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If you compare the cost of a mortgage, and a rent, they are very similar in Poland. So after 30 years you can sell the flat/house and you will get half of that money back. It's better than nothing.

Half, because usually the total mortgage cost for 30 years is about 100%.

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In Portugal renting is more expensive then the cost of a mortgage due to tenant ultra-protective laws. Landlords are literally afraid to rent. Economically this is a disaster.

Is that mortage cost in real terms? If interest rates are close to appreciation rate, you might break even in real terms (apart from tax/maintenance costs).

That's what I saw in simulations for a 30 year mortgage shown by multiple banks. The amount of what I'd pay was twice the house cost. The interest rate was then around 3-4%, the appreciation rate about 2%, if I remember correctly.

So generally 100% more is a lot. However after 30 years you can sell the house, and what you get is still much more than renting, when you get nothing at the end.

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