Assume, for a moment, a situation where buying is more expensive for the first five years, but then becomes cheaper (as rents rise, but the amount you repay on

Assume, for a moment, a situation where buying is more expensive for the first five years, but then becomes cheaper (as rents rise, but the amount you repay on the mortgage stays static). In that situation people buying to rent will make a profit after about ten years. It's therefore not worth it for the short term. Also, buyers are responsible for maintenance on the building, and for some maintenance, which renters aren't. So there are trade offs. (Also, a landlord has to find renters, deal with some of them not paying, invest time and effort into managing their small business, etc)