It made a lot more sense 10 years ago, but the data would seem to suggest that it's not a massive driver of sales right now.
Like the Irish property market is insane right now, but I suspect that much more of the rental purchases are driven by small investment companies as that makes much, much more sense from a tax and overall expense purposes.
Sadly for them, eventually they learn why professional landlords want to see debt service be 50% or less of revenues. And it’s not because they get to pocket 50%.
It’s been covered up because appreciation has been so high as to cover the bad accounting, but a few years of increased rates and near zero appreciation will put the hurt on them - and then watch out!
There are some good statistics here in the CSO (Central Statistic Office) for Ireland.
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cp1hii/cp...
A bit further down you can find the age gaps between "Outright ownership"
"Figure 3.5 Tenure status by age of householder, 2016" Particularly glaring.
> I suspect that much more of the rental purchases are driven by small investment companies
On this topic, yes for new builds, pretty much investment companies will come in and buy them up prior to being built. This has always been a thing, but is not helping the situation for normal people just looking to buy somewhere to live.
This is encouraged. So when there is legislation or regulations that would reduce the price inflation of properties they are the first to complain. They usually have more political influence too by way of being regular voters etc. And so instead of the mentality you share, they don't see owning properties other than a means of "semi passive" income.