For my parents, the ability to sell up and move to a whole range of other places, and Independence from the state.
Also, Property ownership is in a wider sense the whole basis of modern economics.
(888777555, Mon 11 Jul 2011, 20:30, 1 reply, 14 years ago)

You do realise you can move to a whole range of other places and be independent from the state if you rent, yes?

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Mon 11 Jul 2011, 20:33, Reply)

And, I suppose, to gain equity.
Ultimately, when a mortgage is paid off, people just like the thought of owning a house.
It also gives more of an Incentive to make the house look nice and decorate, add a loft conversion, conservatory.
Go down any council estate and you can tell which are the private houses.
(888777555, Mon 11 Jul 2011, 20:38, Reply)