Buying a house versus renting is a polarising topic. The renters will show you the math of how renting saves you a lot of money over the long run. The buyers will tell you how a home is an appreciating asset and an emotional thing. I have been a buyer. I have bought 2 homes in the last 18 years (outgrew one to buy a bigger one). I have also rented for some time in Bangalore. I bought because of peer pressure and didn’t think too deeply about it. Finances and emotions aside, I think buying is convenient over the long run. You don’t have to worry about rising rent or the landlord asking you to move on. Finding and moving homes is stressful. If I am renting, I will probably not install an air conditioner or improve my home interiors. When I was renting, the water heater had reduced capacity. I had to finish my shower in 2 minutes before the cold water kicked in. My landlord was not inclined to replace it because there was a water heater that was functional. I didn’t want to replace it because I wasn’t sure if I want to pay for something that I can’t use after I move out. In other words, I was disincentivised to improve my quality of living. This is something that no spreadsheet will tell you. If you own something, it is easier spend money improving it and your quality of life. Money by itself is useless, until you make it useful by spending it.