True, but with owning the property I have equity in addition to the value increase. Where I live monthly leases tend to be more expensive than what I pay per m

True, but with owning the property I have equity in addition to the value increase. Where I live monthly leases tend to be more expensive than what I pay per month for mortgage and taxes which would also be a loss. That said there is money to be made mortgaging residential real estate and leasing it out. The only loss to ownership is that you are less portable. It takes more time and money to relocate.