-(If finished) Extra living space with relatively constant temperature
-Extra storage space with relatively constant temperature
-Convenient location for heating equipment
-Convenient location for electrical
-(If finished) Place to send the kids where they can make noise and be messy without destroying the antique dining room table
...I can't really think of anything.
I would posit that the overwhelming majority of basements are never problematic.
Plus, by the time you dig down below the frost line