" but many people (women mainly) place a very high prioity on actually owning and living in their own home. "
Not just women.
When you rent you are at the mercy of the Landlord. It would take me a month of Sundays to move all my collectibles (well, thats my word for useful junk) to another house if I were renting and had to move.
My view is still that of the great Aussie dream - live in a home that you own - every other investment after this is a bonus !
