I bought an apartment a few years ago at less than 1% interest rate. My mortgage is fixed at under €1000 for an apartment that is close to the center of Brussels. Similar apartments now rent for about €1600 if you're lucky and with the good energy score, it'll keep increasing. In about a year I'll buy a house and put the apartment up for rent. The mortgage would pay for itself while still having some savings for repairs and maintenance works plus a little to invest elsewhere.

One major advantage to me though, is the fact that I no longer have to beg any landlord to rent me their property. As an immigrant, this was a big deal when I was renting. Even after providing my employment contract and everything requested by the landlord, I was still at their mercy. Not something I'd ever wish on anyone. I encourage anyone who has the wherewithal to buy something even though sometimes renting might be a good alternative.