What Do A,B,C, Property Ratings Mean In Real Estate Investing? (2024)

The words “risk” and “reward” are two of the most popular terms in the lexicon of real estate investing. As simple as they sound, defining these terms requires an in-depth assessment of the physical and financial characteristics of a property. These include but are not limited to its age, location, tenant(s), tenant credit, the potential for appreciation, and rental income.

After all risk-and-reward factors are assessed, an investment property is generally given one of three property ratings: A, B, or C. Knowing these ratings, or “classes” helps isolate which type of property or properties best suit your risk tolerance and financial goals. Since diversification balances risk and reward, a blend of Class A, B, and C real estate investments may be the solution for you.

Keep reading to learn what each classification or rating means and how you can benefit from owning a Class A, B or C property, or a combination of all.

What Do A,B,C, Property Ratings Mean In Real Estate Investing? (1)

Property Ratings Help to Determine Value

Class A, B, and C property ratings make it easy for buyer’s advisors and investors to communicate the value when discussing investment opportunities.

For example, a B-rated property would typically carry more risk and offer less reward than an A-rated property would likely offer, but more reward and less risk than a C-rated property. The good news is that it is possible to make money investing in any of these property classes once you understand the pros and cons and what each offers in the way of income.

What are A-rated Properties?

An A-rating is given to properties that have the best buildings in the best locations in their market and area, such as triple net (NNN) lease properties. They are usually new (under 15 years old) or newly renovated with top-of-the-line features and amenities. High-credit, often investment-grade tenants will rent them and operate with long-term leases. Class A properties carry the least amount of risk, therefore they offer lower cap rates than other types of real estate.

A-rated properties pros and cons:

  • Less than 15-years old or newly remodeled with no obsolescence.
  • In prime traffic areas or areas that fit their market niche.
  • Tenanted by high-income, high-credit tenants.
  • Low vacancy rates.
  • Highest rent.
  • Easiest to manage with little to no management or maintenance costs.
  • More easily financed with better terms than Class B/C properties.
  • Carry a lower cap rate due to the low risk but have the potential for a comparable internal rate of return (IRR) of higher-risk properties.

Good examples of A-rated properties include Dollar General, Walgreens, Taco Bell, Firestone, and Montessori child care assets. Most NNN investments carry an A-rating because they are generally tenanted by investment-grade, billion-dollar corporations with long-term lease guarantees in prime locations.

Class A properties will be your most reliable sources of income with the least amount of financial risk, and in the case of triple net lease properties, the least amount of management and maintenance.

Class A properties are considered the safest real estate investments with the most reliable income, which equates to lower risk and lower cap rates. However, when tax opportunities are taken into consideration, Class A investments can rival higher-risk properties’ internal rate of return at 7–10%.

What Do A,B,C, Property Ratings Mean In Real Estate Investing? (2)

What are B-rated Properties?

B-rated properties are typically over 15 years old, have lower income tenants than A-rated properties, and have lower rental income than A-rated properties. However, this does not mean they are not a good investment. They are often the sweet spot between low risk and high risk with a solid potential for growth and appreciation and good returns.

B-rated properties pros and cons:

  • Lower priced than most Class A properties.
  • Usually older than 15 years, with improvement potential.
  • Slightly off the beaten path, near bus lines, or walkable/bikeable to prime locations.
  • Tenanted by a range of tenant types: individual business owners, medium-credit tenants, less-established businesses, and residents who are less inclined to sign long-term leases.
  • Fairly easy to tenant and re-tenant.
  • In the median range for rental income.
  • In a higher cap rate category due to higher risk.
  • Primed for growth potential and appreciation.
  • More costly due to ongoing maintenance and capital improvements.

It is important to note that Class B properties can sometimes become A-rated properties. For example, if a B rating is based on location, as a town grows and experiences urban sprawl, a retail store or QSR might become worth more. Just the same, if an older Class B fast-food restaurant were to add more drive-thru lanes or update with the latest technology, thereby increasing business, it too, could become an A-rated property.

Buying and holding commercial properties in up-and-coming Class B areas can be a good diversification strategy when done thoughtfully and with your risk tolerance and financial goals in mind.

What Do A,B,C, Property Ratings Mean In Real Estate Investing? (3)

C-rated Properties

Commercial properties that have a C-rating are typically 25+ years old, have less desirable locations than A-rated and B-rated properties, and are in obvious need of renovation. Consequently, the properties generate the lowest rents, have the highest vacancy rates, and carry the highest risk to the investor.

Class C properties pros and cons:

  • Typically have lower acquisition costs.
  • Carry higher cap rates and investor risk.
  • Located in lower-rent districts or industrial areas.
  • Generally require renovation, significant capital expenditures, and heavy maintenance.
  • Command lower rents.
  • Have higher turnover.
  • Can be desirable to a wide range of tenants.
  • Offer conversion potential to accommodate a variety of businesses.
  • Value-add and appreciation potential.

C-rated investment properties are typically considered the least desirable real estate. However, if you’re willing to renovate, they offer a value-add opportunity, especially if well-located or easily converted to a more in-demand space. For example, flex spaces are in high demand and can be created from an old warehouse or office complex. When a Class C building is thoughtfully updated, it has a chance to reposition to a Class B, or even Class A building, depending on the criteria noted above.

What Do A,B,C, Property Ratings Mean In Real Estate Investing? (4)

How to Determine if Class A, B, or C is Right for You

When determining which class of property is right for you, assess your budget, financial goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle.

4 Factors to Assess When Buying Commercial Real Estate

  1. Budget
  2. Desired income and ROI
  3. Risk Tolerance
  4. Lifestyle

Know your budget. It is fair to say that Class A properties are usually the most expensive to purchase, however, NNN properties are the exception. Triple net lease properties are typically A-rated properties with a low barrier to entry – some offer a purchase price as low as $1 million. Class A buildings are also easier to mortgage if you plan on taking on debt to purchase.

Here is an example of what a few of the more popular NNNs sell for:

  • Dollar stores: $1–2 million
  • Fast-food restaurants: $1.5–2.5 million
  • Gas stations/convenience stores: $1–2 million

Class B and Class C properties range in purchase price and financing ability. All three options provide new and seasoned investors the opportunity to diversify.

Desired income and ROI. Class A properties typically have a lower cap rate (4.5–6.5%), but if you choose a NNN investment, since you’re typically not paying all the taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management costs, and there are potential benefits of CSD and other tax opportunities, you can realize a 7–10% overall return, which is on par with gross lease investments (B-rated and C-rated properties). Additionally, NNN investments offer guaranteed monthly income for ten to fifteen years.

Class B and Class C properties are riskier so they offer higher cap rates. When all costs are factored into your ROI, a 10% cap rate can become a 7% IRR. However, B-rated and C-rated properties can be a well-planned addition to a real estate portfolio if you don’t mind the unpredictability.

Risk Tolerance. When considering real estate investing, know your risk tolerance. If you are risk-averse, Class A triple net lease properties are probably your best option. If you like the challenge and management of older properties with more risk, then B-rated and C-rated properties might be for you.

To help you determine your risk tolerance, click here to download our Know Your NNN Risk Tolerance Worksheet.

Lifestyle. Most investors never consider how much work is involved in owning real estate and how it impacts their lifestyle. If you simply want to collect money without any hassles, costs, or management, then an A-rated NNN lease property would be a great choice. If you like to renovate and flip properties, then a Class C property may be for you. Depending on whether you’re still working, focusing on a real estate career, or retired, it’s important to consider how much involvement is required and how complex ownership will be.

To Wrap it Up – Understanding A-rated, B-rated, C-rated Real Estate

Understanding A-rated, B-rated, and C-rated real estate will help you choose the right investment property for your financial and lifestyle goals. Class A offers the least amount of risk and hands-on management and the most reliable income, as reflected by the cap rate. Class B and Class C carry more risk, thereby offering a higher cap rate, but they also require active management and higher operating costs.

Whether you are a new or seasoned CRE investor, you may not have considered all the factors that go into buying properties that fit your risk tolerance and desired level of responsibility, which is why engaging an experienced Westwood Net Lease Advisor is a smart move.

Our expert net lease advisors will assist you with the details, crunch the numbers, and ensure the property you purchase is the exact-right property for your goals. From before the property search through closing and thereafter, we represent your best interests and help with the process, at no cost to you. Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation. 314-997-5227

What Do A,B,C, Property Ratings Mean In Real Estate Investing? (2024)

FAQs

What Do A,B,C, Property Ratings Mean In Real Estate Investing? ›

Class B Property: Functional Buildings With Average Rents

They are normally older than 15 years, putting them slightly out of touch with modern building trends. However, they normally provide adequate facilities and middle-of-the-line experiences. In turn, Class B buildings tend to generate average market rents.

What does B mean in real estate? ›

Class B Property: Functional Buildings With Average Rents

They are normally older than 15 years, putting them slightly out of touch with modern building trends. However, they normally provide adequate facilities and middle-of-the-line experiences. In turn, Class B buildings tend to generate average market rents.

What does C grade mean in real estate? ›

C Quality Dwellings. These homes are designed and built by contractors who specialize in average quality construction. Adequate detail is given to ornamentation with the use of average grade materials and typical workmanship.

What are real estate investment grades? ›

After all risk-and-reward factors are assessed, an investment property is generally given one of three property ratings: A, B, or C. Knowing these ratings, or “classes” helps isolate which type of property or properties best suit your risk tolerance and financial goals.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CBRE? ›

Class A buildings also are well located, have good access, and are professionally managed. As a result of this, they attract the highest quality tenants and also command the highest rents. This is the next notch down. Class B buildings are generally a little older, but still have good quality management and tenants.

What is the full form of ABC in real estate? ›

Always Be Closing (ABC) is a motivational phrase used to describe a sales strategy. It implies that a salesperson following the regimen should continuously look for new prospects, pitch products or services to those prospects, and ultimately complete a sale.

What does B mean on MLS? ›

M – Model – Not for Sale. B – Show for Backups – Under Contract. P – Pending – Under contract, no more showings.

What are C properties? ›

What is a Class C property? A Class C property is one that is older (typically 30+ years old), in fair to poor condition, and typically not as well-located as a Class A or Class B building. They are considered to be the “riskiest” investment, but in turn, offer some of the best potential cash-on-cash returns.

What are grade A properties? ›

Quality: A-grade properties are quality builds in good condition. Scarcity: If many buildings are the same as yours on the market at the same time, it could undermine the value. Period homes are scarce and have high buyer appeal. Therefore A-grade properties are often period or unique modern architecture.

What is C grading? ›

C signifies "average- simple, common, adequate but ordinary 70-79%

What is B investment grade rating? ›

'B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

Is B an investment grade? ›

Investment-grade refers to bonds rated Baa3/BBB- or better. High-yield (also referred to as "non-investment-grade" or "junk" bonds) pertains to bonds rated Ba1/BB+ and lower.

What are the 5 categories of real estate investments? ›

There are five main categories of real estate which include residential, commercial, industrial, raw land, and special use. Investing in real estate includes purchasing a home, rental property, or land. Indirect investment in real estate can be made via REITs or through pooled real estate investment.

Why do Class B properties generally sell at higher going in cap rates than Class A properties? ›

Class B and C properties tend to be bought and sold at higher CAP rates than Class A, as investors are paid for taking on the additional risk of an investing in an older property with lower income tenants, or a property in a lower income neighborhood.

What is Class A vs Class B preferred? ›

Class A, common stock: Each share confers one vote and ordinary access to dividends and assets. Class B, preferred stock: Each share confers one vote, but shareholders receive $2 in dividends for every $1 distributed to Class A shareholders. This class of stock has priority distribution for dividends and assets.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B investment? ›

Class A Investors are offered a higher preferred return that is paid out first but do not participate in the upside. Class B investors are offered a lower preferred return that is paid out after Class A returns and do participate in the upside.

What does ABC mean in purchasing? ›

Activity-Based Costing (ABC): Method and Advantages Defined with Example.

What is ABC in purchasing? ›

ABC Analysis classifies inventory items into three categories based on their value and importance to the business: A (high-value items), B (medium-value items), and C (low-value items). The A items — typically the most expensive and most important — should be managed with extra care and attention.

What is an ABC agreement? ›

An ABC Agreement is a contract between an investment house (brokerage firm) and an employee (investment house's broker). The contract contains the rights of the brokerage firm regarding the employee's New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Membership.

What does the C in MLS mean? ›

CON - Active Contingent: Seller has accepted an offer but has requested that property remain available for showings and Seller will entertain backup offers.

What does H mean on MLS listing? ›

Closed (S): The sold status is for all properties entered in the MLS that have been sold and closed. Hold (H): Hold is for properties that have been temporarily removed from the active status and are still listed with intention of returning to active status in a short period of time.

What does SD mean in real estate? ›

Special Warranty Deed: Definition, Use, Vs.

What does C mean on a house? ›

A contingent status means that the seller has accepted an offer and the home is under contract.

What is the best neighborhood class to invest in? ›

For most investors, “B” is the sweet spot. Buying in class “B” neighborhoods is a popular option for investors who can afford it. These properties usually come with less maintenance, fewer repairs and higher quality tenants. These types of properties also tend to produce the best cash flow.

What are properties in code? ›

A property is a member that provides a flexible mechanism to read, write, or compute the value of a private field. Properties can be used as if they're public data members, but they're special methods called accessors.

How do you determine property grade? ›

Percent of slope is determined by dividing the amount of elevation change by the amount of horizontal distance covered (sometimes referred to as "the rise divided by the run"), and then multiplying the result by 100.

What is a good grade for a house? ›

Ideally, the ground should drop one inch for every one foot that you move away from the house for the first 5-to-10 feet around your house. While this is not always possible, the ground should never be sloping upwards as you move away from your house foundation.

What is a grade B building? ›

Grade B office space is considered 'average' and perfectly usable. This type of commercial space may be categorised as so because it is in a less desirable location, for example in an out-of-town industrial estate rather than in the city centre, or because it hasn't been renovated in recent years.

What is the ABCD grade scale? ›

Common examples of grade conversion are: A+ (97–100), A (93–96), A- (90–92), B+ (87–89), B (83–86), B- (80–82), C+ (77–79), C (73–76), C- (70–72), D+ (67–69), D (65–66), D- (below 65).

What is the meaning of B grade? ›

Definition. A grade of B is considered "good" and counts as 3 grade points per credit on a 4.0 grading scale.

Is C grade good or bad? ›

A “C” simply means “satisfactory performance” or “average.” It is the bare minimum of good work – you're completing all of your assignments, handing in your homework, and answering a majority of questions on your tests correctly.

What is the lowest rated investment grade? ›

The rating of BBB- from Standard & Poor's and Baa3 from Moody's represents the lowest possible ratings for a security to be considered investment grade.

What is the highest investment grade rating? ›

Companies with any credit rating in this category boast a high capacity to repay their loans; however, those awarded a AAA rating stand at the top of the heap and are deemed to have the highest capacity of all to repay loans.

What is the highest investment grade? ›

AAA/ AAa: This is the highest credit quality investment grade rating that is assigned to the bonds and other fixed interest securities and signifies the lowest level of credit risk i.e. with the lowest probability of default.

Is B2 a good rating? ›

A credit rating given to a prospective borrower that's not of investment grade Sometimes known as a B2 rating, it suggests a company or government is able to meet its financial commitments but may be left highly exposed to adverse economic conditions.

What is the rating BBB BBB? ›

'BBB' National Ratings denote a moderate level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. 'BB' National Ratings denote an elevated default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.

Is B+ a good rating? ›

B1/B+ are ratings just below investment grade but are the highest rating in the non-investment grade bracket. Moody's Investors Service uses B1, while S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings use B+.

What is the riskiest asset class in real estate? ›

Land. Land is one of the riskiest types of commercial real estate to invest in, but can also offer the highest return.

What is the 10 rule in real estate investing? ›

A good rule is that a 1% increase in interest rates will equal 10% less you are able to borrow but still keep your same monthly payment. It's said that when interest rates climb, every 1% increase in rate will decrease your buying power by 10%. The higher the interest rate, the higher your monthly payment.

What are the 4 types of real estate investments? ›

Real estate investments can occur in four basic forms: private equity (direct ownership), publicly traded equity (indirect ownership claim), private debt (direct mortgage lending), and publicly traded debt (securitized mortgages). Many motivations exist for investing in real estate income property.

What is a good cap rate for real estate? ›

Market analysts say an ideal cap rate is between five and 10 percent; the exact number will depend on the property type and location. In comparison, a cap rate lower than five percent denotes lesser risk but a more extended period to recover an investment.

Why does value go down when cap rate goes up? ›

The interrelationship of NOI, cap rate and property value means that a property's value can be determined using the NOI and the cap rate — property value equals the NOI divided by the cap rate. A higher cap rate will therefore result in a lower property value, NOI being equal.

Why do you want to buy at a high cap rate? ›

There is no single value for what makes an "ideal" capitalization rate, and investors should consider their own risk appetites when evaluating a property. Generally, a high capitalization rate will indicate a higher level of risk, while a lower capitalization rate indicates lower returns but lower risk.

What are Class B options? ›

What Are Class B Shares? Class B shares are a classification of common stock that may be accompanied by more or fewer voting rights than Class A shares. Class B shares may also have lower repayment priority in the event of a bankruptcy.

What is Class A vs Class F? ›

A typical fee might be 1% per year. If you wish to pay fees, investors have to buy a certain type of mutual fund share called Class “F”. Other investors prefer to pay a commission rather than a fee and have the commission built into the price of the mutual fund. This is the Class “A” fund.

What does Class A mean finance? ›

In finance, a class A share refers to a share classification of common or preferred stock that typically has enhanced benefits with respect to dividends, asset sales, or voting rights compared to Class B or Class C shares.

What is a Class C investment? ›

Class C shares are a class of mutual fund share characterized by a level load that includes annual charges for fund marketing, distribution, and servicing, set at a fixed percentage. These fees amount to a commission for the firm or individual helping the investor decide on which fund to own.

Should I buy Class A or Class C shares? ›

Investors generally should consider Class A shares (the initial sales charge alternative) if they expect to hold the investment over the long term. Class C shares (the level sales charge alternative) should generally be considered for shorter-term holding periods.

Should I buy Class A or Class B shares? ›

The real benefit for retail investors in choosing Class A shares over Class B comes down to cost and attainable benefits. If Class A shares aren't exorbitantly expensive and the benefits go beyond voting—such as access to special dividends—it might be worth it.

What real estate term starts with B? ›

Bailment: This describes a relationship between a “bailor” (or property owner) with a “bailee”, where the bailor transfers their property to the bailee.

What is a structure type B? ›

What is a Class B property? A Class B property tends to offer more utilitarian space with fewer amenities than one would find in a Class A building. It will typically have ordinary architecture design and structural features, with average interior finishes, systems, and floor plans.

What is a B piece buyer? ›

The last bondholder to be paid is the one most at risk. This is the “B piece” bondholder. Because they are last to be paid, they are most at risk. To compensate for that higher risk, they receive a higher rate of return that that of the senior or A grade bondholders.

What are the abbreviations for property? ›

There are two common abbreviations of property: prop. and propty.

What are the 2 most common types of properties in real estate? ›

There are three main types of real estate properties: vacant land, residential properties, and commercial properties.

What are the two major property classifications in real estate? ›

Within real estate, there are two main property types: residential and commercial real estate. Residential real estate is considered to be an investment if the property is owned for financial gain and is not occupied by the owner.

What is a real estate word that starts with C? ›

Mortgage Glossary | Terms beginning with C
  • Call Option. ...
  • Cancellation Clause. ...
  • Cap. ...
  • Capital. ...
  • Cash Out Refinance. ...
  • Certificate of Deposit (CD) ...
  • Certificate of Reasonable Value (CRV) ...
  • Certificate of Title.

What is C type structure? ›

Structures (also called structs) are a way to group several related variables into one place. Each variable in the structure is known as a member of the structure. Unlike an array, a structure can contain many different data types (int, float, char, etc.).

What are the 4 types of structures? ›

There are four types of structures;
  • Frame: made of separate members (usually thin pieces) put together.
  • Shell: encloses or contains its contents.
  • Solid (mass): made almost entirely of matter.
  • liquid (fluid): braking fluid making the brakes.

What are the classification of properties? ›

Property is basically of two categories : Corporeal Property and Incorporeal Property. Corporeal Property is visible and tangible, whereas incorporeal Property is not. Moreover, corporeal Property is the right of ownership in material things, whereas incorporeal Property is an incorporeal right in rem.

What is a B financing? ›

The IDB attracts banks and institutional investors as co-financiers through its A/B loan program. Under this program, the IDB offers the A portion of the loan from its own resources. The Bank partners with other financial institutions to provide the B loan.

What is B side lending? ›

A Lenders typically lend to prime borrowers, which are borrowers with a good credit score and history, as well as a stable income. B Lenders are quasi-regulated lenders where they are not directly regulated federally but indirectly follow regulations due to the nature of their business.

What is the A and B note structure? ›

A form of subordinate financing widely used in the CMBS lending arena where a subordinate or “B” Note is secured by the same mortgage as the senior or “A” Note but is deeply subordinated to the “A” Note under an Intercreditor Agreement.

What are the three basic types of property? ›

The Three Types
  • Residential real estate—This does include flipping houses. ...
  • Commercial real estate is the sort of property where businesses are located. ...
  • Industrial real estate—This property is where industrial “behind the scenes” elements of business get done.
Dec 3, 2018

What is a property in code? ›

A property is a member that provides a flexible mechanism to read, write, or compute the value of a private field. Properties can be used as if they're public data members, but they're special methods called accessors.

What are the 2 meanings of property? ›

: something owned or possessed. specifically : a piece of real estate. : the exclusive right to possess, enjoy, and dispose of a thing : ownership. : something to which a person or business has a legal title.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 5680

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.