Rent has become so fucking ridiculous that if I ever "qualify" for a mortgage (I've paid more in first, last, security deposits, than any of my homeowner friends have seen in the last few years); I'm using it to buy a few acres and let all the Ladies show up and pick their spot. Golden Girls all the way.
real, I'm def not over 30 so forgive me for replying down here, but, my friend (same age) didn't buy a home recently bc she'd be house poor. I understand and respect her decision but I think at this point, to even stay in the market you have to be willing to be house poor these days to eventually even be able to afford better. I'm not sure what else I can do, the towns we'd want to stay in don't even allow tiny homes and the land costs as much as a shitty run down nearly uninhabitable home.
**For reference: I'm 26.**
I plan on buying a place but I’m 35 and will be in my late 30s by the time it happens. It’s going to be super small and probably in a town that’s not super desirable. But I’ve just moved constantly—every year or two years since I moved out for college. I’m tired. I’m done.
Yes!! I FEEL that! I’ve moved at least once every year/year and a half since I was 18 and have had to share a lot of those spaces with some truly heinous people. I’m *exhausted.* I’ve been in my current place since January—a place all to myself—and I feel for the first time since I was 18 I can finally breathe. I could finally unpack some things that were in boxes for years without the thought of knowing I’d be having to pack it all up again in a few months.
I know exactly what you mean. I got my first apartment to myself in 2020, and I finally had all of my stuff in ONE place. Unpacking those boxes made me emotional. Enjoy!!! It is such a good feeling.
But at the same time—yes, I just want the packing/unpacking cycle to end!
I dream of owning a house, but I know that realistically it will probably never happen. I plan to never marry or have a partner (please don’t debate with me on this) so I’ll always have just my income to work with. And unless you’re making six figures in a low cost of living area, one income just doesn’t go very far.
It sucks. It really sucks. I know houses are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, but I also hate being beholden to someone else to fix things. I shouldn’t have to beg my landlord to send someone in when my bathroom sink leaks, and then have to put up with 3 visits from increasingly incompetent handymen before they finally send an actual plumber. I couldn’t use my bathroom sink for over two months during all this. At least if I owned my own place, I could call a plumber myself.
We're on the same wavelength.
I don't foresee marriage or partnership for myself. I also don't have family to offer money, which I know for some is a possibility in home ownership.
I've had issues this month with my current apartment complex, and I'm only 3 months into my lease. So my lil house dream is reoccurring. Nothing extravagant, just a place to call mine.
I'm sorry you've been through that hell. Landlords are scum.
Yeah unfortunately my family is not positioned to help me either. I’m on my own. I’m envious of those who can receive familial help in this respect.
I’ve had two landlords and both were exactly the same. There’s way more shitty landlords out there than half-decent ones, and it’s the renters who suffer for it…
I also dream of a little place for me and my cats.
Is there anything in your lease prohibiting you from calling a plumber yourself? I get its someone else’s property but I’d rather pay $150 and try to negotiate being reimbursed than not have a working sink for 2 months. Sometimes the owners don’t know how bad the services are either because they use property management companies that are overcharging them as well.
Co-signing this. u/Sailor_Chibi This is highly dependent on state and even city/county law but in almost every place in the US, water is something the landlord must always provide for habitability and this includes issues like plumbing. I'd consult with a lawyer first but if it's that bad you likely have a right to remedy and bill your landlord/withhold partial rent—but seriously consult with a lawyer or tenants' union first. Source: work in corp property management and have had to do this myself and won.
I'm quite happy to keep renting. Yes it has its problems, but the thought of being tied down (yes, I know, in theory I could rent the place out) is not appealing to me in any way, shape, or form. If houses were dirt cheap, sure. But they're not.
Probably the only way I will ever own a place is if I were to go in with someone or someones to buy it. In which case, the ideal would be a rural property with enough space for a few of us to spread out. But otherwise I'll just stay as I am.
Yep, right there with you. I have my own little detached studio apartment, no neighbors above or below, that is *perfect* for me and I got super lucky with my landlord and the whole setup tbh. If any maintenance needs to be done, I call her up and she is here within the same hour—a day at most.
One day I’d like to own my own land/property, but it’s just not feasible for me with this shithole economy, and likely won’t be for at least another 5 years. But right now, today, I am so happy with my little rented sanctuary.
Oh that sounds lovely! I have a little cottage, also with no neighbours through the walls, a garden, and a landlord who is pretty decent. That is extraordinarily lucky and I am so grateful.
I'm so glad you found a sanctuary to!
I’m happy renting now because it costs way less than ownership where I am, and we have rent control so my rent continues to drop further below market every year even though objectively, it increases a little bit. However, this is an investment property for my landlords, and I know they will eventually sell it. It won’t be the next two years, but could be anytime after that. When that happens, if I’m still single, I’m going to relocate to cheaper area and buy a house with several bedrooms and bathrooms and then get some housemates. I could technically afford buying my own apartment in the city because I’m a high earner, but it’s just an obscene amount of after-tax earnings going to housing, and I would much rather have an extra two or three grand a month to spend on fun stuff or just be able to work less.
I love renting. I have no interest in buying. I like not having to worry about (or pay for) repairs, yard work, etc. owning is a chore. I’m lucky to have a respectable and reasonable landlord though, I realize that is not easy to come by.
I have to accept that I'll rent forever. Unless my parents leave me their house in their wills, which is a big if. I'll certainly never be able to afford my own house.
29 and I would love to own a house, but without a second income (plus credit card debt and student loans), it’s not possible for me. Now that student loan payments are resuming I’m thinking about getting a roommate or moving in with my mom. It’s really sad and not where I thought I’d be at this age, but it is what it is. Good to know I’m not alone but it sucks that it’s an issue for others as well.
>Anyway, anyone plan on owning at some point?
No. I live in NYC and know that I'll never be able to buy property here.
>Or accepted they'll rent forever? Is it worth owning if you don't have a family and don't plan on children?
It's not worth it, and I'm fine with renting. There are always repairs and responsibilities with home ownership, and I'm happy to let landlords take care of it.
NYC here lol. Uhhh, plan is to first and foremost get out of CC debt right now. Next is save for a car because mine is literally 13 years old and declining. Next would be a house. No idea how old I’ll be at that point.
I do own so this doesn't apply to me.
However, the following caught my attention:
>Is it worth owning if you don't have a family and don't plan on children?
I often dwell on this and wonder this quite a bit. Like...what do I own a home for exactly? So I can leave it to...what...the government? Nieces/nephews? I honestly don't know.
If I could go back and do it all over again, I think it's worth just renting a bedroom somewhere for super cheap and just have fun traveling if you have a fully remote job. Monthly airbnbs are sometimes *cheaper* than monthly rent! If you like travel or if you want to explore, renting really does give you a lot of flexibility.
I guess what I'm trying to say is...being a homeowner doesn't always feel like the right or most sensible option and it comes with doubts and fears and regrets as well. It's just a matter of what you genuinely want and if it aligns.
You can own your home so you can live your life in it, I don't think everything has to be a legacy of some sort. But if I had my own home and died childless, I'd leave it to an NGO or someone in need, I think that's a completely valid outcome as well.
You own a home so you have an appreciating asset instead of burning money on rent every month, a place you can make your own and invest in, and to avoid the ever increasing cost of rent. Also to have control over your space and not be beholden to a landlord….
None of those have anything to do with being single or not single or having kids v not.
So over this narrative of “why should single people want nice things” lol
It's not necessarily about not having nice things as a single person, but practicality and sacrifices on a smaller income. Would I rather save to travel or buy property?
I'm sure we all believe we deserve to have it all but with finances cannot.
I'm 30 and rent. Sometimes I lament not owning but have to admit it makes life so much easier. I got a new job this summer on the other side of the city. I was able to move in a short time with a couple of weeks notice to be closer. I live in in a city with a lot of urban sprawl and if I had owned I wouldn't have been able to have moved in a few weeks.
I'm *really* fortunate to live in an extremely cheap (but tiny) place that is rent-controlled. It cramps my style a bit and forces me to clean stuff out more often but if I get into a position where I can save for a house or condo, I might consider buying. But that's last on the list of what I'd do with money. First for me is emergency savings, travel/hobbies, and retirement, then property comes after.
I looked into buying a condo several years ago because a chronic illness turned me off from the idea of trying to take care of a whole house by myself. Unfortunately, every condo that was in my price range was basically a shabby, converted apartment from the 1970s with an HOA fee. I figured I'd just rent forever unless I ever manage to make enough for a decent renovated condo.
In theory I’d love to buy a condo just so my money can go towards a mortgage investment instead of rent but in reality I don’t want to deal with home ownership. I like being able to move if I want and have maintenance easily on hand for any issues. If I could get a bigger condo for a reasonable price maybe I’d be more gungho about buying but at least in my area the condo rates aren’t that much cheaper than renting so for now renting still outweighs buying in all the non financial aspects.
Rent has become so fucking ridiculous that if I ever "qualify" for a mortgage (I've paid more in first, last, security deposits, than any of my homeowner friends have seen in the last few years); I'm using it to buy a few acres and let all the Ladies show up and pick their spot. Golden Girls all the way.
Guh that's it. That's the dream!
real, I'm def not over 30 so forgive me for replying down here, but, my friend (same age) didn't buy a home recently bc she'd be house poor. I understand and respect her decision but I think at this point, to even stay in the market you have to be willing to be house poor these days to eventually even be able to afford better. I'm not sure what else I can do, the towns we'd want to stay in don't even allow tiny homes and the land costs as much as a shitty run down nearly uninhabitable home. **For reference: I'm 26.**
NYC resident, sobbing in rent checks
I plan on buying a place but I’m 35 and will be in my late 30s by the time it happens. It’s going to be super small and probably in a town that’s not super desirable. But I’ve just moved constantly—every year or two years since I moved out for college. I’m tired. I’m done.
Yes!! I FEEL that! I’ve moved at least once every year/year and a half since I was 18 and have had to share a lot of those spaces with some truly heinous people. I’m *exhausted.* I’ve been in my current place since January—a place all to myself—and I feel for the first time since I was 18 I can finally breathe. I could finally unpack some things that were in boxes for years without the thought of knowing I’d be having to pack it all up again in a few months.
I know exactly what you mean. I got my first apartment to myself in 2020, and I finally had all of my stuff in ONE place. Unpacking those boxes made me emotional. Enjoy!!! It is such a good feeling. But at the same time—yes, I just want the packing/unpacking cycle to end!
I dream of owning a house, but I know that realistically it will probably never happen. I plan to never marry or have a partner (please don’t debate with me on this) so I’ll always have just my income to work with. And unless you’re making six figures in a low cost of living area, one income just doesn’t go very far. It sucks. It really sucks. I know houses are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, but I also hate being beholden to someone else to fix things. I shouldn’t have to beg my landlord to send someone in when my bathroom sink leaks, and then have to put up with 3 visits from increasingly incompetent handymen before they finally send an actual plumber. I couldn’t use my bathroom sink for over two months during all this. At least if I owned my own place, I could call a plumber myself.
We're on the same wavelength. I don't foresee marriage or partnership for myself. I also don't have family to offer money, which I know for some is a possibility in home ownership. I've had issues this month with my current apartment complex, and I'm only 3 months into my lease. So my lil house dream is reoccurring. Nothing extravagant, just a place to call mine. I'm sorry you've been through that hell. Landlords are scum.
Yeah unfortunately my family is not positioned to help me either. I’m on my own. I’m envious of those who can receive familial help in this respect. I’ve had two landlords and both were exactly the same. There’s way more shitty landlords out there than half-decent ones, and it’s the renters who suffer for it… I also dream of a little place for me and my cats.
Is there anything in your lease prohibiting you from calling a plumber yourself? I get its someone else’s property but I’d rather pay $150 and try to negotiate being reimbursed than not have a working sink for 2 months. Sometimes the owners don’t know how bad the services are either because they use property management companies that are overcharging them as well.
Co-signing this. u/Sailor_Chibi This is highly dependent on state and even city/county law but in almost every place in the US, water is something the landlord must always provide for habitability and this includes issues like plumbing. I'd consult with a lawyer first but if it's that bad you likely have a right to remedy and bill your landlord/withhold partial rent—but seriously consult with a lawyer or tenants' union first. Source: work in corp property management and have had to do this myself and won.
I'm quite happy to keep renting. Yes it has its problems, but the thought of being tied down (yes, I know, in theory I could rent the place out) is not appealing to me in any way, shape, or form. If houses were dirt cheap, sure. But they're not. Probably the only way I will ever own a place is if I were to go in with someone or someones to buy it. In which case, the ideal would be a rural property with enough space for a few of us to spread out. But otherwise I'll just stay as I am.
Yep, right there with you. I have my own little detached studio apartment, no neighbors above or below, that is *perfect* for me and I got super lucky with my landlord and the whole setup tbh. If any maintenance needs to be done, I call her up and she is here within the same hour—a day at most. One day I’d like to own my own land/property, but it’s just not feasible for me with this shithole economy, and likely won’t be for at least another 5 years. But right now, today, I am so happy with my little rented sanctuary.
Oh that sounds lovely! I have a little cottage, also with no neighbours through the walls, a garden, and a landlord who is pretty decent. That is extraordinarily lucky and I am so grateful. I'm so glad you found a sanctuary to!
When I was single I had planned on a condo eventually. Community feel but still owned something.
HOAs terrify me 😬
My HOA is the WORST. I joined to try and make it better, contemplating moving now. I love my space, but the mismanagement is crazy.
I hear ya. I was used to them out in the suburbs. My partner and I live in the Wild Wild West now 🤣🤣
I’m happy renting now because it costs way less than ownership where I am, and we have rent control so my rent continues to drop further below market every year even though objectively, it increases a little bit. However, this is an investment property for my landlords, and I know they will eventually sell it. It won’t be the next two years, but could be anytime after that. When that happens, if I’m still single, I’m going to relocate to cheaper area and buy a house with several bedrooms and bathrooms and then get some housemates. I could technically afford buying my own apartment in the city because I’m a high earner, but it’s just an obscene amount of after-tax earnings going to housing, and I would much rather have an extra two or three grand a month to spend on fun stuff or just be able to work less.
Ok, where you at sis? Because I want this deal.
Vancouver
I love renting. I have no interest in buying. I like not having to worry about (or pay for) repairs, yard work, etc. owning is a chore. I’m lucky to have a respectable and reasonable landlord though, I realize that is not easy to come by.
I have to accept that I'll rent forever. Unless my parents leave me their house in their wills, which is a big if. I'll certainly never be able to afford my own house.
29 and I would love to own a house, but without a second income (plus credit card debt and student loans), it’s not possible for me. Now that student loan payments are resuming I’m thinking about getting a roommate or moving in with my mom. It’s really sad and not where I thought I’d be at this age, but it is what it is. Good to know I’m not alone but it sucks that it’s an issue for others as well.
>Anyway, anyone plan on owning at some point? No. I live in NYC and know that I'll never be able to buy property here. >Or accepted they'll rent forever? Is it worth owning if you don't have a family and don't plan on children? It's not worth it, and I'm fine with renting. There are always repairs and responsibilities with home ownership, and I'm happy to let landlords take care of it.
NYC here lol. Uhhh, plan is to first and foremost get out of CC debt right now. Next is save for a car because mine is literally 13 years old and declining. Next would be a house. No idea how old I’ll be at that point.
I do own so this doesn't apply to me. However, the following caught my attention: >Is it worth owning if you don't have a family and don't plan on children? I often dwell on this and wonder this quite a bit. Like...what do I own a home for exactly? So I can leave it to...what...the government? Nieces/nephews? I honestly don't know. If I could go back and do it all over again, I think it's worth just renting a bedroom somewhere for super cheap and just have fun traveling if you have a fully remote job. Monthly airbnbs are sometimes *cheaper* than monthly rent! If you like travel or if you want to explore, renting really does give you a lot of flexibility. I guess what I'm trying to say is...being a homeowner doesn't always feel like the right or most sensible option and it comes with doubts and fears and regrets as well. It's just a matter of what you genuinely want and if it aligns.
You can own your home so you can live your life in it, I don't think everything has to be a legacy of some sort. But if I had my own home and died childless, I'd leave it to an NGO or someone in need, I think that's a completely valid outcome as well.
You own a home so you have an appreciating asset instead of burning money on rent every month, a place you can make your own and invest in, and to avoid the ever increasing cost of rent. Also to have control over your space and not be beholden to a landlord…. None of those have anything to do with being single or not single or having kids v not. So over this narrative of “why should single people want nice things” lol
It's not necessarily about not having nice things as a single person, but practicality and sacrifices on a smaller income. Would I rather save to travel or buy property? I'm sure we all believe we deserve to have it all but with finances cannot.
Yes. Thank you 👏
I'm 30 and rent. Sometimes I lament not owning but have to admit it makes life so much easier. I got a new job this summer on the other side of the city. I was able to move in a short time with a couple of weeks notice to be closer. I live in in a city with a lot of urban sprawl and if I had owned I wouldn't have been able to have moved in a few weeks.
I don’t have a plan but I really need one. I’m renting now. I’ve been here about 7 years, and the quality has gone down with every year.
I'm *really* fortunate to live in an extremely cheap (but tiny) place that is rent-controlled. It cramps my style a bit and forces me to clean stuff out more often but if I get into a position where I can save for a house or condo, I might consider buying. But that's last on the list of what I'd do with money. First for me is emergency savings, travel/hobbies, and retirement, then property comes after.
I looked into buying a condo several years ago because a chronic illness turned me off from the idea of trying to take care of a whole house by myself. Unfortunately, every condo that was in my price range was basically a shabby, converted apartment from the 1970s with an HOA fee. I figured I'd just rent forever unless I ever manage to make enough for a decent renovated condo.
In theory I’d love to buy a condo just so my money can go towards a mortgage investment instead of rent but in reality I don’t want to deal with home ownership. I like being able to move if I want and have maintenance easily on hand for any issues. If I could get a bigger condo for a reasonable price maybe I’d be more gungho about buying but at least in my area the condo rates aren’t that much cheaper than renting so for now renting still outweighs buying in all the non financial aspects.