A rental property is a business. Before you buy, run these five numbers.
- Realistic rent. Use recent rents for comparable units nearby, not the asking rents in listings.
- Monthly cash flow. Rent minus mortgage, property tax, insurance, condo fees and maintenance. Know whether it is positive or negative from day one.
- Cap rate. Net operating income divided by the purchase price. It lets you compare properties regardless of how they are financed.
- Vacancy and turnover. Budget for empty months and the cost of finding new tenants.
- Total cost to buy. Land transfer tax, legal fees and any repairs needed before renting.
Rent control matters
In Ontario, units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are generally exempt from the annual rent increase guideline, while older units are subject to it. That difference affects long-term returns.
With a professional background in finance, Alexey builds this analysis for every investment client so you can compare opportunities on the numbers.
Alexey Kopeykin, Sales Representative, Zolo Realty Brokerage Inc. Published September 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice; confirm details for your situation.