We are all emotionally connected to our homes. Some people live on the same land for their whole existence. Unfortunately, even though certain proprietors have access to acres and acres of land, they never do anything with it.

Regardless of the emotional value, homeowners should perceive these houses and apartments as financial assets, first and foremost. Extra profit from land can provide security not only to yourself but also to future generations.

In this article, we will review 5 ways to make a profit off of your home, apartment, or property.

1.   Use it for a reverse mortgage

We all know what mortgages are. However, a limited number of people are aware of reverse mortgages and how they can be used.

In the case of a regular mortgage, you pay monthly installments to gain ownership of a property. It is a type of loan where you vouch for the very property that you’ve acquired. In the case of a reverse mortgage, a homeowner receives a cash loan, paid through numerous installments, which is repaid with a property.

Reverse mortgage is great for retired people who are barely making ends meet. Upon signing a reverse mortgage contract, a financial institution will provide them with cash as long as they live. Once they pass away, the loan provider will take the house.

Although this type of loan carries certain risks (like all loans), it is one of the better ways of supporting yourself when you reach old age.

Keep in mind that not all reverse mortgage loans are the same. This is why you should always utilize tools such as reverse mortgage calculator to better understand the situation.

2.   Grow plants

People have always grown plants on their properties. Back in the day, they would grow vegetables and fruits, which would give them a cheap source of food. However, you can also grow flowers and houseplants.

No matter what you decide to grow on your property, you can make some serious money doing so. Urban agriculture has become much more common in the last few years, especially in rundown urban areas.

When growing plants, some people are satisfied with simply selling these babies to their neighbours and other local community members. However, you can scale the endeavor and create a really good business out of it with proper organization and marketing.

3.   Use your spare room for Airbnb

Airbnb has become extremely popular in the last few years. And to be honest, why would it? As airplane tickets become cheaper and cheaper, people are taking the opportunity to travel to other states and countries.

You can make lots of money every month by renting your apartment or spare room to tourists. Think about what’s great about your location, whether that’s a quiet local pub, a big city or a fantastic beach.

The best thing about Airbnb is that you don’t even have to vacate the apartment. You can just rent a room or two and cohabit with the travellers. This would allow you to learn more about foreign cultures and to meet some cool people along the way.

4.   Rent a parking space

Almost everyone drives a car nowadays – and life is unthinkable without one for many, especially in the UK and the US. Although having a vehicle will give you a lot of flexibility and is important for travelling from a to b, it is increasingly difficult to find affordable parking, especially in cities.

Finding a parking spot in downtown Cardiff or Swansea is almost impossible – but if you are in a prime area and don’t use your car park or garage in the day, why not consider renting out your driveway or garage to a commuter.

If you have a considerable amount of unused land in a central area, you could even think about creating a car park.  Great thing about these parking spaces is that you don’t require any maintenance. Unlike buildings, which need constant repairs and have expiration dates, a car parking area can theoretically remain the same even after 200 years. Furthermore, you can earn more from a parking area than you would from an apartment building.

As such, they are great for people who own land but don’t have enough money for a larger property investment or simply cannot get a loan.

5.   Run various businesses

You can always use your home to set up a business. In some cases, you can even get a tax deduction when doing so. Regardless, it is always cheaper and more efficient to run a small enterprise from your basement or garage than to rent an office space downtown.

Homeowners can use their houses for all sorts of stuff. You can do arts and crafts, or you can use it as a digital office. Some people even turn parts of their homes into stores (but make sure you check with your local planning department first).