Calculate the true monthly cost of holding a property — loan interest, taxes, insurance, utilities, and HOA. Know exactly what your project costs each month before you buy.
Get a Rate Quote →Fix & Flip Carrying Costs Calculator — Estimate the monthly carrying costs during a flip — mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, utilities, and HOA — which compound over the rehab + sale timeline and directly affect profit.
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Carrying costs (also called "holding costs") are the monthly expenses you pay while you own a property — whether you're flipping, building, or holding it vacant during a rehab. Underestimating these is one of the top reasons fix and flip projects lose money.
This calculator gives you the full monthly carrying cost picture so you can plan your project budget accurately.
Total amount being financed
Annual interest rate (interest-only assumed)
Annual property tax (we'll convert to monthly)
Annual property insurance + builder's risk if applicable
Electric, water, gas during construction/holding
If applicable
Security, lawn care, snow removal, dumpster rental, etc.
Total months you'll own the property (be realistic)
Carrying costs are the monthly expenses to OWN a property — paid whether the property generates income or not. For fix and flip and ground-up construction projects, this is dead money you pay every month the property doesn't sell.
| Category | Typical Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Interest | $1,500-$5,000 | Depends on loan amount and rate. Largest single cost. |
| Property Tax | $200-$800 | Annual tax / 12. Varies by state and property value. |
| Insurance | $150-$300 | Property insurance + builder's risk during rehab. |
| Utilities | $150-$400 | Electric, water, gas. Higher during construction. |
| HOA | $0-$500 | If applicable. Some HOAs charge construction fees. |
| Misc (security, lawn, etc.) | $50-$200 | Easy to forget but adds up. |
Every extra month adds significant cost. Strict project management saves more than aggressive purchase price negotiation. A $4,000/month carry × 2 extra months = $8,000 of profit gone.
Builder's risk insurance is often overpriced. Get 2-3 quotes. Some lenders bundle it cheaper.
Many utilities offer discounted rates for properties under construction. Ask.
If the previous owner had homestead exemption, taxes may rise after closing. Plan for this.
Looking for fix-and-flip or construction financing? LendingStreet works with 30+ capital sources to find you the lowest rate and best terms — directly impacting your carrying costs.
No credit pull. No commitment. Speak with a licensed financing company that knows the investor market.
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When carrying costs are the pressure, a bridge loan can close in 5–10 days — no-appraisal options available. LendingStreet finances bridge deals across 30+ capital sources.
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Carrying costs (also called holding costs) are the monthly expenses to own a property while you don't have it generating income. They include loan interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA fees, and other expenses. For fix and flip and construction projects, every month of carrying costs eats into profit.
Total carrying costs typically run $2,500-$8,000 per month depending on loan size, property value, and location. Loan interest is the largest cost (often 60-70% of total monthly carry). Most fix and flip investors budget for 6 months but should plan for 8-9 to be safe.
Loan interest is by far the biggest carrying cost on a financed project. On a $300,000 loan at 9.25%, monthly interest alone is $2,313. Reducing your holding period by even 30 days saves thousands.
Most investor lenders (including LendingStreet capital partners) include an interest reserve in the loan — typically 6-12 months of interest payments rolled in upfront. This preserves your cash flow during the project. Property tax and insurance are usually paid out of pocket.
The fastest way is to reduce holding time. Every month saved = one month of carrying costs in your pocket. Other ways: shop insurance quotes, get utilities on builder rates, finish rehab fast and list immediately. Don't try to save on interest rate — usually saves you $200/month while costing weeks of delay finding a cheaper lender.
2-3 competing quotes from 30+ capital sources. No credit pull. No commitment.
By clicking, you provide express written consent to be contacted by LendingStreet (NMLS #1734316) via SMS, phone, or email, possibly using automated technology, regarding your loan inquiry. Reply STOP to opt out. Consent is not required to obtain services. See our Privacy Policy and Terms.