Decision model

Northern Virginia Rent vs Buy Calculator

This model helps compare the financial side of renting versus buying across a realistic holding period, including cash that could be invested if you keep renting.

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Inputs

Compare rent and ownership over time

This model includes loan payoff, buyer closing costs, maintenance, appreciation, selling costs, and the opportunity cost of investable cash.

Monthly rent$Home price$Down payment$Interest rate%Years in homeyrsMonthly HOA$Annual appreciation%Annual rent increase%Investment return%For cash not used to buyBuyer closing costs%Selling costs%

Renting advantage

$173,446

over 7 years after sale proceeds and estimated invested cash

Rent paid$331,018

Renter investment$560,249

Net ownership cost$375,429

Net renting cost$201,983

rent paid minus estimated investment gain

Net ownership cost$375,429

cash outlay minus estimated sale proceeds

Net sale proceeds$386,803

after loan balance and selling costs; negative means a shortfall

Projected home value$1,106,886

Remaining loan balance$653,670

Net sale proceeds$386,803

Cash invested while renting$431,214

Estimated investment gain$129,036

Net renting cost$201,983

Renting advantage$173,446

This comparison excludes tax deductions. When the starting down payment is below 20%, the model keeps the initial PMI estimate constant while the modeled loan is outstanding during the holding period; actual cancellation or termination timing varies. Use conservative appreciation, return, and holding-period assumptions.