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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Why don’t people understand that not everyone wants to buy a house?

236 replies

tarrantulla · 21/07/2025 19:08

We rent a flat in London. Have a big deposit but would rather invest it across several asset classes. Prices around us in zone 1-2 are dropping.

People will often say things like “oh are you saving for a deposit” or “it’s such a waste of money to rent” when in reality, for the last few years smart people in London rent and not buy!

OP posts:
pavillion1 · 21/07/2025 19:19

I wouldn't be buying in London . Theirs a huge crash coming .

NoSoupForU · 21/07/2025 19:18

People have different lifestyles and priorities so it just makes sense that not everyone wants to do the same things in the same ways!

Didntask · 21/07/2025 19:17

tarrantulla · 21/07/2025 19:15

As opposed to paying interest to a bank?

Show quote history

But you get to own the property at the end of the payments you make to the bank. As ppl said, if you don't want to buy then great, but make sure your pension covers renting for the rest of your days.

MondayYogurt · 21/07/2025 19:16

It’s less stressful for most people to know that unless they have the house repossessed by the bank, they can stay there.
Moving home is stressful. Rent rises are stressful.
Smart people in London - also includes landlords.

Youdontseehow · 21/07/2025 19:16

tarrantulla · 21/07/2025 19:11

Why would buying a falling market be a sensible thing to do?😮

Seriously?

Also - it’s not just about money. It’s security of knowing you’ll not be asked to move on or at the mercy of a landlord who hikes the rent. I’d hate to rent again after those things happening to me on a regular basis as a renter.

A final point. I’m now semi retired and was able to clear my mortgage with part of my lump sum. This means I have no monthly payment for my house so when I give up working completely, I’ll not need to worry about finding rent money from my pension.

LocalHobo · 21/07/2025 19:15

This is an attitude I notice in the UK. When I have lived overseas there doesn't seem to be such an assumption that renting is a foolish thing to do in the long term.

Original poster
tarrantulla · 21/07/2025 19:15

Mrsttcno1 · 21/07/2025 19:14

Because inevitably it’s not falling forever, and right now you’re paying for someone else’s investment every month anyway.

Show quote history

As opposed to paying interest to a bank?

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 21/07/2025 19:14

tarrantulla · 21/07/2025 19:11

Why would buying a falling market be a sensible thing to do?😮

Because inevitably it’s not falling forever, and right now you’re paying for someone else’s investment every month anyway.

LeaAndDer · 21/07/2025 19:13

You’ll need a big pension if you are a lifetime private renter.

Original poster
tarrantulla · 21/07/2025 19:11

Why would buying a falling market be a sensible thing to do?😮

OP posts:
youreactinglikeafunmum · 21/07/2025 19:10

I will always be a renter, and i'm happy with it tbh - i'm a council tenant

But if youre paying extortionate rent, in zone 1 nonetheless, you are best to try and buy, especially if prices are dropping a bit x