09/02/2026
🏡 **BUYING VS. RENTING: What could five years look like?**
A lot of people assume renting is automatically more affordable—especially when mortgage rates are higher. But the monthly payment is only one part of the story.
Let’s look at this example for a **$327,997 home in Basehor, Kansas:**
📈 **Estimated net gain from buying after five years: $76,498**
Where could that gain come from?
✅ **$63,716 in estimated appreciation** as the home potentially increases in value
✅ **$17,622 in principal paid down**, which helps build equity
✅ **$17,388 estimated cash-flow advantage** compared with renting
➖ Closing costs and estimated future selling costs are included in the comparison
In this scenario, the estimated monthly cost of buying begins at approximately **$2,701**, while rent begins at approximately **$2,700**—almost the same monthly expense.
But here is where the difference becomes important:
By Year 5, the estimated monthly cost of owning is **$2,731**, while the estimated rent has increased to **$3,327**.
Over five years:
🔑 **Estimated total cost of buying: $162,936**
🏢 **Estimated total cost of renting: $180,324**
That is an estimated **$17,388 difference in monthly housing expenses**, while the homeowner may also benefit from appreciation and the principal paid toward their own property.
When you rent, your payment provides a place to live—and sometimes renting is absolutely the right choice for your current season. But when you buy, part of your payment may help you build ownership and long-term wealth.
The first year may not always show an immediate financial gain because purchasing a home includes upfront costs. In this example, the estimated buying advantage is **negative $2,181 after Year 1**. But the longer the buyer owns the home, the stronger the potential benefit becomes:
🏡 Year 2: **$14,809** estimated net gain
🏡 Year 3: **$34,286**
🏡 Year 4: **$56,342**
🏡 Year 5: **$76,498**
And by Year 9, the projected net gain increases to approximately **$184,144**.
This is why I always tell people: Don’t decide whether you can buy based on assumptions. Let’s look at the actual numbers for your situation.
Your rent, purchase price, interest rate, down payment, credit, taxes, insurance, maintenance expenses and how long you plan to stay in the home all matter. Buying may not be the best decision for everyone—but you deserve to see a personalized comparison before renewing another lease.
If you’re curious about what buying could look like for your budget, let’s run the numbers together. There is no pressure—just real information to help you make an educated decision. 💚
📲 **Ashley Ware | The Line Dancing Lender**
Benchmark Mortgage
NMLS #2715992
913-444-2354
[email protected]
ashleywaremortgages.com
Equal Housing Opportunity
*This illustration is based on the assumptions shown and is for educational purposes only. Appreciation, rental increases, maintenance expenses, interest rates and future property values are estimates and are not guaranteed. Rates and loan approval are subject to change and borrower qualification.*
