Ownership vs Self Fly Hire in the UK

[controlz]

Hey all

I will shortly be embarking on the exciting journey of obtaining my PP(h), but I would like to understand the various flying options available once gaining my license.

Could you please advise me at what stage it becomes financially beneficial to purchase (finance) a helicopter / own a share, instead of self-fly hire on an hourly rate? Moving aside the overhauls, as I would likely purchase just after this has been done, what are the approximate costs involved in ownership in the UK, and how many hours a week would I need to fly in order for it to be better than hiring?

Also, how do helicopters hold their value? When I purchase cars I tend to chose models that actually appreciate, and I was wondering if there was something similar in the heli world, so the only money lost is operation cost/maintenance/insurance/hanger etc?

Many thanks