No reason to debate. It’s simple
Real estate you use takes money out of your pocket and is a use-asset that isn’t an investment. Nothing wrong with wanting to own your home - though if you believe you own it ,try not paying the taxes!
Real estate you own and rent for more than you pay is an investment asset.
You're welcome to believe whatever you want, but trying to claim that people's homes are not an investment would certainly be debatable. In the simplest terms, once someone buys it, and it almost always goes up in value, over time, including whatever fees or maintenance may have been required. A common definition of "investment" would be as follows:
"the investing of money or capital in order to gain profitable returns, as interest, income, or appreciation in value."
Buying a house easily applies, in most circumstances, unless you're a foolish purchaser who grossly overpaid. Even then, it's likely to hold it's value better than other "failed investments."