What is the Difference Between Buying and Renting an Apartment?

By: Abdullah Haroon

Moving to a new living place is one of the biggest and most exciting phases in everyone’s life but this excitement can turn into a nightmare if you don’t have experience in buying and renting an apartment. Renting or buying your next living destination depends upon many personal factors and your financial position is the topmost.

Mostly, people buy a home when they are in good financial condition, and the youngsters who have just kicked off their careers go with renting. Of the two options, buying wins the tie as people see buying as an investment. However, buying isn’t universally better than renting and vice versa.

This guide will take a look at all ins and outs of buying and renting so you have an easy time choosing one.

Buying an Apartment

When you own a property, it gives you a sense of security and stability. You can do whatever you want with the apartment; there are no lease agreements, no hassle of rents, and no disturbance of a roommate. But this option may not be a good idea for restless types. You can’t sell it at your ease and you have to see the Real Estate market to get the real value of your apartment.

Buying will cost you more than renting as it involves many expenses like transaction costs, mortgage payments, and down payments. Homebuyers should take into account all these costs before they pen down the papers.

Some Notable Expenses Related to Buying are but are Not Limited to:

Homeowner Insurance
Down Payment
Escrow Fees
Appraisal Fees
Pest Inspection
Property Taxes
Repairs and Maintenance

You don’t have to pay these when you rent an apartment. You have to pay some fees before you get your hands on the keys and they do need proper planning and budgeting. Once you calculate all the costs, you may find that you are more affluent financially by renting.

Renting an Apartment

Renting gives you freedom of movement every time your lease expires. But it also means that you could have to move unexpectedly if your landlord wants to break the lease. There is a myth about renting that you are throwing a hefty amount every month. Not so. Everyone needs a living place and you must pay for that.

Renters have an idea of how much they are going to spend every month whereas buyers do not have to pay more than their mortgage plan. Being a renter, you will never have to pay for changing the roof and your expenses become predictable.

However, when you rent you can face an unpredictable increase in rent upon lease renewal. And if you are living in a place where rental prices are out of control, your monthly budget may disrupt quickly.

Home Renters will need to pay These Expenses that Homebuyers don’t:

Closing Cost
Property Management Cost
Unplanned Repair Cost
Broker Fee
Cost of Upgrading the Property
Emergency Expenses
Income Taxes

There are many rights that tenants hold; you should have the knowledge of that.

Your landlord will take care of all the repair and maintenance costs but they can’t be done as quickly as you want. If you want a quick fix-up, you need to spend some extra bucks.

Differences – Renting vs Buying an Apartment

Home Equity

One clear edge that home buyers have over renters is home equity. Buyers build equity if their property value increases over the years and get extra cash on selling their apartments.

Maintenance Cost

Every apartment needs repair over time and when you rent, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to fix the issues. But if you are an owner, you will be on the hook for ongoing maintenance and repair.

Flexibility

If you are moving to a new neighborhood, have a temporary job, or are not sure about your stay, renting may be a suitable option for you.

Taxes

Buyers face a variety of taxes like registration tax, value-added tax, and service tax. Also, there are some tax benefits that homeowners can have. However, renters are free from tax implications.

Buying vs. Renting – Pros and Cons

Buying

Pros:

Build equity
No landlord hassle
Tax benefits
Authority to upgrade home to your taste

Cons:

Need plenty of money
Risk of losing money if market declines
Mortgage payments
Maintenance responsibility

Renting

Pros

Fewer upfront payments
Tax relief
Freedom of moving
No responsibility for repair and maintenance

Cons

The danger of the lease ends
No tax benefits
Increase in rent

Buying or Renting – What to Choose?

Although buying involves heavy investment and more risk, people still prefer it over renting as it offers a permanent place to raise a family. However, which option suits you isn’t all about money, it’s also about your vision of living and comfort. Don’t listen to people, choose what fits your needs because at the end of the day you will be the only one suffering.

FAQs

What are the Two Advantages of Buying?

The Two advantages of buying include reduced risk and reduced price.

What are the Benefits of Living in an Apartment?

Lower maintenance and repair costs, more inexpensive rent, access to amenities like gyms and swimming pools, a sense of community, and security are just a few advantages of apartment living.

What are the Two Types of Buying?

The two types of buying are outright cash purchases (cash purchases) and mortgage purchases (mortgage purchases), where a loan is secured to finance the purchase of the property over time.

Does Living in a House Bring more Advantages than Living in an Apartment?

More privacy, outdoor space, and ownership of the property are some benefits of living in a house over an apartment. It may, however, be more expensive than renting an apartment in some places and come with additional duties, such as paying for maintenance and repairs. In the end, the decision is based on personal tastes and circumstances.

What are Good Buying Habits?

Before making a purchase, good buying habits include researching the product or service, setting a budget and sticking to it, comparing prices and quality from different sellers, avoiding impulse purchases, and considering the item’s long-term value and utility.