Damien

There needs to be a rethink on how we approach property in this country. I am far from well-educated on the matter but it seems to much emphasis is placed on it being an investment and there are too many people seeking to profit from it.

I would want to own a home because then a major expense of living is removed. When I want to move I can sell up and have a significant stake in the new house. When I retire I'll have some place to live without worrying about rent.

Peoples need for homes is greater than the need for buy-to-let landlords to make a profit or people to collect homes as an 'investment'. There should be a limit to the amount of properties you can purchase for your own use, and tighter regulations on landlords who would be exempt the limit as a result but must meet certain standards including the adoption of European style rent controls.

While we're at it, what's with the middle-classes obsession with national house prices? People expecting their house to go up in price as if this makes them richer. Surely, unless there is something unique to your area, these tend to trend the same across the country. If you sold your house your possible alternative homes will also have gone up, leaving you no better off. The only difference is if you lived in the south-east and moved north.

Should only worry about ending up in negative equity.