Rent vs. buy: Should I rent or buy a home? | Fidelity (2024)

FAQs

Is it smarter to rent or own a home? ›

Buying a house gives you ownership, privacy and home equity, but the expensive repairs, taxes, interest and insurance can really get you. Renting a home or apartment is lower maintenance and gives you more flexibility to move. But you may have to deal with rent increases, loud neighbors or a grumpy landlord.

The price-to-rent ratio: Take a monthly rent figure and multiply it by 12, so it's an annual number. Divide the purchase price of a similar property by that annual rent number. A ratio greater than 20 generally weighs in favor of renting, while a figure less than 20 generally favors buying.

Applying the 5% Rule involves a straightforward calculation:

Multiply the property's value by 5%. Divide the result by 12 to derive the monthly expense.

Buying a home allows you to build equity over time. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments go toward the landlord's investment, each mortgage payment contributes to your ownership stake in the property. Over the years, this can result in significant equity that can be tapped into for future financial needs.

It's generally cheaper to rent than own in the country's 50 largest metropolitan areas, according to a recent study by LendingTree. Between median rent costs and median homeowner costs for those with mortgages, tenants came out ahead by $563 per month in 2022.

The 50% rule or 50 rule in real estate says that half of the gross income generated by a rental property should be allocated to operating expenses when determining profitability. The rule is designed to help investors avoid the mistake of underestimating expenses and overestimating profits.

The 1% rule of real estate investing measures the price of an investment property against the gross income it can generate. For a potential investment to pass the 1% rule, its monthly rent must equal at least 1% of the purchase price.

Limitations of the 1% Rule

For example, if the median list price in a metro area is over $1 million, the 1% rule would necessitate rents of close to $10,000 per month. In this case, investors would forgo the 1% rule for a more realistic assessment of what makes a viable investment.

Is the 30% rent rule realistic? ›

It Ignores the Financial Context

Everyone's financial situation is different. The 30% rule doesn't take into account that some people may have an extraordinary student loan payment each month or a goal of paying off credit card debt. These factors should influence how much money you decide to allopcate to your rent.

Unlike renting, owning a home is an investment. Every mortgage payment you make builds home equity, which can provide many future benefits: You reap the benefits of home price increases, which typically happen over time. If your home value goes up, you'll gain equity without having to do a thing.

That's not true. In fact, the top-selling financial author of all-time, Robert Kiyosaki, says, “A home is a liability, not an asset.” An asset puts money into your pocket every month. A home takes money out of your pocket every month. Some say, “Paying rent is like throwing money away.” That's not true either.

Key Takeaways: Most first-time homebuyers make a purchase when they are 35. Buying a house at a young age can mean building equity young and getting a home paid off sooner. Purchasing a house in your 20s or earlier can also mean you feel trapped, unable to move at a moment's notice.

Renters have lower utility bills, greater flexibility in where they live, and access to amenities, such as a pool or fitness room, that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive.

Again, weigh the cons:

Your landlord can raise your rent. You may not be allowed to have pets or make certain modifications (e.g. painting the walls, adding a garden, etc.). Your landlord can choose not to renew your lease.

The Main Difference Between Renting a House vs. an Apartment. House rentals generally offer more space, privacy, and have an affordable rent price compared to an apartment. Apartments, on the other hand, offer convenience, great amenities, access to on-site staff, and more security than a house.

First and foremost, homeownership means that you are tied to a specific living situation whereas renting affords more freedom in retirement. Instead of spending your time worrying about mortgage payments and repairs, renting allows you to spend your time exactly how you want to spend it.

Many people find themselves caught between the desire for the freedom of renting and the long-term benefits of owning a home. Both choices have their own sets of advantages: Renting: It provides flexibility, fewer immediate financial responsibilities, and relief from property maintenance.