Generally, if you don't plan to stay in a home for at least five years, the costs of buying and selling (commissions, taxes, and fees) will likely outweigh any equity you build.
Renting is often unfairly dismissed, but it offers and lower risk that buying cannot match. to buy a house or not
Owning a home provides the freedom to renovate, landscape, or keep pets without landlord approval. It also protects you from sudden rent hikes or the risk of a landlord selling the property and ending your lease. The Case for Renting Generally, if you don't plan to stay in
As a renter, your monthly housing cost is fixed for the duration of the lease. When the roof leaks or the water heater breaks, the landlord is responsible for the repair costs, not you. It also protects you from sudden rent hikes
In many regions, homeowners can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from their federal income taxes, which can lower the overall cost of ownership.
Compare the cost of buying a similar home to the cost of renting one in your specific neighborhood. In high-cost cities, renting is often mathematically superior, while in growing suburbs, buying usually wins out.