Renting vs. Buying: How to Maximize Your ROI in the Current Market

Explore the financial benefits of buying vs. renting in India’s 2025 real estate market. Learn how homeownership offers long-term wealth, stability, and tax benefits, making it a smarter investment choice.
ROI Buying vs. Renting in the Current Market

– Mr. Rakesh Reddy, Director, Aparna Constructions

India’s real estate market in 2025 presents a promising opportunity for prospective homebuyers. With urban expansion, rising housing demand, and government incentives favouring homeownership, investing in real estate is becoming an increasingly attractive option. Buying a home not only provides long-term financial security but also offers stability and asset appreciation. . While purchasing a home is a lucrative investment amid economic inflation, there are many factors that need to be taken into account regarding financial comparisons, benefits of home loans, market trends, and lifestyle factors influencing the choice between buying and renting in the current market

One of the primary considerations when deciding between buying and renting is the overall financial impact of each choice. While renting may appear cost-effective in the short term, buying a home provides long-term financial stability and equity building.

Buying a home requires a significant initial investment, including a down payment that is typically 20% of the property value, registration fees, stamp duty, and maintenance costs. However, the benefits of homeownership outweigh these costs over time. Real estate values tend to appreciate, making homeownership a powerful wealth-building tool. Additionally, homeowners can benefit from tax deductions on home loan interest and principal repayment, further improving their financial position.

Renting, on the other hand, offers flexibility, especially for individuals who frequently relocate due to career requirements. However, rental expenses do not contribute to asset building. With rental prices increasing annually due to demand-driven inflation, renters end up paying significantly more over the years without gaining any ownership benefits. In the long run, the cumulative cost of renting often surpasses the cost of buying a home.

Rental costs in metropolitan cities have steadily risen due to increasing urban migration and demand for housing. In prime localities, rental yields typically range from 3-4%, meaning tenants face consistent price hikes. With inflationary trends, rental rates are expected to increase further, making renting an expensive proposition in the long run.

Home loans provide an opportunity for structured repayment plans, allowing buyers to lock in property prices at current rates. In 2025, home loan interest rates in India range between 8-9%, and EMIs for home loans can be comparable to rent in many areas. Additionally, homebuyers benefit from tax deductions under Sections 80C and 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, making homeownership financially viable.

For instance, under Section 80C, individuals can claim tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh per year on the principal repayment of their home loan. Additionally, Section 24(b) permits a deduction of up to ₹2 lakh per year on home loan interest. These tax benefits make homeownership a more financially viable option compared to renting in the long run.

Market trends are favourable for real estate growth in 2025. The Indian real estate market is experiencing steady growth due to infrastructure development, increasing employment opportunities, and urban expansion. Cities like Hyderabad and Bangalore are emerging as real estate investment hotspots. Government-backed initiatives such as Smart Cities, affordable housing schemes, and metro expansions have further fuelled the demand for housing.

The potential for capital appreciation and ROI is also positive. Real estate values have historically appreciated at an annual rate of 5-8% in major metropolitan areas. For investors, purchasing property in high-growth zones offers the potential for significant capital appreciation. Additionally, rental demand continues to rise, allowing homeowners to generate passive income by leasing out their properties.

For example, a ₹1 crore property purchased today in a prime locality could appreciate to ₹1.5 crore or more within a decade, offering substantial returns on investment. Meanwhile, renters in the same locality would have spent upwards of ₹50 lakh in rent over the same period without any return.

There are many lifestyle and security factors to consider while deliberating home ownership. Owning a home provides a sense of security and stability that renting cannot offer. Homeowners do not face the uncertainties of rental agreements, lease terminations, or frequent relocations. This is particularly beneficial for families and individuals seeking long-term residence in a particular city.

Homeowners have the freedom to modify and customize their living spaces according to personal preferences, which is often restricted in rental properties. Whether it is interior design, renovations, or structural modifications, homeowners can create a living space that truly feels like their own.

Buying a home in a planned residential community also fosters a sense of belonging. Many housing societies provide amenities such as parks, gyms, security, and recreational spaces, enhancing the quality of life. Families with children benefit from stable educational opportunities, as they do not have to change schools frequently due to shifting rental properties.

Moreover, purchasing a home amidst economic inflation can serve as a hedge against an inflationary environment. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money over time, making real estate one of the most reliable assets for wealth preservation. Property values tend to rise with inflation, ensuring that homebuyers benefit from increasing asset prices while renters continue to face rising rental costs.

With construction costs and land prices on the rise, purchasing a home in 2025 allows buyers to lock in property prices before further appreciation. Unlike renting, where costs increase annually, home loan EMIs remain fixed, making financial planning more predictable.

As homeowners repay their home loans, they build equity, which can be leveraged for future financial needs. This accumulated wealth provides financial security, enabling homeowners to fund higher education, medical emergencies, or retirement needs. Renters, however, do not have an equivalent financial asset to rely on.

While renting may offer short-term flexibility, buying a home is a long-term wealth-building strategy. With tax benefits, increasing property values, and lifestyle stability, homeownership remains a financially sound and rewarding decision in an inflationary economy. The advantages of property appreciation, passive rental income, and financial security make buying a home a lucrative investment choice for individuals and families looking to secure their future.