ThomasRiddleGroup

ThomasRiddleGroup

Is Renting Truly Cheaper Than Buying a Home?

Owning a home is a dream for many people. You have the opportunity to invest in a place of your own and build equity, not to mention carve out a space that reflects who you are and what you love.

However, worries about down payments, property taxes, maintenance, and insurance (and student loans) can make buying a home seem like wishful thinking, which is why you may prefer to rent a home or apartment.

But is renting cheaper than buying a home? There are more than just financial costs to consider. Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of renting.

a person holding a wad of cashYou Receive No Return When You Rent a Property

As a renter, you’re paying hundreds of dollars a month to live in your community, and if you want to move, it’s much easier. But renting a home doesn’t offer you investment opportunities.

Unlike paying off your home loan and building equity, the money you pay when you rent goes straight to the property owner or manager.

You Don’t Build Credit When You Rent

As this recent Forbes article explains, your credit score often does not factor in your on-time monthly rent payments, so renting a property is not a great way to build credit.

Additionally, renting doesn’t provide you with any tax benefits. If you own a home, however, you can deduct mortgage insurance and property taxes, and exclude capital gains when you sell.

You Cannot Customize Your Living Space

upgraded kitchen with bright spring flowersNot all costs are financial. There are opportunity costs of renting a home instead of buying a home, and customization is one of them.

There may be rules and regulations in your rental community that prevent you from changing your space to fit your style, such as painting the walls or upgrading the kitchen. These rules may also prevent you from living with a pet.

Owning a home means you can create your own space (with your choice of countertops and kitchen cabinets), you can invest in home improvements, and you can live with your furry companion.

You Have a Harder Time Connecting with Your Community

Forming deep connections with your neighbors is likely not high on your priority list if you’re a renter, especially when you consider that you will only be living in the community for a short time. If you desire to get to know your neighbors, homeownership is a better option.

buyer holding house keys to new homeRenting vs. Buying: The Bottom Line

Renting gives you flexibility and little maintenance to worry about. Buying a home is a long-term investment that gives you a space you can customize, helps you build credit and equity, and connects you with your community.

We want to help you make the best decision, and we have important real estate market resources that you can use to help you decide if renting is cheaper for you than buying a home. Just give us a call and we can talk about your plans.

Share this post

Recent Posts

Real Estate News in Brief for February 2024

There’s a palpable excitement in the market as the spring selling season nears. The Fed may have kept rates on hold, but the market is expecting interest rate cuts in the near future. After two years of 15–20% pa declines in transaction volumes, there could be a big rush if mortgage rates drop significantly.

Read More »

Get in Touch

Have questions? We’re happy to help. Ask us here and we’ll get back to you right away.

Compare listings

Compare

Get Started With A Free, No-Obligation, Market Analysis.

As full-time and fully dedicated real estate agents, our sole focus will be on your sale and your happiness. We will always be a call, email, or text away to advise you as needed.

Get Your Updated Home Value

Where should we send your updated home value?

Anything else we should know?

Note: Please be assured we will use this information only to send you the information you have requested and we will never share or rent your contact information with any other party. By giving us your name and email address, you are giving Thomas|Riddle Real Estate Group permission to contact you.