ONE LAST THING

In the olden days – by which I mean 2019 – what people wanted from their homes was pretty straightforward – proximity to a decent school, to family, and a crime rate that wasn’t too frightening.

Now things have changed. According to a survey by a broadband provider what might swing a house sale is, er, better broadband.

I know – they would say that – but it does ring true, what with so many of us working (and learning) from home. Other must-haves were outdoor space and good local amenities.

Now this shopping list is all well and good but you have to be able to afford to buy your dream home in the first place and from where I’m standing that feels harder than ever.

House prices seem to have gone through the roof. I know people who have been in bidding wars for suburban semis while others have had estate agents knocking to ask if they want to sell – quoting selling prices that only a couple of years ago would be laughable.

Goodness knows how first-time buyers are ever going to manage to set foot on the property ladder. It all feels like we’re storing up problems here, whether that’s folk in debt, in negative equity or unable ever to own their own house.

They say your home is your castle. The way things are going you’ll soon spend the same money on a two-bedroom terrace.