Investment Property ROI vs Other Investments

This calculator compares an investment property against another investment using the same money you actually put in. It focuses on cash invested (deposit, upfront buying costs, and annual top-ups) — not just growth on the full property value.

Why This Comparison Matters

Property performance is often quoted using the full property value, which can overstate your personal return if your actual cash invested was much lower. A fair comparison asks: what return did I get on the cash I contributed?

Property side: uses deposit + costs + any annual negative cashflow you cover.
Alternative side: invests the same initial cash and the same annual top-up amount.
Outcome: compares end wealth and ROI on actual cash invested.

Mint Tip

If your property is negatively geared, include that annual top-up. Ignoring ongoing cash injections can make property ROI look better than it really is.

ROI Comparison Calculator

Property vs Alternative Investment

Property purchase price ($)

Used to model sale value growth and initial loan size.

Deposit invested ($)

Your upfront equity contribution (this is key to true ROI).

Upfront buying costs ($)

Stamp duty, legals, inspections, setup costs.

Property capital growth (% p.a.)

Expected average annual growth in property value.

Annual net property cashflow ($)

After all yearly property costs incl. interest but exlcuding repayment of your mortgage. Negative means annual top-up required.

Selling costs (% of sale price)

Agent, marketing and sale legals when you exit.

Years held

Comparison period for both options.

Alternative investment return (% p.a.)

Expected annual return of ETF/shares/other alternative.

Comparison Results

          Winner (higher final wealth)
          —
        

Investment Property

Final wealth: $0

Total cash invested: $0

Net profit: $0

ROI on cash invested: 0%

Sale proceeds (after debt + selling costs): $0

Alternative Investment