Is it reasonable to complain about the price of housing, and then have your mates as flatmates to help pay the mortgage? If you’re in a fortunate enough position to buy a house, should those in a (presumably) less well-off financial position pay the price (literally) for you to continue to improve your position?

Of course, the better question is: What’s the alternative?

Probably, co-ownership. You have $100k deposit. Buy a house work (say) $500k. Split the mortgage 50/50 with a friend ($200k each). Reduce your term and pay down the mortgage. Airbnb, work from home, maybe even some short-term flatmates. Then buy a second place, and call it quits.

Sure, you’re a little bit worse off (financially). But the world’s a bit better overall.

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