LiftOff / Calculators

Investment vs Property

Compare the long-term returns from investing in shares versus buying investment property. See which path builds more wealth given your assumptions.

Property Value

Deposit: 20.0%

1040

Mortgage Rate: 6.5%

312

Gross Rental Yield: 3.5%

Property Growth: 5.0% p.a.

012

Shares Return: 9.0% p.a.

115

Time Horizon: 20 years

530

Property Costs

Maintenance: 1.0% of value p.a.

0% (new build)3% (older)

Property Management: 8.0% of gross rent

0% (self-managed)12%

Rates + Insurance: $5,500 p.a.

$0$12k

NZ average: rates ~$3–4k + insurance ~$1.5–2k

Tax Rate on Rental Income

Rental income is taxable at your marginal rate. Mortgage interest is 100% deductible from 1 April 2025.

Include transaction costs (~4% buying, ~2.5% selling)

Deposit / Shares Starting Amount

$140,000

Both paths start with this amount

Net Worth Over Time

$1.54M

Property Net Worth

$2.83M

Shares Net Worth

$1.29M

Difference

Better Outcome

Want advice on which path makes sense for your goals?

We advise on both investment portfolios and property, so the comparison is genuinely unbiased.

Book a Conversation Property Advice →

Property model assumes a 30-year P&I mortgage. Rental income grows in line with property value. Rental income shown after tax at your selected marginal rate; mortgage interest is 100% deductible from 1 April 2025. Transaction costs: ~4% on purchase (legal, LIM, inspection) and ~2.5% on sale (agent fees). The shares investor deploys the deposit and reinvests any monthly cash-flow advantage from not owning property. Shares returns are pre-tax and before management fees. This model does not constitute financial advice. Speak with a LiftOff adviser for your specific situation.