Tools
Rent vs Buy
An honest five-year comparison. Sometimes renting wins.
Free to use, no account needed. All calculators
Your details
Your result
Over 5 years, buying comes out ahead in this scenario.
Assumes 2% a year capital growth, 3% rent growth, and 4% return on the deposit if you kept renting. Change the timeframe and the answer often flips — that's the honest part.
Mortgage repayment (monthly)
$3,358.36
Rent paid over the period
$171,167
Cost of owning (interest, rates, insurance, maintenance)
$193,859
Property value at the end
$717,653
Loan still owing
$541,607
Equity you'd hold
$176,046
Net position — buying
-$82,813
Net position — renting
-$157,084
This is a guide, not advice. Your actual borrowing depends on the lender's assessment of your full situation. Talk to a mortgage adviser before making decisions.