How Parents Can Help Their College Student Buy a Home in Auburn

College isn’t just about academics—it’s also a time when many parents look at smart housing alternatives for their children. If your student is attending Auburn University, buying a home instead of renting an apartment can be a wise investment for your family.

As a real estate expert in Auburn, I’ve helped many parents navigate this process. Whether you're buying to save on rent, create future equity, or invest in a rental for post-graduation income, here's what you need to know about buying a home for your college student.

1. Understand the Benefits of Buying Instead of Renting

While renting is often the default option, buying can offer several long-term benefits:

Save money on rent over the course of 4+ years
Build equity in a growing real estate market
Create rental income by leasing extra bedrooms to roommates
Secure a stable and safe living environment for your student

In a strong college town like Auburn, owning property can make financial sense—especially if you plan wisely.

2. Choose the Right Type of Property

When purchasing for a student, you want a home that is:

Close to campus or on a convenient transit route
Low maintenance, especially if your student isn’t handy
Safe and located in a good neighborhood
Sized appropriately, ideally with 2-4 bedrooms for roommate potential

Townhomes, condos, or small single-family homes are popular choices for college housing.

3. Consider Financing Options

Even if your student can’t qualify for a mortgage on their own, there are financing solutions that allow parents to help.

Options include:

Co-signing the loan with your child
Parent-owned mortgage where you retain full ownership
Kiddie condo loans, where the student lives in the home and the parent is a co-borrower

A local lender familiar with student housing in Auburn can help you explore what makes the most sense for your situation.

4. Know the Responsibilities of Ownership

Owning a home means handling things like repairs, property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues (if applicable). You’ll want to:

Set clear expectations with your student about care and maintenance
Decide who’s responsible for paying utilities and mortgage (student or parent)
Hire a local handyman or property manager for larger issues

If your child has roommates, be sure to outline rules and agreements up front to keep things running smoothly.

5. Think About Future Rental or Resale Value

Even if your child only lives in the home for a few years, it’s smart to consider how the property will perform in the future.

Ask yourself:

Is this neighborhood popular with students or professionals?
Is the home easy to maintain and rent out after graduation?
What are the long-term appreciation trends in this area?

A real estate agent with experience in Auburn’s student housing market can guide you toward properties with strong resale or rental potential.

6. Work With a Local Real Estate Expert

Buying real estate in a college town isn’t like buying just anywhere. You need someone who:

Understands Auburn’s student housing market
Knows which neighborhoods are best for safety, resale, and convenience
Can guide you through inspections, financing, and closing with confidence

That’s where I come in. I help parents like you find the right property for your child—while making sure it’s a smart investment for the future.

Ready to Explore Homeownership for Your Auburn Student?

Buying a home for your college student can offer comfort, financial advantages, and future returns. With the right planning, it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make during their college years.

Rozi Dover
Your Trusted Real Estate Expert in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama
Phone: +13346630077
Email: rozi@mindspring.com
Website: www.auburn-opelikahomes.com

Posted by Rozi Dover on May 27th, 2025