Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who doesn't have a mortgage

[mumoffive]

I've never understood the "throwing money down the drain" thing, ok a house is an investment so you eventually get a return -hopefully- but how can you describe keeping a roof above your head as a waste if money lol?!

I desperately want to own but it just isn't right for us ATM, it's not as safe these days to jump into a mortgage as it used to be, we have to move a lot so could be risking negative equity.

I really agree with this! Its only really an investment when you die!!! or maybe if you wish to move from one property to another..and in the end, you dont know which way your circumtances may change too.
I am in my forties and i have lived in my council house for 23 years! In that time i have been lucky to have my windows replaced, central heating fitted and feel we have 'ownership' to a certain degree with it.
I dont tell people we rent, its noones business. I am happy that we dont have the uncertainty with jobs and a huge mortgage to worry about paying. When people talk about their mortgage, i dont say anything, i just let them talk. Really, the only thing that bothers me is that we could do with more space and that makes me sad but i have to just keep reminding myself of all the postitives about my house. I do know how you feel though..people have such negative attitudes about renting but it is very much the norm in other countries.