In fact why on earth would you want to be a owner-occupier when if it is a investment property the Commonwealth pays half the mortgage for you via negative gearing.
Plenty of reasons. Negative gearing is just a mechanism of reducing your tax. You could just as easily reduce your tax investing through SMSF schemes. Even if your are only paying half your mortgage that can still add up to alot of money you are just giving away to the banks over the lifetime of the loan. How much extra cash in your pocket if you'd actually bought the property outright with no loan?
Also if you are not an owner occupier but renting instead, there are inherent disadvantages in lifestyle. Ever been kicked out of a rental at short notice by an owner because they have decided to sell? etc etc
