Buy or Rent Calculator
Compare the total costs of buying and renting. Find out which is more worthwhile for you. Includes all acquisition costs and examples, updated for 2026.
Buy
Rent
Break-even (buying pays off from)
approx. 18 years
Monthly Loan Rate
1.443,75 €
| After | Property Value | Remaining Debt | Buy Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years | 426.648,05 € | 239.697,93 € | -18.626,02 € |
| 20 years | 520.081,59 € | 132.893,63 € | +6.014,56 € |
| 30 years | 633.976,55 € | 0,00 € | +9.542,61 € |
Positive value = buying is more advantageous.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy or rent in Germany?
The answer depends on property prices, rent levels, interest rates, investment alternatives, and how long you plan to stay. Buying generally becomes more favorable after 10-15 years in the same location.
What factors should I consider in the buy vs. rent decision?
Key factors include purchase price-to-annual-rent ratio (under 25 favors buying), opportunity cost of equity, maintenance costs (1-2% of property value annually), and your personal flexibility needs.
What is the Buy or Rent Calculator?
The buy-or-rent calculator compares the long-term costs of home ownership with renting, including an alternative investment of the difference.
How does the Buy or Rent Calculator work?
Enter the purchase price, rental costs, interest rate and expected price appreciation. The calculator compares total costs over the chosen period. The difference between the rent and the mortgage payment is invested alternatively. Net wealth is compared at the end.
Key Data and Facts
Rule of thumb: a price-to-rent ratio above 25-30 annual cold rents favours renting. Maintenance reserve: approx. 1-2% of property value/year. Long-term appreciation: approx. 1-3% p.a.
Step-by-Step Guide
So compare Sie Kaufen und Mieten step by step: 1. Kaufszenario calculate: Kaufpreis + Nebenkosten (8-12 %) = Gesamtinvestition. Eigenkapital und Darlehen festlegen. Monatliche rate (interest + Tilgung) calculate. Instandhaltung (1-2 %/year) und property tax (Grundsteuer) addieren. 2. Mietszenario calculate: Aktuelle Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten = Warmmiete. Jaehrliche Mietsteigerung einplanen (ca. 2-3 %). 3. Vermoegensentwicklung beim Mieten: Die Differenz zwischen Kauf-Gesamtkosten und Miete wird monthly angelegt. Rendite der alternativen Anlage (z. B. 5 % ETF) beruecksichtigen. 4. Vermoegensentwicklung beim Kauf: Restschuld sinkt durch Tilgung. Immobilienwert steigt (ca. 1-3 % p. a.). 5. Nach 20-30 Jahren compare: Nettovermoegen Kauf = Immobilienwert minus Restschuld. Nettovermoegen Miete = Depotwert. 6. Kaufpreisfaktor pruefen: Ueber 25-30 Jahreskaltmieten spricht tendenziell fuer Mieten.
Calculation Example
Kauf: 350.000 EUR, 3 % interest, 2 % Tilgung = 1.458 EUR/month + 350 EUR NK. Miete: 950 EUR warm. Differenz 858 EUR/month angelegt bei 5 %: nach 25 Jahren ca. 510.000 EUR Depotwert vs. ca. 420.000 EUR Immobilienwert.
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