Paying one mortgage in a lifetime is enough for any individual

THE largest investment most of us are ever going to make is that of buying our own home.

Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, that opportunity is disappearing very fast for a large number of people. Up to now we've rightly prided ourselves on having the highest level of home ownership in Europe.

Of the total housing stock 79% is owner occupied. It points to commitment to our future and to pride in where we live. However, our days of having the highest ownership are limited. A number of countries with lower house prices are nipping at our heels. Spain has 78%, Greece 76% with the UK coming in at 67%.