Rent or Buy in 2025? Which One?

Mark Hicks
Aug 22
4 min read

When you’re wondering whether to rent or purchase a house in 2025 — you are not the only one. At The Seabrooke Group we have assisted hundreds of clients to make this very decision and this is what we know: the real estate world in 2025 is not the same. Really different.

As interest rates continue to stabilize and rent prices rise coupled with the uncertainty of multiple consumers not knowing where they will be within 2-5 years, it is important to balance the full scope of an issue and not merely rely on headlines. In this guide, we will review both sides of the debate: rent vs buy a house in 2025, in this way providing the reader with the information necessary that can be used as a factor of decision or as a means of building trust in the facts.

Hand holds cash toward another holding a small house model over a contract on a wooden table. Beige curtains in the background.

Real Estate 2025 Landscape

What You Must Know Before You Hear, So Far

We are monitoring market trends at the Seabrooke Group:

The mortgage rates are between 5.75-6.25 percent and this offers several potential buyers a little room to breathe unlike it was in the past years.
The prices in the housing market have begun to stabilize in most regions but affordability is an issue, particularly in cities.
Rentals are increasing especially on prime metro locations, thus rendering long time renting unattractive to some.
How then should you move in this environment?

Advantages of Buying in 2025

Equity Building

Paying your mortgage every month is an investment not a cost. You are not paying a mortgage of a landlord but creating wealth.

Tax Benefits

The housing benefits that come with ownership in 2025 still include mortgage interest deduction as well as deduction of property taxes.

Stability

Become free of rent increase and the limitations of a landlord. Home ownership leads to long term security.

First-Time Buyers Incentives

The market in 2025 is comprised of grants, low interest, and eco friendly mortgage incentives that a number of our clients at Seabrooke are currently competently taking advantage of.

Buying on the Trade-Offs

Now we will admit, not everyone should buy.

Outspending initially: You are going to need down payment, closing costs, and will have to find something to cover inspections and ensure that you are covered in terms of insurance.

It is your responsibility to maintain: No more submitting complaints to the landlord.

Market Risk: The value of your house is subject to change including in the short-run.

At Seabrooke we would make sure that we assist the client in carrying a full affordability and its ROI before they commit.

Advantages of renting in 2025

The benefits of renting are still in place particularly among young professionals or those in the stages of transition.

Ability to move home/work or life.
Low initial costs as compared to purchasing.
No strained maintenance-that is the undertaking of your landlord.
The availability of attributes in the new rental structures (gym, co-working, swimming).
Most of the time we recommend to rent when you are only planning to be in a particular place less than 3 years.

Cons of Renting

No equity: Your rent payments do not generate your net worth.
Lack of control: There are pet policies and lease termination, renting can be full of surprises.
Prices are going higher: The rise in rents however, especially in 2025, is being experienced in most major cities with an average rise of 6-10% annually.

Questions to Ask Before you Decide

At Seabrooke we should sit and truthfully reply to the following:

How much time will I take in this city?
Am I earning a regular salary and do I save up in case of an emergency?
Can I comfortably pay down payment and monthly mortgage?
What are my long term prospects -- Money and lifestyle?

Don t know where to start? Or where to start? Not a problem, just send us a free consultation and we will lead you through these questions.

Factor	Renting	Buying
Monthly Cost	$2,000 (rent)	$2,300 (mortgage + taxes)
Upfront Cost	$4,000 (deposit + 1st month)	$40,000 (down payment + fees)
Equity After 5 Years	$0	~$50,000 (estimated)
Flexibility	High	Low
Long-Term ROI	None	Equity + appreciation

Your actual numbers may vary. Use our Seabrooke-exclusive Rent vs Buy Calculator to see your personalized breakdown.

The Renting May Make Sense When…

Within 23 years you have the intention of relocating
It is more of what you like low responsibility and high mobility
You are still saving up a down payment
You do not know whether or not the job is secure or where you will reside

When Purchase Gems May Be a Good idea…

You desire to create long-run equity
You are materially and emotionally prepared
You intend on remaining in the same place 5+ years
What you desire is place of your own

The Seabrooke Group comments before leaving

Housing both rentals and ownership in 2025 is not about dollars and cents; it is about living and working and peace of mind. We have assisted our clients to make good decisions confidently on either side of this equation at The Seabrooke Group. We do not merely sell houses, we help people get to the right path of their life specific season.