Have you considered entering the world of real estate investment and are intrigued by the prospect of owning a rental property for sale. With homeownership rates at their lowest in 50 years, now could be a good time to investigate that possibility.
Since 2004, the global homeownership rate has fallen by 9%. This significant shift away from homeownership can be explained by a number of factors. For many renters, home values have risen faster than incomes, making them unaffordable.
Furthermore, younger folks value the flexibility that renting provides and are more likely to postpone life decisions that would otherwise necessitate purchasing a home, such as marriage or starting a family.
As a result, millennials are investing in the top rental markets like rental properties in Dubai, UAE or in NYC or in other places around the world. In the last ten years, the number of renters in the baby boomer generation has increased by 4.3 million. All of this adds up to a booming rental market in the United States. For many people in the United States, renting is a better option than buying.
Landlords have an advantage in the rental market because renter households are growing at a faster rate than owner households. With real estate’s current investment potential, you might want to consider the advantages.
One of the most appealing aspects of owning a rental property is that it can provide a source of passive income. Part of the allure for some landlords may be the pride of ownership. Being able to confidently manage and make decisions about the property you own can be rewarding. Others may be more concerned with the financial and security benefits of owning rental property.
As a beginner rental property investor, the key to success is learning how to assess property value, choose the right location, understand market conditions, and, most importantly, find great tenants. If you meet these requirements, you’ll be in a better position to reap the benefits of rental property ownership.
If you’re thinking of investing in rental property, it’s important to know which features will boost your chances of finding an excellent tenant and help make your rental stand out from the rest. There are several features you should consider first:
Location
The quality of your tenants, and thus your revenue, is often influenced by their location. Be aware of factors that are important to tenants as you research potential rental property locations. If the property is in a great neighborhood, a great tenant is willing to pay more or overlook less desirable aspects of the rental unit. Key features that attract great tenants include school and neighborhood quality (which often go hand in hand), walkability to grocery stores and parks, and proximity to major employers (no one likes a long commute). A real estate agent can assist you in locating the best rental neighborhoods and homes.
Transportation
It’s easier to rent property that is close to public transportation and major highways. Most people don’t stay home all day, and prefer access to routes that get them to work, shopping, and entertainment in a timely fashion.
Parking
In some areas, off-street parking is a requirement for rental property. Even when it isn’t, it’s a desirable feature that attracts a higher quality of tenant. This may be harder to find in an urban environment, but you can still look for property with a parking garage within five or six blocks of the property.
Utilities
If the building has separate units, it’s much more convenient if there are separate utilities associated with each unit. That way, you won’t have to break down these costs yourself and worry about whether or not you are charging renters fairly or shouldering the burden of the expense yourself.
What are the Benefits of Rental Property Ownership
Here are a few perks to becoming a landlord:
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Additional Income
The fact that it is a passive income source is perhaps the most appealing aspect of owning rental property. This indicates that it is a recurring source of income that requires little effort to maintain. It can be an appealing option for people looking to supplement their income or as a source of financial security during retirement. Furthermore, rental income may be taxed differently than earnings from a job.
Of course, before investing in rental property, you’ll want to figure out all of the cash flows. You’ll need to factor in all of your expenses to ensure that being a landlord is more likely to be profitable for you. After you’ve figured out your cash flow, you’ll want to see if the numbers indicate you’ll be able to make a consistent profit on the property before you buy it.
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Secure the Property
Some people have to make a temporary move for work. Others inherit a family home that they don’t want to sell for sentimental reasons. There are a variety of reasons that people may find themselves with an empty property. A vacant home is potentially left open to vandalism and squatters, and maintenance issues gone unnoticed that can quickly escalate into larger problems. It’s hard to always keep an eye on a home you aren’t living in. Renting the property out to tenants can give you greater peace of mind that the home is being maintained and watched after.
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Easy To Sell
Say you’re ready to move, but the market conditions aren’t the best. Rather than selling your property for a loss, you can rent out your property until market conditions improve. Renting out your property gives you the flexibility of selling once you’re in a better position to make a profit off your property.
You may find yourself unable to stay in your current residence due to financial or other reasons. If you need to make a temporary move for a job, it’s nice to know you’ll have still have a place to live when you return. Of course, you’ll want to check your state and local housing laws and respect the terms of your lease with any current tenants.
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Appreciation in Value of Property
Renting out your property now allows you to hold onto your property in case it appreciates, giving you the option to sell when the time is right. The amount of appreciation is going to vary by market. Research the appreciation potential of different cities and neighborhoods to see what you might be able to expect.
You may already have money invested in the stock market. According to a recent blog post from Bigger Pockets, owning rental property allows you to diversify your portfolio, which can serve as an added layer of protection against risk. It can also potentially help you take advantage of positive market swings.
What are the Tax Benefits of Owning Rental Property?
Being owner of a rental property also gives you a number of tax benefits. Deduction in periodic taxes help in attracting a number of individuals to invest in rental properties.
Generating an additional income and increasing owner equity over the long run aren’t the only method through which potential investors hope to profit by owning a rental. Investing in rental property also provides numerous tax benefits compared to many other income producing assets.
