“Do I need to buy this?” 

This is a question you first ask yourself when thinking about investing in an asset. Cost is a significant consideration when buying assets; many believe they have no choice but to spend a lot on it or go without it.

While it’s true that deciding between buying and leasing can be tricky, statistics show otherwise. According to Statista, business loans for lease finance in Australia reached 7.64 billion Australian dollars as of September 2021. Over the course of the entire year in 2020, this kind of finance had a value of more than 10 billion Australian dollars.

Another recent data report from AFIA (Australian Finance Industry Association) says that operational leases—which do not include leases for vehicle fleets—account for around 36% of the entire leasing market funded by members. With more consumers opting for a lease over buying, the leasing boom isn’t going away anytime soon.

Are you on the lookout for a new asset and not sure whether to lease or buy? Surprising to many, there’s more to leasing than you can see on the surface. 

Read the guide below, or you can jump to the sections. 

What Is A Lease?

A lease is a legal agreement that specifies the conditions whereby one party consents to lease an asset owned by another party. It ensures that the tenant also referred to as the lessee, will have access to the asset and, in return, will make monthly payments to the lessor (the owner). A lease is an incorporeal right where if either party violates the contract’s conditions, there will be repercussions for both the lessee and the lessor. 

How Do Leases Work?

A lease is a legally binding agreement between a lessor and a lessee. They involve an asset that the owner (the lessor) rents to the lessee. Although verbal agreements are possible, leases are often drafted in writing. The lease’s terms, which include the monthly rent, the duration of the contract, and any penalties that could apply to any party who violates its terms and conditions, are accepted by both parties.

What Are The Different Types Of Leases?

People can lease all manner of property, including items like cars and boats. Most frequently, however, lease agreements are used for residential and commercial real estate. A few of the most common types of leases include

Residential Lease: Which often stipulates the exact length of time that a renter is permitted to occupy a particular property, such as apartments or homes

Commercial Lease: Commercial property like offices.

Condominium Lease: A residential property that shares some building amenities with other tenants.

Car Leases: You get to use a car for a specified period in exchange for monthly payments.

Equipment Leasing: is financing in which you rent equipment rather than purchase it outright. 

Industrial or Land Lease: including space for cell phone towers, parking spaces, or farmland

Advertising Space Leases: such as billboards

Month-to-month Lease: A type of short-term lease agreement.

Parking Space Lease: To use for parking a vehicle on private property.

Room Lease: Leasing a single room within a home.

Short-term Lease: Used for short-term leases of unusual periods.

Weekly Lease: Used often for vacation properties.

Additionally, consumer leases may be categorised into one of two groups.

Open-End Lease

An open-end lease is where the sum due at the end is determined by the property’s residual and realised values. The lessee can be obligated to cover all or part of the difference if the realised value is lower than the residual value. On the other hand, the lessee can be eligible for a return if the realised value exceeds the residual value.

Closed-End Lease:

A closed-end lease is a leasing arrangement in which the party paying the regular lease payments is not required to buy the asset that is the subject of the lease at its completion. The terms “true lease,” “walk away lease,” and “net lease” are all other terms for closed-end leases.

What’s The Difference Between A Lease And A Rent?

Although the phrases lease and rental are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same kind of agreement.

Lease	Rent
An agreement for a certain amount of time, generally one year.	A short-term agreement, usually lasting 30 days
Original conditions cannot be changed without both parties’ consent.	Any party may modify the terms by giving the other party notice in writing of the modification.
Doesn’t automatically renew	Automatically renews until one party terminates in writing to avoid renewal.
When it ends, it can switch to a month-to-month arrangement or call for the signing of a new lease.	Usually demands 30 days’ notice before any conditions alter.

Ten Reasons Why Leasing Could Be Better Than Buying

 Many Australians may have a lifetime dream of owning a house or a car, but that doesn’t imply everyone should. Australia presently has a high percentage of car and home ownership, although this hasn’t always been the case. In the past, families had to choose between buying one from another person. Leasing also has benefits, even though it may not be ideal for some. Leasing could make more sense for some people depending on their financial situation. 

Here are the top 10 advantages of renting as compared to buying.

1)There Are No Upkeep Or Repair Costs.

Leasing has the advantage of not having to pay for repairs or upkeep. This implies that the entire cost of all maintenance, improvement, and repairs is carried entirely by the lessor when you rent an asset or property.

2) Inclusion Of Amenities

Lessees also saved money by accessing facilities or accessories that would otherwise be expensive. For instance, many midscale to premium housing units provide luxuries like an indoor pool or a fitness centre as standard features at no extra cost to tenants.

3) Zero Taxes

Lessees do not have to pay taxes, which is one of the main advantages of leasing as contrasted to buying. In particular to home leasing, homeowners may find real estate taxes a significant financial burden since property taxes may be expensive, costing thousands of dollars annually. Whereas tenants leasing a property don’t have to worry about paying any of these taxes.

4) Zero-Down Payment 

The upfront fee is another issue where lessees get a better financial bargain. A security deposit, usually equivalent to one month’s lease, is required of tenants. And typically, that is all. Theoretically, if they haven’t damaged the leased asset, they will get their deposit back at the end of the agreement,

5) Greater Flexibility

When you buy a house, for example, you are limited to where you can afford to purchase, but tenants may live almost anywhere. Most house buyers may be unable to afford to live in a pricey city, but the lessee may do so easily. They are more likely to find a reasonable monthly payment than house buyers, even if the lease might be expensive in locations where property prices are likewise high.

6) No Worries About Asset Value Decline

Property and asset values fluctuate. Leese’s are far less likely to be impacted by this than owners, if at all. Tenants may not experience the same financial stress as homeowners in a challenging property market.

7) Adaptability In Downsizing 

When their leases are up, the lessee can either renew the agreement or downsize into a more affordable asset or property. This adaptability is crucial for retirees who desire less expensive, more affordable alternatives.   

8) Fixed Rent Amount 

For the duration of the lease agreement, your lease payment will remain the same. Although owners may increase the rent without prior warning, knowing the monthly rent you must pay allows you to budget more effectively.

9) Reduced Insurance Costs

While owners must keep their insurance policy current, Leesse’s are required to keep their tenant’s insurance policy current. This insurance is far more affordable and covers almost everything possessed, including jewels, furnishings, and computers. 

10) Lower Utility Costs

Owning an asset—say a house or a car—means covering the utilities associated with the ownership. You’re responsible for the power bills, repair costs, car maintenance, etc. This cost may add up and cause you financial stress. When you lease, utility fees and obligations are the least of your worries.

What Are The Essential Obligations Of Lessors And Lessees?

The following is usually required of a lessor:

✔️ Repair and maintain the asset

✔️ Fix any flaws that are present

✔️ Take responsibility for everyday wear and tear on the asset

✔️ Make sure the lessee can peacefully enjoy the asset

A Lessee’s obligations often include the following:

✔️ Timely rent payment

✔️ Share of the asset’s expenses (which may include cleaning costs)

✔️ Keep the asset in a nice, clean state.

✔️ Allow the owner to inspect and maintain the asset

✔️ At the end of the lease, give up the asset following a specified condition.

What Happens If The Rented Assets Are Damaged?

If the asset is significantly damaged, the lease may be cancelled by either party with specific restrictions. If there is minor damage to the support, the owner can make repairs or end the lease. Unless the damage was brought on by the lessee, in which case the lessee typically forfeits the right to lease abatement, the lease would often be reduced (on a proportionate basis) until the asset is completely restored.

Who Is In Charge Of Maintaining Insurance On The Leased Asset?

In most cases, owners are in charge of ensuring the assets. However, the cost of this insurance is often added to the lessee’s monthly payment as a maintenance expense. For commercial leasing, the tenant is in charge of keeping insurance coverage for the leased property that covers their operation and possession of the property (such as public liability insurance and property insurance).

How Is A Lease Cancelled, And On What Grounds?

Owners often reserve the right to terminate a lease only in cases where the lessee has broken one or more key clauses. In addition, most leases include provisions that permit a party to end the agreement if the asset is damaged, destroyed, or reclaimed. Also, in the case of retail leases, some localities let the landlord get out of the lease if they want to tear down the building and build something new in its place. However, the landlord may only get a small amount of money for this, as long as these terms are made clear before the retail lease is signed and in the lease itself.

What Are Lease Termination Dates?

There are typically two potential end dates for leases: fixed term and automatic renewal. Fixed-term termination dates clearly indicate how long the lease will be in effect. At the lease’s expiration, both parties must agree to renew and either attach an addition to the lease that extends its duration or create a new lease. Unless the landlord or the tenant gives notice terminating the lease, an automatic renewal occurs perpetually.

What Is a Lease-to-Own Agreement?

Option-to-purchase or lease-to-own lease arrangements allow the lessee the choice to buy the asset at a set cost. Most of the time, the lessee gives the owner an option fee in exchange for the opportunity to buy the leased asset in the future. The owner keeps the option fee if the lessee chooses not to proceed with the purchase.

Luxury is Built-In, Not Tacked On—You Can Afford To Live Well 

“A lease is not only for the holiday season; it is for life.” Nevertheless, when considering acquiring an asset, Askfunding strongly advises you to research before deciding whether to buy or lease. 

You can use prequalification and rate comparison to crunch the figures and make a well-informed choice. Or perhaps, connect with one of our highly experienced and qualified financial advisors for guidance and expert tips on how to proceed. The ideal option for you ultimately relies on your preferences, financial situation, and capacity to handle future costs.