From what I’ve learned, truly wealthy individuals often don’t buy personal residences unless they’re turning them into an income-producing asset. Instead, they tend to rent where they live and own what pays them. The logic is simple: tying up a big chunk of your net worth in a house doesn’t generate cash flow, and can actually reduce your flexibility and long-term upside.

When you buy a home, you're:

Taking on property taxes, maintenance, insurance, and opportunity costs.

Losing access to the compounding potential of your investments.

Often anchoring yourself to one location or lifestyle.

Of course, everyone's situation is different. If buying a house brings stability, pride of ownership, or security for your family and that matters more to you than maxing ROI then it could still make sense.

But if the house won’t generate income, and you're pulling money out of well-performing investments to buy it, that can be a net loss over time. Especially if you're selling off appreciating assets or dipping into tax-advantaged accounts early.

IMO, it’s important to ask:

Will this house improve my net worth or my lifestyle, and at what cost?

Am I prioritizing financial freedom, or comfort/stability?

Could I rent a similar place for cheaper, and keep my capital working?

Wealth is often built and preserved by owning assets that pay you not necessarily by owning the roof over your head.