We bought a big flat back in the 70s when I first got married. Lovely flat but it ate money. There always seemed to be something, it was in a town centre block of 14 flats and I was glad when we left.
It was mainly for the 'money' reason that we were absolutely determined to to buy our own home. Twas a modest 2 up 2 down to start with, but it was our home. As we progressed up the owing ladder, we were able to buy-to-rent and now we have several with very happy tenants 👍