[bootcode]

I didn't do the math, but know people who did and got that the initial deposit is a real game changer.

Assuming we pay the same for mortgage and rent, who wouldn't want to pay rather mortgage?

But remember, to pay the same, there was a huge downpayment. If you were to invest that rationally, long term returns could be worth it, even while paying rent.

OTOH, rational investing (in a balanced fund portfolio) is hard, and mortgage forces you to save.

YMMV, do your math.

[gambiting]

There's lots of other factors to take into account though. I guess I was really unlucky, and had to move relatively frequently in the last 8 years(on average once a year) - the cost of moving is easily £1500-2000, just in agency fees and moving fees and everything else. That makes renting even more expensive.

And then I definitely want to own my house before brexit, as an immigrant I will not risk not being able to rent if things go tits up.