The Pros & Cons of Buying vs. Renting

Financial Considerations

Building Up Equity

If you’re looking for a home of your own, then you have two choices: buy or rent. From a financial point of view, the argument between renting and buying it is not simply a straightforward comparison between monthly mortgage payments and monthly rental payments. When you make a payment towards your mortgage, some of that goes towards paying off the principal loan, which helps to build your equity in the property. Over time, as the value of the property increases, so does your equity in it. It will be a large initial outlay, but you stand to make more money in the end, assuming the market continues to grow steadily.

This means that, when you come to sell the property, you can either use the increased equity to buy a larger property, or take the cash out of the property and use it for other purposes. Renters, however, are helping the apartment building owner to build equity, instead of their own.

Additional Costs

When it comes to additional costs, renters do not need to concern themselves with varying interest rates, market fluctuations, maintenance costs and taxes. Owning a house requires some financial flexibility, and it is important to bear in mind that transaction costs in buying property can be substantial. Sales commission, notary fees, property transfer tax, and legal fees all have to be paid by the purchaser, and these can total around 15% of the purchase price.

However, these costs will be recouped in the long run, by the increases in value and equity. The financial benefits of owning a property increase, the longer you stay in the apartment, so if you are thinking long-term, then buying makes sound financial sense.

Personal Considerations

Freedom vs. Stability

Buying a property is not all about money and finances. The main personal reason for purchasing an apartment is a desire for stability, the opportunity to lay down some roots and make a more permanent home for yourself. You can decorate it however you want, personalise it and truly make it a place of your own, in a way that you cannot with most rental properties.

Renting gives you more freedom and flexibility to move at short notice, and more regularly, yet also comes with greater instability. Rents can rise, or landlords can ask you to move out. Germany has far stronger protection for tenants’ rights that many other countries, yet these are still concerns.

Intangible Value

At the end of the day, this is about making a home. The emotional elements, and those determined by your lifestyle cannot be calculated using a formula, yet they still have a large bearing on your decision. Renting an apartment in a particular neighbourhood can make you feel a part of that community, but buying an apartment there makes you feel like you truly belong. You can plant roots in the area, buy your dream apartment, and make a real home for yourself and your family.

The Final Decision

Many German cities, such as Berlin and Leipzig, have traditionally been renters' cities. However, this has been changing in recent years. Rents are increasing, competition for apartments is tougher, and people are beginning to think more long-term.

If you have the capital necessary for the down payment, closing costs etc., and if you plan to stay in place for a longer period, then buying an apartment is probably more worthwhile than renting.