When deciding whether to rent or buy a house in India, it's important to weigh all options.
While owning a home provides security, it also comes with high costs and long-term debt. Renting may be cheaper if the housing market is expensive and you have limited funds.
In this blog, we explore both options and help you figure out which one's best for you!
It’s really easy to get emotional when it comes to buying a house. Or if you’re someone who’s thinking long term and is keen on creating a legacy for your future generations, then buying a house is a good option.
There's so much that goes behind buying a house, and before you begin you need to know if it's the right time for the same. So, let’s objectively look at how this works. First, let’s understand the costs of buying vs renting a house in India.
An upfront amount was paid initially, giving partial ownership of the house. So if you’re buying a house and the down payment is 10%, you will have proportionate ownership of the house.
Next, you’re probably going to take a loan to pay the remaining 90% of the cost. This is basically the cost of taking a loan. If you look at it, this is also a form of rent that you pay as EMIs to a bank instead of a landlord.
Since you’re the owner of the house, it becomes your responsibility to take care of it. This includes a monthly maintenance charge that you can’t avoid.
Read this blog for a more detailed analysis of how to plan and what to prioritise when buying a house.
The amount you pay to the landlord. In many metro cities, you also need to pay an upfront deposit when you move in. This can be 2 to 12 months of your monthly rent, depending on the location (and landlord). This amount is refundable when you move out of the house.
These are monthly expenses to keep the house in good condition, especially if you’re living in an apartment. FYI - costs like electricity bills, water bills, etc., are common expenses in both cases, so we’re excluding them here. Before diving in further, let’s look at a super important concept you shouldn’t sleep on when you rent or buy a house.
Rental yield in India is typically between 2% and 3%. For example, if you own a 4BHK apartment in Noida worth ₹5 crore with a monthly rent of ₹65,000, the rental yield is 1.56%. This means it would take close to 65 years to pay for the house's actual value through rent, assuming the growth rate of rent and the house's value are the same.
Here are some risks associated with buying a home as an investment:
According to the above comparison, it is better to rent than to buy a house since the net benefit from renting is ₹1.73 crore, whereas the net benefit from buying is ₹1.61 crore. While there is a debate on whether buying a house is an investment, the current status suggests that renting is a better option.
But things may change. For instance, if the property's value increases to 12%, then it may be beneficial to buy a house in such a situation. So there is no absolute answer to whether to rent or buy a house as it all depends on your location, rates, and market conditions at the time.
If you've decided to go ahead and buy a house, here are 5 great tips for first-time home buyers.
But if numbers make you dizzy, then check out Fi’s Rent vs Buy calculator, where you just need to plug in a few numbers, and the calculations will be done for you. Now that’s neat, isn’t it?
Investing in mutual funds can be a great way to save up for down payments when you choose to buy a home. With Fi Money, you can select from over 900 direct Mutual Funds, and invest daily, weekly, or monthly via automatic payments or SIPs — all with one screen tap. Plus, Fi's 100% secure as it functions under the guidance of epiFi Wealth, a SEBI-registered investment advisor. And with zero penalties for missed payments, Fi offers 100% flexibility to help you reach your home-buying goals.
The decision to rent or buy a house in India is a complex one, influenced by personal circumstances, financial stability, and market conditions. While owning a home provides a sense of security and can be seen as a long-term investment, renting can be more economical and flexible, especially in cities where real estate prices are high. The choice between renting and buying should be made after careful consideration of one’s financial situation, lifestyle needs, and housing market conditions. It’s always recommended to consult with a real estate professional when making such a significant decision.
Users can find several investment options on the Fi app. Be it short-term or long-term — it's easy to invest with a simple swipe of your phone's screen. Fi also offers a Peer-to-Peer investment feature called Jump! Jump can help you earn up to 9% p.a on your investment. But if you want to save up for a short-term goal & earn interest on it, select our super-flexible Smart Deposit. If you're looking for higher/stable returns, opt for a Fixed Deposit.
The rent vs. buy decision depends on factors like location, housing market, and finances. Renting may be cheaper if the market is expensive, and the individual doesn't have a large down payment or steady income. Owning may be more affordable in the long term if the market is stable and the individual plans to stay for several years. The decision depends on individual needs and finances.
The debate between renting and buying a home depends on factors such as location, housing market, and financial situation. Renting may be cheaper than owning if the housing market is expensive and the individual has limited funds and unstable income. However, owning a home may be more affordable in the long term if the housing market is stable and the individual plans to stay in the home for several years. To quickly determine if you should rent or buy, use this calculator.
An ideal ratio for purchasing a property in India is less than 15%. However, factors such as location, city, and housing markets can affect this ratio.
