After renting for eight years, I've finally saved enough for a down payment, but I keep asking myself if buying a home in this market is still the right move. Prices have jumped 40% since 2019 in my city, while rents have only risen 15%. With mortgage rates around 7%, my monthly payment would be double my rent for a similar place — but at least I'd be building equity. Is homeownership still the smart financial goal, or is it just a cultural script we follow without questioning?