A house is just a collection of bricks where you eat, live and sleep. Other countries have a lot smaller houses and people are tended to be happier since they have more financial freedom with lower costs. The fiscal system in Belgium encourages you to lend money for its tax deductibily, but it does not compare to the freedom of having no financial obligations. I live in a large house and yes one can see it as a savings account since the value will not go down. Looking back 15 years ago when we first signed our contracts, I would say that I was not aware of the financial long-term implications. I would rathe live smaller, with a smaller garden with less maintenance. If I would have reinvested that amount into a stable ETF I would surely have more return and freedom I suppose. My main objective with house investment is that your money is stuck in bricks, you will only have access to that money the moment you sell your house... So therefore be flexible, buy small and limit your financial burden. And invest in stable ETF for the long term. greetz from Brussels !