If you are looking for a large investment, buying a house could be a great financial move. While the prices of homes and the interest rates on mortgages have risen dramatically in the past few years, there are still financial benefits to owning a home that could make it a very attractive investment. For starters, real estate is an appreciating asset, meaning it has the potential to increase in value over time. The key is to make sure you purchase a property that you intend to make improvements to or maintain well, taking into account things like location, the state of the neighborhood and other factors. With an appreciation-based investment, you have the potential to make a lot more money when you sell, as long as the market is favorable. By contrast, if you rent out a property, you are essentially investing your money into someone else's home, so there isn't a return on the investment. In addition to appreciation, owning a home can provide a steady source of income if you choose to rent it out. The rental income can either be used to supplement or replace your income or to offset the cost of ownership, such as mortgage payments, costs of renovations and other expenses. Buying a house can also provide security and stability. With ownership comes the stability of a fixed payment that will remain even if market conditions change. Renters may see their rent increase from one period to the next. Finally, buying a house has many tax benefits. Homeownership is associated with deductions and other tax credits. Depending on the property, you can deduct interest from a mortgage or get a tax break for energy-efficient improvements made to the home. In spite of the fact that prices and interest rates are at historic highs, buying a house can still be a financially beneficial option. With the potential to increase in value, provide rental income and offer tax breaks, it could be an attractive option for anyone looking for a substantial investment.