What is a Good Operating Expense Ratio in Multifamily?
What is a Good Operating Expense Ratio in Multifamily?
The Operating Expense Ratio (or opex ratio), calculated as: Opex Ratio = Total Operating Expenses / EGI, is an important metric that helps property owners and investors assess the efficiency of a property's management. A good opex ratio in multifamily real estate typically falls between 35% and 50%, indicating balanced management of expenses relative to income. Properties with a lower opex ratio (below 35%) are highly efficient, often newer or in high-demand areas, while a higher opex ratio (above 50%) may signal inefficiencies or higher maintenance needs, common in older properties.
Here's a breakdown of the generally accepted benchmarks for opex ratios in multifamily real estate and what they indicate:
- Low: 35% or below
- Indicates highly efficient management with relatively low operating expenses compared to income.
- Common in newer properties, properties in high-demand areas, or properties with higher rental rates.
- Average: 35% - 50%
- Typical range for many well-managed multifamily properties.
- Reflects a balanced approach to maintenance, management, and operating costs.
- High: Above 50%
- Indicates higher operating expenses relative to income, which could be due to older properties requiring more maintenance, inefficient management, or properties in lower-demand areas with lower rental income.
- May be a red flag for potential investors unless there are justifiable reasons for the higher ratio.
Factors Affecting OER
- Location: Properties in prime locations tend to have lower opex ratio due to higher rental incomes.
- Property Age and Condition: Newer properties often have lower maintenance and repair costs, leading to a lower opex ratio.
- Management Efficiency: Effective management can control costs better, reducing the opex ratio.
- Scale: Larger properties can benefit from economies of scale, potentially lowering the opex ratio.
- Amenities and Services: Properties with more amenities and services might have a higher opex ratio due to increased operating costs.
So while a good opex ratio for multifamily properties typically ranges between 35% and 50%, it's important to consider the specific context and characteristics of the property when evaluating this metric.
