There are many housing developments springing up all over the place . . . along dual carriageways and on every small patch of supposed unclaimed land. Successive governments have, in their panic about overcrowding, made changes to the planning laws taking away some of the in-built safeguards. Obviously folk are agitated about what they perceive to be ‘houses going up everywhere’, but on a more positive note, when you see the countryside pictured from a great height by say, a drone or other ariel means, it becomes satisfyingly clear that there are still millions of acres of unbuilt-on land. Whatever our misgivings, we have planning laws to protect us from complete concrete overload!

Most folk will start their house owning journey by renting a flat or room in a multiple occupancy house. This is usually the only way of getting out from the family, with all their routines and customs. University, far away from home may well be the very first time someone has to learn to look after themselves and take responsibility for a room, a share of the kitchen and bathroom etc. Every September and October there are thousands of stoic fathers and tear sodden mothers trying to put on the brave face as they deposit their ‘baby’ at the door of the Halls of residence. Box loads of gear, personal belongings and food. At the time it all feels terrifying for the student. Wait a few years, once that university degree has been achieved and a decent job obtained . . . the first property is purchased. That anxious viewing of the cheapest place on the market; the equally anxious wait for news on the mortgage application and then moving in and taking care of a place so much bigger than the flat or room at the Halls of residence!