What is the point in being able to deduct mortgage interest payments from personal taxes? This was abandoned in most developed countries years ago and had zero effect on home ownership, nor on the growth in second home ownership.

What is the point in being able to deduct mortgage interest payments from personal taxes?

You really want to know?

It's called a bennie, or an entitlement, and it benefits the affluent, many of whom make large political campaign contributions. Take it away and the moans from this crowd would be deafening.