Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and in 2026, it’s also one of the most confusing.

High property prices, rising interest rates, and increasing rents leave many Christians asking: should we buy now, or wait? 

First, it’s important to understand that the Bible doesn’t command home ownership. Some people in Scripture owned land, others lived simply, and both paths are affirmed as long as we practice good stewardship. The key question isn’t whether to buy a home, but whether we can do so faithfully with what God has entrusted to us. 

Why Home Buying Feels Stressful 

Buying a home often comes with pressure, emotion, and identity. Couples may fall in love with a property, worry about taking on large debt, or feel influenced by family or social expectations. Add rising mortgage rates and long-term financial commitments, and the decision can feel overwhelming. 

How Christians Should Approach the Decision

1.Assess Financial Margin 
Before buying, evaluate whether you have sufficient financial margin to cover mortgage repayments, even if rates rise. Consider future changes, like children or career transitions. 

2.Think Long-Term 
Homeownership is a big commitment. Plan for the long term, rather than buying quickly or moving every few years. Consider equity growth, retirement, and the cost of moving. 

3.Include Faith in the Decision 
Ask how buying will impact your generosity, your marriage, and your family. Ensure your decision aligns with God’s guidance and isn’t driven by fear, social pressure, or emotion. 

4.Check Your Stability 
It’s wise to have a stable income, emergency savings, and manageable debt before buying. This ensures your mortgage won’t consume all your resources, allowing you to save, give, and live generously. 

5.Seek Counsel and Pray 
Take time to plan carefully. Pray individually and, if married, together. Discuss possible scenarios like job loss, expanding your family, or unexpected expenses. Thoughtful planning is a form of faithful stewardship. 

When Waiting Might Be the Wise Choice

Waiting to buy is not passive; it can be an act of wisdom. Saving for a larger deposit, reducing debt, or increasing financial stability can make homeownership less stressful and more sustainable. Waiting allows you to decide that honors God and protects your family. 

Final Thoughts

There is no rush, and God values wisdom over speed. Homeownership can be a blessing, but it must be approached thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with careful planning. Whether you buy in 2026 or later, including God in the decision ensures it aligns with faith, family, and financial stewardship. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Buying 

Does the Bible require Christians to own a home? No. Scripture affirms stewardship, not ownership. Whether you rent or buy, the goal is to manage God’s resources faithfully. 

How can I know if it’s the right time to buy? Evaluate your finances, debt, income stability, and emergency savings. Consider long-term goals, family needs, and the impact on generosity. 

Is waiting a bad decision? Not at all. Waiting can be wise. Saving for a larger deposit or reducing debt allows you to buy with margin and peace of mind. 

How should faith guide the decision? Include God through prayer, seek counsel, and consider how the choice affects your marriage, family, and generosity. 

What practical steps should I take before buying? Create a detailed financial plan, account for future life changes, and ensure you have enough margin to cover expenses without stress. 

Article supplied with thanks to Wealth with Purpose.

About the Author: Alex is a licensed financial planner and the founder of Wealth with Purpose a Stewardship Ministry that helps Christians handle their money God’s way.

Feature image: Canva

Renovating your home can be exciting. But if you’re considering taking on a project as an owner builder, there’s a lot to think about.

What Is an Owner Builder?

If you’re planning to spend over $20,000 on renovations, you usually need a registered builder. But there’s a catch. “If it’s your own home, you can apply to be an owner builder,” explains Designer Builder Vance Thompson. “You do a course, apply through the Builders Registration Board, and submit your plans to council.”

That gives you permission to manage the project yourself. But there are restrictions. “You can only do owner builder work once every three years, and you have to live in the home for seven years,” says Vance.

This rule stops people from flipping houses for profit without being registered.

When Do You Need a Permit?

If your project is minor, like a kitchen or bathroom refresh, you may not need a permit. “If there’s nothing structural, no permits,” Vance clarifies. “But anything bigger needs council approval.” That’s where the owner builder pathway starts to look a little more complex.

Start With a Plan

Before you dive in, Vance suggests starting with a clear plan. “Get some drawings done and collect quotes from builders. You need to know if you’ll actually save money.”

He warns that juggling trades and managing timelines can become overwhelming, especially if you’re working full-time. “I’ve seen friends stuck in a ‘one-year’ reno that’s lasted several years,” he says. “The stress is real.”

Top Tips (and Warnings)

When Vance asked his friend, who’s still stuck in a drawn-out reno, for advice, the answer was brutally honest: “His top three tips were: Don’t do it, don’t do it, and don’t do it,” Vance laughs.

Here are a few real considerations:

• Do you have time to manage the trades?
• Can you live in a construction site for months?
• Will you truly save money after factoring in time and stress?

The Middle Ground: Partial DIY

Some people split the difference. “One time we hired a builder but handled one trade ourselves,” Vance says. “If you’re an electrician, for example, you can do that part.”

This approach gives you some savings without taking on the full load.

Don’t Be Fooled by Renovation Shows

Renovation TV shows may be fun to watch, but they set unrealistic expectations. “These shows wrap things up in an hour. Real-life renos take months, sometimes years,” Vance warns. “It’s hard work.”

Hidden Paperwork and Extra Costs

The admin side of a reno can also catch people off guard. “There’s planning approvals, building permits, insurance, bushfire assessments it adds up fast,” Vance says.

And even if you’re exempt from doing the course because of your trade or qualifications, you still have to file the paperwork.

What to Bring to Your Drafting Appointment

Before you sit down with someone like Vance to design your reno:

• Have a clear idea of what you want.
• Prepare a rough sketch of your vision.
• Understand your property’s limits and any council restrictions.

“You don’t need a full design, but show me what you’re thinking,” says Vance. “That helps a lot.”

Final Thoughts

Being an owner builder can save money, but only if you go in with open eyes. Do the research. Understand the workload. Plan carefully.

“At the end of the day, your time, family, and sanity are more important,” Vance says. “Make sure it’s worth it.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva