Never bought a house, but I use to buy properties instead.
I used to by a lot build a house, live in it for a year while building, then sell it for a profit, doing it this way allows you to write off all taxes and permits and gives you a place to live free for a year.

I have not done that in a decade now, 10 years ago I bought 4800 hectares for $35 an acre. And now I live off grid.