If you have always fancied running a homestead but have never had the guts to take the plunge; then renting one instead could be an excellent alternative. A few months of renting will give you a taste of what is needed to live a truly off-grid lifestyle. If you can handle six months or a year, then you know the lifestyle is the right choice for you…
…When it comes to homesteads, renting is a little like a try-before-you-buy scheme. We examined both the pros and cons of renting, instead of buying, your homestead.
Renting a Homestead… Should You?
There are lots of different reasons why renting a homestead might be a better option than diving in straight away. Renting prevents you from throwing your entire life savings into a project you later decide you don’t like. It may suit you better financially, and it may allow you to experiment with different plants than what you might usually try.
The primary reason people rent homesteads is because they are building their own on adjacent land. This allows convenient commutes to building and a taste of the lifestyle while they build. Another chief reason is because they are involved in a rent-to-buy plan. These can be a great option; but you will pay more for your homestead in the long term.
The Pros of Renting Include:
- It allows you to build your own homestead while you rent.
- It allows you to try the off-grid lifestyle before you commit long term.
- It may be that you do not have the savings to buy outright.
- You can make connections with local farmers, like you.
- It allows you to shop around for your perfect area.
Renting a Homestead… Shouldn’t You?
If you have a set amount of funds with which to establish yourself with, renting can significantly reduce this. So it may make more sense in the long run to buy. Similarly, if you are in need of many permanent structures to home your projects and plans then the sooner you start building these, the better.
Another reason you may not want to rent is that you may be constricted by a landlords demands. You may be forced to maintain certain crops as part of the agreement, and find large parts of your day are taken up with these obligations. If you have already had a taste of the off-grid life and know it is what you want to do then we advise that renting is a bit of a waste of time. Why not jump in with both feet and hope you land among the stars?
The Cons of Renting Include:
- Drains money over time.
- It doesn’t allow you to build permanent structures.
- You may be obliged to maintain the place on behalf of your landlord. This is fine, but not when you are trying to build a new place of your own.
To Rent or Not to Rent?
Ultimately this is a decision only you can make. If you can front the cost of a new homestead outright then we would suggest you only go ahead with the purchase if you are one hundred percent sure. Homesteads are hard work… but if it is in your blood, then it is in your blood!
