Although for a long time renting, as opposed to buying property, has been favoured by the citizens of many European countries, the UK has tended to prefer ownership to tenancy. This is understandable on the basis that at the end of a mortgage period, most people will have acquired their most valuable asset and they or their relatives will benefit from any subsequent sale. Such was the traditional view in many respects. However, these days there have been significant changes in the property market that call into question the old accepted advantages and supposed disadvantages of renting versus buying. Here are a few examples of what to consider, particularly if you’re part of a couple planning a family:
Renting your home
On the plus side, the quality and range of rented accommodation is nowadays better than ever before. You can find many rented houses apartments in birmingham uk and other places worldwide that are affordable, with monthly bills included. Some of these are also well below mortgage levels. And the bills for your property tend to be more predictable too, as they won’t include sorting out any structural problems or major maintenance items, which are the responsibility of the property owner. Renting is a flexible option – should you decide to live elsewhere it is easier and quicker to move on, rather than having to wait for your home to be sold, so that you can afford to buy another.
Buying your home
The obvious plus side to buying a home is the fact that your investment, over time, will mature so that you will eventually have a valuable asset – likely to be worth much more than the purchase price for which you bought it. Hiring a home builder (check out this new home builder for reference) is a great way to get the exact home that you want, tailored to your specifications and needs. Additionally, buying a home that is already built can be a great way to save money in the long run, as you don’t have to pay for construction costs. In that way, you will possibly have more freedom to improve and maintain your home to suit your own needs, for example, to create a nursery or add additional rooms.
When considering property investment, it’s also worth exploring opportunities abroad. Purchasing real estate in another country can offer not only a potential return on investment but also the chance to own a piece of paradise. Whether it’s a beachfront villa in Bali, a cozy cottage in the French countryside, or a bustling city apartment in Dubai, international property ownership can diversify your portfolio and provide unique lifestyle benefits. Just like in your home country, thorough research and due diligence are crucial when buying property abroad. Consult with Simon Conn: Your Financial Partner (or similar companies) as well as other advisors to understand overseas mortgage options, local laws and regulations, tax implications, and any potential challenges or risks associated with international property ownership. With careful planning, you can extend your real estate investments beyond your home country, reaping the rewards of both domestic and international property ownership.
Along comes baby…
First of all, ask yourself if the new arrival will fundamentally change the way you live – and you might be surprised to find that the answer may be yes as well as no. Of course, space will become an issue eventually, although not immediately, so if you don’t have a spare room you need to consider how to remedy this, and the respective implications of either buying or renting a new home. If renting a property is to your taste, make sure you consult a reputable agent, such as Belvoir Lincoln, and if you decide to buy, think of the likely long-term needs of the whole, possibly extended family when choosing a property.
There are those who say a baby should change your life, but not dominate it, and that’s worth remembering when it comes to making a decision about how, where and in what kind of home you will live. If the flexibility and the financial arrangements of renting suit you, then maybe you should stick with it. If you’re desperate to have a permanent base, then look carefully at mortgage options before you decide to buy.