Since the not-yet-homeowner is no doubt paying rent, home appreciation can slip by some measure below the rate of inflation and still have been a wise investment.
Of course there is home insurance and repairs to consider. But also there is the increase in rent to consider on the other side as well.
My house is 7 years old and the various amount of things I need to fix is making me miss being a renter.
That being said, generally the reason why home ownership is a "good deal" in the US is because you can accumulate equity, even when the value of the home keeps up with inflation. (Technically it means that inflation works in your favor if you have a fixed-rate mortgage.)
Depends on how long the not yet homeowener will live there. If you live in the same house for the next 40 years you are almost certainly better off owning it. However if you have to move after a year (which might not be in your control) you probably will lose money. 7 years is a good rule of thumb for minimum time you need to live in a house before it is better than renting, but exact circumstances can be very different.
Of course there is home insurance and repairs to consider. But also there is the increase in rent to consider on the other side as well.