RandRoute · South African money tools
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the full monthly and upfront picture before deciding whether renting or buying fits your plan.
Calculator inputs
- Monthly rent
- Property price
- Deposit
- Annual bond rate
- Bond term
- Rates / month
- Levies / month
- Maintenance / month
How the calculator works
Compare monthly rent with bond repayment plus rates, levies, and maintenance, while keeping the deposit visible as an upfront cost.
Example calculation
Compare R12,000 rent with a R1.2 million property, R120,000 deposit, and a 20-year bond. Stress-test the rate and keep transaction costs and a cash buffer in mind.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this calculator decide whether I should rent or buy?
- No. It is a first comparison. Include transaction costs, maintenance, rate changes, mobility, property value, and your personal plans before deciding.
- What does the monthly ownership estimate include?
- It includes bond repayment, rates, levies, and maintenance inputs. Insurance, transaction costs, appreciation, and tax effects are not modelled.
Related financial tools
Estimate only. Results are based on the information entered and applicable assumptions. Actual amounts may differ.