At 7.2 % interest, (not a common rate recently, but not uncommon since 1960 in investments), an investment should double in ten years. So, a 30K investment in 1960 (compunced) at that long term rate would give a person almost a million in 2010. As to primary residences, one would also have to figure in improvements/maintainance, mortages, no income tax and residing there in to the mix. The lucky folks are likely those in Vancouver, and sections of Toronto, who saw extreme increases in roperty values over a short number of years.