Transaction overheads are generally not that significant over any realistic period of ownership (5+ years). The OP's situation was a not expensive house in a no

Transaction overheads are generally not that significant over any realistic period of ownership (5+ years). The OP's situation was a not expensive house in a not expensive area over a negligible period did not appreciate sufficiently to cover overheads. That is not surprising. Philosophically the real cost is that you become a sitting duck target for taxation, theft, etc. The asset is also highly subject to external effects, such as regulatory change. This is not something you have control over, and can greatly alter valuation. Given the low returns plus high risk profile plus high capital input, it is generally fiscally smarter to have money in the stock market and rent. However, on the plus side owning a house means investing in subtle aspects of your environment becomes possible: things like gardening, workshops supporting your interests, or infrastructure projects toward self sufficiency. These can be some of the most rewarding parts of life. Ideally, if you can stand debt-free at a certain age and have self-sufficiency and passive income, with kids grown up and moved out, then you are well placed to relax. Renting ... good luck. Nothing is easy.