Recently, I’ve seen a lot of talk about how people now can’t get on the property ladder and how they are going to be stuck renting forever.
I don’t see this as a problem. It seems to be a purely British obsession to own land and/or property.
People in mainland Europe don’t seem to have the same compulsion. There are, in my opinion, many advantages to never rooting yourself to one place and peace of mind knowing that you can always move if your life demands it for whatever reason.
It seems to be the ultimate materialistic desire. I know people invest because they want something to show for their money or the pretence of creating a home.
However, I don’t seem to have this urge, especially not with the economic climate the way it is. Why does anyone have to own a house if they are happy to rent?
What about those people who want to invest their money in holidays and time with the people they care about? I’m not saying the two are mutually exclusive but everyone values different things.
Also, I have no desire to buy somewhere under the pretence that once it is mine, I will feel home. Bricks and mortar can’t do that. I feel most at home surrounded by the people I love and care about and wherever that is, I don’t need to own it.
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