Picture this, you have put in the hard work and diligently saved towards owning your dream home. Now, the time has come to take the bold step into property investment, but you feel that you aren’t sure which path to take between buying or renting?
Owning a property is a big deal, and you don’t want to rush, especially if the moment is not ripe enough. Maybe you can save more by continuing to rent and buying later. But the dilemma is if you lose on the capital appreciation you could have accumulated over time.
We understand your situation; deciding on which way to go takes intensive research and market analysis. Before deciding, you want to consider your plans and the flexibility and benefits each option offers.
If you don’t know where to start, this guide has your back. So, look at this comprehensive list of factors to keep in mind for the best decision between renting and buying a property.
1. Affordability
You have your money right, so you are considering buying a property. But, could you have overlooked some costs linked to owning a home that could make you switch to renting?
If you are planning to stay within your budget, these are some of the key factors to check:
Price
Ready to buy a property? Great, you better be ready to burn some holes in your wallet. How much it costs depends on factors like property features and how many more people like you are in the market for the same property.
Take a closer look at the total ownership costs, from the down payment and monthly mortgage payment to interest. Does it make more sense to buy than to rent? If yes, go for it!
Hidden Expenses
Before you put your money down, sit with a property owner and learn the intricacies of owning and maintaining a property. It turns out that there’s a load of costs to meet that most first-time buyers overlook. That includes maintenance expenses, insurance, and Uncle Sam’s dues. When you rent, you don’t have to worry about all these expenses; just move in and let the landlord handle it.
Buying rental units allows you to build passive wealth if your finances are set. With property managers, who can take care of the day-to-day running of the property a click away, there’s no excuse for not adding another stream of income.
2. Capital Appreciation
Thinking of growing wealth? Real estate is one of your best bets. The money you spend to buy a piece of real estate accumulates over time due to growing interest in properties. That means you could make extra cash by selling it in one or two years.
But that’s not to say buying is entirely risk-free. Economic changes could trigger a drop in property value. And, when you buy a house, all the expenses usually covered by your landlord become your responsibility: taxes, repairs, and insurance. These expenses ultimately take a bit off your capital gains.
Generally, you want to determine the difference between how much you spend owning the property versus renting it over a certain period to see which option is viable.
3. Lifestyle
There are three lifestyle factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy a property: flexibility, location, and amenities.
Flexibility
Owning a property is a commitment to settling in an area, considering that property prices rise steadily over time, which means getting the financial gains you desire before moving out could take years.
On the other hand, renting a property gives you flexibility. If you anticipate moving out for work or business, renting is a great choice. Nevertheless, you must issue notice to the property owner, which limits your flexibility. Since there’s no agreement with anyone when owing the property, you can simply move whenever you want.
Location
Should you buy or rent a home in the city or a suburban area based on your lifestyle? If you want to stay close to amenities and public transit, staying close to the city is better. But buying a home in such an enviable location is costly, so renting a property there makes more sense. Additionally, despite the high property prices in the area, finding a buyer can be tough due to the high cost of living.
Amenities
Renting is a much cheaper way to enjoy an array of amenities than buying. Modern luxury apartments come well-equipped with high-end amenities like a clubhouse, swimming pool, and gym that are costly to acquire without adequate financial stability. So, if you want convenient access, then consider rentals.
Customization
Unlike rentals, owning a home gives you freedom. If you have extra money, consider buying instead of renting. This way, you can customize the rooms and outdoor space to your liking.
4. Assess Market Performance
Your purchasing capability is not the only factor determining whether you should buy a home instead of renting it. The real estate market performance in your desired location is an important factor.
Ideally, property prices should be appreciated in the long term. However, the market is full of ups and downs and might not offer a smooth ride if you look at short-term ownership. So, apart from the current market condition, you must look at the performance over a longer period.
Unless the property is on an upward trend, it’s wise to continue renting until the market takes a turn. Once it’s on an upward trend, buying a home will give you better value for money.
Regarding market trends, Nashville is one of the top rising property markets with an impressive post-covid recovery. Market analysis reveals property prices in Nashville have steadily risen year after year. Out of 19 cities surveyed, 12 had a year-over-year price increase from Aug 2022 to Aug 2023. Buying your home in this area might be a good investment decision.
Conclusion
Buying or renting a home is a decision that takes soul-searching. There’s no clear answer on which option to take as the decision is tied to individual needs and financial capability.
But there you have it, the key factors that will help you make an informed decision. So, make your considerations and decide which option is right for you now and in the long run.