Owning or Renting Homes

Buy a flat or rent a flat? This is a question everyone ponders upon, as in certain cities people only stay for work purposes. It’s true that buying is always a second opinion for people as compared to renting. But, with Rentals there is a sure shot guarantee that there will be no return. On the other-hand there is Buying where there is a higher chance of you getting a good or a reasonable return! 

The disadvantages of buying are pretty limited! The #1 constraint is the interest you will pay. Although, the current government is taking certain steps for reducing the rate of interest of the housing sector. Yet there isn’t such an impact for the people who are not in the super-rich category. 

Looking on the brighter side. There is always the option of Purchasing. There are quite a few advantages of buying a house. Owning a house gives an individual the long-term benefits of security, equity and potential growth in personal wealth. The value of the real estate asset is bound to increase with a given period of time which gives you the luxury of enjoying profits if given a certain period of time. Also, this as well comes with its own risks.

Moreover, it depends on how you look at the matter. If you’re looking out for a short-term investment, then the best suggestion for you would be renting or if you’re looking out for a long-term investment then the option advisable to you would be Buying at any given day. 

In a country like India where people prefer living with their family. Those people wouldn’t prefer moving around as much. As we all know moving is always a pain to carry out. In these cases, also people do prefer buying as it gives them a sense of security and stability.  

So, coming back to the cons of buying a house. They would be that you would be bound to pay a certain amount every month no matter what the cost. Technically speaking that means a certain amount being blocked from your account before your pay-check even arrives. One last thing, maybe that. In certain cases, if the property is not well-evaluated before buying an individual ends up paying more as interest amounts as compared to the appreciation incurred by him. 

When it comes to living on rent versus living in one’s own home, people who advocate the former often argue that a rental home costs less, as compared to owning a home. Those who favour owning a house, cite the freedom that it offers. While owning a home is typically the dream of every Indian, sky-rocketing property prices in the recent past have led people to opt for renting, rather than buying, says Ajay Jain, executive director – investment banking and head real estate group, Centrum Capital Ltd.

“Landlords in most states also tend to restrict the number of years that a tenant can occupy their house, due to the weak protection provided by the law to the landlords. With lower interest rates and the government subsidy for first-time buyers of affordable homes, owning a home is now possible for many more people,” opines Amit Oberoi, national director, knowledge systems, Colliers International India.

Looking at all of these statements given by the big players in the market it is safe to say there are various pros and cons to both. The mindset and financial backing are a very important factor to be considered while dealing with decisions this intricate.

Owning a home is a financial commitment that requires you to plan ahead and reflect on where your life is headed. Before deciding whether to rent or buy, ask yourself what your budget is and if either choice would require you to stretch your finances. Write out your additional financial and savings goals to see how each choice might affect them. Make sure you still have enough money to save for retirement, for example. Compare some specifics to see which is a better fit. For years, the rule of thumb stated renting is cheaper than buying—so renting freed up money for other things, such as savings. However, that may not always be the case. Shifting real estate markets mean it may be cheaper to buy than rent in certain areas, though you likely need to pay more up front. The right option for you is the one that best fits your goals and finances.

Renting vs. buying a home is a big decision, and there are pros and cons to each option. In fact, a higher percentage of U.S. households are renting than at any point since 1965, according to a Pew Research Centre analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released in 2016.

For some people, renting comes down to what they can afford at the moment.

“I was a long-term renter because I wanted to wait to buy until I could afford to stay in my current neighbourhood,” says Atlanta resident Jennifer Walker, a public relations executive who bought her first home this spring. “I didn’t realize that there were affordable options.”

The reason why the US was taken as an example is because the real estate market similarities are quite while being compared with in a couple states in India as well. 

A few questions to ask yourself and commit to are as follows. 

What can you afford?

How long do you plan to stay in the home?

Do you want stability or flexibility?

Can you afford to be responsible for home repairs/maintenance?

What are your financial, career and family goals?

The financial burden that an individual may go through may be unrealistic when his ends aren’t meeting this can be said by just putting the numbers together and making a simple calculation. There are different costs associated with renting and buying. Using Bank rate’s rent vs. buy calculator helps you break down some of these expenses.

Most rental properties require a security deposit, which protects the landlord against damage caused by the renter. You’ll usually put down the first and final month’s rent payments when you sign a lease. When evaluating a lease contract, ask if your monthly rent includes utilities, such as water, electric, gas, cable or internet.

For homebuyers, one of the biggest ongoing costs of homeownership is your monthly mortgage payment, which includes the loan’s principal and interest amounts. Your payments can go up or down over time if your loan is variable rate or your property taxes and homeowners’ insurance premiums change. If you put less than 20 percent down, your lender will typically require you to purchase private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which drives up your monthly payments, too.

Investing in real estate has long been seen as a dependable way to grow wealth. Unlike the unpredictable stock market, real estate provides a physical asset that increases in value and generates consistent income. But what makes real estate such a profitable investment? Let’s break down the key aspects of return on investment (ROI), its benefits, potential risks, and strategies to boost returns. Understanding ROI in Real Estate ROI in real estate measures the profitability of an investment. It’s calculated by dividing the net profit by the total cost of the investment and expressing it as a percentage. In real estate, ROI usually comes from two sources: capital appreciation and rental income. Capital Appreciation Capital appreciation is the rise in a property’s value over time, influenced by factors such as: Location: Properties in prime areas tend to appreciate faster. Market Demand: High demand can drive up property values. Economic Conditions: A robust economy boosts real estate values. Property Improvements: Enhancements can significantly increase market value. Rental Income Rental income is money earned from leasing property to tenants, offering: Steady Cash Flow: Regular rental payments provide consistent income. Mortgage Coverage: Rental income can help pay off mortgages. Passive Income: Over time, rental properties can become a source of passive income, especially with professional management. Benefits of Real Estate Investment Tangible Asset: Unlike stocks, real estate is a physical asset you can see and touch, offering security. Leverage: You can use mortgages to buy properties, controlling large assets with a small initial investment. Tax Benefits: Deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation. Inflation Hedge: Real estate values and rental income often rise with inflation, protecting against money devaluation. Potential Risks Market Volatility: Real estate can still fluctuate based on economic conditions. Property Management: Managing rentals can be time-consuming and challenging. Liquidity: Real estate isn’t a quick-to-sell asset, especially in slow markets. Upfront Costs: Buying real estate involves significant initial expenses. Strategies to Maximize ROI Choose Prime Locations: Invest in areas with strong growth potential. Buy Low, Sell High: Look for undervalued properties and improve them to boost value. Diversify: Spread investments across different property types and locations. Use Leverage Wisely: Finance smartly without overleveraging. Hire Professionals: Property management companies can handle day-to-day operations. Stay Informed: Keep up with market trends and real estate laws. Personal Insights Real estate has been central to my wealth-building strategy, providing stable and growing income through capital appreciation and rental earnings. While challenging, the rewards of real estate investment outweigh the risks when approached with careful planning. Investing in real estate demands time, money, and effort, but the potential rewards are substantial. Whether you aim to diversify your portfolio, generate passive income, or build long-term wealth, real estate offers numerous opportunities. Always do your research and consult financial advisors to tailor your strategy to your unique situation. By understanding ROI and implementing smart investment strategies, you can navigate the real estate market effectively and achieve your financial goals. Happy investing!