5 Reasons Why Renting Can Be Better Than Buying

When it comes to housing options, the rent vs. buy debate is hotly contested. 

While homeownership is touted for its long-term benefits, renting has its own set of advantages that often go unnoticed. In this blog post, we'll delve into the top 5 benefits of renting a property. From the flexibility to easily change locations to financial perks that offer more room for investment, discover why renting might just be the perfect fit for your current lifestyle.

Let’s dive in!

Benefit 1: Flexibility

When most people think about renting a property, the first benefit that often comes to mind is flexibility. While it's commonly cited, the extent of this flexibility and how it impacts various aspects of life is frequently overlooked.

 

Short-term commitments

 

The traditional idea of settling down often involves buying a house and laying roots in a particular location. 

While owning property can be a valuable long-term investment, it comes with long-term commitments. Renting, on the other hand, allows you the freedom of short-term lease agreements. Whether it's a month-to-month lease or a one-year contract, the commitment level is considerably less daunting. 

This is especially useful for individuals who are unsure of their long-term plans or who want the freedom to explore different locations and job opportunities without being tied down.

 

Easier to relocate for opportunities

 

In today's rapidly changing job market, geographical flexibility can be a massive advantage. 

Whether it's a job promotion requiring a move across the country or a sudden urge to experience city life after years in the countryside, renting makes it easier to follow these opportunities. The process of selling a house, buying a new one, and dealing with the associated expenses and logistics can often take several months. Renters, however, usually only need to provide a notice period, which is often as short as one month, before moving on to new adventures.

Being able to move quickly will definitely be a huge benefit for some.

 

Catering to various life stages

 

Flexibility in renting is not just beneficial for the young or the career-oriented. 

Those in different stages of life—such as retirees looking to downsize, or families waiting for the right time to buy their first home—also find this flexibility to be incredibly advantageous. It allows them to adapt their living situation to their current needs without the hassle or permanence of homeownership. 

Benefit 2: Reduced maintenance and repair responsibilities

One of the often-overlooked joys of renting a property is the significantly reduced responsibility when it comes to maintenance and repairs. 

Unlike homeowners, renters rarely need to worry about the ongoing upkeep of their living space. This can lead to a more stress-free and relaxed lifestyle that many don't anticipate when weighing the pros and cons of renting versus buying.

 

No major worries

 

Imagine a scenario where you wake up one winter morning to find your boiler has stopped working, leaving you in the cold. 

If you own your home, the onus of repairing or replacing the boiler falls squarely on your shoulders. This could mean days without heating, not to mention a hefty repair bill. As a renter, however, a simple call to your landlord or property management company usually sets the wheels in motion for a quick repair, typically at no extra cost to you.

Which would you prefer?

 

Save time and money

 

Being relieved of maintenance duties not only saves you money but also the time that would otherwise be spent on DIY repairs or working with tradespeople. 

Homeowners often find themselves dedicating weekends to tasks like painting, lawn care, or minor home improvements. Renters can spend this time engaging in activities that bring them joy, or simply relaxing, knowing that most maintenance chores are someone else's responsibility.

 

Less stress, more freedom

 

The mental load of keeping a property in tip-top shape is something homeowners often underestimate. 

From small responsibilities like unblocking drains or fixing a leaky tap to larger concerns like roof repairs or electrical issues, homeowners must keep a constant eye on their property’s condition. 

Renters are largely free from this burden, allowing them more mental freedom to focus on other aspects of life, such as career, family, or personal development.

Benefit 3: Easier to downsize or upsize

Life is full of changes, and our housing needs are no exception. 

Whether it's welcoming a new family member or adapting to an empty nest, your ideal living space can fluctuate significantly over time. One of the often-underappreciated benefits of renting is the ability to easily adjust your living arrangements to better suit your current situation.

 

Changing family dynamics

 

If you're about to welcome a new baby into your life, the need for an extra bedroom quickly becomes evident. 

Similarly, when children leave for university or move out, you might find yourself with more space than you need. In either scenario, owning a home makes changing your living situation a complex, lengthy process involving selling your current property and purchasing a new one. 

Renters, on the other hand, have the option to simply move to a different property that better fits their needs once their current lease is up.

 

Financial adaptability

 

Life can throw various financial curveballs at you—from job loss to unexpected medical expenses. 

Owning a home can make it harder to adapt to these changing financial circumstances. The option to downsize (or upsize, as your budget allows) is much more straightforward for renters. 

Plus, the process of moving to a more affordable or appropriate-sized rental can often be completed in a matter of weeks, not months.

 

Less hassle, more convenience

 

One of the most daunting aspects of changing your living situation as a homeowner is the sheer amount of work involved. From home staging and kerb appeal repairs to dealing with conveyancers and navigating the property market, it's a full-time job. 

Renters are largely spared this ordeal. A notice to the landlord and some basic planning is generally all it takes to transition to a new rental property.

Benefit 4: Building a Credit History

Credit history is a crucial factor that impacts various aspects of life, from applying for a mortgage to securing a car loan. 

What many renters may not realise is that their consistent rent payments can play a vital role in building or improving their credit history, providing they are using a rent reporting service.

 

For young adults and new residents

 

Building a robust credit history is often challenging for young adults who haven't had much exposure to credit. The same goes for individuals who are new to the country and haven't yet established a credit profile. 

Renting a property and making consistent, timely payments can be an effective way to demonstrate financial responsibility and start building a favourable credit history.

 

Future financial endeavours

 

A strong credit history is not just about acquiring more credit; it affects various aspects of financial life. From qualifying for lower interest rates to easing the approval process for various loans and even employment opportunities, a healthy credit score is invaluable. 

Consistent rent payments regularly reported to a rent reporting service can be a relatively painless way to contribute to this, especially if you're already paying rent and living in the property.

Benefit 5: Financial flexibility

The most common narrative surrounding renting is that it's akin to "throwing money away" since you're not building equity in a property. 

While it's true that renting doesn't offer the same kind of long-term investment as owning a home, it does offer a type of financial flexibility that homeownership often cannot.

 

No large capital investment

 

Buying a home typically requires a substantial deposit, and that's just the beginning. 

Renting, on the other hand, usually means a security deposit and perhaps the first and last month’s rent, which is often significantly less than the upfront costs associated with buying a home. 

This frees up capital for other investment opportunities offering quicker or more reliable returns.

 

Invest in other opportunities

 

The capital you save by not having to deal with the financial responsibilities of owning a home could be used for other investment opportunities. 

From stocks and bonds to starting a small business or even going back to school for further education, renting gives you the financial freedom to invest in diverse avenues.

That’s it for this week. Five solid reasons why renting can be more beneficial than buying if your circumstances align.

If you’re looking to rent in or around the capital, Petty Son and Prestwich is a name you can trust. We have been handling property in London for well over 100 years, and we’d love to help you realise your property dreams, too.

Our team of letting experts can help guide you through the process of renting your next home if you’re a tenant, so give them a call today to find out more.