Do we need a house price crash?

The US and UK obsession with home ownership [....]

There is one clear advantage in the US of owning vs. renting: in the US you can write off part of your mortgage but can't write off a cent of your rent.

I know the rules are different in the UK, but worth mentioning here because I think it's part of the reason for the 'obsession' with owning a home in the US.

About two years ago we were between homes and therefore rented an apartment. In some ways it was OK. No weekend maintenance to do. The downside was it was like being in a chicken cage-you could only walk so far from wall to another. The rent would go up every 6 months. Also, we would get notices, from the apartment managers, that there would be an inspection of the unit for one thing or another. They were constantly asking for free access to the unit when we weren't there and we didn't like that.
The rules were getting to me. Example. We will no longer sign for deliveries, ex.
There was a case of ASB, knifing. Las Vegas??
So we are back in a house with an endless list of things to be done. We do prefer home ownership though.
I agree with the forum that there is something to be said for both types of living.
MTCW

There is one clear advantage in the US of owning vs. renting: in the US you can write off part of your mortgage but can't write off a cent of your rent.

New York State allows a small tax credit for renters.

About two years ago we were between homes and therefore rented an apartment. In some ways it was OK. No weekend maintenance to do. The downside was it was like being in a chicken cage-you could only walk so far from wall to another.

The size of your home has nothing to do with whether you rent or buy. My mother lives in a three-bedroom (UK master bedroom size), two bathroom apartment that is probably as spacious as some UK houses.

And you can rent a house or own an apartment.