In addition, you get countries like the UK where renting is very precarious. You might be forced to move every year, after a year your landlord can turf you ou

In addition, you get countries like the UK where renting is very precarious. You might be forced to move every year, after a year your landlord can turf you out with only a few months' notice, you aren't allowed to modify the house in any way even putting a picture-hook into the wall or redecorating a room, etc. Since most people cannot afford to buy a house outright, a mortgage is necessary to avoid this.