Good discussion. One point to remember is that there is a significant difference between owning a place you live and an investment property. I own 8 investment properties, but I rent based on my current situation (freuqent mover). Your personal residence is not much of an investment, more like a savings account, whereas investment property is a wonderful way to build wealth. If you are already rich, buying a nice house is fine. If you are trying to build wealth, you are better off keeping your living expenses low (could be buying or renting, depending on many factors) so you have money to invest.