Buying beats renting in the UK, according to new research from the property website Zoopla.co.uk.

The report, which analysed the current asking prices and rents of over 78,000 two-bedroom flats currently on the market, compared the rental and ownership costs (based on an interest-only mortgage at 5% p.a.) and found that the high demand for rented accommodation has led to buying being a better option for people hunting for a home in the UK.

Figures up 10 per cent on last year

Buying is now cheaper than renting in 47 out of the 50 largest towns in the UK, accounting for a staggering 94 per cent of British property markets. Swansea, Plymouth and Bournemouth are the only three towns where renting is the cheaper option for property investors, with rates lower than the average asking price.

Milton Keynes, however, is highlighted as the best for buying a property because renting is 36 per cent more expensive per annum than owning a house.

Zoopla adds that this disparity has increased from 2010, when it was cheaper to buy rather than rent in only 40 out of the same 50 UK towns.

Nicholas Leeming of Zoopla.co.uk, said: “Although buying may be more cost-effective than ever compared to renting, many potential buyers aren’t able to take advantage because they can’t access mortgage finance. The shortage of financing, especially to first time buyers, has pushed demand for rental property through the roof. But for those lucky enough to be in a position to get a mortgage, there may never have been a better time to buy.”

Buying beats renting again in US

This market situation can be applied to American houses too.

New research has revealed that average prices in the US have fallen by 46 per cent in the past three years, while rents have increased by 60 per cent.

With this gap expected to increase next year, the statistics show that for cheap property abroad or for affordable real estate in the UK, it is always smarter to buy than to rent.

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Are you looking to rent property in UK ? London , Manchester , Reading , Leeds , Cardiff

Author

  1. avatar
    Nick Marr

    I am an internet entrepreneur with a passion for driving big audiences and a love for real estate. I have had plenty of ups and downs which has given me the experience to help others launch their own businesses. I enjoy projects that save consumers time and money, challenge convention and add real value to peoples lives.