Renters Should Stop Waiting for Homeownership and Start Living Fully in Their Rental Homes
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/rhiannon-lucy-cosslett. "Renting has its downsides, but I’ve decided to stop waiting and start living – plants, garden furniture and all | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett | The Guardian." May 24, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues that renters shouldn't put their lives on hold waiting to buy a house. Instead, they should invest in making their rental feel like home - buying furniture, planting gardens, and enjoying their space now rather than waiting for someday.
Conclusion
Renters should invest time, money, and emotional energy in making their rental properties feel like home, rather than waiting indefinitely for homeownership to begin truly living
Premises
- Rental properties can provide long-term stability and security, as evidenced by the author's 15-year tenancy
- New tenant rights legislation provides greater security against arbitrary eviction, reducing the risk of sudden displacement
- The financial barriers to homeownership (large deposits) may be insurmountable for many renters despite their ability to pay monthly housing costs
- Waiting to invest in one's living space means missing out on years of potential enjoyment and comfort
- Long-term investments in rental properties can pay off, as shown by the author's roses and magnolia tree that took years to mature
- Many successful renters in the neighborhood have already adopted this approach by planting trees and buying furniture
- A rental home is still a home and deserves to be treated as such, regardless of ownership status
Assumptions
- Quality of life and present happiness should be prioritized over future property ownership
- The psychological benefits of creating a home environment outweigh the financial costs of potentially losing investments
- Homeownership may remain unattainable for many people regardless of their waiting period
- Tenant rights will continue to strengthen, making renting more secure
- The social stigma around renting is misguided and should be challenged