Your primary residence is a poor investment for several reasons, but the biggest concern is that the investment is not properly diversified.
All that money behind a single home, in a single location, subject to the local regulations, neighbors, climate conditions etc. carries significant idiosyncratic risk that is not compensated for by a corresponding risk premium. You are not paid for taking on avoidable and unnecessary risks, like betting on just one home, when institutional investors can own thousands and diversify away those investment-specific risks. You accept a much higher variance in outcomes for no additional expected value on your investment returns.
That’s on top of the reality that it costs money to own a home, there is significant upkeep and maintenance which can occur unexpectedly, and most home purchases require a mortgage which charges you interest which is typically paid in preference to putting money towards the principal. Landlords can get lower rates for upkeep than an individual can because of their significant bargaining power, such as through negotiation of support contracts.
By all means, buy a home, but don’t buy it because it’s a good investment. Disclaimer: I am a tool, and this is not financial advice.
I will never rent and buy instead just on principle. I don’t want the entirety of the fucking housing market do be owned by a single fuckface that has no idea what paying ridiculous rent prices while working minimum wage feels like, all to be renovicted one day because they have to increase your price SOMEHOW otherwise oh golly their investment returns.
A house should never have been a fucking investment instrument. EVER.
Buying is still miles better than being constantly abused by a landlord.
Your primary residence is a poor investment for several reasons, but the biggest concern is that the investment is not properly diversified.
All that money behind a single home, in a single location, subject to the local regulations, neighbors, climate conditions etc. carries significant idiosyncratic risk that is not compensated for by a corresponding risk premium. You are not paid for taking on avoidable and unnecessary risks, like betting on just one home, when institutional investors can own thousands and diversify away those investment-specific risks. You accept a much higher variance in outcomes for no additional expected value on your investment returns.
That’s on top of the reality that it costs money to own a home, there is significant upkeep and maintenance which can occur unexpectedly, and most home purchases require a mortgage which charges you interest which is typically paid in preference to putting money towards the principal. Landlords can get lower rates for upkeep than an individual can because of their significant bargaining power, such as through negotiation of support contracts.
By all means, buy a home, but don’t buy it because it’s a good investment. Disclaimer: I am a tool, and this is not financial advice.
I will never rent and buy instead just on principle. I don’t want the entirety of the fucking housing market do be owned by a single fuckface that has no idea what paying ridiculous rent prices while working minimum wage feels like, all to be renovicted one day because they have to increase your price SOMEHOW otherwise oh golly their investment returns.
A house should never have been a fucking investment instrument. EVER.
Buying is still miles better than being constantly abused by a landlord.