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Rent vs Buy Abroad Calculator
This is a monthly cash comparison, not a wealth forecast. Enter the price, the loan terms, the running costs and the rent you would otherwise pay.
Principal repayment builds equity and is not a pure cost; this comparison shows cash out, not net worth. Purchase taxes, legal fees and selling costs are additional and can be large.
Cash cost versus equity
A mortgage payment contains interest and principal. The interest is a cost; the principal increases your equity. This calculator counts interest only, plus maintenance, insurance and taxes, so the number is comparable with rent as a monthly cash cost.
It still ignores purchase taxes, legal fees, agency fees and the cost of selling. For a short stay, those can outweigh years of the monthly difference.
The foreign-buyer layer
Foreign buyers often face additional purchase taxes, restrictions on ownership or special permits. Those costs belong in the decision before the mortgage comparison, and they are covered on a separate calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does this account for house-price growth?
No. It compares monthly cash costs. Price growth is a forecast and should be tested separately, not assumed.
Should I include the down payment?
The down payment is capital, not a monthly cost. The opportunity cost of tying it up is real but separate from this comparison.
What about taxes?
Property taxes and purchase taxes vary widely. Add the recurring tax to the monthly line and the purchase tax as a one-time cost.