Purchase : Monthly : OWN Monthly : RENT
Price: $ Taxes: $ Rent: $
Down Pmt: $ Other Costs: $ Other Costs: $
Interest Rate: % Condo Fees: $ Rent Incr. : % /Annum
Mtg. Type: Cdn US OTHER Rates :
Insur. Fee: YES NO Savings Rate: %
Commission: % on Sale Tax Rate : %
      Term:     Amortization
Calculator bottom

Compare Renting a home with Purchasing a home. The criteria above is used to calculate what the average annual increase in home value must be to reach a financial break even point - if you anticipate a lower % increase in home value, this means renting may be the better option.

The rental alternative will allow you to save and invest both the downpayment of $ 25,000 and the monthly rental savings, initially at $ -18. At the end of the 36 month term your before tax investment will have grown to $ 24,132, assuming the savings rate of -0.29 % per annum. After paying annual income taxes at 0 % on the investment interest gain, the investment will have grown to $ 24,132.

In order for the home purchase alternative with a mortgage interest rate of 3.7 % to perform as well as the rental option, the annual rate of property appreciation must be at least -0.58 % . Total property appreciation of -1.74 % together with principal repayment would result in homeowners equity of $ 29,044 in 36 months, less the 5 % cost to market the home of $ 4,912, for a net gain of $ 24,132.

If the home value increased by more than $ -1,750 ( -1.74 % ) in 36 months, purchasing would be a better financial option than renting.

RENT OWN

Canadian Calculation - Compounding Semi-Annually

Down Payment (25 %) $ 25,000
First Mortgage Amount (Includes Ins. Fee of $ 0) $ 75,000
TOTAL PRICE   $ 100,000
 
Monthly Costs

Mortgage Payment

$ 382
Property Taxes $ 0
Condo Fees $ 0
Other Costs $ 0 $ 0
Rent Payments
($ 400 Month 1 to $ 400 Last Month)
$ 400
Total Monthly Payment   $ 400   $ 382
Monthly Cash Savings   $ -18  
  NOTE: Rent costs exceeded monthly ownership costs at term end
Future Value at Term ( 36 months)

Down Payment Saved (@ -0.29 %)

$ 24,776

Monthly Cash Savings (@ -0.29 %)

$ -644

Taxes assumed to be paid annually (12th period) on interest.

 
Required Home Price at Term End $ 98,250
Less : Mortgage Balance ( $ 69,205 )
Less : Sales Commission (@ 5 %) ( $ 4,912 )
Equity at Term   $ 24,132   $ 24,132
Less Income Taxes on gain ( @ 0 % )   ( $ 0 )   $ 0
NET After Taxes   $ 24,132   $ 24,132
 
Required ANNUAL Home Price Increase Rate -0.58 %
Required TOTAL Home Price Increase % (36 months) -1.74 %
Required TOTAL Home Price Increase (36 months) $ -1,750
 

It is always difficult to forecast home price increases, but if the likely Annual Increase is higher than the above %, then buying a home would be the better option. If home prices do not rise by the above %, then renting would be a better option. Note that other factors with home ownership may impact the financial decision including the potential to borrow funds at lower rates if you own a home.

Input a 0% commission rate if a sales commission is not payable. The savings rate is the percentage return on funds saved. The Mortgage Insurance Fee (Insur. Fee - ie. CMHC) is usually required for down payments less than 25%.

Other factors to consider include heating costs - are they included in rent ? Home Insurance costs may also be factored in as another cost. Additionally, maintenance costs should be considered as part of home ownership and may be added to "other costs".


Figures are rounded to nearest dollar.

The above information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.