Contents

  • What suits your lifestyle?
  • Rent or buy: comparison
  • Difference between buying and renting
  • Pros and Cons of buying and renting
  • State guarantee program

The decision to rent or buy is a complicated one. It is easy to believe that buying is better, because rent is pure expense. So – why not buy a house, make mortgage payments and see your property value grow? However, to make the decision, you have to take into account personal aspects, like, what is more important to you – having freedom or control.

What suits your lifestyle?


Rent or Buy: Comparison 

When considering renting or buying, you may start with comparing the costs related to these decisions.

Most of the lessors collect rent for the first and the last month of the rent period. In some cases, a deposit is required to protect the lessor from any potential losses caused by the tenant. The average monthly rent payment in Riga’s center is 400-600 €. Check if the utility costs are included in the rent payment prior to signing the Rent Agreement.

Second to down-payment, the largest regular cost related to buying a property is the monthly mortgage payment. This payment consists of the loan principal amount and the interest on the loan. If your mortgage loan provides for adjustable rate, the payment amounts can both increase or decrease over the mortgage period.

Also, be prepared that there are various “hidden” costs related to the purchase of the property. These costs may be an unpleasant surprise if you buy a property for the first time. 


Difference between buying and renting.

The difference between buying and renting is not just a matter of the title. There are other significant factors that should be taken into account.

  • Buying a house means investing in your future

When you buy a house you are building equity in a home. Historically housing has appreciated, which means that when you will decide to sell the house you will get more than what you paid.

  • Maintenance costs

Home ownership is not just the mortgage payment. There will be various other costs associated with it – e.g., fixing the roof, getting a new boiler, insurance and other.

Īf you rent an apartment, you won’t have to worry about these costs, as they the responsibility of the owner. However, if you will want to make any changes to your rented apartment, you will have to coordinate it with the owner. Renting an apartment will not give you the freedom you have if you are the owner of the property.

  • Want freedom – rent

One of the main reasons why people choose to rent is freedom. Many people do not want to be tied to just one place as well as mortgage payments. If you want to travel, you do not feel certain about your job, or you plan to move soon – renting might be exactly what you need.

Pros and cons of buying and renting

Talking to a real estate professional could be very helpful to make the decision regarding renting or buying. Below we have summarized some of the main pros and cons that can help you decide.

Pros of buying

  • You can make home improvements to your liking
  • It is a long term investment
  • Stability

Cons of buying

  • Down-payment (below we have listed the options of decreasing the down-payment using a state guarantee program)
  • Additional costs associated with buying, borrowing and owning
  • Responsibility for maintenance and repairs

Pros of renting

  • Freedom and flexibility
  • No responsibility for maintenance and repairs
  • Usually, no real estate tax

Cons of renting

  • The owner may decide to sell the house / apartment
  • No future equity built
  • You may need to move several times

State guarantee program

One of the biggest obstacles why people choose to rent property instead of buying is the down-payment. The state guarantee program ALTUM makes it possible to borrow up to 95%. This program is designed for

  • Young professionals

Young professional under 35 years with higher education or as minimum secondary vocation education. 

  • Families with children

Families with children under 23 years (including) that have stable and regular income, but not enough savings for the down-payment.