I think you think that because buying (rather than renting) is not traditionally that common in German/Austrian cities. In other countries it's perfectly expect

I think you think that because buying (rather than renting) is not traditionally that common in German/Austrian cities. In other countries it's perfectly expected that you take a mortgage for 30+ years if you buy a house, it's the same* as paying rent for 30 years except you get to own the house at the end * i know it's not exactly the same, e.g. you need a downpayment and you have to pay for maintaining the house but it's not like you wouldn't have had to pay rent the same 30+ years had you rented instead of bought.