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    Mortgage & rent vs buy comparison calculators

    Every mortgage decision is a comparison — fixed vs. tracker, 25 vs. 30-year, rent vs. buy. These calculators put the numbers side by side.

    Rent vs buy calculator

    Enter your figures, then add your name and phone to reveal the result. Free, no credit check.

    Get your result & a free broker sense-check

    Add your name and phone (required) — we'll show your figures and optionally match you with a vetted FCA-regulated broker. No spam, no credit checks.

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    More comparison calculators

    Fixed vs tracker calculator

    Payment on a 5-year fix vs. a base-rate tracker under multiple rate scenarios.

    25 vs 30-year mortgage calculator

    Longer term = lower payment, more lifetime interest. See both.

    Shorter vs longer term calculator

    Payment sensitivity at 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 year terms.

    Product comparison calculator

    Two products side by side including product fees and true monthly cost.

    Rate comparison calculator

    Every 0.25% on a £250k loan changes monthly payment by ~£35–£40.

    Every scenario above depends on lender-specific criteria (income multiples, ICR, stress rates, credit profile). A vetted FCA-regulated broker will run the exact numbers for your situation in one working day.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is it always cheaper to buy than rent in the UK?

    Not in the first few years — buying front-loads fees and SDLT. But over 7+ years, mortgage + capital growth usually beats renting in most UK regions.

    Should I take a 25 or 30-year UK mortgage?

    Take the longest term you can and overpay if cashflow allows. Extending the term drops the mandatory payment; overpayments give you flexibility.

    What's the break-even point for buying vs renting?

    Nationally around year 5–7. In London it can stretch to 8–10 years because of higher SDLT and lower gross yields. Our calculator shows this for your postcode's numbers.

    Should I buy now or wait for rates to fall?

    Time in the market beats timing the market. If you can afford a 2-year fix now, you can remortgage into a lower rate later; renting throws that time away.

    Does the UK mortgage stress test still apply?

    The FCA scrapped the affordability stress test in 2022, but individual lenders still stress-test at pay rate + 1–3% internally. Brokers know which lenders stress most gently.

    Is a fixed or tracker mortgage better in 2026?

    Trackers win if base rate falls faster than markets expect; fixes win for peace of mind. Many UK borrowers now split — half fixed, half tracker — to hedge.