[rory]

The home ownership rate is a lot higher outside major cities. It's only 30-40% in most major US cities.

Regardless, at current (historically quite low) interest rates, a typical software engineer's salary will qualify you for a very large mortgage.

You'd be surprised. At 30, I saw many of my friends go from thinking they'll never afford a home to each buying one over just a few years.

[nly]

Median house prices in the UK are 8x median incomes. Banks will lend you something like 4-5x income on a mortgage.

Low interest rates aren't helping most people, they're hurting by pushing up house prices. Only those with significant capital for a deposit benefit.

[chrisseaton]

> Median house prices in the UK are 8x median incomes. Banks will lend you something like 4-5x income on a mortgage.

Most people buy as a couple, so this is achievable.

[nly]

Until 1 parent stops working (entirely or goes part time) to help raise the kids

[rory]

Yes, sorry, I was referring to the USA specifically. The real estate speculation problem is a lot worse in other Anglosphere countries (UK, Canada, Australia). Outside California, US prices are still somewhat reasonable compared to incomes.