10 min.

How Much Can You Earn from Investing in Real Estate?

Published on
April 8, 2024

Michael Albaum was just 23 when he began his real estate journey, eyeing a modest supplement to his engineering salary. Today, he owns 61 rental units and grosses $431,000 annually, illustrating the lucrative potential of real estate investment. His initial aim to manage one or two properties evolved into a diverse portfolio, reshaping his life and income.

Michael's approach was one of steady, strategic growth. His investments have allowed him to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, working as a real estate coach while exploring the U.S. in a converted van. After covering all expenses, he nets about $6,000 monthly in passive income, affording him a life of freedom and continuous investment into more ambitious projects.

His story is a testament to the power of real estate as an investment tool, demonstrating that with careful planning and a commitment to learning, even modest beginnings can lead to substantial earnings and an enviable lifestyle. Michael's journey from a cautious beginner to a successful investor underlines the importance of taking calculated risks and making informed decisions in the real estate market.

Real Estate Investment Types 

Residential Real Estate: A Closer Look

The world of real estate investment is a diverse one, broadly categorized into buying and selling or leasing properties. Within this realm, two main types stand out: commercial and residential real estate. This segment delves into ways to earn from each niche, particularly focusing on residential properties.

Apartments: The go-to option for many, investing in apartments involves buying at a lower price, possibly renovating, and then selling at a higher price. For new constructions, the strategy involves purchasing during the early stages and selling post-completion. The key here is choosing the right location — a crucial determinant in the property's demand and value.

Guest Houses: Slightly more complex, this involves acquiring a guest house, partitioning it into several apartments, refurbishing, and then selling each part separately. It's a multi-step process that can lead to significant profits if executed well.

Apart-Hotels: Similar to apartments, apart-hotels offer a more passive income stream as the hotel operator manages all operations. Investors can also consider reselling their units post-development. Unlike individual apartments, there's no hassle of personal renovations, as the developer typically manages these.

Commercial Real Estate: Steady Income Streams

Falling under this category are office spaces, retail locations, warehouses, and industrial facilities. These are predominantly used for leasing, given the long-term nature of B2B rentals. Once a tenant is secured, landlords enjoy a stable, passive income for years. Plus, tenants often bear the cost of any renovations, adding to the appeal for the owner.

Land Investments: Buying and Selling Tactics

Land investments usually involve a purchase-and-sell strategy. Here are a few approaches:

  • Buy, Upgrade, Sell: Acquire land without specific permissions, obtain those permissions, and then sell the land at a higher price due to its increased functional value. This strategy suits those with administrative resources or specialized knowledge.
  • Development and Sale: Purchase land, construct a building, and then sell. This process is lengthy and demands attention but can result in substantial value addition through the constructed building.
  • Partition and Sell: Buy land, clean it, landscape it, divide it into smaller plots, and sell each part. This approach capitalizes on selling individual plots for a cumulative profit.

Real estate investment is a field rich with variety, each having its strategies and profit mechanisms. Whether it's residential or commercial real estate, apartments, land, or guest houses, the key lies in understanding the market, executing a well-planned strategy, and continually adapting to the changing real estate landscape. 

Renty's service aims to demystify these complexities, providing clients with comprehensive analysis, strategic advice, and ultimately guiding them to make informed and profitable investment decisions.

What Real Estate Investment Earnings Look Like

Real estate investment, a favored strategy for building wealth, offers various rates of return depending on the type and strategy of investment. On average, annual returns on real estate range between 8% and 12%. While residential investments hover around a 10.6% return, commercial properties yield slightly lower at 9.5%. However, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) often lead the pack with an impressive average annual return of 11.8%.

The Long Game: Strategy for Success

The most successful real estate investors share a common trait: a keen eye for diversification and a focus on long-term gains. Instead of chasing quick wins, they build a solid foundation of knowledge and strategies that pay off over time.

Here's how they stay ahead:

  • Recognizing Positive Cash Flow: Identifying properties that not only cover their expenses but also provide a steady income stream.
  • Choosing the Right Location: The value of real estate heavily depends on its location and the surrounding community.
  • Performing Investment Analysis: Expert investors constantly evaluate the performance of their properties through detailed market and cash flow analysis.
  • Diversifying Investment Strategies: Whether it's flipping, renting, or holding, diversifying strategies helps maximize returns and mitigate risks.

What Affects Your Earnings?

For long-term hold strategies, real estate investors can expect to earn about 10–20% more annually compared to stock investors, mainly due to the tangible asset's appreciation and rental income. Those adept at market timing, buying low and selling high, can enjoy even higher returns, often exceeding 30% ROI annually.

Predicting exact earnings from real estate is challenging due to various influencing factors like experience, property count, and market dynamics. However, typical investors focusing on one to three flips per year might net $50,000 to $75,000 after accounting for repairs and taxes, which can take a substantial 35-38% of gross profits.

For long-term hold strategies, real estate investors can expect to earn about 10–20% more annually compared to stock investors, mainly due to the tangible asset's appreciation and rental income. Those adept at market timing, buying low and selling high, can enjoy even higher returns, often exceeding 30% ROI annually.

Decoding Real Estate Investment Earnings

Diverse Income Streams in Property Investment

Real estate investment isn't just about buying and holding; it's a dynamic field with multiple revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of where the money comes in:

  • Rental Income: The bread and butter of many investors, rental income can range from modest to lucrative, heavily influenced by location, amenities, and market demand.
  • Property Appreciation: Though not immediate cash flow, properties generally increase in value over time, offering a hefty profit margin upon sale.
  • Flipping: For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, flipping involves purchasing undervalued properties, renovating them, and selling for profit. While potentially profitable, flipping also carries significant risk and variability.
  • Diversification: A well-rounded portfolio spread across various property types and locations can lead to more consistent and resilient earnings.
  • Expense Consideration: It's crucial to factor in ongoing costs such as taxes, insurance, maintenance, and possibly mortgage payments, all of which eat into profits.

How Much of Your Income Should Go Into Real Estate?

The ideal percentage of income invested in real estate varies widely among investors. While a common benchmark is 35% of net income towards mortgage payments, this can be risky in unstable real estate markets, where a more conservative approach of 20% might be advisable. Remember, real estate investment should align with your overall financial strategy, considering liquidity needs and risk tolerance.

The Real Picture: Earnings Vary Widely

Just like any investment venture, earnings in real estate are anything but uniform. While some investors pull in modest sums that supplement their main income, others generate enough to live solely off their property investments. Key factors influencing earnings include the type of property, location, market conditions, and the investor's expertise and strategy.

Whether you're looking to supplement your income, build a stable investment portfolio, or dive headfirst into property flipping, real estate offers a multitude of paths to profitability. With the right approach, knowledge, and a bit of risk management, you can navigate the complexities of the market to achieve your financial goals.

Share this post

Let's discuss details about investment properties in Greece

Renty blog

Learn something new about STR business every week
November 22, 2024
10 min.

Deloitte experts forecast growth in Greece's real estate market

Economic growth, new urban projects, and a thriving residential property market
November 14, 2024
9 min

Who pays what when buying property in Greece?

Here’s a breakdown of the taxes and fees that come with purchasing an apartment in Greece.
October 29, 2024
10 min.

Short-Term Rentals Are Banned: What Should Golden Visa Property Owners Do After September 1, 2024?

How to Generate Income and Retain Your Greek Residency Under New Conditions
October 22, 2024
6 min.

Greece Poised to Become the Best Place to Live by 2027

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made this bold promise during his speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair.
October 14, 2024
7 min.

Three "Golden" Keys to the Greek Real Estate Market

New tax incentives for vacant properties and restrictions on Airbnb licenses
October 11, 2024
5 min.

Translation of the Official Explanatory Circular on Golden Visa Updates: Key Facts Extracted

The article provides an overview of the updated regulations related to the Greek Golden Visa program, focusing on the new property investment thresholds, tax obligations, and restrictions on renting properties in the sharing economy (e.g., Airbnb). One of the key updates is a prohibition on short-term rentals and subletting for certain properties.
October 8, 2024
10 min.

The Slow Have Become the Leaders: Greece Ranks Among the EU’s Top Economic Performers

Greece Ranks Among the EU’s Top Economic Performers
October 4, 2024
7 min.

The Price of Greek Real Estate: A Steady Climb Upward

Greece’s housing market is marking a decade of growth with yet another price surge
September 30, 2024
7 min.

Short-Term Rentals for New Properties in Central Athens Banned from 2025: What Does This Mean for the Real Estate Market?

Starting in 2025, strict restrictions on new short-term rental properties will take effect in central Athens
September 17, 2024
11 min.

New Golden Visa Rules in Greece: How to Obtain Residency with a €250,000 Property Investment After September 1st, 2024

For those short on time: choose property reclassified from commercial to residential.
September 19, 2024
7 λεπτά

Πώς να αγοράσετε διαμέρισμα στην Ελλάδα για 250.000 ευρώ και να αποκτήσετε Golden Visa μετά τις αλλαγές που ισχύουν από 1 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024

Στην πραγματικότητα, υπάρχει μια πιο οικονομική και κερδοφόρα επιλογή — η αγορά ανακαινισμένων διαμερισμάτων στο κέντρο της Αθήνας για 250.000 ευρώ, χωρίς απαιτήσεις μεγέθους. Αυτά τα διαμερίσματα συνήθως μετατρέπονται από μη κατοικήσιμους χώρους, όπως γραφεία, σε κατοικίες, προσφέροντας μια μοναδική ευκαιρία επένδυσης.
September 12, 2024
1 min

Η Βουλή των Ελλήνων πραγματοποιεί τελικές αλλαγές στο πρόγραμμα Golden Visa: Συντομεύεται η περίοδος μετάβασης

Η νέα προθεσμία για τη συμμόρφωση με τις ενημερωμένες απαιτήσεις είναι η 31η Αυγούστου 2024. Αυτή η επιταχυνόμενη χρονική προθεσμία απαιτεί από τους υποψήφιους αιτούντες να ολοκληρώσουν τις αιτήσεις τους και να πληρούν όλα τα απαραίτητα κριτήρια πριν από αυτήν την ημερομηνία. Η συντομευμένη περίοδος μετάβασης υπογραμμίζει την επείγουσα ανάγκη για επενδυτές και τους συμβούλους τους να παραμείνουν ενημερωμένοι και προετοιμασμένοι για να πλοηγηθούν αποτελεσματικά στις αναθεωρημένες κατευθυντήριες γραμμές.
June 28, 2024
8 min.

Where Should You Invest in Real Estate in Europe for Maximum Returns?

Europe's Top Property Markets
June 28, 2024
20 min.

Unlocking Europe's Untapped Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Investing in EU Short-Term Rental Market

A closer look at the vacation rentals market in Europe.
June 28, 2024
11 min.

Understanding the Real Estate Market and Selecting the Right Property in Athens

A Practical Guide to Real Estate Investments in Athens for 2024
June 28, 2024
10 min.

Rent Your Property in Greece: The Legal Route

A brief look into the regulatory frameworks for leasing real estate under short-term rentals (STRs) in Greece.
June 28, 2024
18 min.

Real Estate Investment in Greece: Top Districts in Athens to Invest in

The key to successful property investment, whether for living or ROI, lies in choosing the right neighborhood. Using Athens as a case study, we've developed a model to quickly assess its investment potential.
June 28, 2024
5 min.

Purchasing Property in Greece: The Total Cost

Many beginner investors mistakenly believe that the cost of buying European property is solely the amount advertised as the purchase price. In this article, we will uncover all the additional expenses that accompany the process of acquiring European real estate.
June 28, 2024
10 min.

How Much Can You Earn from Investing in Real Estate?

Michael Albaum was just 23 when he began his real estate journey, eyeing a modest supplement to his engineering salary. Today, he owns 61 rental units and grosses $431,000 annually, illustrating the lucrative potential of real estate investment. His initial aim to manage one or two properties evolved into a diverse portfolio, reshaping his life and income.
June 28, 2024
13 min.

European Short-Term Rental Business: Your 7 Step Entry Plan

Discover best places for buying short-term rental property in Europe
June 28, 2024
6 min

Hosting on Airbnb vs. Booking: How Much Time Does It Really Take?

Have a rental vacation and get a side hustle? Sounds promising, but what about the time that goes by while managing it? After testing the most popularly selected Online Travel Agents (OTA) platforms we analyzed and measured the resources needed for a real estate management. We hope our research becomes a time saver for you so you can spend your precious time on more pleasant things.
June 28, 2024
9 min.

Athens Real Estate: Top Reasons to Invest Now

Athens has become a focal point for small and medium-sized investors. Here are 10 reasons why.
June 28, 2024
15 min.

Airbnb Amenity Сhecklist: a List of Items to Buy for Your Short-Term Rental

Here’s to hosting’ calm & comfort: the essential and smart amenities guide for 2023

Invest In Real 

Estate With Renty

Get a weekly newsletter of current and profitable real estate