Well, in the case of renting, I'm currently renting a house that was originally bought when the housing prices were less than half of what they are now, so I'm

Well, in the case of renting, I'm currently renting a house that was originally bought when the housing prices were less than half of what they are now, so I'm indirectly paying only half the property tax that I would be paying if I were to buy the same house. Also, I personally know several people who buy houses and rent them for less than the mortgage, let alone all the other costs because they are hoping to make their money back on real estate appreciation.