Buying a house is still affordable

Headlines about prices can make buying feel out of reach, but for many households the monthly cost of owning a home is close to the cost of renting.

Start with a pre-approval so you know your real budget, then look at neighbourhoods just beyond the obvious ones. First-time buyer programmes and smaller deposits can also close the gap.

Talk to an agent early. A clear plan and honest advice often show that your first home is closer than it looks.