Great place, Stijn. I'm noticing more and more AmuriKans are downsizing out of choice or necessity...both voluntary and involuntary
General question re: home ownership in Europe. As a matter of public policy in the U.S. home ownership is viewed as an element of a stable (and perhaps content and complacent) society...suprisingly ihome ownership for the common man is a relatively recent phenomena. As a result we have the subprime mess arising partly because of this policy.
When I livedin Germany in the late 60's individual home ownership was not as common...often several generations would pool resources to own a home. And they had to have substantial down payments in order to purchase a home that families would have to save years and yaers to achieve the dream of ownership. Family homes were passed down generation after generation. Compared to what we're accustomed to in the States, homes were more modest yet more expensive, relatively speaking. Much more sane in my opinion.
What is the pattern now in Europe? Are there longterm mortgages available? Special prgrams for first time buyers? ARM's? Down payment assisstance, etc etc?