Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial position of renting versus buying in Dubai or Malaysia. See the break-even year and how transaction costs, appreciation, and opportunity cost interact.
After 10 Years
Buying is ahead by AED 678K
Buying overtakes renting in Year 1
| Yr | Property Value | Buy Equity | Rent Portfolio | Buy Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ★ | AED 1.57M | AED 402K | AED 387K | +AED 14K |
| 2 | AED 1.65M | AED 508K | AED 413K | +AED 96K |
| 3 | AED 1.74M | AED 620K | AED 444K | +AED 176K |
| 4 | AED 1.82M | AED 737K | AED 482K | +AED 255K |
| 5 | AED 1.91M | AED 860K | AED 528K | +AED 332K |
| 6 | AED 2.01M | AED 989K | AED 582K | +AED 407K |
| 7 | AED 2.11M | AED 1.12M | AED 645K | +AED 480K |
| 8 | AED 2.22M | AED 1.27M | AED 717K | +AED 549K |
| 9 | AED 2.33M | AED 1.42M | AED 800K | +AED 616K |
| 10 | AED 2.44M | AED 1.57M | AED 893K | +AED 678K |
Buyer's Upfront Costs in This Model
Down Payment
AED 300K
DLD & Fees
AED 68K
Monthly Repayment
AED 7K/mo
Total Initial Outlay
AED 368K
Buy equity is property value minus loan balance. Renter's portfolio assumes the buyer's initial outlay is invested at the opportunity rate, with monthly cost difference reinvested or funded from portfolio. All projections assume constant annual rates and are for illustrative purposes only. Dubai has no capital gains tax on residential property.
Key differences by market
Dubai
- — No capital gains tax or annual property tax
- — DLD transfer fee: 4% of price (buyer pays)
- — Mortgage registration: 0.25% of loan amount
- — Freehold ownership for foreign nationals in designated zones
Malaysia
- — RPGT applies on gains if sold within 5 years (citizens: 0% from year 6)
- — MOT stamp duty: tiered 1%–4% of purchase price
- — Loan stamp duty: 0.5% of loan amount
- — Annual quit rent and assessment tax (low)
Want a personalised view?
Our advisors can walk you through current market rates, developer payment plans, and financing options.