Formulas
- Price per ft² = price ÷ area (1 m² = 10.764 ft²)
- Appreciation per year = (current value ÷ price paid)^(1 ÷ years) − 1
- Real gain = (1 + appreciation) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1
Example
A 1,500 ft² home worth $400,000 costs $266.67 per ft². Bought for $300,000 eight years ago, it gained 33.3%, or 3.66% a year.
Tips
- Compare similar homes: age, condition, lot size and garage change the price per foot.
- Use the finished living area, the same way listings do.
To compare buying with renting, see the rent vs buy calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the neighborhood average?
Listing sites and recent sales records show prices per square foot by area.
Does appreciation include rent?
No. It only shows the price change. Adding rent received gives the total return.
See also
Results are estimates for information only and are not financial, legal or medical advice. Rates, taxes and fees vary — confirm with a professional or your lender.