properties tie you down for a very long time though.
Do they? My first purchase had me with a mortgage for 3 years. Two of the three groups I know well as renters, have been in their respective properties for 30+ years. One couple, closer to 50 years. If they moved, they'd be compelled to give up their 3 bed council house for a 1 bed council bungalow. If their pensions could no longer afford the council rent, they'd be the ones with no choice. But they've paid for their current home via rent, at least twice over. What have they to show for it? What legacy do they have for their children?
The third couple, are paying close to £1000 a month to a family friend in rent (so discounted) for a 2½ bed detached home in South Bedfordshire. It's their second rental in 6 years, having had to rely on the private sector for accommodation.
In my view, renting is okay for a couple of years, if there is no other choice. Beyond that, I think money used in renting, is a poor investment. Yes you get a roof over your head, but the rent money is spent, not invested. In a rising market, you don't need much more than two years to start accumulating some equity. After 5 years, likely your mortgage is cheaper than rent for a comparable property. After 10 years there is enough equity and likely savings (from lower overall costs) to allow an upgrade in location or size. This assumes continuous employment of course. It assumes no family breakups. But in these circumstances (hardship), living in private rented accomodation isn't going to be any more accessible either.
Renting is a different prospect in the US and in some European countries, but in the UK, the staggering demand for dwellings doesn't look like it's going to diminish any time soon, and demand = price increases. It's why I have suggested anyone who has managed to get on the housing ladder, should fight tooth and nail to stay on it. Price and interest rate increases, suggest someone getting off the ladder, may
never get back on.