Home Rent vs Buy Calculator

Should You Rent or Buy?

Compare the true total cost of renting versus buying over any time horizon — including all the hidden costs most calculators miss.

Covers mortgage, maintenance, opportunity cost, rent inflation and equity build-up · For guidance only
Your Situation
Property Price (or equivalent)£285,000
£50k£1.5m
Monthly Rent (current or estimated)£1,200/mo
£400£5,000
Deposit Available£57,000 (20%)
5%50%
Mortgage Rate4.5%
2%10%
Years You Plan to Stay7 years
1 yr30 yrs
Annual House Price Growth3.5%
0%8%
Assumptions
Buying costs included:
Mortgage payments, stamp duty, maintenance (1% of value/yr), buildings insurance (£300/yr), solicitor fees (£2,000), survey (£750)
Renting costs included:
Monthly rent, tenant insurance (£150/yr), rent inflation (3%/yr). Deposit opportunity cost (4% return on deposit if invested instead)
🏦 Detailed Mortgage Calculator →
Verdict after 7 years
Buying saves more
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Breakeven pointYear ~5
🏠 Buying
Total mortgage paid
Stamp duty
Maintenance
Total cost
Equity gained
Net cost
🔑 Renting
Total rent paid
Insurance
Opp. cost of deposit
Total cost
No equity built£0
Net cost
📌 Key insight
Calculate Your Exact Mortgage →
Important: This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly. Tax rules, mortgage rates, and property values may change. Always consult a qualified financial adviser before making a property purchase decision. Cavendish Knight is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.