U.S. home prices have risen about 4–5% a year on average over the long run, but with big local differences and cycles – they fell around 27% nationally between 2006 and 2012. For an accurate figure, compare with recent sales of similar homes nearby.
How to use the Home Value Calculator
- Home purchase price
- Year of purchase
- Current year
- Average yearly appreciation
- Average inflation
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the purchase price, purchase year, the average yearly appreciation in your area and inflation.
Tips
- Get a written loan estimate and compare the APR, not just the interest rate.
- Include property tax, insurance, HOA fees and maintenance in your monthly budget.
- A larger down payment lowers the payment and can remove mortgage insurance.
- Rates change daily – use a current quote for the most accurate result.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Looking only at the monthly payment instead of the total cost of the loan.
- Forgetting closing costs and fees.
- Assuming home prices always rise.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Home purchase price | Amount in your currency |
| Year of purchase | A number |
| Current year | A number |
| Average yearly appreciation | In % |
| Average inflation | In % |
What each result means
- Years owned = [Current year] – [Year of purchase]
- Estimated home value today = [Home purchase price]×(1 + [Average yearly appreciation]÷100)^[Years owned]
- Nominal value change = [Estimated home value today] – [Home purchase price]
- Nominal change = ([Estimated home value today]÷[Home purchase price] – 1)×100
- Value in purchase-year dollars = [Estimated home value today]÷(1 + [Average inflation]÷100)^[Years owned]
- Real change = ([Value in purchase-year dollars]÷[Home purchase price] – 1)×100
Example values
How the main result changes when Home purchase price changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Home purchase price | Estimated home value today |
|---|---|
| 125,000 | 264,511.43 |
| 187,500 | 396,767.15 |
| 250,000 | 529,022.87 |
| 312,500 | 661,278.58 |
| 375,000 | 793,534.3 |
| 500,000 | 1,058,045.73 |
Formula
Current value = purchase price × (1 + appreciation)^yearsReal value = current value ÷ (1 + inflation)^yearsGain = current value − purchase priceWorked example
Inputs — Home purchase price: $250,000; Year of purchase: 2,012; Current year: 2,026; Average yearly appreciation: 5.5 %; Average inflation: 2.6 %.
Results — Years owned = 14; Estimated home value today = $529,022.87; Nominal value change = $279,022.87; Nominal change = 111.61 %; Value in purchase-year dollars = $369,327.28; Real change = 47.73 %.
Frequently asked questions
How much has my home appreciated?
Price × (1 + yearly appreciation)^years – check local sales for accuracy.
What is the average home appreciation rate?
About 4–5% a year nationally over the long term.
What is real appreciation?
Price growth after subtracting inflation.
What formula does the Home Value Calculator use?
Current value = purchase price × (1 + appreciation)^years.