I disagree. By buying a property you're reducing your options drastically, due to the heavy debt on your shoulders, and by options I mean job opportunities in other places, exploring new areas, starting a business, etc.
For me having options is the most important thing in life, and it's what makes life exciting. Not being stuck to the same place for 20+ years until you finishing paying the mortgage.
er, you can just rent?
I've bought a house last year and I am in another country at the moment, all I had to do was rent the place... the mortgage is paid by the rent.