Should I Rent or Buy in Dublin?
Compare the true cost of renting vs buying over time. Adjust the inputs below to match your situation and see when buying breaks even.
Fills average property price, rent, and minimum deposit for the selected area.
🏠 Buying costs
Covers routine upkeep (~1%), home insurance (~0.15%), and Local Property Tax (~0.2–0.3%). A typical Dublin homeowner should budget 1.3%–1.5% of the original purchase price per year.
🏢 Renting costs
📈 Market assumptions
Both strategies invest surplus cash at this rate. The renter’s unspent deposit also compounds here.
Monthly (Buying)
€0
Monthly (Renting)
€0
Break-even
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Verdict
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Monthly Cost Comparison
Net Financial Position Over Time
| Year | Total Rent | Total Buy Cost | Equity | Property Value | Buy Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculating... | |||||
How this calculator works
This tool compares the net financial position of renting vs buying over a 30-year period. It accounts for mortgage payments, property appreciation, maintenance costs, rent increases, and investment growth on cash not spent on housing.
Buying net position = property equity + invested monthly savings when buying is the cheaper option, minus upfront purchase costs. Equity is the current property value minus the remaining mortgage balance. Upfront costs (stamp duty, legal fees, valuation) are modelled at 1.5% of the purchase price as a day-one sunk cost.
Maintenance is modelled as a fixed annual percentage of the original purchase price. Property appreciation does not automatically push routine maintenance costs higher over time.
Renting net position = invested deposit + invested monthly savings when renting is the cheaper option. The Investment Return slider controls the assumed annual growth rate for both sides' investment portfolios.
The break-even point is the first year when buying's net position moves ahead of renting's and stays ahead for the rest of the 30-year period. A brief early crossover does not count.
Important caveats: This model simplifies many factors. Upfront costs (stamp duty, legal fees, valuation) are included at 1.5% of the purchase price. It doesn't account for mortgage protection insurance, investment returns beyond the single assumed rate, tax on investment gains, or transaction costs of selling.
Irish Central Bank rules: First-time buyers need a minimum 10% deposit (90% LTV) and can borrow up to 4× gross income. Non-first-time buyers need 20% deposit (80% LTV) and can borrow up to 3.5× gross income.
What can you afford?
Use our Affordability Calculator to see which Dublin districts match your budget.
Explore repayments
Use our Mortgage Calculator for detailed monthly repayments and amortization schedules.
This calculator is for illustration purposes only. It uses simplified assumptions about property appreciation, rent increases, maintenance costs, and investment returns. Upfront purchase costs (stamp duty, legal fees, valuation) are estimated at 1.5% of the purchase price. The maintenance slider should include allowances for Local Property Tax and home insurance. It does not account for mortgage protection insurance, tax on investment gains, or transaction costs of selling. Central Bank of Ireland lending rules (LTV and LTI limits) may further constrain your borrowing capacity. Always consult a qualified mortgage adviser and financial planner before making financial decisions. District average rents are approximate figures based on available market data.