Decision Tool

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Model both paths over time and see when buying may start to outperform renting under Irish mortgage, deposit, and HTB rules.

Best when you know

Your rent, target purchase price, and how long you may stay

Compare on a timeline

Weigh ownership costs, rent inflation, and equity growth across the years that matter to you.

Pressure-test assumptions

This is the tool for asking whether a specific purchase still makes sense against the rental alternative.

Verdict

This property is currently out of reach

You would need €2,280 more in savings or about €18,750 more annual income to make this purchase workable.

Analysis period: 10 years. Monthly rent starts at €1,800 and the purchase price is €350,000.

Find out what you can afford Check exact costs for this property

Comparison

Renting vs buying over 10 years

Buying ahead by €192,104

Renting

10 years

Total paid: €259,333
Savings value: €59,210
Net position: -€200,123

Savings value is your starting savings grown at the investment return assumption. Rent is treated separately as a housing cost paid from income.

Buying

10 years

Total paid: €276,210
Equity: €268,191
Net position: -€8,019

Equity includes both mortgage paydown and assumed house price growth, so it can be higher than your total cash paid over the same period.

Monthly ownership cost

€1,949

Rent growth assumption

4.0%

Price growth assumption

4.0%

Timeline

Year-by-year comparison

Hover a year to inspect both scenarios.

Renting

Buying

Renting ahead

Buying ahead

Year 3

Rent net position

-€22,432

Buy net position

-€17,003

Buy advantage

€5,429

Assumptions

These projections are based on rent increases of 4.0%, property price growth of 4.0%, and investment returns of 4.0%. Actual outcomes will differ. This is not financial advice.

Next Paths

CalculatorCalculate exact costs for €350,000Open the main calculator with this property and mortgage setup pre-filled.Nearby salesSee what properties sell for in your areaJump to neighbour prices to compare this budget against real sale data.AffordabilityStart from your budget insteadUse the reverse calculator to see what price range your income and savings support.

This tool provides estimates based on publicly available data and general guidelines. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified mortgage broker, solicitor, or surveyor before making property decisions.

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