The yield on newly built rental properties - Does the investor require a risk premium

Sammanfattning: In this thesis we have investigated if there is a risk premium on residential properties with presumption rent in comparison to the other two rental systems, individually-set rent and utility rent. The method chosen was a qualitative method and therefore six interviews were conducted with real estate professionals with at least ten years of experience, five real estate companies and one real estate consultancy company. From the interviews, evidence was found that there are pros and cons regarding the different Swedish rental systems and how it affects an investment on a property. However, investors seem to put more weight on initial rent levels and the expected rental growth. Vacancy risk is considered almost insignificant for investors due to the shortage in residential properties in Sweden. The analysis showed that the initial yield does differ between the rental systems. This is due to the difference in expected rental growth over the investment period. For an investment of 20 years presumption rent is the best alternative. Risks were discussed in the interviews and that every risk associated with each rental system were considered in the calculation. According to the simulations, identified risks affect the calculation which adds a risk premium that should be taken into consideration by the investors.