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AIBU?

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Original poster

The UK’s default “property over everything” investment culture feels unhealthy

35 replies

ByMildEditor · 15/05/2026 22:17

It sometimes feels like property is treated as the default way to build wealth, rather than one option among many - ahead of things like investing in businesses, the stock market or other ventures that don’t rely on extracting income from people’s housing costs. I understand the arguments about stability, tangibility and why people choose it. I also understand the “what happens to renters if landlords sell up” point. But I still find it troubling how normalised it is for housing - an essential, to be used as a primary income-generating asset, especially when the consequences for renters are so significant.

AIBU to feel that the UK’s bricks-and-mortar obsession has downsides we don’t talk about honestly enough?

OP posts:
Sunseed · 16/05/2026 08:42

I think there is also, for some people, a comfort in investing in something they can see and touch, and is directly under their control, in a way that stocks and shares aren't.

And for some it is the case that they more easily understand property as an asset class, especially if they already own their own home, but the stock market may be a more mysterious beast. Don't invest in something you don't understand.

Bryonyberries · 16/05/2026 08:35

Developers of new housing are also making huge profits. Affordable housing really isn’t affordable for some of the tiny houses for sale and then they add service charges on top of the purchase price.

LoremIpsumCici · 15/05/2026 23:57

WeAreNotOk · 15/05/2026 22:33

I agree with the pp regarding people buying from abroad. However, if a UK based landlord buys a property, it's put on the rental market, most likely done up before hand. They don't get a discount so they aren't depriving anyone else of buying it. Sellers don't discriminate, they just sell to the highest bidder.

Their presence increases competition amongst buyers and drives up prices. So yes landlords massing portfolios of multiple properties are depriving primary home house buyers of houses at more reasonable prices.

Chiachomp · 15/05/2026 23:34

How will property make money in the future when the population is dropping like a stone? We’ll need far far fewer houses.

MsGreying · 15/05/2026 22:51

ByMildEditor · 15/05/2026 22:17

It sometimes feels like property is treated as the default way to build wealth, rather than one option among many - ahead of things like investing in businesses, the stock market or other ventures that don’t rely on extracting income from people’s housing costs. I understand the arguments about stability, tangibility and why people choose it. I also understand the “what happens to renters if landlords sell up” point. But I still find it troubling how normalised it is for housing - an essential, to be used as a primary income-generating asset, especially when the consequences for renters are so significant.

AIBU to feel that the UK’s bricks-and-mortar obsession has downsides we don’t talk about honestly enough?

Give me a nice 10% on a regular savings account and I'd not have money in property.

I moved to property when interest on my savings went below 8%.

WeAreNotOk · 15/05/2026 22:39

Property will make you money. A lot of people pay more in rent than people pay for a mortgage. Five years in a rental, you have nothing to show. The same with a mortgage and you've likely got £5K profit, if not more, depending on the market.

WeAreNotOk · 15/05/2026 22:33

I agree with the pp regarding people buying from abroad. However, if a UK based landlord buys a property, it's put on the rental market, most likely done up before hand. They don't get a discount so they aren't depriving anyone else of buying it. Sellers don't discriminate, they just sell to the highest bidder.

inmyhair · 15/05/2026 22:29

YABU I think most people understand that those days are gone now and property prices are and have been for the past 20 years much more stable and much less likely to rocket in price.

WeAreNotOk · 15/05/2026 22:27

I honestly don't think there is any other way to make money than to invest in property. If you had enough money to invest in stocks/shares then that could create profit but it's not a given.
Housing is always going to be a high asset. No brainer.

LoremIpsumCici · 15/05/2026 22:26

Yanbu. I think we should be charging a 100% stamp duty tax on second homes or property bought by people living abroad regardless of citizenship. Housing is an essential and so buying housing as part of a portfolio rather than to live in it should be heavily discouraged.

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