Rent vs buy without the slogan economy
Housing debates online love slogans; households need scenarios. A rent vs buy calculator lets you compare ongoing rent with the cash and opportunity costs of owning—mortgage, maintenance, and the capital tied up in a deposit—over a horizon you actually believe.
Inputs that move the answer
Change the years you expect to stay, the mortgage rate, and a sober maintenance percentage. Add selling costs mentally if you might move again soon. Cross-check house affordability and a plain mortgage payment so the “buy” side is not fantasy underwriting.
Regional reality
US property taxes and HOA fees differ by county; UK buyers face stamp duty/LBTT-style costs and different renting norms. This tool stays a structured estimate, not a solicitor or broker model.