As you welcome your golden years, it becomes crucial to secure investments that will enable you to live comfortably. Despite expectations of a pension, Social Security benefits, and other forms of financial assistance, the reality is that these are often insufficient. Among the many investments you can consider is real estate.

Relatively low-risk, flexible, and profitable, real estate stands out as a popular—and perhaps even the best—option for retirees. To help you prepare for the future, we’ve compiled a few reasons why real estate is the key to achieving financial security during retirement.

Advantages of Real Estate as a Retirement Plan

Real estate is an effective way to mitigate financial uncertainties during your retirement years. Here’s why:

It Provides You with a Steady Source of Income

Real estate investments can provide you with a consistent income stream in the form of monthly rent. This is due to the ever-present demand for rental properties—particularly residential real estate—arising from people’s inherent need for housing.

As long as you choose your investment carefully, you can expect a consistent flow of income, which you can use to cover your living expenses. While a portion of your earnings will likely go toward operational costs such as repairs, it’s still an excellent way to support yourself while retired.

It Serves as a Passive Income Stream

Rental property investments have the potential to be passive income sources—means to earn money with little to no effort. Once your property is set up and occupied, your involvement is likely limited to simple tasks such as coordinating repairs. In contrast to being a business owner, passive real estate investing offers a more commitment-free approach while ensuring consistent cash.

Or, if you’d rather not be involved at all, you can collaborate with a property management team. They’ll oversee every facet of your rental property’s operations, from finding tenants to collecting rent, eliminating any participation on your part. Through this strategy, you can reap the rewards of real estate investing without any of the heavy lifting.

It Offers the Potential for Property Appreciation

Real estate’s value generally rises over time, particularly when situated in markets with a growing economy and population. Beyond its natural appreciation, there are also several strategies you can use to boost your investment’s value (also called forced appreciation) over time.

This anticipated rise in value offers the potential for substantial returns when you sell your property in the future, contributing an extra layer of security to your retirement plan. Moreover, a higher home value can positively influence your rental price, providing the opportunity to raise your rent to earn more monthly revenue.

It Allows You to Claim Tax Deductions

From maintenance to repairs, the costs of managing rental real estate can seem intimidating to many first-time investors. But despite these expenses, real estate remains a favorable investment due to the many tax deductions it offers. Claiming these write-offs not only lowers your taxable income but also increases your return on investment (ROI).

Suppose you’ve invested in a rental property in another state, requiring you to travel often to perform critical tasks like inspections. As long as your trip is strictly business (in other words, you aren’t taking side trips to theme parks), you may be able to deduct travel costs (e.g., airfare and accommodation) from your returns.

However, it’s important to note that tax laws are ever-evolving, and allowable write-offs vary by state. It’s advisable to consult with a real estate fund accounting team to identify which tax deductions you are eligible for.

It’s Anti-Inflation

In times of inflation, traditional investments like stocks and bonds tend to see a decline in value and real returns. In contrast, real estate investments are more resilient, maintaining their momentum over inflationary periods.

Not only does the value of real estate rise as construction costs increase, but rents tend to go up during inflation. As the cost of living increases and home prices go up, you’ll have the opportunity to charge your tenants more, contributing to a stable ROI despite the current economic conditions.

It’s Less Risky than Traditional Investments

While no investment is entirely free of risk, real estate is a relatively low-risk choice when compared to conventional options. Although it isn’t immune to periodic price fluctuations (driven by factors such as the economy, mortgage rates, etc.), real estate maintains a lower level of volatility, positioning it as an ideal choice for those seeking to build their wealth with minimal risk.

What sets real estate apart is its independence from the stock market, contributing to its stability. Additionally, as a tangible asset, its value is linked to physical factors such as the property’s condition. This reduces the risk of sudden price swings commonly associated with investments like stocks, which are often at the mercy of market sentiment.

It Offers the Flexibility to Tailor Your Investment Portfolio

Residential rentals may be the default choice for many retirees, but they may not be aligned with your specific goals. Fortunately, there’s no reason to restrict yourself to one property type. You have the freedom to explore a diverse range of real estate investments, from commercial spaces to short-term rentals, tailoring your portfolio to your preferences.

Real Estate as Your Retirement Plan

Retirement can be an exciting time, but it can also be daunting if you aren’t financially prepared. By investing in real estate, you can supplement your retirement income, ensuring you find financial stability well into your golden years. Through these investments, you not only address your immediate financial needs, but also pave the way for the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.