Why NNN Investors Prefer Kansas State: Higher Growth & Competitive Cap Rates Explained
Future holding for NNN property investments in Kansas
Triple Net Lease (NNN) properties, where tenants are responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, remain a highly attractive option for investors seeking stable, low-maintenance income. In Kansas, the outlook for NNN property investments is increasingly optimistic, supported by several key trends and market factors:
1. Economic and Population Growth
Kansas continues to experience steady population and economic growth, particularly in regions like Johnson County and the Kansas City metro area. These areas are hubs for logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, which support a growing demand for commercial real estate and enhance the appeal of NNN investments in the state.
2. Stability and Demand for NNN Properties
With long-term leases and minimal landlord responsibilities, NNN properties in Kansas offer investors predictable income streams. This stability remains a cornerstone for investors navigating volatile market conditions. As demand for dependable real estate assets grows, Kansas continues to attract both new and seasoned NNN investors.
3. Market Trends and Cap Rates
Cap rates in Kansas remain competitive, offering higher yields compared to more saturated markets. Recent trends indicate a healthy inventory of NNN properties across retail, industrial, and medical sectors. Investors can capitalize on favorable pricing and reliable tenants, making Kansas an increasingly attractive destination for NNN acquisition.
4. Financing Considerations for NNN Investors
To invest in NNN properties, investors typically need a minimum net worth of $1 million or an annual income of $200,000 or more. Down payments generally fall between 30% and 40% of the purchase price. Understanding and preparing for these financial benchmarks is crucial for investors aiming to secure or scale NNN assets in the Kansas market.
5. Local Market Opportunities
Kansas presents valuable opportunities in both urban and suburban markets. Single-tenant properties, such as national-brand retail outlets and distribution centers, are in high demand. Areas like Wichita, Overland Park, and Topeka offer compelling deals with long-term leases and solid tenant profiles. Investors looking to optimize returns can also benefit from 1031 exchange strategies to reinvest capital gains and grow their NNN portfolios within the state.
Triple-net (NNN) investors are increasingly turning to Kansas as a prime location for net lease properties, thanks to its competitive cap rates, growing economy, and investor-friendly landscape. Here’s why NNN brokers and investors view Kansas as a lucrative market:
1. Higher Cap Rates Compared to Other States
Kansas offers NNN investors attractive cap rates, generally ranging between 6% to 7.5%, which outperform returns in many coastal or high-demand states. These higher yields allow investors to generate better income while maintaining long-term lease stability with quality national tenants.
2. Affordable Property Prices
The Kansas real estate market provides an excellent balance of affordability and quality. Investors can acquire single-tenant NNN properties at lower entry costs, enabling them to secure nationally recognized tenants and maintain strong cash flow without the high acquisition costs found in major metro markets.
3. Growing Population & Economic Development
Kansas is witnessing steady economic and population growth, especially in areas like Johnson County, Overland Park, and the Kansas City metro region. A diversified economy—spanning agriculture, logistics, aviation, and tech—continues to create jobs and attract new residents, driving increased demand for commercial space and net lease properties.
4. Strong Demand for Essential Retail & QSRs
Investors are drawn to Kansas’s robust demand for essential retail and quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Brands like Dollar General, Walgreens, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks maintain strong performance in the region, offering NNN buyers access to recession-resistant tenants with long-term lease security.
5. No State Income Tax on Passive LLC Income
Kansas provides favorable tax conditions for certain investment structures, allowing NNN investors to optimize returns, particularly those using pass-through entities such as LLCs. This enhances the appeal of Kansas for those leveraging 1031 exchanges and other tax-efficient strategies.
6. Infrastructure & Industrial Growth
Kansas continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, particularly in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. Major interstates and rail lines support regional distribution hubs, while growing industrial parks and business incentives attract companies, boosting demand for industrial and service-based NNN lease properties.
Income Taxes
Kansas Tax Advantages for NNN Investors: A Smart Choice for Net Lease Properties
Kansas presents a range of tax benefits that make it an appealing destination for investors seeking strong returns through triple-net (NNN) lease properties. With its balanced approach to income, property, and capital gains taxation, Kansas supports long-term profitability and efficient portfolio growth for real estate investors. Here’s why NNN investors and brokers consider Kansas a smart investment state:
1. Favorable Treatment of LLC Passive Income
While Kansas does tax LLC income, the state provides favorable structures and deductions for investors earning passive income from rental real estate. With proper entity planning, investors can effectively reduce taxable income, optimize returns, and take advantage of state-level benefits applicable to real estate holdings.
2. Competitive Corporate Income Tax
Kansas imposes a flat corporate income tax rate of 4%, plus a 3% surtax on income over $50,000, totaling 7% for high-earning entities. This remains competitive for companies operating in the real estate space, allowing more of the earnings from net lease properties to be reinvested into portfolio expansion and property improvements.
3. Moderate Personal Income Tax Rates
Kansas uses a tiered personal income tax system, which is more moderate than many high-tax states. As of recent brackets:
3.1% on income up to $15,000
5.25% on income between $15,001 and $30,000
5.7% on income above $30,000
These rates are manageable for individual investors and offer meaningful tax savings on NNN property earnings compared to more heavily taxed regions.
4. No State Estate or Inheritance Tax
Kansas does not impose an estate or inheritance tax, allowing NNN investors to pass on their properties to beneficiaries without additional state-level tax burdens. This makes Kansas a favorable location for building long-term, generational wealth through net lease real estate.
5. Reasonable Property Tax Rates
Kansas maintains an average effective property tax rate of approximately 1.33%, which is moderate in comparison to national figures. For NNN investors, this means predictable and manageable holding costs, particularly in secondary and suburban markets where rates can be even more favorable.
6. Capital Gains Tax Alignment with State Income Tax
Capital gains in Kansas are taxed as regular income, following the same personal income tax brackets. While not exempt, Kansas does not impose an additional or separate capital gains tax, which simplifies planning for investors using 1031 exchanges or preparing for property sales.
Investing in triple net lease (NNN) properties in Kansas can be a strategic move, especially in regions experiencing robust population growth and economic development. With tenants covering taxes, insurance, and maintenance, NNN properties offer a low-maintenance investment opportunity. Based on recent trends, here are some of the top cities and counties in Kansas to consider for NNN property investments:
1. Johnson County (Overland Park, Olathe):
Population Growth: Johnson County saw an increase of approximately 6,200 residents from 2023 to 2024, driven primarily by net migration from nearby states and metro areas.
Economic Development: As the wealthiest and fastest-growing county in Kansas, Johnson County is home to major employers in healthcare, technology, and education, making it a business and residential hotspot.
Investment Potential: The rising demand for suburban retail and office spaces supports strong NNN opportunities, particularly in Overland Park and Olathe.
2. Sedgwick County (Wichita):
Population Growth: Sedgwick County added nearly 2,500 new residents, with Wichita continuing to attract people due to affordable living and job opportunities.
Economic Development: The region is a manufacturing and aviation hub, with major employers such as Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems.
Investment Potential: The area’s industrial growth and steady population support NNN investments in logistics, service-based retail, and essential goods sectors.
3. Douglas County (Lawrence):
Population Growth: Douglas County grew by over 1,600 residents, largely fueled by university-driven migration and a strong quality of life.
Economic Development: Home to the University of Kansas, Lawrence benefits from a stable education-based economy, along with healthcare and retail development.
Investment Potential: NNN properties in education-centric cities like Lawrence are well-positioned for sustained demand, especially in student and professional services sectors.
4. Riley County (Manhattan):
Population Growth: Riley County saw an increase of around 1,200 people, due to military relocation and new development.
Economic Development: The presence of Fort Riley and Kansas State University drives local growth in both residential and commercial sectors.
Investment Potential: NNN opportunities exist in essential services, healthcare, and national QSR chains serving both military and university communities.
5. Wyandotte County (Kansas City, KS):
Population Growth: Wyandotte County experienced a modest increase of approximately 1,000 residents, with growth concentrated in redevelopment areas.
Economic Development: The region has seen major investments in logistics, e-commerce, and tourism infrastructure, including the Village West retail and entertainment district.
Investment Potential: Investors can target NNN properties in fast-developing corridors, including highway-adjacent retail and fulfillment-linked industrial assets.
6. Leavenworth County (Leavenworth, Basehor, Tonganoxie):
Population Growth: Leavenworth County grew by about 850 residents, with suburban expansion playing a key role.
Economic Development: The area benefits from proximity to Kansas City, low housing costs, and increasing residential development.
Investment Potential: The ongoing suburban sprawl and demand for neighborhood retail and essential services create opportunities for NNN investments in growing towns like Basehor and Tonganoxie.
Pros:
1️⃣ Higher Cap Rates
Kansas offers attractive cap rates in the 6% to 7.5% range, which are higher than many coastal and metro-heavy states. These elevated returns provide investors with stronger cash flow and greater income stability, especially for long-term holdings.
2️⃣ Low State Income Tax on LLC Income
Kansas provides a favorable tax environment for passive investors operating under LLC structures.
While Kansas does tax LLC income, strategic structuring and deductions can significantly reduce the tax burden, enhancing investor returns.
3️⃣ Affordable Commercial Real Estate
Kansas offers lower acquisition costs than larger markets, allowing investors to enter with smaller capital outlays. This affordability opens the door to strong cash-on-cash returns and more accessible diversification across property types and tenants.
4️⃣ Growing Population & Economic Centers
Cities like Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, and Wichita are experiencing steady growth fueled by tech, education, healthcare, and aviation. This demographic and economic expansion drives demand for retail, service, and logistics properties, creating strong NNN investment opportunities.
5️⃣ Stable, Essential Retail Tenants
Kansas is a hotspot for essential businesses and national QSRs, including Dollar General, McDonald’s, and CVS.
These tenants are resilient in various economic climates, ensuring reliable lease payments and long-term stability for investors.
6️⃣ Central U.S. Logistics Hub
With major interstates, rail access, and a growing logistics footprint, Kansas is becoming a regional distribution hub. This boosts demand for industrial NNN properties and supports investor interest in service- and fulfillment-related real estate.
7️⃣ Business-Friendly Environment
Kansas offers tax incentives, low operating costs, and a predictable regulatory framework that attract both tenants and developers.
This pro-business climate enhances tenant retention and reduces operational volatility for property owners.
Cons:
1️⃣ Slower Property Appreciation
Compared to states like Texas or Florida, Kansas experiences modest real estate appreciation.
Investors focused on rapid capital gains may find Kansas better suited for income-focused rather than speculative strategies.
2️⃣ Location-Sensitive Tenant Demand
Outside of major metros (Wichita, Kansas City suburbs, Lawrence), tenant demand can vary significantly.
Rural or underdeveloped areas may struggle to attract strong national tenants, requiring careful due diligence.
3️⃣ Exposure to Tornado Risk
Kansas is located in Tornado Alley, making weather-related insurance and tenant disruptions a potential risk. Investors should account for higher insurance premiums and contingency planning in vulnerable regions.
4️⃣ Limited High-End Retail & Urban Density
Kansas’ commercial scene is dominated by essential goods and mid-tier services rather than luxury or upscale retail.
For investors seeking high-end urban redevelopment projects, the market may offer fewer options.
5️⃣ Industry Concentration in Key Sectors
Kansas’ economy is heavily supported by agriculture, aviation, and education. While generally stable, downturns in these sectors can impact tenant performance and broader market dynamics.
Kansas NNN Properties for 1031 Exchange
Invest in Free Standing Single Tenant Triple Net (NNN) Properties in Kansas
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At Triple Net Investment Group, we specialize in the sale of single tenant NNN properties and triple net shopping centers across the United States. Our team is dedicated to helping investors find high-quality (Tenant Triple Net) NNN properties in Kansas and nationwide that align with their financial goals and 1031 exchange requirements.
With our in-depth market knowledge and personalized service, we provide tailored investment strategies for both buyers and sellers of commercial real estate. Whether you’re looking to defer capital gains through a 1031 tax-deferred exchange or want to diversify your portfolio with income-generating assets, our team offers a wide selection of vetted NNN investment properties.
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