During the GFC we lived in our 100% owned property. It didn't really concern us that housing the housing market was falling and our home was worth less. Some could say that we were living in ignorance as the value had fallen but was less obvious than the falls in shares that were more 'transparent 'as the price of shares was in black and white at any moment in time.
The reality was that we were aware the housing market was weak but we really didn't care, we didn't have to pay rent and had no intention or desire to sell and this is still the case.
Owning your own home has significant financial and emotional advantages.
We also had an investment property that was geared at the time, obviously this was down in value during the GFC. Again, we knew things go in cycles and it is well positioned, quality area and appropriately funded. This property caused no grief as it was bringing in good rent.
We had shares at the time and decided that it was time to pick up some quality shares near the bottom of the cycle. Since sold them at a good profit (but they are much higher in value now than when we sold them) and put the profits into property.
Along the way, small investments in the ASX casino on specs and have not done so well.
In the end, owning quality property that is well positioned and funded has been great for us. All through the GFC we slept well with very little stress.
The property market is hot where we live and invest, there is no question about it. This won't last and it is just part of a long term cycle. We accept this and just ride the waves over the years, no stress.
Those that invest in their own home and perhaps investment property are happy to do so and not pay rent and accept rental income from others. If it is undertaken with a level head it is part of a pretty good life.
Those that choose to pay rent or have no choice but to do so are in a very different position. For those that choose to pay rent justify it in various ways...good luck to them, but it seems looking at some of the posting here...it creates a great deal of emotion towards the ownership of property and the gains that have been made.
With so much emotion from some posters I would ask the question, "Is it really working for you? "
For me there is no emotion in it, choices were made, sacrifices in the early years and now it is a big yawn if the market goes up or down 10% or so.
Rent V Buy - If you have the money it is an easy decision for me.
Anyway, I will go back to reading the posts for a while and refrain from posting except from time to time as property is not exciting for me as it is just something that we own, it serves a purpose and nothing to get too excited about.
