Leasing vs Buying a Portable Room: Which Option is Right for You?

Whether you’re setting up a home office, expanding your allied health practice, or creating a peaceful retreat for guests or family, a portable room offers a flexible, fast and functional space solution. But the question a lot of our customers have is…

Should they lease or buy their portable room?

If you ask us, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on your unique needs, timeframe and budget. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of leasing versus buying to help you make the right choice.

The Advantages of Buying a Portable Room

1. A Long-Term Investment

Buying a portable room is a smart move for those with long-term plans. If you know you’ll need the space for many years to come, whether for client sessions, family, or business, buying gives you complete control and ongoing use without ongoing payments.

2. Ability to Make Permanent Modifications

 From installing built-in storage to additional light fixtures or outdoor awnings, owning your portable room gives you the freedom to modify your space to suit your exact needs.

3. Asset Value

As a physical asset, your room retains resale or reuse value. You can sell it down the line, relocate it to a new property, or repurpose it as your needs change.

The Disadvantages of Buying

1. Higher Upfront Costs

Buying outright requires a larger initial investment, which may not be ideal if you're just starting a business or unsure how long you’ll need the space. If you're just getting a business off the ground, or unsure how long you'll need the room, it can feel like a big chunk to commit up front. 

2. Maintenance & Upkeep 

As the owner, you're responsible for all repairs, maintenance and insurance.

3. Storage When Not in Use

If your needs change or you relocate, you may need to find space to store your room or pay additional transport and removal costs.

4. Selling When No Longer Needed

Whether you’re moving or simply no longer have use for your room, selling it will be something to add to your to-do list – and we all know how painful the back and forth on Facebook Marketplace can be! 

The Advantages of Leasing a Portable Room

1. Try Before You Buy

Not sure if a portable therapy room or bedroom pod is the right solution? Leasing allows you to test the setup without a big commitment. Perfect for allied health professionals trialling home-based services or families who need short-term extra space.

We often get customers who want to "give it a crack" first, and renting is the perfect way to dip your toe in. We’ve had customers like Springs Medical rent out a few rooms, and four years later, they’re still loving them! So, it’s really down to you and how you utilise the space.

2. Lower Initial Costs 

Leasing gives you access to a fully equipped portable office or salon room for a fraction of the upfront cost. Payments are predictable and there's no large lump sum to manage, just a $500 deposit, which can go a long way to help manage your business’s cash flow. Plus – the rental cost of a room is a tax-deductible expense if you’re using it for a registered business!

3. Ideal for Short-Term Needs

Need space while renovating? Launching a business? Welcoming guests or clients for a specific timeframe? Hiring a portable room is ideal when you know your need is temporary or seasonal. 

We’ve supported families needing extra space during renos and beauty professionals, like RA Brows & Beauty, who only need their setup for 6 to 12 months before moving their business. Renting fits perfectly when you’ve got short-term plans. For larger customers, leasing also gives you the flexibility to scale up or down the number of rooms you need, without a long-term commitment. Or, you could be like our friends at Thrive Children’s Therapy, who have grown to have three rooms at their allied health practice over five years (and counting)!

4. You Always Have the Option of Buying Your Room

If you’ve opted to rent your room to test the waters and end up falling in love with it, you always have the option to purchase your room outright! We run a discounted purchase scheme for all our renters. For every month of rent you’ve paid, the purchase price of the room reduces by $200. Meaning if you choose to buy your room, you get approximately 25% of your rent back as a discount!

The Disadvantages of Leasing

1. Ongoing Costs

Leasing means you’ll pay recurring rental fees, and over a long period, these can add up to more than a purchase, depending on how long you keep your room.

2. Limited Modifications

Since you’re not the owner, you may not be able to make permanent structural changes, especially those involving plumbing or electrical upgrades.

3. No Equity

At the end of your lease, you return the room, unlike a purchased asset, there’s no residual value left with you.

So… Should You Lease or Buy?

Here's a quick guide based on your needs:

Whether you lease or buy, a portable room gives you the extra space you need, quickly, affordably and with minimal fuss. Room to Move offers both rental and purchase options, designed for comfort, functionality and fast delivery.

From beauty salons and backyard offices to home-based health consults or teenage retreats, our rooms are used across NSW and VIC in all kinds of ways. We're proud to support customers with flexible, Aussie-made spaces that just work.

Still deciding? Our team is here to help you weigh up your options and find the perfect fit.

Contact us to discuss your needs or explore our room options here.