votes)

A good cash-on-cash (CoC) return for real estate is generally considered to be in the 8%–12% range. This metric measures the annual pre-tax cash flow against the total cash invested, with returns over 12% considered exceptional and 5%–7% acceptable in competitive, high-demand, or lower-risk markets.

What is considered a good cash on cash?

Key Takeaways. A strong cash-on-cash return typically falls between 8-12%, while returns above 12% are considered exceptional in high-growth markets. Investors can boost CoC returns by increasing rental income, reducing expenses, and leveraging smart financing, such as DSCR loans with as little as 10% down.

What is considered a good cash ratio?

A good range for a healthy business would be between 1.0 -- 2.0. Once the ratio starts to get significantly higher than 2.0 it can indicate that the company is holding onto too much cash and this cash could be better served by being reinvested back into the business and earning a higher return.

What is the 7% rule in real estate?

The "7% rule" in real estate typically refers to a quick screening tool where an investor checks if a rental property's gross annual rent is at least 7% of its purchase price, indicating a potentially solid income investment, though it's not a substitute for detailed analysis; however, other "7 rules" exist, like those focusing on agent performance (top 7% of agents do most business) or key investment principles (due diligence, diversification, market awareness, clear strategy) for long-term success. 

What is a cash-on-cash ratio?

The cash-on-cash return is the ratio between the annual pre-tax cash flow and initial equity investment, expressed as a percentage. The cash-on-cash return is calculated by dividing annual pre-tax cash flow by invested equity, which provides practical insight into a real estate investor's annual yield.

Ranking the 5 Most Common Real Estate Return Metrics

18 related questions found

What does 30% cash on cash mean?

A 30% cash on cash return means that you generate 30 cents per year for every dollar that you invested in a rental property. This is an extremely high profitability in real estate investing which can only be achieved with a strong rental income, low expenses, and small initial investment.

What is a bad cash ratio?

Although there is no ideal figure, a ratio of not lower than 0.5 to 1 is usually preferred. The cash ratio figure provides the most conservative insight into a company's liquidity since only cash and cash equivalents are taken into consideration.

How long will $500,000 last using the 4% rule?

Your $500,000 can give you about $20,000 each year using the 4% rule, and it could last over 30 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows retirees spend around $54,000 yearly. Smart investments can make your savings last longer.

What is the 3 3 3 rule in real estate?

The "3-3-3 Rule" in real estate has a few meanings, most commonly a financial guideline for buyers (housing cost under 30%, 30% down/closing, home price under 3x income) or an agent marketing strategy (3 calls, 3 notes, 3 resources monthly), but it can also refer to evaluating property by looking at the last/future 3 years and 3 nearby comparable properties for smart investing.

What is Warren Buffett's #1 rule?

Warren Buffett's #1 rule of investing is famously simple and stark: "Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1.". This principle emphasizes capital preservation and avoiding significant losses, suggesting that protecting your principal is more crucial for long-term wealth building than chasing high, risky returns. It means focusing on buying good businesses at fair prices, understanding what you invest in, and being disciplined to prevent large, permanent losses, even if it means missing out on some fast gains. 

What is the 70 20 10 rule of investing?

The 70/20/10 rule in investing refers to two main concepts: a personal budgeting guideline (70% spending, 20% saving/investing, 10% debt/giving) and a portfolio risk allocation (70% low-risk, 20% medium-risk, 10% high-risk), both designed to balance immediate needs with long-term growth and security. It's a flexible framework, adapting to rising costs, that helps manage money by prioritizing essentials, future wealth, and extra financial goals like debt reduction or charity.
 

Can the cash ratio be too high?

Higher Cash Ratios indicate less credit and liquidity risk, but if a company's ratio is too high, it could indicate mismanagement or misallocated capital. As with the other Liquidity Ratios, context is king for understanding the Cash Ratio.

What is a red flag when buying a house?

Red flags when buying a house include structural issues (foundation cracks, sloping floors), water problems (stains, musty smells, basement flooding signs, poor drainage), sloppy renovations (fresh paint covering damage, crooked finishes, DIY work), bad maintenance (old roof, deferred upkeep), and listing/market oddities (long time on market, multiple price drops, little info). Always get a professional inspection to uncover hidden issues with major systems like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing before buying.

How many Americans retire with $500,000?

Roughly 7% to 9% of American households have $500,000 or more in retirement savings, though figures vary slightly by source, with data from late 2025 suggesting around 7.2% and older 2022 data indicating about 9%, showing it's a significant milestone achieved by less than one in ten families, despite higher averages driven by wealthy individuals.

What's a healthy cash ratio?

There is no ideal figure, but a cash ratio is considered good if it is between 0.5 and 1. For example, a company with $200,000 in cash and cash equivalents, and $150,000 in liabilities, will have a 1.33 cash ratio.

Is negative CCC good?

While most companies aim for a short, low cash conversion cycle, a negative CCC is the goal for many businesses. This is especially true in retail and ecommerce, where rapid inventory turnover is common.

What is an average cash ratio?

The cash ratio shows if a company can pay its short-term debts using only its available cash and equivalents. A healthy cash ratio is typically between 0.5 and 1.0, but it can vary based on the industry. The cash ratio is a conservative measure compared to other liquidity ratios, like the current and quick ratios.