Advantages of Renting vs. Owning a Home

Many Americans doubt their ability to cover the costs of buying a home. But that only means exchanging monthly mortgage payments for monthly rent payments. Explore the advantages of renting vs. owning a home in this comprehensive guide that delves into cost savings, tax benefits, homeownership goals, renting flexibility, house equity and more. Read about valuable insights on renting vs. owning a house so you can make an informed decision before signing your next lease.

Furthermore, you’re usually only locked into a year-to-year contract when you rent. Unlike buying a house, you won’t be tied to your rental property any longer than you want, which can be ideal for young professionals, college students, or those who need to relocate frequently.

5 Advantages of Owning a House

Young adults especially find themselves torn between renting vs. owning — what are the advantages of buying a house? There are a few, such as:

1. Equity building: homeowners build equity with each mortgage payment, which increases the value of the house.
2. Cost savings: mortgage payments can often be cheaper than renting a house and offer the potential for long-term cost savings.
3. Home personalization: homeowners have the freedom to modify the property as they see fit
4. Space and privacy: owning a home can often provide more room for you and your family. It can also give you more privacy since you might not have to share living spaces or walls with neighbors.
5. Available tax deductions: homeowners can take advantage of tax deductions, such as property taxes and home office deductions.

Financial Considerations for Renting vs. Owning a Home

Chances are that your decision about whether to rent or buy a house has to do with finances and the current housing market. Here’s how to think through the different costs associated with owning vs. renting.

1. Upfront Costs:

Buying a home comes with greater initial costs. Even if you don’t make a traditional 20% down payment, you’ll still be responsible for closing costs and administrative fees that can make the process costly. By comparison, renters usually only have to put down a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, and this payment is fully refundable as long as you don’t damage the property.

2. Ongoing Costs:

Some ongoing costs will be lower when you rent. For instance, many landlords perform maintenance and landscaping on the rental property. Likewise, renters don’t have to worry about real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, or other costs associated with owning a home. On the other hand, rental payments can often be steep and unpredictable. In some cases, mortgage payments can actually be lower than what you would pay for monthly rent. And with fixed-rate mortgages, you won’t experience any surprise price hikes over the course of your loan.

If you’re thinking about buying a house, try our Rent vs. Buy Calculator – an online mortgage calculator that can help you figure out how much you can expect to pay every month compared to renting.

3. Potential Savings

When you’re young, renting may give you time to build your credit and savings account. In that respect, it can provide a path toward financial stability — assuming you can secure a rent payment that’s lower than a mortgage. On the flip side, homeowners can generally deduct property taxes and home offices in some states, and these tax benefits don’t always apply the same way to renters.

Lifestyle Factors for Renting vs. Owning

Your finances may be your primary consideration, but it’s also important to think about your current living situation. Generally speaking, it isn’t a good idea to purchase a house if you're planning on moving within the next five years. If your job is unstable or you’re finishing your education, renting can give you more flexibility than buying.

Others, however, may crave the stability that comes with homeownership. If you start a family, you may need more living space, a yard, or access to local amenities such as schools and playgrounds.

Impact on Long-Term Financial Goals

Your long-term financial decisions and goals should also influence your choice to rent vs. own a home. Homeownership allows you to build equity in your home. Once you’ve paid off your mortgage, you’ll own your property outright, and the value of your home will stay with you. The same cannot be said for those who are renters. Renting may be a short-term necessity, but it won’t help you reach your long-term goals.

Explore Loan Options for First-Time Homebuyers

Some renters stay put because they’re wary of high home prices, while others assume you can only buy a home after saving a full 20% for a down payment. The reality, however, is that there are many loan products that can make owning vs. renting an easy decision.

FHA Loans:

FHA loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration are designed for homeowners with substandard credit. As long as your credit is 500 or above, you can obtain a home loan with only 10% down. And if your credit score is 580 or above, you only need 3.5% down, putting homeownership within easier reach.

VA Loans:

If you or your spouse are a current or former member of the U.S. Military, you can get a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These loans don't require any money down and are available even to those with below-average credit. Understand the benefits and qualifications for a VA loan.

USDA Loans: 

Loans backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are another zero-down payment option aimed at buyers who purchase a home in a qualifying rural or suburban area. If you think a USDA loan may apply to you, learn more.

Conventional Loans:

Conventional loans offer the lowest interest rates for buyers with solid credit. And even these loan programs only require a 3% down payment, making it even easier to become a proud homeowner. Understand the pros and cons of conventional loans here.

Find the Home of Your Dreams

Don’t let fear of home prices keep you locked into your decisions to rent forever. Act now by talking to a local loan officer. We can help you secure loan options that fit your lifestyle and budget.