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Investment Calculator: ETF Savings Plan & Returns

€300 a month into an ETF savings plan: what does that actually become after 20 years? And what is it worth in real terms once you account for inflation? I built this calculator because I wanted a concrete answer to that question.

Return Calculator – ETF, Savings Plan & Property

ETF savings plan, lump sum & property — including inflation

€
€
%
Years
%
%
Final Amount (nominal)
€176,471.69
after 20 years · €300/month + €5,000 start at 7% p.a.
Contributions
€77,000.00
Investment Gains
€99,471.69
Real Value (2% inflation)
€118,760.39
Capital × Factor
2,3x

Which Investment Type Suits You?

ETF Savings Plan Monthly contributions into a broadly diversified index fund. Historically 6–8% p.a. long-term – ideal for wealth building.
Lump-Sum Investment A larger sum is invested all at once. Compound interest works immediately on the full capital – suitable for inheritances or bonuses.
Property Capital appreciation + rental income combined. The calculator shows gross yield and total gain – excluding purchase costs and taxes.

Inflation adjustment is particularly important: £100,000 in 30 years is worth only around £55,000 at 2% inflation. The calculator therefore always shows both values – nominal final capital and real purchasing power.

Tip: Compare the ETF savings plan with property – and note that the property calculation excludes purchase costs (approx. 10–15%), maintenance and taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

With €300/month, €5,000 starting capital and 7% annual return, the result after 20 years is approximately €175,626. Of that, €77,000 came from your own contributions and €98,626 from investment gains.
Broadly diversified ETFs tracking the MSCI World have historically returned 7–8% p.a. This is not a guarantee, but a reasonable planning figure for long-term scenarios. For conservative estimates, use 5–6%.
€175,000 in 20 years has the real purchasing power of roughly €118,000 in today's money at 2% inflation. The calculator always shows both figures: the nominal value alone can be misleading.
ETFs tend to win on raw return calculations, but real estate benefits from leverage: you can control a large asset with a fraction of the value as a deposit. The right answer depends heavily on your personal situation.

Related Guides

ETF Savings Plan GuideStep by step explainedMSCI World vs S&P 500Which ETF is better?ETF vs Real EstateAn honest comparisonInflation & Purchasing PowerWhat your money is really worth

⚠️ All calculations are for guidance only. Not a substitute for professional financial advice.