Renting vs. Buying Home in Canada - Which is better?
Renting vs. Buying Home, is a common thought that comes to our mind. Moving to a new city or a country, you must be pondering what's the best option, rent or buy a house. And, the same stands true for the hot and happening real estate scenario in Canada. So, let's look for an answer to, **Is it better to rent or buy a home in the current Canadian market?**
Having your own home is still a dream for many Canadian residents. Purchasing a residence not only provides you with increased social standing, it also proves to be a good financial investment in the long run.
However, the annual cost of owning a residence is higher compared to a rented house. There is a very crucial aspect to be considered. Mortgage costs include both principal and interest, and the principal part can be viewed as a form of imposed saving. That's not it, there are so many factors to impact your decision.
**Canadian Real Estate Market: Current Market Trends**
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A previous study concluded that individuals who can afford a down payment should buy a house in Canada as they are more financially sound and capable of owning a home. The study showed that out of 90 percent, over 30 percent of owners were capable of providing a down payment.
Another survey indicated that out of 278 cases analyzed, about 250 of them have the overall cost of ownership lower than renting a house. All these analyses paint a single conclusion that buying a house is more beneficial than renting one.
Ah.... take a deep breath! Does this still hold true? Did you checkout the rising mortgage interest rates and the restrictions imposed by the Government to control the soaring housing prices in Canada? Will it cool down the real estate market? Or we are heading towards something different? No doubt, it will impact our purchasing power and reduce the mortgage eligibility, thereby putting tighter controls on the housing market.
**Renting vs. Buying Home**: Pros & Cons
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With so many different variables when buying a home, it is necessary to weigh all the positives and negatives properly:
### **Pros of Buying a Home**
Here are some pros of purchasing a home:
**1\. Better Wealth Creation**
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When you pay your monthly mortgage installments, you generate capital. With each passing installment, you get one step closer to owning the property completely and thus converting it into a personal asset. It is something you won't be able to achieve while living in a rented house.
**2\. A Sound Investment Decision**
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Since the population is rising at a breakneck speed, there will be a need for more space in the future. Thus owning a house is like sitting on a pile of gold. As it has been observed down the line that house prices always go up, owning a house can be beneficial to you in the long term. After all, Canada is the cherished destination of immigrants wishing to settle abroad. The Government is also trying to make housing affordable. May it be through expanding **[new construction projects](https://getnewhouse.ca/blog/is-new-construction-good-investment-property-ontario-canada/)** across cities or increasing supply to tackle the housing crisis.
**3\. Security**
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The best part about owning a house is paying a certain fixed amount as written in your mortgage agreement. However, there is no way to predict when the landlord will increase the rent in a rented space. Thus, buying a house seems to be a more secure investment.
### **Cons of Buying a Home**
Below are some cons of purchasing a house:
**1\. Big Deal with Huge Money**
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Owning a home can also prove to be difficult for some. The very first reason is when you purchase a home, you make a financial commitment. Buying a home involves a huge sum of money, may it be in the form of a down payment, closing cost, repair or renovation, etc.
Further, you cannot sell your property overnight or refuse to pay the mortgages. Although there are companies specifically to expedite the selling process if you want to sell the house, getting a home is only fruitful if you hold it for around 6-7 years.
**2\. Repair & Maintenance Cost**
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Sometimes getting a house can mean trouble for your wallet. If you live in a rented house, you won't be worried about upkeep costs as it will be the landlord's duty. However, living in your own house can be expensive as there are many maintenance-related costs for a new house.
**Pros of Renting a Home**
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Here are some pros of living in a rented home:
**1\. Easy on the pocket**
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Rent payments are typically lower than house payments and may encompass other expenses such as utility services, hydro, tv service, and internet. Though, it may not always hold true, since rents also sky-rocket in some parts of Canada.
**2\. Adaptability**
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Renting gives you the most versatility in the Airbnb era. Most leaseholds are for one year, but it is possible to negotiate a month-to-month contract. You could look for short-term renting through a home-lending webpage. If you have a sense of wonder or a fear of commitment, renting may be the best option.
**3\. Negligible Repair Costs**
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Living in a rented house can be cheaper than living in a newly bought house. Since you are paying rent, the landlord has all the responsibilities for making the required maintenance. It is not the case with buying a house.
**Cons of a Renting a Home**
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Here are some cons of living in a rented home:
### **1\. Not always a wise Investment Choice**
Renters miss out on building equity because they avoid having to take out a monthly payment and pay the bills for operating a house. Instead, your monthly lease payment is used to pay someone else's mortgage.
### 2\. **No Sense of Security**
The landlord may raise the rent following relevant laws. A rise in your rental payments may prompt you to begin packing.
Renting vs. Buying Home: Which is better?
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When talking about Renting vs. Buying a house, neither option is superior. There is no simple answer to this age-old question, and it will necessitate some soul-searching and number-crunching on your part.
Moreover, the [**rising mortgage interest rates**](https://getnewhouse.ca/blog/what-does-higher-interest-mean-for-housing-market-in-canada) have further widened the dilemma of Renting vs. Buying a Home.
What's best for you will be determined largely by your existing personal and financial scenario and your objectives and location. **Renting or Buying a House**, whichever decision you take, do consider the latest trends, analyze your pocket and then decide what you want. Feel free to discuss.