The equity you build is offset by the fact owning a home costs about $400/month more than renting. For example, a condo similar to the loft I rent is about $140k. Monthly costs to have said condo is about $1365 if you include utilities, taxes, interest, condo fees. (I was in the market so I know my numbers on this).
Instead, I decided to rent a loft that costs me about $900/month including utilities and renters insurance. I take that $350/month I'm saving by renting and investing it. In five years, my mutual fund will be around $25,000.
Can you guarantee that the condo would make me $25k profit in that same time ?