Isn't the appreciation category pretty much the inflation (along with taking into account changes in the market)?
Homeownership. . .I guess I like the idea that if I could be paying the same amount (or possibly a little more) per month on a mortgage as I do for rent, being able to get some it back would be nice. Plus there's also the getting back some of the interest through taxes, isn't there?
In the end, though. . .I like the idea of eventually paying off the mortgage & not have to worry about rent. . .just taxes, possibly fees and maintenance. Not sure what I think about putting on additions to a home, though. . .why not just buy a new one?