I never said they didn't... The point is they don't have to hand over a majority of their income to pay someone else's mortgage. Even if home prices stagnate in their area and they can't sell for years, they get to keep a roof over their head for much, much less than someone renting a comparable place.

More likely is that their property values are going up somewhat, so what they spend on property taxes/upkeep is likely preserved as equity. Renters pay more and keep nothing in the end.