To Rent or to Own: The Ultimate House Debate

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is not just a lifestyle choice but a significant financial decision with various factors to consider. Both home buying and renting come with their own perks and pitfalls, and what makes sense for one person might not be the best move for another. The “best” choice often varies based on your lifestyle, your finances, and current housing market conditions. To help you navigate this important decision, let’s break down the pros and cons, tax angles, and see how today’s market trends might tip the scale on whether to rent or to own. 

Pros and Cons of Renting

• Pros:
  • Flexibility: Leases offer the freedom to move when the term ends or sometimes even pay to end a lease early.
  • Lower Costs: Renting often avoids hefty upfront costs like down payments and closing costs, and you don’t have to pay for maintenance, or property taxes.
  • Less Maintenance: Landlords are typically responsible for repairs and upkeep of a property.
  • Increased cash flow: Without mortgage payments, you have more money available for other things.
• Cons:
  • No Equity: Rent payments don’t build equity.
  • Rising Costs: Rental costs can increase annually.
  • Limited Control: You have less control over the property’s appearance and modifications, sometimes even having lease restrictions on what you can and cannot do.
  • Potential Instability: You could be evicted or the landlord may be slow to address maintenance issues.
  • Limited Tax Benefits:  Although some states allow a renter’s credit, when you rent property you are not able to claim deductions for expenses you pay for owning your home like the mortgage interest deduction and the deduction for property taxes paid.

Pros and Cons of Buying

• Pros:
  • Equity Building: Mortgage payments contribute to building equity that you could later access.
  • Stability: Homeownership provides stability without the worry of rent increases or forced moves.
  • Control: You have full control over your home and any renovations.
  • Deductions: Homeowners are able to deduct interest paid on their mortgage and can deduct any points paid to lower their interest rate. 
• Cons:
  • High Upfront Costs: Buying typically involves significant upfront expenses, including a down payment and closing costs.
  • Less Mobility: Moving is more complex when you own a home.
  • Variable Interest Rates: Monthly payments can increase if tied to interest rates that fluctuate.
  • Maintenance Costs: Homeowners are responsible for all maintenance expenses even the unexpected maintenance or repair.
  • Slow Equity Growth: Building equity can be a gradual process.

Tax Implications

• Buying: Homeowners may benefit from tax deductions, such as the home mortgage interest deduction and property tax deductions. If you paid points to get a lower interest rate, that money can also be tax deductible in the year you paid. Interest paid on home equity loans is tax-deductible if the loan is used to substantially improve the home. There may also be tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades.
• Renting: Renters do not have the same tax deductions as homeowners. However, some states offer renter’s tax credits. Renters who are self-employed may be able to deduct a portion of their rent and utilities if they have a home office that they use exclusively for their business.

Current Market Consensus

The decision to rent or buy is highly dependent on individual circumstances and the current economic climate. As a renter, rent is typically your maximum monthly housing expense, while a mortgage is the minimum an owner can expect to invest in their property monthly (considering scheduled maintenance and unforeseen issues). Consider factors such as interest rates, housing market trends, and your own financial stability. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and assess your long-term financial goals.

TurboTax Can Help

Whether you decide to rent or buy, TurboTax has specialized experts who can help you navigate the tax implications of your housing situation when filing your taxes. We can provide personalized guidance and ensure you’re taking advantage of all eligible deductions and credits.