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70% Rule Calculator

The 30% is not profit.

Work out 70% Rule. The 30% is not profit. Every rate is an input, not an assertion.

Written and maintained by Mohit PatelLast checked August 4, 2026How we build these
%
% of ARV

Maximum offer

110,000

The asking price exceeds it by 10,000

Maximum offer110,000
After-repair value200,000
Repair costs30,000
Estimated profit39,000
Profit margin on ARV19.5%
Within the ruleNo
AssessmentThe asking price exceeds the 70% maximum by 10000. The rule exists to leave room for the refurbishment overrunning, which it usually does.

The rule is: offer no more than 70% of the after-repair value, less the cost of repairs. It is a screening heuristic rather than a valuation — a way to reject deals quickly rather than to price good ones precisely. The 30% is not profit. It has to cover holding costs, financing, selling fees and the refurbishment overrunning, which it usually does. The actual margin once all of those are counted is typically well under half of it. Both inputs are estimates and both tend to be optimistic. After-repair value comes from comparable sales that may not be comparable, and repair costs are the number every first-time flipper underestimates. Building margin into the offer is what the rule is for.

How the 70% Rule Calculator works

The maximum offer for a flip under the 70% rule, with the profit left after holding and selling costs. The 30% has to cover financing, holding, fees and the refurbishment overrunning — which it usually does.

Also known as: maximum offer for a flip · 70 percent rule house flipping · how much should i offer · flip profit after costs

Not financial advice. This calculator is for planning and illustration, not financial advice. Real products carry fees, taxes, and terms it does not model. Confirm figures with your lender or a qualified adviser before committing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 70% rule?

Offer no more than 70% of the after-repair value, less the cost of repairs. It is a screening heuristic for rejecting deals quickly rather than a way to price good ones precisely.

Is the 30% margin profit?

No. It covers holding costs, financing, selling fees and the refurbishment running over. The actual margin once all of those are counted is typically well under half of it.

Where does the estimate usually go wrong?

Both inputs, in the same direction. After-repair value comes from comparables that may not compare, and repair costs are the number every first-time flipper underestimates — often by a third or more.

Should I use a different percentage?

Competitive markets often force 75% or higher, and thinner margins mean less room for anything to go wrong. Lower percentages are used where holding costs are high or the refurbishment is uncertain.

What are holding costs?

Financing, insurance, utilities, council tax and security for however long you own it. On a six-month flip they routinely reach several percent of the purchase price, and delays make them worse.

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