How to read the result
Look at the two totals first, then look at where the money goes. Under Rent-to-Own the contribution is building your deposit; under a mortgage the principal part of the repayment is building your equity. Rates, insurance and maintenance are the owner's costs and sit only on the mortgage side — you can edit them if your numbers are different.
What the calculator assumes
- Market rent is 4.5% of the home value a year for a house and 5% for an apartment, divided into weeks.
- The contribution is 50% of the first year's market rent, fixed for the term. The support fee is $33 a week.
- The mortgage is principal and interest over 30 years at 6.0%, indicative only.
- Council rates $3,000 a year, home insurance $2,200 a year and maintenance 1% of the home value a year — all editable.
- Rent growth is capped at 4% a year under the program.
Frequently asked questions
No. It is separate from the rent, fixed for the term, and credited towards your purchase price as your deposit if you buy.
Written by
Founder & CEO
Licensed real estate agent
I started PublicSquare in 2021 to give homebuyers a real path to ownership without a deposit, and investors a stronger-cashflow alternative to a standard rental. I hold real estate licences in Queensland and New South Wales and personally review every property that enters the program.
Reviewed by
Property Lead
Licensed agent · Former mortgage broker
I was a mortgage broker before joining PublicSquare, so I look at every property and every purchase the way a lender would. I now lead the property side of the program, helping homebuyers from their first info session through to move-in, and working with our buyers agency team on each acquisition for our investors.
Read more about Rent-to-Own.
This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. PublicSquare is a licensed real estate agency, not a financial adviser or credit provider. Consider seeking independent advice before making a decision.