THE QUESTION of buying or letting property is a common one among adults around the globe. Even though owning property is a way to accumulate wealth and create some stability over time, many see the challenges of homeownership as more daunting and costly than those of letting. Before making a decision on whether letting or buying property is the best choice for you, it is necessary to evaluate the pros and cons of each, as well as the scenarios where one makes the most sense from both lifestyle and financial perspectives.
The Positives of Letting and Purchasing
Both letting a property and purchasing have inherent benefits, but they differ significantly for each housing choice. A few common advantages to letting include the following:
• Relatively low moving costs
• Minimal up-front expenses compared to purchasing
• Ease of moving to a different location or property is high
• No responsibility for property maintenance or repairs
According to a leading letting agent in Mayfair [2], a more high-end area, letting also may come with a lower overall cost of living compared to owning a home. Rents are often more affordable in locations like Mayfair, making the possibility of living in an affluent neighbourhood more feasible for some residents.
When it comes to owning property, there are also positives that drive many to make this housing dream a reality. The most notable advantages of owning include:
• The ability to accumulate equity in a property that may increase in value over time
• Owning offers more privacy and control than renting
• Can make the property unique and personal in terms of design and furnishings
• Purchasing may be more affordable in the long run compared to renting
One of the most substantial benefits of owning a home, however, is the fact that once a mortgage is paid off, the house is the owner's asset [3] and there are no monthly housing payments required in the future.
The Caveats to Consider with Each
Although there are distinct positive attributes of both letting and owning a home, caveats exist in each scenario. When letting, rents can and likely will increase year over year. This can cause some frustration among residents who let a property, as well as some uncertainty surrounding housing costs in the future. Additionally, letting does not afford personalisation of a home, and while repairs and improvements are covered by the landlord, these can take time to complete. Renters have no control over when these items may be done or the extent to which the changes reflect their design or functionality preferences.
Most importantly, however, letting a home does not allow you to build equity over time. Rents are paid to the landlord to help cover their mortgage obligation or other property costs. Payments, then, benefit the landlord and not the renter.
On the homeownership front, the majority of the downsides come in the form of financial challenges. Purchasing a property requires a significant amount of money upfront [4], including a down payment, moving costs, and in many cases, new furnishings. The combination of these initial expenses can be burdensome for buyers, making owning property out of reach.
In addition to the up-front cost of purchasing, owning a home comes with ongoing financial requirements that many fail to recognise. Upkeep and maintenance of the house, repairs and renovations, and necessary items such as appliances all fall on the financial shoulders of the owner. Over time, expenses related to home maintenance [5] can add up to a substantial amount.
Finally, owning a home is a long-term endeavour. Property owners should commit to having the house for no less than three years to ensure they can recoup the up-front costs of purchasing. This commitment leads to less flexibility when compared to renting. Should the housing market take a turn for the worse, selling a property may not be a realistic or financially sound choice for homeowners.
Making the Decision
Determining which option is best suited for your life requires a comparison of the pros and cons. Owning a home is a dream for many, but those who are not prepared for the financial obligations may be better off renting. Also, individuals who prefer flexibility in their housing options should focus on letting a property as opposed to purchasing. Each of these considerations should be thought through thoroughly before deciding whether to let or buy.