If mortgage fees are as high as the actual loan then why get one?

A few people have told me that the fees for mortgages (Australia) are almost as high as the actual loan itself.
If this is the case then what is the benefit of getting a mortgage? Obviously a mortgage is convenient as you can move into your house and not have to save the amount but is this the only reason?
To me it seems much smarter to live rent free (with family or in a van) and save the cash While not being tied down unable to do much.

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