Build or buy? Why housing investors have to get it right

Self-delusion in the face of unpleasant facts is, indeed, folly. Yet in the raging debate on whether to build, buy or rent a house, we have shied away from facing the dark reservoirs of unpleasant facts that have subconsciously adulterated our judgement.

First, the inherent peddled idea that buying a house is immaculately and objectively superior to renting is profoundly incorrect. On the contrary, statistics and evidence point that the two may be economically equivalent in the long run. I’m hesitant to be persuaded that more home ownership is an indicator of a country’s economic and development growth, or that home owners are better citizens. Apologists of this theory who look to sway governments to enter the foray of providing houses constantly refer to Singapore.