True Cost of Homeownership

The purchase price is just the beginning. See every dollar
this home will cost you — and what your equity looks like at the end.

The Home
Purchase Price
$
Down Payment switch to %
$
Interest Rate
% APR
Loan Term
yrs
Annual Property Tax
$
Years Planning to Own
yrs
Annual Tax Increase Rate pre-filled at 2% — typical U.S. average
%/yr
Ongoing Costs
Annual Maintenance pre-filled at 1% of home value
$
Extra Principal Payments optional — reduces interest & payoff time
Monthly extra
$
Annual lump sum
$
Monthly extra is added to every payment. Annual lump sum is applied once per year (e.g. tax refund or bonus).
Total Renovation Budget over full ownership period
$
Project Low High Avg / sq ft
Kitchen remodel $15,000$80,000$150–$250
Bathroom remodel $8,000$35,000$120–$200
Basement finish $20,000$75,000$30–$60
Roof replacement $8,000$25,000—
HVAC system $6,000$15,000—
Windows (full home) $8,000$24,000—
Flooring (full home) $5,000$20,000$3–$12
Deck / patio $4,000$20,000$15–$35
📍 National averages — costs vary significantly by region. Get local quotes for accurate planning.
Home Appreciation Assumption

We'll show your results across three scenarios. Historical U.S. average is around 3–4%/year, though this varies significantly by location and market conditions.

Conservative 2%/yr
Expected 3.5%/yr
Optimistic 5%/yr
Your All-In Cost Ledger
Purchase price
Total interest paid
Property taxes paid
Maintenance costs
Renovations
Total spent
Net Position at Sale — Three Scenarios
Conservative
2%/yr appreciation
Expected
3.5%/yr appreciation
Optimistic
5%/yr appreciation

📌 A note on what these numbers don't capture

These figures show the financial return on your home as a pure investment — but homeownership is much more than that. A home is a forced savings account that builds equity with every mortgage payment. It's a fixed cost in a world of rising rents. It's roots, stability, and a foundation for your family. For many households, the intangible value of owning — the ability to renovate, to plant a garden, to raise children in a place you can call yours — is worth more than any spreadsheet can show. Use this calculator to go in with clear eyes, not to talk yourself out of a decision that's right for your life.

All figures are estimates based on your inputs and assumed appreciation rates.
Consult a financial advisor before major real estate decisions.