YOUR article on the Resolution Foundation’s report on inequality in the distribution of housing wealth Foundation ("Calls to tackle inequality in housing wealth", The Herald, July 30) contains no surprises other than a lack of any comments on the burden of mortgage repayments that most home-owners are saddled with. True, home owners may possess an asset of increasing value but unless they sell and downsize it essentially has no value to them and repayments are a constant major drain on their disposable wealth.
The last few decades have seen a transformation in the field of mortgaged domestic property in as much as now two incomes rather than one is the norm simply for a couple to “own” a home. The increase in women in full-time employment has been a direct result of this enforced change. Many women find they work simply to pay off mortgage interest and for child-care services. I feel that blame for the dramatic change in family life that has led to latchkey kids and the problems that stem from that can be laid squarely at the door of the property market. Don't get me wrong, women have as much right to work and have careers as men but there is no doubt that family life may suffer as a result and the avaricious property market sucks up much of what they earn.
The outcome of this de facto double-income mortgage requirement is a major factor in the youth of today finding it difficult to get on the housing ladder at all. Now if Daddy buys you a house or your trust fund owns one it's an entirely different ball game.
David J Crawford, Glasgow G12.
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