Property Holding Cost Calculator
Holding = (taxes + insurance + utilities + interest) × months.
Result
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How to use this calculator
- Enter annual taxes + insurance.
- Monthly utilities + maintenance.
- Loan balance + rate.
- Holding period months.
About this calculator
Holding costs accumulate every month a property sits unsold. Five components: property tax (1-2.5%/yr), insurance ($1-2k/yr), utilities ($100-200/mo), grounds + minor maintenance ($50-150/mo), and loan interest (the biggest variable — often $500-1000/mo on a flip loan). A 6-month flip can easily run $5-10k in holding alone. Speed matters: every extra month is real cost.
Frequently asked
What's typical for a flip?+
4-8 month timeline at $800-1500/month total = $3-12k holding. The longer you hold, the more profit erodes.
Hard money loan rate?+
9-15% APR on flip loans. Big driver of holding cost. Conventional refi much cheaper but slower.
Vacant property risk?+
Insurance often higher (vacant rider). Some insurers refuse vacant >30 days. Plan to occupy or rent.
Seasonal factors?+
Winter heating in cold climates can double utility bill. Snow plowing adds maintenance. Plan budgets accordingly.
Can I deduct?+
For flips: most holding costs are part of basis or treated as expenses. For rentals: deductible per Schedule E. Consult CPA.
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