In Canada at least, homes that you live in are not subject to capital gains taxes. So if my home increases in value, it was a tax-free investment.
On top of this, I'm reducing my expenses. My rent used to go up every year, following inflation. My mortgage is a fixed amount, and I pay a very stable fixed amount of it every two weeks. Once inflation is factored in, I will pay less and less over time to live where I do.
Extra money you earn is taxed. Extra money you save isn't. When taxes are high, this factor is important.
Overall, I suspect I could make a bit more money investing and renting- but not all that much more. I consider the difference a little fee I pay to never have to deal with some shitty landlord again.
In Canada at least, homes that you live in are not subject to capital gains taxes. So if my home increases in value, it was a tax-free investment.
On top of this, I'm reducing my expenses. My rent used to go up every year, following inflation. My mortgage is a fixed amount, and I pay a very stable fixed amount of it every two weeks. Once inflation is factored in, I will pay less and less over time to live where I do.
Extra money you earn is taxed. Extra money you save isn't. When taxes are high, this factor is important.
Overall, I suspect I could make a bit more money investing and renting- but not all that much more. I consider the difference a little fee I pay to never have to deal with some shitty landlord again.