Renting vs. Owning in Butler County, Ohio: The Real Cost of Waiting to Buy

Many renters in Butler County, Ohio are waiting for the “right time” to buy a home. But when we look at housing trends over the past decade, waiting has often come with a high financial cost.

If you’re renting in areas like West Chester, Liberty Township, Hamilton, Fairfield, Trenton, Oxford, Ross or Middletown, this is important to understand.

Rent Has Increased — But It Builds No Equity

In 2015, the average U.S. rent was about $994 per month — or $11,928 per year spent with no ownership.

By 2025, average rent has climbed to around $1,650 per month, totaling $19,800 per year.

That’s roughly a 65% increase in ten years.

For renters in Southwest Ohio, that means more money going toward housing each year — but none of it builds wealth or ownership.

Meanwhile, Home Values Have Risen

On the ownership side:

• Median U.S. home price in 2015: $236,300
• Median U.S. home price in 2025: $435,300

That’s an 84% increase in value.

Homeowners who bought years ago didn’t just secure housing — they built equity as values increased. Many Butler County homeowners have experienced similar appreciation trends, especially in high-demand communities like West Chester and Liberty Township.

The Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home

When renters delay buying, two things typically happen:

1️⃣ They continue paying rent

At today’s average rent, someone could spend $198,000 over 10 years without gaining an asset.

2️⃣ Home prices may keep rising

A buyer who could have purchased closer to 2015 pricing may now face homes costing nearly $200,000 more.

That’s the double financial impact:

Years of rent paid + higher purchase price later

Renting vs. Owning: What’s the Difference?

Renting can make sense short-term, but long-term homeownership remains one of the primary ways households build wealth.

Does Waiting Make Homes More Affordable?

Historically:

• Rents trend upward
• Home prices trend upward
• Waiting can increase both monthly costs and purchase price

While markets shift, the past decade shows that many who waited ended up paying more to enter the market later.

What This Means for Butler County Renters

If you’re renting in Hamilton, West Chester, Liberty Township, Fairfield, Oxford, or Middletown, it may be worth asking:

“What is waiting to buy costing me?”

You may be surprised what your current rent could translate to in a mortgage — and how much equity potential you’re missing each year.

Ready to Compare Your Rent vs. Ownership?

If you’d like to see what homes are available in Butler County, Ohio and what ownership might look like based on your budget:

📲 Kyle Wade

📞 513.823.3774

A simple conversation could show you options you didn’t realize were possible.

Sources: U.S. housing price and rental market data, 2015–2025 national averages. Figures rounded for illustration.