What do I know?
If you don not have a PAID FOR HOME at the age of retirement, you will suffer and could easily lose everything as you become priced out of a place to live, while your retirement income, probably SS, remains the same.
We are good, all paid for, but there will be no moving. We need to work on what we have and are not exactly physically capable.
Is it better to rent or own? It depends on many things. Why does anyone say that one is better than the other?
Are you a young rootless person, who is likely to move in the next couple of years? if so, buying a place is not a good idea. Are you thinking of building wealth and equity long term? Are you planning to live in a certain city or town long term? Is your job stable and income likely to rise? If so, buying makes more sense.
Can you even afford a house where you live? If not, then the decision may be made for you, that you can’t buy anything.
Do you hate yard work? Maybe buying a condo makes sense, instead of a house. But then that all comes back to, are you settled in the community and want to stay there long term.