Rent vs Sell Calculator

Use our interactive calculator to decide whether selling or becoming a landlord makes the most sense for you.

Rent vs. Sell Calculator - NYC Property

Property Details

Rental Income & Expenses

Selling Costs & Investment

Investment Assumptions

Tax Details

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Scenario Comparison



This Rent vs. Sell Calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual returns will vary based on market conditions and individual circumstances. Please consult with a financial advisor and tax professional before making any major financial decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Closing costs for buyers in NYC typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Co-ops usually fall on the lower end, while condos and townhouses—especially when financing—tend to have higher closing costs due to mortgage recording tax and title insurance. For new developments, additional fees like transfer taxes and sponsor attorney fees may apply.

You can use our Buyer Closing Costs Calculator to generate a personalized estimate based on your purchase price, financing method, property type, and more. The tool factors in real taxes, legal fees, lender costs, and building-specific fees.

In NYC, both the buyer and seller have their own separate closing costs. Buyers typically pay for legal fees, lender and title-related charges, and mansion tax (if applicable). Sellers usually cover their own attorney fee, broker commission, and NYC/NYS transfer taxes. In new development purchases, some of these costs may be negotiated or shifted depending on the deal.

Yes — closing costs can vary significantly depending on the property type:

  • Condos
    Buyers are responsible for title insurance, mortgage recording tax, and deed recording fees. Additionally, most condos require board application fees and move-in deposits, which vary by building and board.

  • Co-ops
    Co-ops do not require title insurance, mortgage recording tax, or deed recording fees. However, they often involve board application fees, flip taxes, and move-in deposits, all of which vary by building and board.

  • Single-Family Homes/Townhouses
    These properties do not have board application fees or flip taxes. Closing costs are generally similar to condos, including title insurance and recording fees. In addition, surveys may be required, which are an added expense specific to this property type.

Our Buyer Closing Costs Calculator factors in these distinctions to provide the most accurate estimate based on your property type.

In some cases, yes. Especially in a buyer’s market or with new developments, sellers may offer concessions toward closing costs. However, such negotiations are less common in NYC resale transactions. A seasoned buyer’s agent can help structure your offer accordingly.

Should You Rent or Sell?

Our Rent vs. Sell Calculator compares the potential financial outcome of holding your property as a rental versus selling it and investing the proceeds elsewhere. Enter your property details, selling costs, rental assumptions to project cash flow, equity growth, and after-fee proceeds, so you can make a clearer decision.

Property Details: Key Inputs

  • Current Value: Estimated market value of your property today.
  • Original Purchase Price: What you paid when you bought the property.
  • Mortgage Balance: Current payoff amount on your loan.
  • Mortgage Rate: Your existing interest rate (used to estimate carrying cost if you continue to own).

Rent Scenario: Income & Expenses

  • Monthly Rent: Expected current rent if you lease the property.
  • Vacancy Rate (%): Estimated time the home may sit empty between tenants.
  • Rent Growth Rate (YOY %): Projected annual increase in rent.
  • Property Tax, Common Charges/HOA, Insurance, Maintenance: Owner expenses that reduce cash flow.
  • Management Fee (%): If using a property manager or leasing agent.
  • Broker Commission (%): Leasing/broker fee applied during tenant turnovers.

Sell Scenario: Costs & Proceeds

  • Broker Commission (%): Total listing brokerage fee paid at closing.
  • Seller Attorney (Flat): Legal fee paid by the seller.
  • Transfer Tax Rate (%): Estimated transfer/recording taxes due on sale.
  • Flip Tax (If Applicable): Building-imposed fee (commonly seen in co-ops; can be % of price or per share/unit).
  • Capital Gains Tax Rate (%): Estimated effective rate for federal/state capital gains.

Market & Assumptions

  • Property Appreciation (YOY %): Expected annual home value growth if you keep the property.
  • Inflation Rate (YOY %): Used to frame purchasing power and real returns.
  • Stock Market Return (YOY %): Opportunity cost benchmark—what you might earn if you sell and invest the net proceeds instead.
  • Marginal Tax Rate (%): Your ordinary income tax bracket (used for high-level comparisons; see FAQ on after-tax results).

How the Calculator Compares Rent vs. Sell

If You Rent

  • Income: Monthly rent adjusted for vacancy and rent growth.
  • Operating Costs: Taxes, HOA/common charges, insurance, maintenance, management, utilities (if any).
  • Turnovers: Vacancy loss plus brokerage/leasing fees and typical refresh costs when a new tenant is placed.
  • Cash Flow: Net after expenses; mortgage payment reduces take-home cash if you have a loan.
  • Equity Growth: From principal paydown and any property appreciation over time.

If You Sell

  • Gross Proceeds: Sale price less broker commission, transfer taxes, flip tax (if any), and seller attorney.
  • Loan Payoff: Net of remaining mortgage balance.
  • Estimated Taxes: Capital gains tax applied to the taxable gain (simplified—see FAQs).
  • Net Cash to You: What you could invest elsewhere (e.g., stock market return input) to compare opportunity cost.

Results: Key Metrics Defined

  • Monthly Cash Flow (Rent Path): Income minus operating expenses and mortgage.
  • Vacancy-Adjusted Income: Rent reduced by your vacancy rate to reflect time between leases.
  • Cumulative Net Cash Flow: Total cash generated over the holding period (pre-tax estimate).
  • Ending Equity (Rent Path): Modeled home value minus mortgage balance after appreciation and amortization.
  • Net Proceeds (Sell Now): After commission, transfer/flip taxes, attorney fees, loan payoff, and estimated capital gains tax.
  • Opportunity Cost Benchmark: What your net proceeds might grow to if invested at the stock market return input.

Important Notes & Assumptions

  • Estimates, Not Guarantees: Outputs depend on your inputs and market conditions.
  • Pre-Tax Cash Flow: Rental performance is shown before income taxes and does not include depreciation or recapture.
  • Simplified Sale Taxes: Capital gains are approximated using your single blended rate and may not reflect exemptions, basis adjustments, or state/local rules.
  • Timing Matters: Lease renewals, vacancy duration, approval periods, and closing timelines can materially affect results.
  • Property-Specific Fees: Flip taxes, building fees, and transfer taxes vary by building and jurisdiction.