I have owned in the past, but for the stage of life I'm in, I think that renting is working better for my needs (and the needs of my family.)
But there will always be people telling me I'm throwing money away by renting. I understand that, and if I had the option of knowing I'd be in the same place for 50 years and found an affordable place to buy, I would definitely consider it.
I'm happy for everyone who has or is buying a home and it's worked out well for them.
But I want to thank everyone for making these posts that are assuring me that I am doing the best I can with what I have.
One thing I'm thankful for with renting is that I don't have any institutions breathing down my neck with a large, looming number that I will owe them for the rest of my life, and they can't take anything away from me.
Sure, I realize that landlords can make places completely unaffordable by raising rent, but with so many people having to rent now, I would hope that this would at least keep the rates somewhat competitive.
It's a funny thing that this whole discussion has never answered the original question -- what age should a person be expected to have bought or own a house?
I wonder if reading these replies will change anyone's perceptions of being stressed out by not owning a home by a certain age, or develop a more lenient attitude of when someone should own a home or even their own place when considering a potential date, etc.
As a single woman, I have a good grasp on how expensive things are (especially from living in different places,) and I myself don't expect a potential date or spouse to own a home, or to even have his own place (unless it's out of sheer lack of responsibility or willingness to work, etc.)
Most singles I know can't afford their own places and live with family members to cut costs and/or provide necessary care. It's great if someone can afford their own place, but I think it's pretty rare. (If I'm wrong, feel free to state your own experiences/observations.)
I hope the answers in this thread have let some people out there know that not owning a home is perfectly understandable in today's conditions, and will feel a little less stressed about living up to social expectations.
Ah, the dénouement.
I didn't know you were actually considering it. I thought it was just one of your interesting topics.
Real quick, just want to respond to "Sure, I realize that landlords can make places completely unaffordable by raising rent,
but with so many people having to rent now, I would hope that this would at least keep the rates somewhat competitive." You can probably guess this one... you want to apply the uncontested Economics' axion of 'Supply and Demand' to that: More renters means higher/growing rental prices.
US population from 2000 (228M) to 2022 (338M)... that's an extra 110 million in 12 years (+48%). Perhaps a fair number have lost their homes, and the trend is less people buying homes... but more important figure is new homes built. If there's less new homes being built (there is), and the population has increased (and it has), then all three: rental prices, home prices and new home prices will rise.
In 2000 1,242k new Single Family homes were built. In 2020 912k were built (and good increases 21 & 22), the rate has stood still. All the while the population increased by 48%. And some houses have been demolished due to age & events.
New Single Family Homes Built per 100k population:
2000: 440.2
2020: 275 (and increasing 21/22)
Population growth has far outpaced new home growth. That, plus less people buying homes means increasing rental prices. On a positive note, population growth % is half today than it was in 2007, and new homes rate is increasing. The increase in illegal immigration (millions) is hard to track, and what will become of them is hard to know. But generally speaking, rent and home prices have gotten much worse over 20 years, but the trajectory today is very slowly improving.
Obviously, wage rate minus inflation matters. And as you know wage increases over decades has not kept up with inflation, despite productivity increases (IE wealth concentration with the 3%).
But enough about that subject! One thing you should consider is your encroaching retirement. If you live alone and aren't likely to move a bunch of times, you're much better off using your 'residential money' going into paying for your house, than disappearing into the rental void. Once you payoff your home, that residential cost compared to renting is
dramatic! Property taxes compared to monthly rental payments is a lot! Probably somewhere between 1/12th to 1/10th less. You can always sell, or even rent out, your house if required. In general house values rise significantly (except for a very small number of specific locations/situations). But ultimately, either way, you'll be fine! Follow God's leading... if God has any leading on that specific subject.