Shamba Ama Gari? Should I Buy A Car Or A House First?
For most people, a car and home are two of the biggest personal assets purchased over a lifetime. Both are major financial commitments and of course, exciting milestones. So, should you buy a car or a house first? Like all investments, it’s important to do your research, do the numbers and compare different options before committing to a purchase.
While many Kenyans argue that you should always buy a house or land before anything else, guys should avoid falling for this biased advice and keenly weigh their decision.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your individual circumstances and priorities. It’s recommended to assess your financial situation, consider your current and future needs, and weigh the pros and cons of both options before making a decision.
Your personal circumstances
Your personal circumstances are one of the most important things to consider when thinking about whether you should buy a car or a house first. The car vs house debate isn’t black and white, which means it’s important to factor in your unique situation when deciding.
For example, if you live in a major city like London with world-class public transport links and sky-high property prices, saving for a house deposit could be a smarter choice than putting your cash towards a new car. That said, many Londoners do choose to own a car and enjoy the benefits.
On the other hand, if you live in a smaller city, town or village where owning a car would have an enormous benefit on your day-to-day life and homeownership isn’t a huge challenge, purchasing a vehicle could be a better option.
Budgeting for extra expenses
Homes and cars are both exciting purchases. However, it’s important to pencil in extra expenses for both assets. Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the biggest expenses coming your way when purchasing a car or property. While they’re not exactly “hidden”, they can add up quickly and factoring them in should be an important part of your decision-making process.
The “hidden” costs of car ownership
- Car insurance
Car insurance can be a big expense, especially for new and young drivers with minimal experience. It’s not unusual for average annual premiums for new drivers. Many motorists buying new cars choose to add comprehensive insurance, which offers extra peace of mind but increases the cost significantly.
- Fuel
With analysts predicting forecourt prices to hit an all-time high over the coming months, fuel should definitely feature in your car ownership budget. Of course, your fuel expenses will depend on how often you use your car.
- Parking
The cost of parking varies dramatically across the UK, with some cities offering free parking and others hitting you with huge fees. It’s worth doing your research before making a commitment.
- Depreciation
Depreciation will vary depending on the make, model, and age of the car you purchase. New cars tend to lose around 20% of their value in the first year of ownership, while second-hand models depreciate at a slower and less sharp rate.
- Servicing and maintenance
Depending on what car you buy, servicing and maintenance can be a big expense or a non-issue. Many new cars not only come with warranties but also free servicing for the first few years of ownership. In contrast, if you buy a second-hand vehicle, it’s worth factoring servicing and maintenance into your budget.
The “hidden” costs of homeownership
- Insurance
- Property taxes
Property taxes can push up the price of home ownership, with rates calculated based on the value of the property.
- General maintenance and upkeep
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to carry out general maintenance and upkeep on your property. Many financial advisors recommend allocating around 4-5% of the value of your mortgage to cover everything from big structural jobs to small cosmetic changes.
- Interest rates on your mortgage
Interest rates can have a big impact on the total cost of your mortgage and naturally, it’s important to shop around for the best deal.
The final word on car vs house
In the end, the answer to “Should I buy a car or a house first” depends on your own personal circumstances. You’ll need to consider your current financial situation, as well as factors like your lifestyle and personal preferences. Exploring a variety of different factors will help you decide whether vehicle ownership makes sense for you and if it’s a smart financial decision.
