Why is it a bad idea to buy a home and sell it after a few years instead of renting?

Question

I have this impression that it’s seen as a riskier decision to buy a home, knowing you won’t live in it long enough to pay off the mortgage and then sell it when you’re ready to move away, when compared to renting a home. Am I off base on that, and if so, why is this the case?

In: Economics

Answer 1

Here’s an easy audio explanation since I’m sure five year olds can’t read well. It’s very well done and gives a great explanation

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/01/podcasts/the-daily/should-you-rent-or-buy-the-new-math.html