Preferred return

The return investors get paid first in a syndication before the sponsor earns their promote. Usually shown as a percentage, like an 8% pref. Not a guaranteed payment, just first in line.

Also called pref · Investment terms · Updated September 2026

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Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

The preferred return is what a syndicate's investors get paid before the sponsor takes a share, and it is not a promise. A seller who takes part of the price as an investment in the buyer's deal is relying on it.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

A buyer offers to pay $700,000 for your building with $100,000 of that as your investment in their partnership at an 8% pref.

Preferred return: a simple example
What the pref meansWhat it does not
Investors are paid first, up to 8% a yearPromise that 8% is paid
Unpaid pref usually accruesMean the money is safe
The sponsor's promote comes afterMean the sponsor is paid nothing meanwhile

The pref is a place in line, not a check in the mail.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That an 8% pref is an 8% return. It is the first 8% if there is 8% to pay, and there is not always.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

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