Is it cheaper to buy than rent?

Article updated: 21 January 2021

For many Australians, renting may appear to be the most affordable choice, however low interest rates are making mortgage repayments now more affordable than ever. Interestingly, one in three (32.9%) Australian suburbs recorded lower monthly mortgage repayments than rental payments for houses and almost 40% (37.7%) for apartments.¹

Does that mean it’s cheaper to buy than rent?

While repaying a mortgage could be definitely cheaper in some suburbs, in other parts of the nation it simply isn’t the case - which makes it impossible to say that renting is definitely cheaper than buying, or vice versa. A better option is to contact your local broker and get expert advice to find out if buying is cheaper than renting for you.

Renting versus buying - pros and cons

The pros of renting

• Allows you to live where you want
• You don’t need a huge deposit to start renting
• You can move as often as you like/need
• You don’t have to pay for maintenance/repairs

The cons of renting

• You’re spending money on something that isn’t yours
• In a competitive market, landlords are able to increase rent as they wish
• There’s no certainty around rental payments

The pros of buying

• You spend money on an asset that grows in value over time
• Owning a home puts you in a good financial position for the future
• You are able to make repairs, alterations to the property and truly make it your own
• Interest rates are at historical lows
• Australia’s lenders are aggressively competing for business – they want to finance your property dreams at a good interest rate

The cons of buying

• Purchasing the property isn't the only expense - consider maintenance fees, bills, repairs and interest rates.
• High property prices may force you to buy where you can afford and not ideally where you’d like to live
• Costs associated with buying a property can be significant – Lenders Mortgage Insurance, solicitor’s fees, conveyancing fees, pest and building inspections
• Buying a property requires a significant deposit, which may take years and considerable sacrifices

Get expert advice

The decision to buy or rent can be confusing. There are many different factors to consider including your financial resources, lifestyle, family needs, investment goals and even appetite for risk.

It's important that you do your research and to talk to an expert. Give your local Mortgage Broker a call today and they can help you determine the best course of action that is suitable for you and your needs.