What’s the best deal in college town?

Forbes reports.

The Pros and Cons of Buying A House In College

With thousands of students flocking to college towns later this summer and fall, a constant question arises in the minds of the financially savvy: should college students buy a house instead of renting? On one hand, it sounds like it could make a lot of financial sense. But on the other, beyond the affordability factor, should a young adult really tie themselves down with property?

Here are some of the main pros and cons of a college student buying a house, and options to help them get started if that’s the course you want to take.

Why College Students Should Buy A House In College

There are a lot of reasons why college students should buy a house in college, if they can afford it.

One of the biggest being that real estate, especially in college towns, can be a great investment. Diana George, founder of The Vault Realty Group, says “There are a lot of benefits to college students who are weighing the pros and cons of buying a home. College students can turn the home purchase into an investment and rent rooms to tenants to help pay for the mortgage so the burden doesn’t completely fall on their shoulders. In addition, it’s a tax write-off, can be used as a rental income in the future, or can be sold and upgraded to a nicer home after graduating from college and starting a career. In the Bay Area specifically, it often makes more sense to buy versus rent given that rent increases are outpacing home price gains. As the economy continues to improve, college students (and their parents) are realizing that they’re spending the same on rent as they would on an actual monthly mortgage.”