Cost: After 4 years, your total cost of homeownership (down payment, mortgage, taxes, etc.) for a RM535,000 home in Malaysia would be RM562,742. Renting leaves you with RM435,462 in your pocket (including the money you didn't spend on a down payment).

Gain: After 4 years, if you buy, your home will have RM531,736 in equity (available to you when you sell). However, if you instead rent and invest your down payment and the other money you save, at a 6% return rate it will earn around RM180,831 in 4 years.

Bottom line: Looking at your gross costs, equity and investment potential, it's better for you to buy than rent if you plan to live in your home more than p years.