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Notes -
You usually can't actually do this; it only works in a few places and times. If you can see those times and places when they happen, go to town, but most people can't. Buying a house is still often a good investment but it's a rather ordinary one with the exception of the fact that it displaces a necessary expense.
My house has likely appreciated over $200,000 since I bought it in 2011. But I've put more than $100,000 into it outside of interest and taxes (which are not small either). It would be a loss if you didn't consider the fact that I get the use of it.
As for housing-as-investment requiring houses to become less affordable, no. It merely requires that any particular house grows in value in real terms. Housing-as-savings-vehicle doesn't even require that.
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