Mortgages are netting households the biggest cost savings relative to rent in at least 20 years in Columbia SC. And with home prices as low as they may ever be again, now may be the ideal time for would-be home buyers to consider throwing in the towel on rent, and take advantage of all the home ownership perks afforded by owning vs. renting.

Mortgages Higher Than Rent Since 1991

According to data compiled by Deutsche Bank from the National Association of Realtors and the REIS Inc. information service, those with home loans are benefiting from mortgages costing 0.8 percentage points less in last year’s fourth quarter after being about the same as rents during the first three quarters. Mortgages have been 3.1 points higher on average since 1991.

Analysts John Perry and Nishu Sood noted in their report that falling home prices and still-rising rents accounted for the fourth-quarter gap. The median price of a single-family house fell 5.8 percent in the quarter, while rent payments rose 0.5 percent on average.

Rents averaged 14.9 percent more than mortgages during the last three months of 2011. The gap widened from the third quarter by 8.1 points, and rentals were more costly for the fifth consecutive quarter.

The differential points toward a rebound in homebuilding and a slowing of rent increases.

If you’ve been renting, with Columbia SC mortgages being at or below record low rates, now may be the time for you to make the move and buy a home. We’d be happy to discuss the market with you, and talk to you about whether now would be the best time for you or not. Just contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

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