Should you buy or rent a house?

In India, owning a home is often seen as a necessity, while renting is viewed by many of our parents as an unwise expense.

But the numbers tell a different story!

In the last 10 years, houses have become 71% more expensive across India.

Renting a home in Bengaluru costs 4–5% of its value yearly, meaning you could own it in 20–25 years if rent were an EMI.

This leaves us wondering—is it better to buy a home or rent one?

Pro(s) and Con(s) of buying / renting a house:

How to decide what’s right for you?

Here are a few numbers to consider before buying or renting a place:

1/ Price to Income

2/ Price to Rent

3/ Expense to Monthly Income

4/ Savings

5/ Flexibility

Relocating in 5-7 years? Renting is definitely flexible and cost efficient (unless you rent out your own house).

However, the choice between renting and buying isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a reflection of your lifestyle, priorities, and future goals. To make an informed choice, you need to ask yourself the right questions, such as:

1/ Are You Focused on Wealth Creation or Flexibility?

2/ Can You Comfortably Afford It?

3/ What Role Does Emotion Play?

4/ How Stable Are Your Plans?

5/ What Does the Market Say?

Example Case study

Shah Rukh earns ₹25 lakh annually, and liked a property which costs ₹1 crore. He has the option to buy it as well as can stay there on rent.

He wanted to know if he invested the downpayment amount in a mutual fund and chose to stay on rent how it would turn out financially against buying a home.

So he did the following calculation:

Opportunity Cost of Investment*:

Investment amount:  ₹30,20,000

Returns: 11% p.a.

Investment value after 20 years: ₹2,43,48,181

Here’s what he understood:

Rent for the same property could increase from ₹37,500 to ₹99,233.33 over 20 years, However he can  switch homes based on his income or needs.

EMIs are fixed, making buying a long-term commitment for which he requires financial stability throughout.

Buying is definitely more profitable, but only if he sells. Meanwhile, mutual funds remain liquid, giving him access to cash anytime.

Assumptions*:  
Income breakdown= 15 Lakhs Basic salary + 7 Lakhs HRA + 3 Lakhs others
Home Loan Tenure= 20 years
Property Appreciation in Bengaluru= 7.1 % YOY
Rental yield in Bengaluru= 5.

Final Verdict?

Let’s be honest: Do you actually dream of buying a home just to sell it for profit?

For most of us, a house isn’t just an asset, it’s a deeply sentimental investment tied to family, security, and pride—things that can’t be measured in numbers!

There’s no better or wiser option, it all depends on your choices and preferences.

But choose wisely and don’t fall for assumptions, because whether bought or rented, your home is where your life truly unfolds so consider every aspect in-depth.