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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true cost of renting versus buying in Gibraltar over your planned stay. Adjust the numbers to match your situation.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the total cost of renting versus buying over your planned stay.

Monthly rent (£)

Property price (£)

Interest rate (%)

Deposit10% (£30,000)

5%30%

Years to stay5 years

1 year30 years

£0

Total cost renting (5yr)

£0

Total cost buying (5yr)

Buy cost breakdown

Monthly mortgage£5,034/mo

Deposit£30,000

Stamp duty (est. 3%)£9,000

Estimates only. Does not include maintenance, insurance, legal fees, or property appreciation. Speak to a mortgage advisor for accurate figures.

Methodology

The total renting cost is simply your monthly rent multiplied by the number of months you stay.

The total buying cost adds up: your mortgage payments over the same period (using the standard annuity formula), your deposit (which is money tied up rather than invested), plus estimated stamp duty of 3% of the property price as a rough one-time cost.

This is a simplified model. It does not factor in property price growth or decline, opportunity cost on the deposit, rental price inflation, maintenance, or insurance. These can all significantly change the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the mortgage calculation? +

The calculator uses the standard annuity mortgage formula and a 3% stamp duty estimate. It does not account for maintenance costs, insurance, legal fees, conveyancing, or property price appreciation and depreciation. Use it to get a ballpark, always consult a mortgage advisor for real figures.

When does buying beat renting in Gibraltar? +

Generally, the longer you stay, the more buying makes financial sense. In Gibraltar's property market, buyers typically need to stay 7–10 years to break even versus renting, depending on the deposit size and interest rate. A large deposit and a long stay strongly favours buying.

What is stamp duty in Gibraltar? +

Gibraltar stamp duty is charged at 0% on the first £260,000 and 3% on the remainder for first-time buyers. The calculator uses a flat 3% estimate for simplicity. Rates vary for non-first-time buyers and higher value properties, check with a Gibraltar solicitor for exact figures.

Rent vs Buy Calculator