I agree with you about cost of living. But my point was, that someone living on what I would consider to be an untenable income for London is actually able to save up for a down-payment on a house--in London! Sure, I understand the desire to have a "break from misery," but my point is that the conclusion she came to was that her lack of savings was entirely her decision. If someone living in ex-council houses (as an American, those words don't mean anything to me, so thanks for your description) has the financial ability to save up for a down payment, I think a lot of people in the U.S. do, too. Sure, it takes some self-sacrifice and discipline. I'm not saying it's easy. I'm just saying that I don't think we should be blaming the evil rich people for people's lack of savings without having a look at some personal responsibility.