Buying vs. Renting a Condo: Which Offers More Benefits?

Posted by Katrina Amurao on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM By Katrina Amurao / April 11, 2023 Comment

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent a condo. Both options have pros and cons, and the best decision will depend on the specific circumstances of the buyer or tenant. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the key considerations to keep in mind when making this decision. Keep reading to find out if you should buy a condo or rent an apartment.

Consider Rent Costs vs. Mortgage Payments

When it comes down to the economics of buying vs. renting, there are different costs involved with each option. If you're considering buying a condo, here are some of the factors you'll need to keep in mind.

When buying a condo, the owner will be responsible for making monthly mortgage payments. These payments will typically be higher than the rent costs for an apartment or micro-apartment. However, monthly expenses will decrease once the mortgage is paid in full. Condo owners have access to tax breaks, which can save them money if they plan on being in the home long-term.

Condo fees (monthly or yearly costs related to the upkeep and maintenance of your home and community) also need to be considered when deciding about buying a condo. Condo owners are also responsible for paying for any repairs or maintenance that is needed. This can include anything from painting the walls to fixing a broken window.

In contrast, the landlord is responsible for almost all repair costs when renting an apartment, which saves money. However, renting an apartment can be more expensive than paying a mortgage if you play on living in the unit for many years. Over time, rent prices will increase while mortgage expenses decrease over time. Renters also aren't able to build equity.

If You Own a Condo, You Can Rent it Out

Many people choose to buy a condo as an investment property. Renting out a condo can be a great way to earn passive income. Keep in mind that there are some important things to consider before renting out a condo.

One of the benefits of owning a condo is that you can rent it out to tenants when you're not using it. This can be a great way to earn passive income if you have reliable tenants and enough time to manage the property. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind before renting out your condo.

First, make sure that your condo association allows rentals. Some associations do not allow rentals at all, while others have restrictions on how long or short they can be. You may also be required to register your tenants with the association.

You should also make sure you understand the rental laws that apply in your area. If a previous tenant damaged the unit beyond reasonable wear and tear, for example, they might not be responsible for covering those costs - which means you'll have to cover it yourself. Make sure you have a contract with tenants to avoid any issues.

Decide if you'd rather hire a property management company or be an independent landlord. If you want to manage the condo yourself, consider how much time you will have available for managing your property. If it's not realistic for you to be a hands-on landlord, hiring a company could be a better option.

If You Own a Condo, You Can Build Equity

As a condo owner, you have the opportunity to build equity in your home. Equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount of money you still owe on your mortgage. Over time, as you make monthly payments, your equity will increase (as long as the property value is increasing, too.)

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to building equity as a homeowner. First, make sure that you understand how mortgages work. It's important to know how much money you're borrowing and what the interest rate is. You should also be aware of any fees or penalties associated with breaking your mortgage contract.

Another thing to consider when building equity is choosing the right time to sell your home. If the market is booming and prices are steadily increasing, you might be able to sell your home for more money. However, if the market is not doing well and people aren't buying or selling homes as frequently, it might be harder to find a buyer.

While building equity is important, it can take several years to experience the benefits. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay rent. For example, if you can't afford a large down payment, renting could be a better option than buying so you can continue to save up.

If You Rent a Condo, You Can Avoid Homeownership Costs

Interior of Condo If you can't afford to buy a house or don't want the responsibility that comes with owning it, renting an apartment is often a better option. Renting allows you to live in your desired location without having to worry about maintenance costs and paying for repairs.

Of course, there are still some costs associated with renting an apartment. You will have to pay a security deposit upfront, which you will lose if you break the lease or fail to pay your rent. You'll also have to pay for utilities, whether they are included in the rental price or not.

As a renter, you can still enjoy common-use amenities, including swimming pools and fitness centers, without being responsible for condo association fees to maintain them. However, renters don't have as much freedom to customize their homes. You might be able to paint the walls but additional fees may apply. You also most likely will not be allowed to change structural elements such as flooring and appliances, which may be a dealbreaker for some people.

If You Rent a Condo, It's Easier to Move

One of the biggest advantages of renting a condo compared to owning one is the ease of moving. As a renter, you are not tied down to a property and can easily move to a new home without the burden of having to sell your current property.

When you own a condo, you have to go through the process of listing your property, finding a buyer, negotiating the sale, and closing the deal before you can move out. This can be a long and stressful process, especially if the real estate market is slow or you need to sell quickly.

On the other hand, as a renter, you can simply give notice to your landlord or property manager that you plan to end your tenancy, and they will help arrange any paperwork or forms required to do so. This means you can quickly and easily move on to your next adventure without any lingering responsibilities.

Buying a Condo Vs. Renting: Which Is Right For You?

Buying a condo or renting? It all depends on your personal situation. When deciding, consider the pros and cons we've outlined above to help you make an informed decision that will work for you. One thing is clear - buying isn't always better than renting. Inversely, renting isn't always cheaper than buying. Before making a decision, consider your situation and future financial goals.