With the market changing quicker than ever before due to various structural changes such as new technologies, consolidation of employers, and globalization, I would not recommend having one, or even just a handful of buyers for what you're selling. This applies to businesses and individuals.

I would demand a premium for being in a market where there are fewer buyers and I am subject to more risk of losing my income.

In Europe house prices seem fairly tied to employment opportunities. Certainly if you are working in It.

Is that true? I know real estate is incredibly expensive in places like London/Paris and most people cannot afford to own homes there based on their working salary (which is usually much lower than the US equivalent).

Works for a lot of people, especially if they fall into fairly standard, but good service gigs. e.g. vehicle repair, home repair, cutting hair, or working a local pub.

Even better if you show up with a pile of cash from a former career.