Property ownership is always the easy target for economists to criticise when they want to compare it to other investments available to the public and although investments in listed shares, commodities and various financial instruments do have their place for future financial security, nothing beats the benefits of having a home of your own.
A home is more than a pure investment. It is a place where we create families and childhood memories. It is a warm place filled with love, guidance and safety for those dearest to us. It is a nest from which we launch our dreams and aspirations but also a place to come back, to perhaps nurture a wound or two and take a little rest before we tackle the challenges of life once again.
No ‘return on investment’ as championed by economists can compare to that of the feeling of relevance and love that we provide our families with in our very own homes.
Over the years and as we create these treasured family memories, it is comforting to know that our home will appreciate in financial value as well so home ownership really is a case of ‘having your cake and eating it’.