Owning a house is a bit like owning a car. It’s needs maintenance and there are associated running costs (bills, tax, etc) which can impact any equity increase (which is also constantly depreciating in real terms thanks to inflation). Renting can offload a lot of that to the owner. It’s also the perfect way to “register” with the government. It’s why govs all want you to own a house and do their utmost to try and support the property “market”. That all said, like a car, it feels like yours, and provides you some freedom and stability. It’s not always clear-cut that one is better than the other. I guess the ultimate is owning the land and the house, in a low/zero tax country, that’s all powered with personal solar/wind/hydro and has its own water source and some arable land. And perhaps a bunker and no/very few neighbours. 

 Why do people talk about homes and mention that need maintenance? This is so obvious. Stop treating a home like an investment. Its a roof for your family.
Like why are you talking about equity? Lol 

 Because they degrade and fail over time. (Plumbing, electrics, windows, roof, damp, etc). But I agree. A roof over your head is important. But that can be either rent or own. And many countries don’t view it as an investment. It’s crazy in the UK and US where there’s an expectation that it will generate equity. (Demand high low supply etc). But I know in parts of Europe for example the price of the house has barely moved in a decade.