Income Approach
Learn about the income approach in Canadian real estate appraisal — what it is, when it’s used, and how it values income-producing properties.
August 08, 2025
What is an Income Approach?
The income approach is a property valuation method that estimates value based on the income the property is expected to generate.
Why an Income Approach Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate appraisal, the income approach is commonly used for investment properties like rental buildings or commercial assets.
Key points:
- Calculates value by capitalizing net operating income (NOI)
- Requires accurate income and expense data
- Sensitive to changes in vacancy rates and market rents
Understanding the income approach helps investors evaluate potential returns and property values.
Example of an Income Approach in Action
The appraiser used the income approach to value the apartment complex by capitalizing its net operating income.
Key Takeaways
- Estimates property value based on income potential
- Common for rental and commercial properties
- Relies on accurate financial data
- Sensitive to market conditions and vacancy
- Useful for investment decision-making
Related Terms
- Net Operating Income
- Capitalization Rate
- Market Value
- Vacancy Rate
- Debt Coverage Ratio (DCR)


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
