Dave Ramsey Warns Against Long-Term Renting: Here's Why It Could Be A Costly Choice, Even If Buying Isn't Your Plan

Flak flying around says renting is like flushing money down the drain, but Ramsey has a different take. Ramsey, well-known for his tough-love approach to managing money, believes that while renting offers flexibility, it doesn't provide the financial security that homeownership does.

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He says a house is a core expense, and renting may be the smart move if you have other debt you’re trying to pay off or anticipate moving in a couple of years for job purposes. It’s all about flexibility. But Ramsey’s biggest rule for buying a home is to have stability in your finances first. “You’re ready to buy a house when you’re debt-free, you’ve got your emergency fund fully funded, and you’ve got enough cash for a down payment,” he says.

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Ramsey recently discussed the renting versus buying debate in a YouTube video. He responded to a listener who loved their rental in a lively city with all the conveniences but was concerned that buying a home she could afford would force her to move far away. While Ramsey acknowledged that renting might be the best option for her, he emphasized that long-term renting could be financially detrimental.

“Renting gives you flexibility, and sometimes that makes perfect sense,” Ramsey stated. “But over time, those rent payments add up, and you’re left with nothing to show.” He added, “Rental rates increase nearly yearly, making long-term renting less viable.”

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Ramsey's concerns are well-founded. From 2019 to 2023, rents shot up over 30% on average in the U.S. He emphasized that even if the pace slows, rents are still soaring and not sustainable in the long term, especially with retirement in sight.

Retirement changes the game for renters. “Housing is the most expensive line item in your budget,” Ramsey highlighted. Rising rents can wreck finances for retirees on fixed incomes. Homeowners enjoy steady costs; if they own outright, they may incur zero housing expenses. “It's better to have an asset that can grow in value than a rental expense that keeps creeping higher,” Ramsey advised.

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The statistics back him up: according to the Federal Reserve, the median net worth for U.S. homeowners in 2022 was $396,200, versus $10,400 for renters. That’s quite a chasm. Homeownership seems to boost financial stability, which isn’t affected by factors like inflation. “That’s nearly 40 times more wealth,” Ramsey pointed out, making a solid case for why the goal of homeownership can be critical to one’s finances.

Those with a fixed-rate mortgage have fixed monthly payments, while renters are at the mercy of their landlords to increase rent over time, quite often higher than the inflation rate. However, owning a home is daunting for many. Over half of U.S. renters wanting to buy feel it's out of reach. Ramsey advises starting small, saving up, and tackling debt. “Work on paying off any outstanding debt, like credit card balances and student loans,” he suggested, and “create a budget that works.”

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According to Ramsey, renting might be OK for now, but buying pays off in the long haul. Weigh your options, look at your finances, and think long-term. “Making a wise choice about where you live is one of the best ways to take control of your finances!” Ramsey urges.

As traditional rental investments grow increasingly out of reach, alternative options like fractional real estate are surging in popularity. This model lets investors buy into properties by purchasing shares, enabling them to earn passive income without the burdens of full ownership. Diversifying portfolios through fractional ownership can reduce risks and tap into the real estate market’s potential.

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