In many parts of the US we pay property tax. Over the course of the mortgage, you can easily pay 150k-300k in taxes. Then add on to it, interest on the loan, and you are underwater on the house's value. A 500k house has to be worth more than double by the time you sell to break even. Plus the property taxes follow the house value up and don't stop after the house is paid off. Taxes and interest can be a deal killer. The better investment is bitcoin in my book.