I don't consider a house as an investment, but I always do my due diligence as to rent versus buy when comparing shelter expenses. Having served in the military with many moves over 20 plus years of service, I found sometimes it's best to buy, and sometimes it's best to rent. The bottom line is your family needs "shelter' and it's not always 'black-or-white' as to whether owning or renting is best. Looking back over the past 50 years of renting versus buying; owning a house has proved to be the best deal 'for me' financially. That said, when I purchased a house, it was always with the intent of reselling it with minimum losses, versus a 'dream-house' purchase. Only once did my spouse and I fall in love with a 'dream' house, and that cost us dearly at resale.
Twelve years before my second retirement, I looked for the cheapest house I could find, but in the best location. My lakefront home value has now increased at least five fold, and will easily cover all assisted and long term care expenses in a high end facility if our nest egg should disappear.
Twelve years before my second retirement, I looked for the cheapest house I could find, but in the best location. My lakefront home value has now increased at least five fold, and will easily cover all assisted and long term care expenses in a high end facility if our nest egg should disappear.