Fine, but they can still sell it for a lump sum and rent. Thus it truly is like retirement savings. Further, a mortgage uses other people's money as leverage o

Fine, but they can still sell it for a lump sum and rent. Thus it truly is like retirement savings. Further, a mortgage uses other people's money as leverage on an appreciating asset. Of course it's not always a great deal, but here in the states, inflation and low mortgage rates generally combine to make this a killer deal -- if you can actually get in the market at all that is.