Internal rate of return for property development
Calculating the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of a project is a widely used method of assessing a potential project’s viability.
It is a similar calculation to Net Present Value (NPV) and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) in that anticipated future income and expenditure are used to assess whether or not to proceed with a project. The IRR is the percentage which, when applied to future capital costs and receipts, results in a Net Present Value of £Nil.
If project 1 has an IRR of 12% and project 2 an IRR of 8% then project 1 would be selected to proceed as it has a higher IRR.
Usually the project IRR must exceed the cost of capital by an agreed amount so that the risk of proceeding is seen to be within acceptable commercial parameters. It can be seen, therefore that an accurate cash flow projection for a prospective project must be developed before an accurate IRR assessment can be made.
Because the IRR is expressed as a percentage per annum it can be used to assess the Yield of a particular investment.
Most spreadsheet packages have an IRR function which, when applied to a project model cash flow, will calculate the IRR for you.
--Martinc
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February