Calculators

Precise affordability, and the rent vs buy trade-off

The full-detail version of Homabu's calculator, plus the decision engine for whether buying actually makes sense yet — both built around your real numbers, not just a headline figure.

1You are
2About you
3Your numbers
4The property
Applicant One
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Higher tiers (6.5x–7.0x) are shown for comparison — they're aimed at high earners or specialist/private-bank lending, not typical first-time-buyer access.
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This now reduces your estimated maximum purchase price, not just your monthly cost — lenders factor ground rent and service charge into affordability the same way they factor in existing debt.
Add a safety margin A Mortgage in Principle is often based on incomplete information — fees, exact service charges, and full underwriting checks come later. If you offer right at your absolute maximum, there's no room left if something changes, and a sale can fall through post-offer. A margin gives you genuine room to negotiate and a buffer against surprises.
Estimated maximum purchase price
£0
Standard tier · 4.5x income
Est. mortgage available£0
Plus your deposit£0
Safety margin applied£0
Est. monthly repayment (30yr term)£0
+ Service charge / month£0
True monthly cost£0
Total repaid over term£0
— of which interest£0
This is a general information tool, not financial or mortgage advice. Figures are estimates based on typical UK lending criteria and publicly reported lender ranges as of 2026, and will vary by individual lender, credit profile, and circumstances. Service charge figures are modelled estimates, not real data lookups. Always confirm affordability and property-specific costs with a qualified, whole-of-market mortgage broker before making an offer.
Is buying actually the right move yet?

Rent vs buy, on your numbers

Buying isn't automatically the better financial decision — it depends on how long you stay. Upfront costs and mortgage interest weigh heavily in the early years, and the deposit you tie up could be invested instead. This shows the year buying overtakes renting for your situation. It's information, not a recommendation.

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Not financial advice. This is a simplified model to help you think through the trade-off, not a recommendation to buy or wait. It cannot account for your personal circumstances, risk tolerance, or non-financial factors like stability and control over your home. Speak to a qualified financial adviser before making a decision based on this.
Assumes: stamp duty at first-time-buyer rates, ~£2,500 legal and survey costs, maintenance at 1% of property value per year, your service charge figure above, and rent rising 3% a year. Whichever option costs less in cash each year, that difference is assumed to be invested at your chosen rate — plus any additional monthly savings you've specified above — this is what makes early years often favour renting, since mortgage interest is heaviest then. Every assumption varies in reality; treat this as a way to see how the trade-off moves, not a precise prediction.
What this doesn't account for
  • Capital Gains Tax on investment returns, if you invest the difference rather than buying
  • Income tax on any rental income, if you ever let out part of the property
  • The cost of moving more than once during the period
  • Household bills like electricity, gas, and water — these apply to both scenarios and aren't modelled here
  • Inflation on day-to-day living costs — all figures are in today's money terms
  • The personal and lifestyle value of owning your own home, which isn't a financial number at all
Getting mortgage-ready

Documents you'll need

Proof of ID, income, deposit, and more — the checklist to have ready before you apply, so a Mortgage in Principle doesn't stall on paperwork.

See the checklist →
Ready to talk to someone?

Speak to a mortgage adviser

A whole-of-market broker can confirm exactly what you'd qualify for, and talk through your specific circumstances.

Get matched with a broker →
Other services

The rest of the journey

Check your credit file → Compare conveyancing → Compare home insurance →