Useful next calculations
When to use this calculator
- Before buying, renting, refinancing or reviewing a property investment.
- When you want to compare cash flow, tax, yield or ownership costs.
- When you need a fast estimate before speaking to an agent, lender or adviser.
- When you want to see how a rate or price change moves the result.
A worked example
These are the example figures the calculator opens with.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Price (€) | €25,000 |
| Monthly Lease Payment (€) | €350 |
| Lease Term (Years) | 3 years |
| Loan Interest Rate (%) | 6% |
For those figures the calculator returns:
- Total lease cost: €12,600.00
- Total buy cost (net): €18,999.20
- Monthly lease: €350.00
- Monthly loan: €483.32
- Lease vs buy difference: -€6,399.20
Method & assumptions
This calculator compares the total financial cost of leasing (renting) a property against purchasing it on a leasehold or freehold basis over a chosen time horizon. For leasehold purchases, the model includes estimated service charges and ground rent alongside mortgage costs. For freehold, it includes maintenance reserves. The leasing scenario assumes rent increasing annually at your specified rate. The calculator does not predict property value changes or lease extension costs, both of which are highly property-specific. It is intended to provide a structured framework for comparing the two routes rather than a precise financial forecast. Before purchasing any leasehold property, obtain a full set of service charge accounts and take independent legal advice on the lease terms.
Common mistakes
- Using an assumption that is not supported by a current local quote, bill, statement or official source.
- Treating a generic estimate as a lender, provider, payroll or tax authority decision.
- Mixing monthly and annual inputs without converting them consistently.
- Testing only one scenario instead of checking how a cautious assumption changes the result.
What to do next
- Run a second scenario with a cautious assumption so you can see the downside clearly.
- Compare the result with the related calculators below before making a decision.
- Check current local rules, eligibility and provider terms before applying or committing money.
- Keep a record of the assumptions so you can update the estimate when a quote, bill or pay figure changes.