Introduction
So, you have just bought your home? Having a home of one’s own is not just about having a place to live; it is a package with various financial benefits that impact your future financial growth map. Building a financial future includes building equity to tax advantages. Therefore, the benefits of homeownership help secure your financial future. But what does that mean?
The huge decision to buy a home and transition to becoming a homeowner is one of the most important financial decisions you will make in your entire life. Yes, one needs substantial financial stability to do so. And the investment is worth it, as financial benefits far outweigh the initial investment. This blog will delve into some of the key financial benefits and advantages of homeownership.
6 Top Benefits of Homeownership
1. Building Equity
Homeownership offers the opportunity to build equity on credit (home loan) via equated monthly payments of a relatively low amount. By making monthly EMI payments, you can gradually reduce the principal balance of your loan and inch closer to owning it and build a good amount of equity. In a emerging economy like India, there is a high likelihood that your home appreciates, and you accumulate greater equity every month.
2. Stable Monthly Payments
If you are renting a home, you face the problem of paying higher rent every year. Most landlords increase house rent according to their fancy; However, homeownership offers you stable monthly payments based on a fixed interest rate home loan. You have the advantage of your principal and interest payments being stable throughout the loan period. As a homeowner, your monthly housing expenses become predictable and within budget. Thus, you can safely plan comfortably for your future objectives and desires.
3. Tax Benefits
The financial benefits of homeownership also include several tax benefits. It helps in reducing your overall tax burden. Tax advantages of home ownership:
- Tax Deductions: Owning a home offers tax deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, and certain closing costs. (Closing costs are extra costs you pay when you buy a home, like appraisal and lawyer fees. Many first-time buyers don’t realize how much they’ll need to pay at closing costs
- Capital Gains Exemptions: In case you sell your home for a profit, you may apply for tax exemptions if you further invest the sale proceeds into another property or two. If the property was sold after 24 months of purchase, a flat tax rate of 20% is applicable.
- Mortgage Points Deduction: Homeownership allows to write off any mortgage points on your loan in the first year. Savings depend on the number of points claimed. Not Clear. (When you purchase a home and pay points (also known as discount points) as part of your mortgage, you can deduct the full amount of those points from your taxable income in the year you bought the home. Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are fees paid upfront to lower the interest rate on the mortgage. Each point typically costs 1% of the total loan amount.)
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): You stand to gain more tax deductions if you refinance your home after building sufficient equity and take a home equity line of credit (HELOC).
4. Loan Against Property
Homeownership makes you eligible for more loans against your property. There are two types of loans: Loan Against Property (LAP) and Top-up Loan. You are eligible for tax deductions up to Rs. 2
Lakhs on interest payments if you use the LAP amount to fund a new residential house. Secondly, the top-up loan is available at a lower interest rate – significantly lower than a personal loan interest rate.
5. Control Over Property
The most important benefit of homeownership is the fact that you have nearly full control over how you use and maintain the property. Although there are restrictions in case of changing the exterior of flats in a residential complex, you have the freedom to renovate or customize your home interiors to suit your needs and preferences.
You can plan your interiors including bathrooms, plumbing, and electrical connections in such a way that over time these changes potentially increase the value of your property. Additionally, you can gradually invest in the flooring, kitchen, and balconies with the long-term objective of increasing the equity of the property.
This is a significant change from renting, where landlords dictate rules regarding the property. You may not even be allowed to keep a pet in rented accommodation. Therefore, you have the benefit of creating a living space that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
6. Long-Term Financial Security
A significant financial benefit of homeownership includes long-term financial security.
The advantages of homeownership include building equity, benefiting from potential appreciation, and having stable housing costs. Consequently, homeownership is the key component of a solid financial plan. Additionally, it provides stability and security for you and your family. Here are the vital ways a home provides financial security:
- Wealth Accumulation: Having your own home is a fundamental way to accumulate wealth as you age. However, it’s crucial to buy a house within your means.
- Asset Wealth vs. Income: Owning assets like a home offers secure predictions of financial stability compared to income which keeps fluctuating.
- Comparison with Renting: Calculating how much money you’ve spent on rent versus building equity in a home can highlight the benefits of homeownership, In simple words, homeownership is like investing in an account that appreciates over time. On the other hand, renting is like a no-interest current account.
Conclusion
After reading the blog you must have an idea of how owning a home is a smart financial move that can significantly benefit your future. Also, it must be clear that while it does require a substantial financial commitment, the potential rewards make it well worth considering.
It is a great sense of being at peace to watch your equity grow over the years, knowing that every mortgage payment is an investment in your future. Also, you’re not just throwing money away on rent, but building a solid financial foundation for yourself and your family. Additionally, homeownership brings tax advantages and long-term financial security that can provide stability and peace of mind for years to come.
Therefore, if you’re currently renting, take a moment to consider the benefits of homeownership. I am sure that even if it may require some sacrifices in the short term, the long-term rewards are well worth it.
About Protech Group
We at Protech always attempt to deliver the best properties to you with our great efforts and innovative ideas to build the ideal apartments with the best comfort and luxury in your own Guwahati city. Protech Group, with over 18 years of experience, comes with the new project of Protech Pride which is located in Bagharbari in Guwahati. To get your dream home with all the smart amenities you can reach out to us at Protech Group. To know more about us, you can click here.