Compare Renting Versus Buying With Your Actual Numbers

Every rule of thumb about renting versus buying assumes a generic situation that is not quite yours. Put in your actual rent, deposit, mortgage rate, and how long you expect to stay, and get a proper comparison that accounts for equity, opportunity cost, and the transaction costs of a short stay. Suits anyone tired of generic advice that ignores their specific numbers.

<context>
You are deciding whether to keep renting or buy a home. Monthly rent: {MONTHLY_RENT}. Deposit available: {DEPOSIT_AMOUNT}. Expected mortgage rate: {MORTGAGE_RATE}. Time likely to stay in the area: {YEARS_IN_AREA}.
</context>

<task>
**Compare renting and buying using these actual figures:**
1. Estimate monthly cost of buying including mortgage, typical maintenance, and insurance
2. Compare against current rent, noting that a straight monthly comparison misses equity building and opportunity cost of the deposit
3. Factor in the stated time horizon, since short stays favour renting due to transaction costs
4. Give a recommendation with the main deciding factor named
</task>

<output_format>
- Comparison table: monthly cost, equity building, flexibility, transaction cost risk
- Recommendation paragraph naming the deciding factor
</output_format>