I'm curious about this - I never owned my own house, I had the chance to buy when I was young but didn't want to be tied down, always wanted to be free of obligations - that's what renting can offer. I think much of what is observed in this study has as much to do with mindset, attitude and outlook as anything else. That said, I have my yacht now, I don't rent, I'm able to stay on moorings or pay to stay in a marina, I have options and choices and that suits my way of being more than renting or buying ever could have.
Discussion
Free spirit.
I have owned and rented depending on the situation. Owners have enjoyed the upside last 40 years or so where the governments have protected owners from the downside based on Keynesian economic theory, lowering interest rates and spending in down cycles lifting house prices.
The the dollar potentially going to zero and the option of Bitcoin, the real value of property will become apparent as savers and wage earners value is better recognized.
History rhymes but doesn’t repeat. Property is no longer as safe an investment.