If you’re renting in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, or Westlake Village, you’ve probably wondered:

“Does it actually make more sense to keep renting… or should we look at buying?”

Rent feels easier at first. No large down payment. No maintenance. No long-term commitment.

But then the rent increases. Again.

And suddenly flexibility starts to feel expensive — especially when you’re building zero equity in a market like Conejo Valley.

National Data Shows a Shift

According to ATTOM, owning a home is now more affordable than renting a 3-bedroom home in 57.7% of U.S. counties.

That includes insurance and typical maintenance costs.

Slower home price growth, improving inventory, and stabilizing mortgage rates are shifting affordability in favor of buyers in many areas.

But here’s what really matters:

What does that look like in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, and Newbury Park?

What Renting vs. Buying Looks Like in Conejo Valley

In many parts of Conejo Valley:

• 3-bedroom rentals in Westlake Village often range from $4,000–$6,000+ per month

• Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park rentals remain competitive due to strong school districts

• Agoura Hills inventory keeps both rental and purchase prices tight

When you compare that to potential mortgage payments — especially with smart structuring and negotiation — the difference may not be as dramatic as headlines suggest.

And unlike rent, a mortgage builds equity in communities that historically hold value well.

Markets like:

• North Ranch

• First Neighborhood

• Dos Vientos

• Lang Ranch

• Morrison Ranch

have shown long-term resilience because of lifestyle appeal, schools, and location.

Why the West Still Feels Competitive

Nationally, the Midwest and South show the biggest affordability shift.

The West, including Southern California and Ventura County, still feels competitive.

But competitive doesn’t mean impossible.

It means strategy matters.

• The right price point

• The right neighborhood

• The right loan program

• The right negotiation approach

This is where hyper-local experience makes a difference.

At Lydia Gable Realty Group, we analyze the numbers specific to Conejo Valley — not national averages — so buyers understand what’s realistic for their situation.

The Biggest Barrier: Upfront Costs

For many renters in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills, the challenge isn’t the monthly payment.

It’s the down payment. But there are thousands of down payment assistance programs available nationwide. Many buyers qualify without realizing it.

The average benefit? Roughly $18,000.

That kind of support can reduce upfront cash significantly — especially when combined with seller credits or rate buydowns.

In today’s Conejo Valley real estate market, structure and negotiation matter more than ever.

Renting Isn’t Automatically the Safer Choice

Renting offers short-term flexibility.

Owning offers long-term leverage.

If you’re planning to stay in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, or Agoura Hills for several years, building equity can dramatically impact your financial position over time.

The goal isn’t to rush into buying. It’s clarity.

If you’re curious how the numbers look for your specific situation in Conejo Valley, a simple conversation can help you understand your options.

You can reach Lydia Gable Realty Group at (818) 383-4335 to run local numbers and explore what’s possible in today’s market.

No pressure. Just real data based on where you live.