THE Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has said residents would be better off renting than buying a home, but that is something the town's real estate agents disagree with.
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The RBA has released a new research paper that concludes house prices will have to rise at the same rate they have been for the past six decades for owners to be as well-off as renters.
However, all three of Leeton's real estate agents have disagreed by sticking with the adage "bricks and mortar is a good investment".
Breed & Hutchinson sales consultant Carl King said it was always better to buy than rent.
"If you can afford to do it, it's definitely the better option," Mr King said.
"It's a bit like a forced saving ... it becomes an asset and something that belongs to you.
"Obviously it can be difficult sometimes to get into the market with the current economic climate and banks holding back more in terms of giving out loans.
"It's also a terrific opportunity for investors at the moment because there are homes out there waiting to be sold and we've also got a bit of a squeeze in the rental market.
"We've only got a handful of rental properties on our list because everything is taken.
"Buying is always going to be the better option."
The RBA analysed a range of costs involved in owning a house, but not applicable to renters, such as council rates, interest rates and the purchase price.
"If house price growth were to be slower than the historical average, as some forecasters predict, then the average home buyer would be financially better off renting," the paper said.
Glenn Preston from Glenn Preston Real Estate said getting into the property market would always have its advantages over renting.
"When you buy, you have the freedom to do what you like with that property," he said.
"When you're renting you can't paint, rip up the carpet or do any sort of renovations yourself.
"Our rental market probably comprises about 20 per cent of what we do.
"We've had a good start to the month ... the idea that there's different times of the year that are better times to buy a house is a fallacy.
"Buyers are out there and so are the homes."
Amato Real Estate principal Gino Amato said there were advantages to both renting and buying, depending on the situation.
"I will always saying that buying is the better option, particularly in the long-term," he said.
"If you're just coming into town or you're only going to be here in the short-term, renting could be the better option, especially if it's a flat market.
"However, buying basically forces you to save, so it's definitely better in the long run."