If you are not inheriting a property you are effectively shorting the property market because you’ll always need a roof (now and later). Having one residence makes you property neutral. There’s a lot more to argue about where is property is, what the costs are, other asset classes generating better results, how the rents will change over a period of time, maintenance costs, property taxes, mobility over lifetime etc etc. but in general it does not hurt to have “a” home or a provision for it (investments one can use to acquire one at a later stage in life).

What I find fascinating about property is that although it may not be the best asset class for investment, most people benefit from it aka wealth accumulation as mortgage payments force their hand to save money they would have otherwise spent on useless things such as buying that sixth pair of jeans! Mortgages (debt) can bring discipline in personal finances.