Rent vs. Buy, Fast
A useful frame - not gospel. The right answer depends on how long you'll stay and what happens to rents and home values in your market.
Assumes 3% annual home appreciation, 3% rent inflation, 1% property tax, 0.35% insurance, 1% maintenance, and 5% opportunity cost on the down payment. Adjust with your advisor for local conditions.
- Time Changes Everything
- Rent Rarely Stays Flat
- Equity Is Forced Savings
A licensed advisor can turn these estimates into a personalized scenario.
Talk to an advisorHow to Use It
Use today's rent and a realistic purchase price in your market.
How many years do you plan to stay? This drives the outcome more than anything.
Look at cash paid, equity built, and the opportunity cost of your down payment.
Tips from Our Advisors
Buying almost always wins past year 7. Under 3 years, renting usually wins after transaction costs.
Even 3% annual rent hikes compound quickly. A fixed mortgage payment doesn't move.
Every payment retires principal. That's money you'd otherwise need discipline to save.
Frequently Asked
Ready to Run Real Numbers on Your Situation?
An advisor can help you translate assumptions into a personalized plan.