Here's a question you've probably asked yourself more than once lately:
"Should I keep renting, or is it finally time to buy?"
Maybe you've been scrolling through real estate listings during your lunch break, imagining what it would be like to own your own place. Or perhaps you're perfectly content renting—until that annual rent increase notice arrives, and suddenly you're wondering where all your money is actually going.
Here's what I want you to know right from the start: there's no universal "right" answer. The rent vs. buy decision isn't just about math—it's about your lifestyle, your goals, your timeline, and yes, your finances.
But here's what is universal: you deserve to make this decision with complete clarity, armed with all the facts that many landlords (and even some real estate agents) won't tell you.
So let's break this down together. No pressure, no agenda—just the honest truth about what renting really costs you versus what homeownership offers, so you can make the decision that's right for your life.
The Real Cost of Renting (Beyond Your Monthly Payment)
When you think about your rent, you probably think about that number you transfer to your landlord every month. But that's only part of the story.
What You're Actually Paying For
Let's get one thing straight: renting isn't "throwing money away." You're paying for flexibility, convenience, and a roof over your head. That has real value.
But here's what you're not getting:
1. Equity
Every month, your rent payment goes into your landlord's pocket—and often, toward their mortgage. They're building equity. You're building... a payment history.
Over five years of renting at $2,000/month, you'll have paid $120,000. At the end of those five years, you'll have exactly $0 in home equity to show for it.
2. Control Over Your Living Space
Want to paint that wall? Install better lighting? Get a dog? You're at the mercy of your landlord's rules. Your home doesn't truly feel like yours because, well, it isn't.
3. Protection from Rent Increases
Even with rent control measures, your rent can (and likely will) increase year after year. In Ottawa, average rents have climbed significantly over the past decade. While there are annual limits, those increases compound over time—and you have no control over them.
4. Long-Term Stability
Your landlord can decide to sell the property, move back in, or renovate—and suddenly you're searching for a new place, packing boxes, and starting over. Even the best rental situation comes with uncertainty.
The Hidden Costs of Renting
Beyond your monthly rent, consider:
Renter's insurance (often $20-40/month)
No tax benefits (you can't deduct anything related to your rent)
Moving costs (when leases end or circumstances change)
Storage fees (if your rental doesn't have enough space)
The opportunity cost of not building equity while the market appreciates
Let's do some quick math:
If you're paying $2,200/month in rent in Ottawa (around the current average for a two-bedroom), that's $26,400 per year. Over ten years? $264,000—and you own nothing at the end.
Now, I'm not saying this to make you feel bad. I'm saying this so you can make an informed decision with your eyes wide open.
The True Cost of Homeownership (The Full Picture)
Let's be equally honest about buying a home. It's not all sunshine and equity building. Homeownership comes with real costs—some obvious, some not-so-obvious.
Your Monthly Carrying Costs
When you own a home, your monthly costs typically include:
1. Mortgage Payment
This is your principal (the loan amount) plus interest. The good news? Unlike rent, a portion of every payment goes toward building equity in an asset you own.
2. Property Taxes
In Ottawa, property taxes vary by neighbourhood and property value, but budget roughly 1% of your home's value annually.
3. Home Insurance
Typically more expensive than renter's insurance—expect $100-200/month depending on your coverage and home value.
4. Utilities
As a homeowner, you're responsible for all utilities (heat, water, electricity, etc.). These can fluctuate seasonally.
5. Maintenance and Repairs
Here's the big one that surprises many first-time buyers: homes require upkeep. A good rule of thumb is to budget 1% of your home's value annually for maintenance.
Furnace breaks? That's on you. Roof needs replacing? That's on you. Hot water tank dies? You guessed it—that's on you.
6. Condo Fees (if applicable)
If you buy a condo, you'll pay monthly fees that cover building maintenance, amenities, and the reserve fund. These can range from $200-$600+ per month depending on the building.
The Upfront Investment
Don't forget the initial costs:
Down payment (minimum 5%, ideally 20%)
Closing costs (2-4% of purchase price)
Moving costs
Immediate furnishings or repairs
So... Is It Worth It?
Here's where it gets interesting.
Yes, homeownership has more upfront and ongoing costs than renting. But here's what you're getting in return:
Forced savings (every mortgage payment builds equity)
Appreciation potential (real estate historically appreciates over time)
Tax advantages (no capital gains tax on your principal residence when you sell)
Stability and control (it's yours to customize, and no one can raise your "rent")
A tangible asset (that you can borrow against, pass down, or sell)
The Wealth-Building Equation: Why Ownership Often Wins Long-Term
Let's talk about something most renters don't realize until it's too late: the wealth gap between renters and homeowners compounds over time.
Scenario 1: The Lifelong Renter
Let's say you rent for 25 years at an average of $2,200/month (assuming modest increases over time). You'll pay approximately $660,000 over that period.
At the end of 25 years, you'll have:
$0 in home equity
No asset to borrow against in emergencies
No property to pass down to your children
Continued monthly rent payments in retirement
Scenario 2: The Homeowner
Now let's say you buy a home for $550,000 with a 10% down payment ($55,000). Your mortgage payment might be around $2,800/month initially (including property taxes and insurance).
Yes, you're paying more per month than the renter—at least at first.
But here's what happens over 25 years:
You build approximately $550,000 in equity (assuming your home appreciates modestly at 3% annually, it could be worth around $1.1 million in 25 years)
Your mortgage payment stays relatively stable (while rent increases)
You own an asset worth over $1 million
You have the option to downsize, access equity via a HELOC, or live mortgage-free in retirement
Even accounting for maintenance costs, property taxes, and repairs, the homeowner typically comes out hundreds of thousands of dollars ahead.
The Retirement Factor
Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough: where will you live when you're 70?
If you're a homeowner, your mortgage will likely be paid off by retirement. Your housing costs drop dramatically—just property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
If you're a renter, you'll still have full rent payments in retirement. Can your retirement savings support that indefinitely?
This is why homeownership is often called "forced retirement savings." Every payment moves you closer to a future where housing is no longer your biggest monthly expense.
When Renting Actually Makes Sense
Now, before you think I'm pushing you toward buying, let me pump the brakes.
There are absolutely legitimate reasons to keep renting—at least for now. Buying isn't always the right move, and that's okay.
Renting Makes Sense If:
1. You Value Flexibility Above All Else
If your career might take you to another city next year, or you love the freedom to move on a whim, renting gives you that flexibility without the hassle and cost of buying and selling property.
2. You're Not Financially Ready
If you don't have a stable income, a solid emergency fund, or a down payment saved, rushing into homeownership can be financially dangerous. There's no shame in renting while you build your financial foundation.
3. You're New to Ottawa (or Unsure Where You Want to Live)
Renting gives you time to explore neighbourhoods, understand the city, and figure out where you truly want to put down roots before committing to a purchase.
4. The Math Doesn't Work Yet
In some markets (though less common in Ottawa), the cost of buying far exceeds the cost of renting, and appreciation is slow. In those cases, renting and investing the difference might actually make more financial sense.
5. You Don't Want the Responsibility
Homeownership comes with responsibility. Broken appliances, leaky roofs, property maintenance—it all falls on you. If that sounds overwhelming and you'd rather call a landlord when something breaks, renting might genuinely be the better fit for your lifestyle.
The "Rent Now, Buy Later" Strategy
For many people, renting is a temporary phase—a stepping stone. You rent while you:
Build your credit score
Save for a larger down payment
Establish stable income
Learn the market and find the right neighbourhood
Wait for the right opportunity
And that's a perfectly smart strategy.
But Here's What Many Renters Don't Consider...
Even if you're not ready to buy today, you should be preparing to buy someday—unless you've consciously decided that renting is your long-term plan.
Here's why:
1. The Market Doesn't Wait for You to Feel Ready
Real estate appreciates over time. The home that costs $550,000 today might cost $625,000 in three years. The longer you wait, the more you'll need for a down payment—and the larger your mortgage will be.
2. Rent Increases Compound
Every year your rent goes up, it becomes harder to save for a down payment. You're stuck in a cycle: renting because you can't afford to buy, but unable to save enough to buy because your rent keeps rising.
3. You're Already Paying a Mortgage—It's Just Not Yours
If you're paying $2,200/month in rent, you're already making mortgage-sized payments. The only difference is that you're building someone else's equity instead of your own.
4. Time Is Your Greatest Asset
The earlier you buy, the more time your property has to appreciate, and the sooner you'll pay off your mortgage. Someone who buys at 28 could be mortgage-free by 53. Someone who waits until 40 won't be mortgage-free until 65—right when they're hoping to retire.
Making the Decision: A Framework
So how do you actually decide? Here's a simple framework to help you think it through.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Financial Readiness:
Do I have at least 5% saved for a down payment (ideally closer to 10-20%)?
Do I have an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses?
Is my income stable and sufficient to qualify for a mortgage?
Is my credit score in good shape (ideally 680+)?
Lifestyle & Timeline:
Do I plan to stay in Ottawa for at least 3-5 years?
Am I ready to take on the responsibilities of homeownership?
Do I have a clear idea of where I want to live?
Market & Goals:
Are homes in my desired neighbourhoods within reach of what I can afford?
Is building wealth and long-term equity a priority for me?
Am I comfortable with my current housing costs long-term, or do I want more control and stability?
The Break-Even Point
As a general rule, if you plan to stay in a home for less than 3-5 years, renting often makes more financial sense because closing costs, land transfer taxes, and realtor fees eat into your gains.
But if you're planning to stay 5+ years, the equity you build and the appreciation you benefit from typically outweigh those upfront costs—and buying becomes the smarter financial move.
The Bottom Line: It's Your Life, Your Timeline
Here's what I want you to take away from this:
Renting isn't failure. Buying isn't success. But staying uninformed? That's the real mistake.
If you choose to keep renting because it genuinely aligns with your life and goals right now, that's a perfectly valid choice—as long as it's an informed choice.
But if you're renting simply because you think buying is out of reach, or because you don't know where to start, or because you're scared of making the wrong move—then let's change that.
Because here's the truth: homeownership might be more within reach than you think. With the right guidance, a clear plan, and a realistic understanding of what you can afford, you might be surprised at what's possible.
You don't have to have it all figured out today. But you do owe it to yourself to explore your options, run the numbers, and make the choice that sets up the future you want—not the one someone else says you should have.
What's Your Next Move?
If you're reading this and thinking, "Okay, maybe I am ready to explore buying... but I still have so many questions," that's completely normal.
Buying a home—especially for the first time—can feel like learning a new language. But you don't have to do it alone.
The difference between renters who stay stuck and renters who become homeowners often comes down to one thing: having the right guide in your corner.
Someone who will:
Help you understand what you can truly afford (without pressure or judgment)
Show you what's actually available in your budget and preferred neighbourhoods
Walk you through the process step-by-step, answering every question along the way
Advocate for your best interests—not just make a sale
You deserve that kind of support. And it's available to you.
Whether you decide to buy next month or next year, the most important thing is that you're making an informed decision based on facts, not fear or misinformation.
Your future self will thank you for taking the time to figure this out now.
About the Author
Ruby Xue is the Broker of Record & Owner of KW ICON Realty and Team Leader of the Ruby Xue Real Estate Team, serving buyers and sellers across Ottawa. Since launching her real estate career in 2014, Ruby has been recognized as one of Ottawa's top-performing realtors, earning "Rookie of the Year" in her first year and building a reputation for exceptional client service and strategic expertise.
Originally from China, Ruby came to Canada in 2002 as an international student at Carleton University. Her journey from ambitious newcomer to award-winning real estate leader reflects her core belief: with the right support, vision, and commitment, anyone can achieve extraordinary things.
In 2025, Ruby founded KW ICON Realty with a powerful mission—to create an environment where real estate agents can thrive with world-class training, proven systems, and a culture of collaboration. Her brokerage's success is measured by the success of the agents and clients it serves.
Ruby's approach to real estate is rooted in empowerment, not pressure. She believes that buying or selling a home should be a strategic, informed decision—and that every client deserves a bespoke experience backed by data, expertise, and unwavering support.
When she's not helping clients navigate Ottawa's real estate market, Ruby is a devoted mom to two daughters, a wife, and a passionate traveler and opera enthusiast. Her guiding principle in life and business is simple: "God, Family, then Business."
With over 100 Google Reviews and a track record of success across Ottawa's most sought-after neighbourhoods—from Orléans to The Glebe, Kanata to Westboro—Ruby and her team are committed to making your real estate journey as seamless and rewarding as possible.
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