Break-Even Calculator
Searching "when should I buy instead of lease"? Use your rent, rate, term, and down payment assumptions to estimate when ownership may overtake leasing.
Break-even inputs
Break-even results
Monthly rent: $9,500
Estimated monthly ownership payment: $10,632
Upfront down payment: $130,000
Estimated break-even: No break-even with current inputs
This is an estimate for educational purposes. Actual terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
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Educational Resource: BuyingABuilding.com is not a lender, mortgage broker, or financial advisor. We provide education and help connect business owners with participating SBA-approved lenders.
Answering “should I buy or lease my building?”
Break-even is one of the most practical ways to compare leasing vs buying for business use. It helps owners evaluate decision timing, not just total cost, so they can align real estate moves with cash-flow planning.
Break-even FAQ
What is break-even month when buying a building?
It is the estimated month where cumulative ownership advantage offsets the initial down payment compared with leasing.
Why does break-even sometimes not appear?
If monthly ownership cost is higher than rent using your assumptions, there may be no break-even point in the model.
Should I still buy if break-even is long?
Possibly. Some buyers prioritize control, long-term stability, and potential appreciation beyond a short payback window.