Room for improvement: Renters are less happy, more stressed than homeowners

Is homeownership the key to happiness?

According to new research by Finder, 83% of homeowners have reported being happy compared to only 69% of renters.

According to Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker, a nationally representative survey of more than 30,000 respondents, those who rent report lower levels of happiness and higher levels of money stress than homeowners.

On average 83% of homeowners report being happy, compared to 69% of renters.

A concerning 26% of renters admit they are ‘extremely stressed’ with their financial situation, compared to 15% of homeowners.

Sarah Megginson, senior editor of money at Finder, said the data is worrying.

“We know mortgage stress is a real thing, but our research shows renters are struggling the most.

“Renting itself doesn’t make people stressed or unhappy.

Owning a home is correlated with a higher income and cash position, which is leading to higher rates of happiness and financial wellbeing to a certain extent.

“Renters are more likely to be students, young people starting their careers, or those on lower incomes, which can make it difficult to get into the housing market.”

Finder’s research shows homeowners save nearly twice as much money per month ($989) as renters ($516).

When it comes to credit cards, renters will take just over 9 months to pay off their debt – notably higher than the 5 months it will take for homeowners.

Megginson said there are longer-term impacts of being unable to save.

“Being in a tricky financial position can mean struggling to pay for bills today, but it also prevents you from investing in your future.”

Finder’s analysis found homeowners have six times more money invested in shares ($24,732) than renters ($3,762) on average.

Megginson said it wasn’t all doom and gloom for renters.

“It is absolutely possible to save for a house deposit while renting, as long as you’re smart about your money where it counts.

“Your rent is most likely your biggest expense, so moving to a cheaper suburb or finding a few housemates could help you bring down the cost.

“If you have enough saved up, you could also look at ‘rentvesting’ – renting a home for yourself while owning a more affordable investment property.

“You could also look at buying in partnership with friends to get your foot on the property ladder – just know sharing finances can be tricky,” Megginson said.

ALSO READ: Home ownership and housing tenure: The facts straight from the source

About Brett Warren Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.