#89 - Buy a Home or Rent and Buy Bitcoin? That's the Question
In this episode, I explore the financial decision of buying a home versus renting and investing the equivalent home deposit in Bitcoin, based on Australian housing and rental data as of May 31, 2025. The analysis assumes a 20% deposit for a median-priced home in Australia’s capital cities ($1,025,742), equating to $205,148.40, with the alternative being renting and investing that deposit in Bitcoin.Core Assumptions:Housing Market: Median house price in capital cities is $1,025,742 (Cotality, May 2025), with a 5% annual home price growth rate and a 5.5% mortgage interest rate.Rental Market: Median weekly rents vary (e.g., Sydney: $775/house, Melbourne: $580/house, Brisbane: $625/house, based on 2024–2025 data). Rent is paid without dipping into savings.Bitcoin Investment: The $205,148.40 deposit is invested in Bitcoin with assumed compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 30% (conservative) or 40% (optimistic).Time Horizons: 5 and 10 years.Costs: Homeownership includes purchase and maintenance costs, reducing net capital value.Comparison:5 Years:Buying: Net capital value $913,122.03 property equity after costs.Renting + Bitcoin: $934,246.74 gains minus rent.Difference: Renting + Bitcoin outperforms by ~$21,124.71 assuming Bitcoin achieves 40% CAGR.10 Years:Buying: Net capital value $947,668.53 Renting + Bitcoin: $5,596,364.28 • • Difference: Renting + Bitcoin outperforms by ~$4,648,695.75, driven by Bitcoin’s high CAGR.Key Takeaways: Renting and investing in Bitcoin could yield higher returns than homeownership, especially over 10 years, if Bitcoin achieves a 30–40% CAGR. However, Bitcoin’s volatility contrasts with the stability of property, and the decision depends on risk tolerance, market conditions, and lifestyle preferences. The episode highlights the potential for significant wealth creation through Bitcoin but cautions against ignoring housing’s tangible benefits.Need a hand with self-custody? Book a session with me to get your Bitcoin security house in order.