That is the question. When rental prices fall and rise according to property prices, which in turn are directed by local economies of scales and indirectly impacted by global economies and general market sentiment, that is often the question home-seekers ask themselves.
In the current market, is it wiser to buy or rent? Under what circumstances should you definitely choose one option over the other? Property analysts advice against renting while speculating on market direction as the uncertainties may not always work in your favour. Instead, the main factor should be whether renting or buying best suits your needs.
Singapore may very well be one of the cities in the world where most people own their homes. In many other cosmopolitan cities, rental is a more-than-common way of life. While renting may suit those who are not willing to be tied down by fixed monthly outlays such as mortgages, taxes and condominium maintenance fees, it also means that the money that goes into your rent does not ultimately accumulate into owning the roof over your head. There is also the danger of rental rates being raised and frequent moves.
Buying a property is not a small decision, and market advisors caution against doing so when you have not yet made sound financial calculations. The price differences in purchasing a freehold versus a leasehold property could also be considerable in the long run as most freehold properties tend to appreciate over time. This then brings you to the considerations of when to buy and sell your property. While it is true that leasehold properties tend to depreciate, factors such as location and the competitiveness of neighbouring properties could also lend weight to the depreciation process, slowing it down considerably.
