Times are tough all over

[DanaC]

No. It was her fault. But there were pressing reasons. She had just escaped an abusive relationship and I think was seeking some sort of security. But she was also swayed by the generl consensus around that adults shold own houses. I cannot tell you how many people have advised me to try and get a house. I have never earned enough, or been in a stable enough job to buy a house. I could have got a subprime mortgage. I'm very glad I didn't.

And as for choosing a house that was too expensive: that's the housing market round here. It was a tiny terraced house, she wasn't buying something greater than hr needs. It was significantly smaller than the one she was renting.