Top 5 Reasons Renting an Apartment Is Better Than Buying a House
The idea of buying a house may be the American dream for some people, but for others, when it comes to their apartments there's no place like home. Renting an apartment – especially in a down real estate market – can offer many advantages over buying and investing in a home.
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Renting is Cheaper
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Renting an apartment typically requires first and last months' rent plus a security deposit, which can be substantially less than the thousands of dollars you will need to put down on a house. Instead of tying up that money in a home that may not appreciate for many years, it may be more financially beneficial to rent. In fact, in metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco or Seattle, it is much cheaper to rent than to buy, according to CNN Money.
Flexibility
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When you are a renter, you have more flexibility to pack up and move if you need to, which is a handy option if you want to move for a job, hate where you live or have difficult neighbors to contend with. You may pay a lease termination fee, but it is still easier than putting your home on the market and hoping it sells for a decent price in a reasonable amount of time.
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Repairs
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When you buy a house, you will have repairs and maintenance expenses. If the garbage disposal breaks or the heater goes out, you will have to buy a new one. Some repairs can be fixed cheaply, but the major components of a home – for instance, plumbing, heating or roofing – can cost thousands of dollars. When you rent an apartment, a phone call to the landlord or superintendent is usually all it takes to fix the problem.
Community Benefits
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Many apartment complexes – especially large ones – are outfitted with pools and fitness centers. This enables you to save money on a gym membership. In more exclusive complexes, you may find valet parking and concierge services, such as dog walkers and dry cleaning pickup. An apartment building that prides itself on community might host pool parties and game nights for its tenants. This can be a good way to foster friendship and fellowship between neighbors.
Utilities Often Included
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Since it's difficult, if not impossible, to break down some utilities for each rental unit, some services may be included in the rent or tacked on for a small fee. Some buildings offer basic cable as a perk, while others may provide heat, trash or water. At any rate, utilities for an apartment are almost always cheaper than for a single family home.
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