Buying a home is cheaper than renting according to Halifax

The latest Halifax Buying vs. Renting Review found that the average cost including mortgage payment of buying a three-bed home in the UK was £679 a month in December 2017, compared to the average monthly rent of £754 for the same property type.

New research from the Halifax reveals that first-time buyers are saving £27,000 over mortgage term over renters.

Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax, said: “The gap between buying and renting has widened significantly, primarily driven by a reduction in mortgage rate and a more competitive market pushing down monthly payments. Meanwhile, the cost of rent, household maintenance and average deposits have remained broadly flat.

“Despite having to put down a sizeable deposit up front, homeowners are overall better off than renters in all parts of the UK. But those who are unable to get onto the property ladder because they can’t raise enough cash are paying more by renting.

“The good news is that record numbers of first-time buyers are still taking their first step on to the ladder and helping to bridge this gap thanks to a continued low-rate environment and government schemes including Help to Buy.”

Read the latest Halifax Buying vs. Renting Review released 17th February 2018  in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

LIVING BY THE SEASIDE 2022
Breaking News

£88,106 price premium for homes with a sea view

The average asking price for a home with a sea view in Great Britain is £363,181 This marks a 32% price premium compared to homes in coastal areas without a sea view The East Midlands has the highest price premium for homes with a sea view (68%) and the South East has the lowest (22%)…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 17/07/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Correct pricing and being “sales ready” now essential for speedy transactions  UK house prices have slipped into a largely unexpected tailspin. Zoopla reports that annual growth dropped to 1.4% in May 2025, while Nationwide observes a 0.8% drop in average value between May and…
Read More
Breaking News

Million home value boom

1m UK homes see value increases of 50 per cent or more in the last five years,  an average gain of £117,400   Eight in ten UK homes increased in value by over five per cent or more, an average increase of £60,800, with house values seeing a gradual increase since the 2020 pandemic Over…
Read More
Breaking News

Homebuyers saving over £4,000 in SDLT despite increase

Homebuyers saving over £4,000 in stamp duty despite threshold increase, by opting for this particular property type The latest research from over-50s property specialists, Regency Living, reveals that homebuyers opting for a park home instead of a traditional bricks-and-mortar property are an average of £4,316 better off due to not having to pay Stamp Duty…
Read More
Breaking News

Industry reacts to latest Gov HousePrice Index

The latest index shows that: – The average monthly rate of house price growth in May rebounded to 1.1% following the -2.7% decline seen in between March and  April. The average annual rate of house price growth in May was up 3.9%. As a result, the average UK house price is now £269,000.   Colleen…
Read More
Cozy Pet Cat Tree Grey
Breaking News

Renter’s Rights Bill pet u-turn creates more questions than answers

The latest U-turn in the Renter’s Rights Bill (RRB) concerning pet ownership may temporarily protect landlords from the cost of pet-related damage, but it leaves major questions unanswered, warns Inventory Base, the UK’s leading property inspection platform. As confusion grows around whether the proposed pet deposit amendment will pass, the industry is left in limbo,…
Read More