In the context of the complex economic situation of 2026, the choice between renting and buying housing has become one of the most pressing issues for many citizens. Real estate experts point out that in many situations, renting may be not just a temporary measure, but a financially more rational solution than owning property. Taras Kozak, founder and president of the investment group "UNIVER," analyzed in detail in a recent interview for RBC-Ukraine the scenarios in which renting wins over buying.

Mobility Factor and Life Stages

One of the key arguments in favor of renting is life instability and mobility. According to Taras Kozak, for young families just starting their life together, buying an apartment "with a margin" often becomes a mistake. If two rooms are enough for the family now, more spacious square footage will be required with the arrival of children. Buying excess housing leads to subsequent costs for selling, buying new real estate, repairs, and moving, which collectively eat up a significant part of the family budget.

Moreover, renting becomes preferable for people with high professional mobility. If work requires frequent moves between cities, owning real estate in one of them turns into a liability requiring maintenance, rather than an asset. In such cases, renting allows one to remain flexible and not tie oneself to a specific location.

Investment Math: Yield vs. Rent

The financial benefit of renting often lies in the opportunity cost of capital. The expert notes that if own capital (savings that could have gone towards a down payment or outright purchase) is capable of generating a return exceeding the cost of rent, it is more logical to keep the money in investments. In 2026, when deposit rates and the yield of some instruments may be attractive, renting allows a person to live in comfortable housing without freezing millions in concrete and receiving passive income from their assets.

Hidden Costs of Real Estate Ownership

Many buyers make the mistake of evaluating the cost of housing only by the price per square meter. Taras Kozak emphasizes that the real cost of ownership includes repairs, furniture, furnishing, and taxes. If the buyer has funds only for "bare walls," living in such an apartment may be uncomfortable. In this case, renting already furnished and renovated housing may turn out to be cheaper and more pleasant than buying a "run-down" apartment with subsequent injections into repairs.

When Buying Is Still Justified

Despite the arguments in favor of renting, there are scenarios where buying remains the only viable solution. This concerns established families that plan to live in one place for many years. In this case, buying ceases to be a purely financial operation and becomes a matter of quality of life and stability. Also, buying can become a profitable strategy during crises when real estate prices fall significantly, allowing one to acquire an asset at a low price, if the person has free funds.