For many families and first-time buyers across Northern Ireland, the choice between renting and buying has traditionally been framed around lifestyle and flexibility. Today, however, that debate must also reflect economic reality. With rents continuing to rise sharply and mortgage conditions improving, buying a home increasingly represents the more rational long-term choice.

Ellie and Rodney Hill recently purchased in Braidwater’s Beech Hill View.

According to the latest market update from PropertyPal, the average monthly rent for a house in Northern Ireland has passed £1,000 for the first time, reaching £1,001 in the final months of 2025. Apartments are close behind at £984, while the average rent across all homes now stands at £995. That represents a year-on-year increase of 5.6 percent, significantly above the UK inflation rate of 3.2 percent. For renters, this means higher monthly costs with no lasting financial return.

Jordan Buchanan, Chief Executive at PropertyPal, notes that “rising rents have been a feature for some years,” with demand continuing to outstrip supply. This pressure is evident in the level of competition for available homes. In the final quarter of 2025, there were an average of 52 enquiries per rental listing, nearly 60 percent above long-term norms. Even as new rental developments come forward, tenants remain exposed to ongoing increases and limited choice.

By contrast, the sales market is offering growing opportunities for buyers. The average resale home price in Northern Ireland now stands at £235,035, up 6.4 percent on the previous year. While prices are rising, affordability has improved due to a series of interest rate cuts during 2025. The Bank of England base rate now sits at 3.75 percent, with further reductions expected.

As Buchanan explains, “overall sentiment has improved following increased certainty from the winter Budget and the Bank of England’s interest rate cut in December, which has already begun feeding through to more favourable mortgage conditions.” For many households, mortgage repayments are now comparable to, or even lower than, monthly rent, with the added benefit of building equity over time.

At Braidwater, we believe the true value of housing lies in stability, security and long-term resilience. Renting may offer short-term flexibility, but it leaves households vulnerable to rising costs and ongoing uncertainty. Homeownership allows people to fix their housing costs, invest in an appreciating asset and put down lasting roots in their community.

While additional rental supply is expected in Belfast during 2026, Buchanan has cautioned that “we expect rents to continue rising in 2026, likely in the 4 percent to 5 percent range, as structural supply imbalances continue to dominate market conditions.” This reinforces the reality that renting will remain under pressure for the foreseeable future.

The conclusion is increasingly clear. In a market where rents are rising faster than inflation and mortgage conditions are improving, buying a home is no longer simply an aspiration. It is a financially sound decision. For households seeking certainty and long-term value, now is the time to move from renting to owning and invest in a more secure future.