Being tired of paying rent to pay off someone's mortgage, tired of interfering landlords, or just want the security of owning their own home is what most people will say when asked why they are buying a home. Not many mention the investment side of real estate, yet this should be your main reason for purchasing a property.

Generally, homes appreciate by about five percent per year. The neighborhood, economic trends, and region is where this may depend on. It always comes up again even if it goes down sometimes. Earning a similar return over time to that of a home is a safe investment such as treasury bills or bonds and in investment terms, stocks may appreciate more at times.

Because your mortgage and property taxes are tax deductible, most of your costs are subsidized. Based on the amount you put down, your down payment can earn as much as 25% but keep in mind that your appreciation will be based on the amount you paid for your house. It does represent a good return on investment by most standards although it doesn't include your mortgage payments and other expenses. Over time, that return on investment grows as you pay off your loan until eventually the loan is paid off.

Before rushing out and buying a home, bear in mind that sometimes, investing in a property is not a good idea. You do not want to buy a home for the wrong reasons, or at the wrong time and end up having to sell it too quickly, as that will result in you losing out on the appreciation and return on your investment described above. If you sell too soon, your profit may not even cover the cost and commissions you will be liable for.

Moving into a new region, country, or area doesn't mean you should rush into buying a new home. Instead, rent for a while so you can familiarise yourself with different suburbs, the amenities you want to live close to, and the real estate market in the area. Waiting a while before buying will also help you settle into your new job and gain some financial stability in the area – a good reputation with the local bank can help you get a mortgage when you are ready to buy a property.

Before you buy a home, it is best to wait until you have a good credit record and some kind of history with a financial institution if you're entering the work force for the first time, new to the job market, or a college graduate. There may be times when your job is not secure, such as expecting a promotion that may involved relocation or your company announced plans to restructure in which case you need to wait until the situation is stabilized before looking at investing in property.

A good, stable long-term investment is buying a home. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, but the returns can be considerable. Helping you reap the benefits and make a good profit when it's time to sell is buying at the right time, both in terms of your personal circumstances and the real estate market.

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