Owning property in Jamaica often comes with one big question: Should I rent it out, or should I sell it?
To make this decision easier, Jamaica Homes has built the Rent vs Sell Calculator—a simple tool that helps homeowners, investors, and accidental landlords compare the financial outcomes of renting versus selling their property.
Why This Calculator Matters
For many Jamaicans, property is their largest investment. Deciding whether to rent or sell can significantly affect long-term wealth. Our calculator shows you:
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Rental Net Income – the money you’ll keep after deducting annual costs like maintenance and management.
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Sale Proceeds – the projected value of your home after appreciation, minus your mortgage balance.
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The Difference – a clear figure showing which option puts more money in your pocket.
Instead of guesswork, you’ll see the numbers side by side—giving you confidence before making your next move.
How It Works
You simply enter six key details:
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Home Value (JMD) – Your property’s current market value.
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Mortgage Balance (JMD) – The amount you still owe.
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Monthly Rent (JMD) – What you could reasonably charge per month.
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Annual Maintenance (JMD) – Expected upkeep and management costs.
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Home Appreciation (% per year) – How much your property might increase in value annually.
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Years to Hold – The timeframe you plan to keep the property.
The calculator then instantly compares both outcomes.
Example: A $20M Home in Jamaica
Let’s say you own a property in Jamaica with these numbers:
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Home Value: JMD 20,000,000
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Mortgage Balance: JMD 8,000,000
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Monthly Rent: JMD 120,000
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Annual Maintenance: JMD 250,000
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Appreciation: 4% per year
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Years to Hold: 5
Results:
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Total Rent Net: ~JMD 6.1M
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Net Sale Proceeds: ~JMD 16.3M
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Selling yields about JMD 10.2M more than renting over 5 years.
In this scenario, selling is clearly more profitable.
Tips for Best Use
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Play with the Years to Hold to see how time changes the outcome.
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Use realistic rent and appreciation rates based on your local market.
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Remember: results are estimates only. They don’t include taxes, realtor fees, or unexpected costs.
Disclaimer
This tool provides illustrative estimates and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Market fluctuations, vacancy periods, interest rate changes, and fees can all affect actual results. Always consult a licensed realtor or financial advisor before making big property decisions.
Try It Yourself
The Rent vs Sell Calculator is free to use on our website. Whether you’re a homeowner exploring your options or an investor planning your next move, this tool offers clarity in just a few clicks.