What changes from country to country
Transaction costs are the biggest driver of how long you need to stay. Buying costs range from roughly 1% of the price in New Zealand, which has no stamp duty, to 7% in Dubai (4% land department fee plus agent and mortgage fees) and around 10–12% in Germany and Spain once transfer tax, notary and agent fees are included. Higher upfront costs push the break-even year further out.
Mortgage structure varies too. Americans and the French can fix a rate for the full term; UK, Canadian, Irish and Australian borrowers usually refinance every few years, so rate risk continues long after purchase. In Hong Kong and much of Asia, payments float with interbank rates.
Recurring owner costs differ widely. US property taxes can exceed 2% a year in some states, while UK council tax is paid by renters and owners alike, so it does not affect the comparison. Condo, strata and service charges are significant in Dubai, Singapore, New York and Toronto.
Price-to-rent ratios set the starting point. Where rents are high relative to prices — gross yields of 6% or more — buying tends to win quickly. Where yields are 3% or below, as in many Indian metros, Toronto and Sydney, renting and investing the difference often wins unless prices keep rising strongly.
For a deeper look, read rent vs buy around the world or the city guides for Dubai and the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the rent vs buy answer differ by country?
Four things change most between countries: transaction costs (from about 1% in New Zealand to over 10% in Germany and Spain), recurring owner taxes, mortgage rates and structure (fixed for 30 years in the US and France, variable or short fixed periods in the UK, Canada and Australia), and the price-to-rent ratio. Each shifts the break-even point by years.
Can I use the calculator for a country that is not listed?
Yes. Pick the closest market, then overwrite every input with local figures: price, rent, mortgage rate and term, deposit, property tax, buying and selling costs, maintenance, insurance and growth rates. The currency label is cosmetic; the maths works in any currency.
How accurate are the default assumptions?
Defaults are illustrative late-2026 estimates for a typical home in each market, drawn from official tax schedules, central bank and lender rate data and published price and rent averages. They are a starting point, not a quote. Your city, property type and credit profile can change every input.