It’s not unusual to hear that buying a property is the best investment because its price will always go up. However, when it comes to finding a place to live, the decision is not as easy. There are many factors at play — your financial status or the current housing market. In recent years, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic drove up property prices. On the other hand, prices have dropped in the last few months. House prices fell drastically in August, but only in comparison to summer prices that marked an all-time high. Renting prices, however, have increased in the same period. Average rents rose 12% in August. This is the highest increase recorded in the last 10 years.
A better investment idea is to look for more stable markets, like the UAE or Qatar. The Dubai properties market, for example, offers excellent investment opportunities, in a stable economy, with an encouraging regulatory framework.
Costs of Renting vs. Buying Property
Buying usually seems like the most cost-effective option. After all, no matter how much rent you pay, the house will never really be yours. But owning a property comes with a set of expenses that you don’t have to worry about when you rent. For example, repairs and maintenance must be covered by the owner, and this investment can sometimes be quite costly. Moreover, current mortgage rates make buying more expensive than renting. This wasn’t the case in the last 13 years in the UK. For instance, a first-time buyer would now have to pay around £122 more per month, according to a recent analysis.
On the other hand, rental prices have also increased. From July 2022 to July 2023, the average rent in the UK increased by 5.3%. However, when you buy a house, even if you pay more, you eventually own it, and there are benefits to that.
Benefits of Renting vs. Buying Property
Buying a property has a few advantages over renting. In most countries, you can get a tax deduction if you’re paying a mortgage. You also build home equity, which you could borrow against to make new investments.
There are also some advantages to renting. For example, you know how much you are paying each month, and maintenance expenses are covered by the landlord. Moreover, if you buy a house, you are tied to it for a long time, while renting makes it easy to just pack your things and move. It all comes down to your needs and lifestyle. Do you want to settle down and get a place to live with your family? Or maybe you are not ready just yet?
| Benefits of buying | Benefits of renting |
| You’re able to customize the property | There are no unforeseen expenses |
| You build home equity | Upfront costs are lower |
| You get tax benefits | It’s easier to move out |
| Properties tend to appreciate over time | Landlord pays for maintenance and repairs |
Risks of Renting vs. Buying Property
On the other hand, if you buy a property, you’re bound to it, at least until the mortgage is paid off. And while you build home equity, there are expenses that may not always give a decent return on investment. You must pay taxes, HOA fees, and insurance on the property as well. But as a renter, your landlord covers these expenses. So, while there are many benefits to buying, there are several risks and disadvantages associated as well. It’s important to reflect on these factors before you make a decision, considering your individual needs and capabilities. If you own a property already with tenants in situ then you can contact a specialist agency to sell the property as an investment, read about them here.
Tips for Deciding Whether to Rent or Buy Property
There is not an easy answer to the renting vs buying dilemma. The final choice will depend on what you want and what you can afford. Your lifestyle and goals, the size of your household, and your financial status all come into play when you’re thinking about what’s best for you. However, this is not something you should decide on your own. It’s good advice to contact a professional who is well-versed in the matter and knows the current housing market. There are also many external factors that can affect the decision. Inflation, for example, tends to raise rental prices, but also mortgage rates. You must take all factors into account and research thoroughly about the housing situation in your area. Then, you can take the step and either rent a new place or get a mortgage and buy a property.
Conclusion
Despite the current landscape, where buying is more expensive than renting in most locations, buying is generally a better alternative. The reason is simple: while it may be more expensive, after a certain number of payments, you own the place. If you rent, while it’s cheaper, you will always be paying the landlord’s expenses, and no payment will be invested in your future. However, it is worth noting that not everybody wishes to invest in a property, but everybody needs a place to live. If you’re in a city you don’t want to settle in, then renting is the best option. For instance, your finances may not be at their best. Then you would prefer the security of paying a fixed rate for a few months, and not having to take care of any unforeseen event.
