i have a property degree and am a part owner of a large commercial real estate business. whilst i have the means, do not currently own a PPOR. since 2009 markets have been relatively stagnant. there is a paucity of evidence indicating annual increases of 5% (or 20% in that time period). I would suggest save some select areas, it doesnt exist. rentals have shown steady increases, however so have outgoings and yields have not markedly improved. there are significant tax advantages (and other non financial attributes) to owning a home. however if you bought in 2008/09, i'd suggest you'd be significantly worse off in a financial sense than renting. Also having the ability to purchase a property with cash is nice but for many unrealistic. longer term the charts don't lie, and property will generally increase, particularly in desirable areas. however a snapshot in time (say the preceding four years) have resulted in many people getting poorer whilst the banks have got richer
