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Should You Rent or Buy a Home?
Prospective home buyers are frequently weighing the option of renting versus owning. The chart below weighs the pros and cons of renting versus buying a home. The main advantages to owning a home are the opportunity to build equity over time, you benefit from any increase in property value, not having to deal with a landlord, the mortgage and property tax deduction benefit (although this is less than it used to be), the certainty of a fixed monthly mortgage payment and the possibility of eventually paying off your mortgage and eliminating your housing expense. Owning a home also eliminates the risk that your rent payment increases or that you could be evicted. There are also emotional considerations to buying a home such as pride of ownership and some people just feel good when they own their home.
The main disadvantage to owning a home are the required down payment and closing costs when you buy a property, the added expense of property tax and homeowners insurance, the cost of property maintenance, upkeep and repairs, the long-term financial commitment of having a mortgage and the potential loss of money in the event your property value declines or even worse, if you lose your home to foreclosure. In short, buying a home certainly involves more risk and responsibility than renting.
- BUY VERSUS RENT COMPARISON CALCULATOR shows you the financial trade-offs between buying and renting
The key benefits to renting a home are limited financial commitment, greater housing flexibility, you are not responsible for property repairs and maintenance costs, lower total monthly housing expense, at least initially, because you do not pay property tax and homeowners insurance plus you are not exposed to financial loss if the property value declines. Your credit score is also at less risk if you have an issue paying the rent as compared to not paying your mortgage. Renting provides greater housing mobility and also enables you to invest the extra money that you save by not owning. Depending on the return on your investment, renting may actually be more financially rewarding than owning a home. Additionally, you are less impacted by fluctuations in property value because you do not own the home.
The negatives of renting a home include no opportunity to build equity, no mortgage tax deduction benefit, possible future rent increases and potential eviction. By renting you minimize some of your risk but lose significant control over your housing situation as well as the possibility for financial upside. In contrast to renting, if you own a home no one can tell you to move out or increase your rent payment significantly. Additionally, you are not reliant on someone else to do maintenance or household repairs. Plus, if you are renting you may be limited in how you decorate or change the property, so it may feel like less of a home to you. So if you decide to rent, you need to determine if the increased housing flexibility and lower initial costs outweigh the control you sacrifice.
- Rent Payment Mortgage Affordability Calculator shows you what size mortgage you can afford based on your rent
Use the table below to understand the key trade-offs between renting and buying so you can decide what option meets your financial objectives and priorities. Ultimately, the decision to rent versus buy a home comes is highly personal and depends on your specific individual goals. You job stability, family situation and lifestyle also play very important roles in influencing what matters most to you when it comes to housing options.
If you value flexibility over financial upside, then renting may be the right choice for you. If you prioritize stability and long-term financial security, then buying a home is usually the better option. Read the table below to understand the positives and negatives of both renting and buying a home so you can make an informed decision that best addresses your near and long term housing goals.
The table below compares mortgage rates and closing costs for leading lenders. If you are considering buying a home, we recommend that you contact multiple lenders to compare loan proposals. Shopping for your mortgage and comparing lenders enables you to find the best loan terms including the lowest interest rate and fees.
Watch our instructional video to understand if renting or buying is right for you.
Should I Rent or Buy? Instructional Video
Related FREEandCLEAR Resources
Sources
Shea, Nicole. “Making the decision to rent or buy.” CFPB. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, May 2 2017. Web.
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