Income properties are purchased primarily for the income. The income, in this case, is the determinant of the value of the property. In a specific area, the rate of return that is expected by the investors provides what is termed as the "cap rate" or capitalization rate for that area. This figure is used in order to appraise a particular income property accurately. Here is a more simple explanation of this matter. The whole concept of the process starts with the property’s gross income. Then, you need to subtract all the expenses excluding loan payments. For instance, a property’s gross income is $82,000 annually and the expenses amounts to $30,000. From these figures, the net or before debt-service is equivalent to $52,000. The capitalization rate is then applied to this value or figure. Assuming that the acceptable capitalization rate in a specified area is .10 (consult a real estate agent). This means that the investors can expect a 10% return on the value of that property. The income which is $52,000 is simply divided by .10. From these assumed figures, $520,000 is the indicated value of the property. Assuming that the ideal rate is .08 which means that the investors within the area expect 8% return. The value then would be $650,000 if you follow the same computation.