There's other intangible benefits too. Buying a house is enforced saving. When people have money spare they typically spend it. If as the author suggests people

There's other intangible benefits too. Buying a house is enforced saving. When people have money spare they typically spend it. If as the author suggests people instead invest in the stock market there is constant temptation not to put the money in there in the first place or take the money out because you want to buy something shiny. You can use owning a home as a way of bringing stability. So instead of making plans for a year at a time you can make 5 year plans based on living where you are. However there's a quote from 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' [0] that your primary residence is a liability. So where as it makes sense to buy there's no point in buying a massive expensive house because it doesn't bring in any income. Buy one that fits your needs with possibly some minimum room for expansion. That's one of the further benefits of having bought - if you find the perfect area but your family expands you can modify the house that you're in and stay in exactly the same place. [0]: http://www.richdad.com/Resources/Rich-Dad-Financial-Education-Blog/april-2013/rich-dad-scam-6-your-house-is-an-asset.aspx http://www.richdad.com/Resources/Rich-Dad-Financial-Educatio...