The math for this ends up being extremely complex. The leverage is one part, and a big one. You have to account for closing costs (especially when selling), and

The math for this ends up being extremely complex. The leverage is one part, and a big one. You have to account for closing costs (especially when selling), and uncertainty around how long you'll stay. But you could theoretically rent it out. But as we've seen, some cities could keep an eviction moratorium going and that could be costly. Housing in some areas skyrocketed in values, but you could be buying a lemon since "no inspection contingency" is the norm in hot markets. Taxes and HoA fees can go up a fair bit too, and there's maintenance. There's a few psychological factors that don't factor in the math, like how you may do renovations that don't translate 1:1 to home value that you wouldn't do if you're renting. On the other hand, rent does go up, generally faster than property taxes. It's really a toss up based on a lot of variables, but generally, yeah, home ownership will come up ahead. Not always though. While if you invest in a total market index, you're main risk is the entire country tanking, it's different with a home. You're gambling on that ONE PARTICULAR HOME in one particular place. That's a lot riskier than an index fund. But you get to make holes in the walls without anyone yelling at you, and that's a big plus.