Should I buy or rent a home in Sri Lanka?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Sri Lanka, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...
"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Sri Lanka, it is important to consider your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans. Buying a home in Sri Lanka can be a great investment, as property values tend to appreciate over time. However, it is important to factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as the cost of a down payment and closing costs. Renting a home in Sri Lanka can be a more affordable option in the short-term, and it can also provide more flexibility if you are not sure how long you will be living in the country. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Sri Lanka should be based on your individual needs and preferences," said another expat in Sri Lanka.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Sri Lanka?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Sri Lanka?
- Will I be able to find a job in Sri Lanka?
- What is life like in Sri Lanka?
- What do expats in Sri Lanka appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Sri Lanka?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Sri Lanka accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Sri Lanka like?
- What are healthcare services like in Sri Lanka?
- What are medical services in Sri Lanka like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Sri Lanka?
- What are emergency services like in Sri Lanka?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Sri Lanka?
- How are local medical facilities in Sri Lanka?
- As a foreigner living in Sri Lanka, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Should I buy or rent a home in Sri Lanka?
If you live in Sri Lanka, newcomers to Sri Lanka would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


