Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare renting vs buying a home over your chosen time horizon, factoring in purchase costs, maintenance, rent growth and investment returns.

Staying 7 years
Renting assumptions
Market assumptions
After 7 years, buying leaves you about £68,726.78 better off (before taxes, fees and emotional factors).
Buying — net worth after 7y
£344,364.68
home value minus mortgage balance
Renting — investments after 7y
£275,637.90
down payment + savings invested at 5%
Example mortgage payment
£3,113.64
for a £224,000 loan

Rent-vs-buy depends heavily on assumptions. This model ignores selling costs, tax relief, insurance and renters' flexibility. It's a guide, not advice — run it with your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to rent or buy?

It depends on how long you'll stay, house price growth, and what you could earn by investing your deposit instead. Use this calculator to compare the two paths over your planned time horizon.

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