[kijin]

> Real rate of return on real estate is slightly positive in historical data.

How does this rate of return compare to prevailing interest rates from the same period?

[derekp7]

If the house is your primary residence, you also have to factor in how much typical rent would be. In many cases, you are able to finance a house for lower monthly payments (principal, interest, taxes) than rent on an apartment.

[throwaway99951]

>How does this rate of return compare to prevailing interest rates from the same period?

Sometimes higher, sometimes lower, depending on a million variables. Does that surprise you?

[brewdad]

If there are a million different variables, how can you "know" anything about whether an asset will appreciate or not?