Renting vs Buying: The Pros and Cons

Renting vs Buying is an age-old debate, that people have been grappling with for years. With the property market ever changing, it can be difficult to know whether it’s the right time to take a leap of faith and become a homeowner.
We talked with letting agents in dagenham and asked for their opinion on the infamous renting vs buying debate.

The Benefits of Buying

Investing into Your Future

When you purchase a home, you have the opportunity to gradually build up your equity over time. You increase your ownership stake in your home every time you make mortgage payments. When buying a property, there is no need to fret If the property’s value rises, you will benefit from the potential financial gain when you sell it.

It’s Yours

This may seem like an obvious benefit, but when you own a home, you have complete freedom to do whatever you want with it. You have complete control over the property and can craft it into the ideal home for your wants and needs. Additionally, you never have to worry about having a roof over your head. You now have a permanent place to call home.

The Cons of Buying a House

It’s A Huge Financial Commitment

Purchasing a home will most likely be the most significant financial decision you make in your life (not that we want to scare you). A counterargument to the ‘It’s Yours’ benefit is that, well, it’s all yours to deal with. You will be solely responsible for any repairs, fixes, and maintenance. So be prepared; when purchasing a home, you must be financially (and mentally) prepared to deal with all of the extra costs that come with owning your own home.

You Become Tied Down

Purchasing a home binds you to a specific property and location for the foreseeable future – for some, this is exciting, but for others, it can feel suffocating. You must be 100% committed to staying and enjoying your time in the local era, especially since selling a house can be a complex and time-consuming process.

The Benefits of Renting A Property

Less Stressful Option

Generally speaking, renting a home is the less stressful choice.
For those who need to get somewhere quickly and don’t want a drawn-out transaction with an estate agent, the quicker renting process will be ideal. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with any significant maintenance issues or repairs as the landlord will take care of everything.

Financially ‘Safer’ Option

When renting, you will incur lower upfront costs than when purchasing a home. While you may be required to pay a security deposit and the first month’s rent, these costs are typically much lower than a down payment, closing costs, and other costs associated with purchasing a home.

The Con’s of Renting

Not Building Any Equity

Unlike owning a home where equity can be built through mortgage payments, renting a property does not provide any long-term financial advantages. Essentially, when you rent, you are putting off paying off your own mortgage in favour of paying off your landlord’s.

Limited Control

The freedom that renting provides in terms of moving and location ultimately means that your living situation is in the hands of someone else. Rent prices fluctuate, and landlords may raise rent at the end of your lease term or during your tenancy. Landlords may refuse to renew leases, sell properties, or make other changes that affect your living situation.

Every person’s situation is unique, and the appeal of buying to some will be a detriment to others. In the end, only you know what is best for you. If you would like to talk to an expert and discuss whether you should rent or buy, please contact Halls Property; we will be happy to assist you.