UK Affordability: Average asking prices rose £3,575 in October, but higher mortgage costs are squeezing buyers and slowing sales. Sellers in several lower-priced regions are cutting prices, while London prices rebounded. New Zealand Options: Apartments, townhouses and units are 4% cheaper than a year ago, offering first-time buyers a more accessible route in. But fixed mortgage rates for two to five years are now above 5%, with a rate hike widely expected. US Market: Maine home prices climbed 2.6% year over year as sales fell 4.15%. In California, estimated monthly home payments have more than doubled since 2019, while rents rose 42%—a widening hurdle for would-be buyers. First-Time Buyer Support: England’s proposed “Your First Home” scheme could let eligible buyers purchase participating new builds with a 2.5% deposit and a government-backed equity loan; more details are due at the Budget. Separately, 94% of buyers served by NeighborWorks nonprofits last year were purchasing their first home, often with counseling and down-payment support.