The method
How it is worked out
Buy = equity − deposit − interest − upkeep − costs; Rent = deposit invested − deposit − rent paid
- equity
- Property value at the end minus the mortgage balance
- opportunity
- What the deposit earns if you do not buy
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting with buying over your horizon, counting mortgage interest, upkeep, price growth and what the deposit could earn instead. The result updates as you type so you can compare scenarios quickly.
Keep in mind
What it leaves out
- TaxCapital gains and stamp duties vary; costs % is your proxy.
- Rate changesFixed deals end; rerun with a higher rate.
- Non-money factorsSecurity, flexibility and space are yours to weigh.
Use the calculator to compare scenarios rather than as a guaranteed forecast.
About the Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting with buying over the years you expect to stay, counting what each leaves you worth at the end.
How it works and an example to tryShow less
How to use the result
Buying: property value at the end less mortgage balance, deposit, interest, upkeep and transaction costs. Renting: the deposit invested at your return, less rent paid with growth. The difference is the verdict.
Example to try
A £320,000 home with 15% down at 4.8% against £1,500 rent over seven years favours buying by about £90,000 with 3% price growth; at 0% growth it narrows to a few thousand.
Put it to work
Try it on a real situation
Load an example
What moves the result most
Worked out from your figures above. Tap a row to try it.
Who uses it, and when
First-time buyers, renters deciding whether to stretch, and people relocating for a fixed period.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Ignoring buying and selling costs, which take years to recover.
- Assuming past house-price growth continues.
- Comparing rent with the mortgage payment alone and forgetting upkeep and interest.
Questions
What does the Rent vs Buy Calculator do?
Compare renting with buying over your horizon, counting mortgage interest, upkeep, price growth and what the deposit could earn instead.
How should I use the result?
Buying: property value at the end less mortgage balance, deposit, interest, upkeep and transaction costs. Renting: the deposit invested at your return, less rent paid with growth. The difference is the verdict.
Does TechBullion store the information I enter?
The core calculation or transformation runs in your browser. Normal website security and analytics may still record page-level events, but the tool does not need to create a public record from your inputs.
What mistakes do people make with a rent vs buy calculator?
Ignoring buying and selling costs, which take years to recover. Assuming past house-price growth continues. Comparing rent with the mortgage payment alone and forgetting upkeep and interest.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. Use the result as a practical check or planning aid and verify important decisions with the relevant primary source, provider or professional advice.
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Results are estimates based on the figures entered, for general information only, and not financial, investment, tax or legal advice. See our terms of use.