it is better that they buy than rent, because most will simply spend the diff between what their rent is, and what their mortgage would be, and never become financially well off.
In one of his books, this is exactly what Noel Whittaker called the golden key to wealth accumulation.
Most elderly folks in Australia who are reasonably comfortable have this fundamental notion to thank for underpinning their financial security today.
What you don't have you don't miss.
Mathematically, renting and investing the difference you'd pay in mortgage costs versus simply paying off a mortgage is identical.....but throw in the human factor and it is worlds apart.