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Lease vs. Buy vs. Build — What’s the
Smartest Move for Property Owners?
A side-by-side breakdown of cost, speed, risk, and return.
COMPARISON CHART
Category | LEASE a Luxe Pod
(24-Month Program) | BUY a Luxe Pod
Outright | BUILD a
Traditional Cabin |
|---|---|---|---|
Upfront Cost | $0 (+Padsite) | $99,900 – $199,900+ | $150,000 – $350,000+ |
Timeline to Launch | 4–8 weeks | 4–8 weeks | 9–18 months |
Financing Needed | None | Optional (loan/line of credit) | Required (construction loan) |
Monthly Payment | Fixed lease payment | Loan payment (if financed) | Loan payments + construction draws |
Revenue Potential | $4,000 – $8,500+ net
monthly | $4,000 – $8,500+ net monthly | $1,500 – $5,500+ net monthly |
Risk Level | Low | Medium | High |
Permitting | Minimal | Minimal | Heavy workload |
Site Prep Cost | Low (pad + utilities) | Low (pad + utilities) | High (foundation + utilities) |
Maintenance Burden | Low (quarterly inspection support) | Medium | High |
Design/Construction
Delays | None | None | Common |
Asset Ownership | Investor owns pod | You own the pod | You own the building |
Flexibility | High (relocate, upgrade, return after 24 months) | High | Low (permanent structure) |
Impact on Credit/Debt | No impact | Adds debt if financed | Adds significant
debt |
Exit Options | Return / renew /
relocate | Sell / refinance | Sell property only |
Cash Flow to Start | Immediate | Immediate after install | 12–18 months later |
Best For | New operators, landowners, low-risk expansion | Experienced operators & long-term holds | Long-term legacy builds |
Why Lease? (Fastest + Lowest Risk)
If you want to add units now without spending $25k+ or taking on debt, leasing is the easy
choice.
You get a luxury pod earning income with zero capital outlay.
Why Buy? (Higher Profit Margin)
Buying your pod increases long-term cash flow and builds equity.
Great for operators with cash in hand or access to light financing.
Why Build? (Legacy Option)
Traditional construction is for owners wanting permanent structures and long-term legacy
builds…but it’s the slowest, riskiest, and most expensive option.
Want a Customized Projection for Your
Property?
We’ll calculate your 24-month lease profitability and compare it to buying or building based on
your land.
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