Enter home price, down payment, mortgage rate, and comparison period. Then enter monthly rent, annual property tax and maintenance, plus assumptions for appreciation, rent growth, and alternative return. Currency selection changes display only, not the entered values.
Buying scenario
The model combines the down payment, mortgage payments, property tax, and maintenance, then credits estimated home equity after the remaining mortgage balance at the end. Purchase and sale transaction costs, insurance, association fees, and tax on a sale are excluded.
Renting and opportunity cost
Rent grows each year using your assumption. Capital not used for the down payment is projected at the entered alternative return and deducted from the renting scenario. Ongoing monthly cash-flow differences are not additionally invested.
A scenario, not a recommendation
The chart compares modelled net costs. Small changes in holding period, appreciation, interest, maintenance, or returns can reverse the ranking. No local rules or market averages are assumed; use actual quotes and test several scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which costs belong in the buying scenario?
The model includes down payment, mortgage payments, property tax, and maintenance, then credits estimated ending home equity after the remaining mortgage balance. Transaction costs and other property expenses are excluded.
Which rent growth rate should I assume?
Use a cautious assumption that fits your lease and market, then test lower and higher values.
How are down payment and foregone return handled?
The renting scenario invests the down payment at the entered alternative return. Ongoing payment differences are not additionally invested.
What does a break-even year mean?
It would be the first year with equal modelled net cost. This version shows the selected ending point; test several periods instead of treating one year as a decision signal.
Are maintenance and selling costs included?
Annual maintenance is an input. Purchase and sale transaction costs are excluded and should be added separately for a specific property.
Why is the result not a recommendation for a location?
The calculator uses only your entries and no regional prices, rules, or forecasts. Personal plans, risk, and flexibility remain outside the model.
