For a lot of people, owning a house is not just a commitment but a dream come true! However, most dreams comes with a price and in this case, a purchase of a property is a long term financial commitment, especially for young working adults who are just stepping into the working world.

In big countries like the States, Europe, China and the rest of the world, people in major cities always relocate themselves from city to city, town to town, looking for fresh and new opportunities to advance their career. Therefore, it is definitely not practical to purchase a property whenever they relocate, right?

Let us not forget those who left their motherland to venture into other countries, whether to study or to work. They are also the ones who mostly made up the group who rent apartments, houses or just rooms from time to time.

Owning and purchasing, definitely has its differences. Both need the responsibility of the occupant. The distinct difference is that while renting, the occupant has the choice to remove himself anytime (within whichever leasing agreement with the owner), being an owner of a property cannot just 'up' and goes off.

Rental of a place is cost savings too for people with tight budget and still struggling.

I have a friend, Zoe, who is from Malaysia. Since 18 of age, she had left her home and came to work in Singapore. For the past few years, she has been relocating herself for at least 3 to 4 times. Once her lease is at an end, she would find a new location.

She has shared with me that renting a place has its pros and cons. As a factory girl, she earns only S$1,200.00 per month. Sending about S$400.00 of her salary back to her aging parents back in Penang, deducting S$150.00 for her rent, she still has S$650.00 to survive for that month. Which for a single woman who doesn't really spend is quite alright for her. Minusing her usual expense, she can still save a bit of money.

But living with a stranger is not an easy affair.

For people who is going to rent, here are some advice.

1) Check out the place yourself after your agent has shown you.
2) Do not be shy to bargain for a lower rent.
3) Ask some questions about the rules of the owner.
4) Be careful and read thoroughly when signing the lease agreement. When in doubt, ask.
5) Ask around the neighbours who live beside the tenant. Check out the character of the owner if possible.

For single ladies, it is best if you are able to locate a place where the owner is also a lady. That, is more for security reason.

Living away from home, leaving the usual security and dependence provided by the family, rentiing a place is like going for a training camp.

You start to know how to tidy up your room and at the same time....no more nagging from too concerned parents!

You would also learn (if you take the responsilbity to do so), how to maintain a house or a room. If you can take care of a stranger's house, you'll definitely do great for your own in the future!

I used to have a friend who lived in Italy who relocate his family from Rome to Milan and in the end went to Berne in Switzerland. To him, although it's a hassel to move after staying at one place for several years, his family and himself always see it as a great adventure.

To them, experiencing different culture and enjoying the different scenery each place has given them is some thing that money can't replace.

If you do not yet wish to be burdened by financial commitment because of a property, then by all means, rent it from someone else.

Learn more about this author, Nel Chong.
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