Agreements that allow individuals to lease a property with an option to purchase it at a later date are available in certain locales. These arrangements typically involve an initial lease period during which the tenant pays rent, with a portion of each payment potentially contributing toward the eventual purchase price. For example, a family might lease a house under such an agreement, with a pre-determined percentage of their monthly rent accumulating as credit toward a down payment should they choose to exercise their option to buy the property at the end of the lease term.
These arrangements can offer a pathway to homeownership for individuals who may not currently qualify for a traditional mortgage. They can provide time to improve credit scores, save for a down payment, or otherwise prepare for the financial responsibilities of owning real estate. Historically, such agreements have served as an alternative route to property acquisition, particularly in markets with fluctuating housing prices or for individuals facing specific financial challenges.