No matter where I go, buying real estate vs renting always seems bad deal. Here in Kenya u get/save 5% return (=rent) on inflation protected asset like luxurious flat I could buy instead of renting. Nice but in fast growing economy that's peanuts. I could buy poor man's land with 20% more yearly appreciation return, rent condo with less hassle & leave anytime. With mortgage rates at 13.5%, interest rate on savings of 8%, real inflation and condo appreciation estimate of 13%, mortgages are not that profitable, most people invest in real estate/ land with cash only. As mortgage interest rates continue to decline, population continues to grow, ofcourse real estate/land prices will continue to go up a lot over the next decades. Also talk about increasing socialist gov policies, the massive cheap labor available, and positive discrimination of whites. Enjoy ? PS: Do note that foreigners (still) cannot buy land so deals are always framed as 99 leases that are extended. A hurdle that seems to be overcome but another example of bad policy.