Homeownership comes with a variety of benefits. Some are more obvious than others. You finally have something to call “your own,” you can build equity, you can design it however you want, and it provides tax advantages.
But, did you know there are also health-related benefits to owning your own home?
The health benefits are both “macro and micro,” meaning that homeownership, in general, allows for better health. And, there are things you can do when you own a home to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Not sure how owning your home and your health are connected? Let’s take a look at a few examples that might make you appreciate owning your home even more.
A Healthier Home Environment
Typically, the living conditions of a homeowner are better than those who rent an apartment. Several factors play into that. First, homeowners tend to have better access to healthcare. They also have more opportunities to grow their wealth. As a result, they can typically handle health issues better than those who rent.
From a mental health standpoint, homeowners are typically happier than renters thanks to things like:
- A sense of ownership
- Responsibilities
- Control
- Higher self-esteem
When you own a home, you can also decide exactly where you want to live. If a specific neighborhood doesn’t feel right for you, you can move on. That allows you to live in areas that have a good school district, friendly neighborhoods, and even less pollution so you don’t have to worry about indoor air quality. When you’re living in an apartment complex, you have little to no control over such things, like adding or changing HEPA filters to improve your air quality. If you have someone in your family who struggles with allergies or respiratory issues like asthma, moving to an area with cleaner air can drastically improve their quality of life.
You can also decide to live somewhere that relaxes you and reduces stress, like on a waterfront or in a more secluded location away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city.
You Can Make Healthier Personal Choices
Wherever you choose to live, owning a home gives you the power to make better personal choices, too. Let’s face it, it isn’t always easy to exercise when you’re in a small apartment or cramped in a city.
Owning a home gives you more space for indoor exercise equipment and to move around. Depending on your neighborhood, you might also feel more comfortable going on a morning run by yourself, or going for a family walk in the evening.
In addition to exercising, homeownership can help you to make other positive changes. If you start a vegetable garden, for example, you can grow your own food and know exactly what goes into everything you eat. It’s also a great opportunity to teach your kids about nutrition.
Because you’re in charge of everything within your home, you may also have the opportunity to learn new things and grow. That’s especially true if you want to make upgrades. When you’re concentrating on bettering yourself and your home, you might find it easier to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression.
You’ll also get in more “everyday workouts” when you’re a homeowner. From shoveling snow in the winter to mowing the lawn in the summer, you don’t have to rely on someone else to take care of everything. By doing it yourself, you can feel a greater sense of responsibility and build some muscle all at once.
A Better Quality of Life
It’s important to consider both the mental and physical advantages of owning a home. In addition to being physically active, there are things homeownership allows you that renting can’t. You can do things that will calm your mind, reduce stress, and leave you feeling less anxious. Some of those activities include:
- Starting a garden
- Doing home renovation projects
- Playing outside with your kids
- Inviting friends and family over
- Cooking with a bigger, more functional kitchen
It’s safe to say that renting is stressful. There are countless costs, you may have to deal with a less-than-pleasant landlord, and you’re often surrounded by noisy people. That can limit your sense of privacy and even make you feel anxious. Overall, it can impact your quality of life and make you that much more eager to buy a home of your own.
When you do, you can take more time for self-care while enjoying more privacy. You’re in full control of where you live and what’s around you.
While owning a home can be more work than renting, it’s well worth it for your physical and mental health. You’ll have more opportunities to do things that are important to you, and it will be easier to make your health a priority. If you’re still renting, now might be a perfect time to start house hunting and buying a home that fits your needs.
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