Rent vs Buy vs Invest Calculator Singapore
Compare homeowner equity with a renter who invests the same upfront cash and monthly cost difference.
What this calculator does
This calculator compares two complete balance sheets rather than rent against a mortgage payment. Buying includes downpayment, BSD, ABSD, mortgage, property tax, maintenance and selling costs. Renting invests the equivalent upfront capital and any monthly savings.
Your scenario
Enter your real numbers
Private by design — your inputs stay in this browser.
Example result — edit and calculate
Buying leads by about S$212,404
Comparison after 10 year(s), using your appreciation, rent-growth and investment-return assumptions.
Owner net worth
$816,808
Renter portfolio
$604,403
Monthly mortgage
$4,268
Upfront cash + duties
$332,600
Breakdown
What you’ll get
Full ownership cost
Mortgage, taxes, maintenance, duties and eventual selling costs.
Fair investment alternative
The renter invests the same upfront capital and monthly difference.
Net-worth verdict
Compare both paths after your actual intended holding period.
Frequently asked questions
Why is rent not simply compared with the mortgage?expand_more
Mortgage principal builds equity, while interest, duties, tax and maintenance are costs. A fair comparison tracks ending net worth for both paths.
Does the calculator include CPF?expand_more
Not yet. This first version treats all capital as one balance sheet. Add CPF accrued interest and usage separately if it is material to your decision.
Does it include SSD and renovation?expand_more
No. Add renovation to your effective purchase price and check SSD separately if you may sell within the applicable holding period.
What assumptions should I test?expand_more
Run at least three scenarios: low, base and high property appreciation. Also vary investment return, mortgage rate and holding period. These assumptions often determine the verdict.
Sources and methodology
- IRAS ABSD — Buyer-profile ABSD rates
- IRAS BSD — Progressive residential BSD
- HDB financing — Housing-finance guidance
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