What does the building capitalization rate (Rb) express?

The building capitalization rate (Rb) is a key financial metric used in real estate to evaluate the potential return on investment of a property. It specifically expresses the ratio of the income generated by a building to its value or price, reflecting how much return an investor can expect from their investment in the building improvements.

The capitalization rate is typically calculated by taking the net operating income (NOI) of the property—essentially the income that remains after operating expenses—and dividing that figure by the total value of the building improvements. This ratio provides a quick way to assess the risk and profitability of an investment, where a higher capitalization rate indicates a potentially higher return, albeit with a higher perceived risk.

In this context, option B correctly identifies that Rb relates the value of the building improvements to the income they generate, making it essential for investors and assessors to understand the investment potential of properties. The other options either misinterpret the relationship involving income and expenses or do not accurately reflect the function of the capitalization rate in property evaluation.