> I do not intend to move for another 20-30 years regardless of work. I think people should take this view seriously... if you want to stay where you are for 30 years and are willing do that despite potentially limited career (and financial) opportunities...
Let's assume you're 30 by the time you're even ready to buy a house. At that point, in another 30 years there's a significant chance you'll be either dead or within 5-10 years of death. Essentially, what you're saying when you buy a house is that you don't intend to move ever again in your life. That's a pretty grave commitment.
It's a commitment I made happily. I've bought a house I love, near to both my family and my wife's family, in a nice neighbourhood, near a train station that gets me into London (for huge career flexibility and opportunity) in 35 minutes. I probably will move again one day, when the kids are out and we want to downsize, but if I was told I would never move again in my life I'd be entirely content.
Let's assume you're 30 by the time you're even ready to buy a house. At that point, in another 30 years there's a significant chance you'll be either dead or within 5-10 years of death. Essentially, what you're saying when you buy a house is that you don't intend to move ever again in your life. That's a pretty grave commitment.