This is only tangential to this discussion, but consider for a moment that it makes zero sense for the price of a home to appreciate over time, assuming all other factors affecting the area remain relatively constant (this is not outlandish to consider, especially in smaller and mid-sized cities). The roof, plumbing, electrical, etc. are all older and approaching the inevitable repair dates. Would you rather a house the day it's built or 20 years later? It's a consequence of fiat bullshit.