Sponging, not saving, stops gen Y leaving home

As a parent of three 20-year-olds, I am not surprised to read that children are staying at home longer than ever, but question whether the incentive is to save for their first home ("More first-home buyers rely on parents' help", December 26-27). Anecdotal evidence suggests the motive is not to fund their prospective first home, but their self-indulgent lifestyles.

Why aren't more terrace houses being built?

The lack of choice available to first-home buyers is dismaying ("Crying poor? Count your rooms and houses, and think again", December 16).

Beware real estate boom: economist

AUSTRALIAN house prices are likely to boom for at least three years following a record month for auctions and sales of nearly $1 billion yesterday, according to a leading economic forecaster.