But the latest Census data tells a more nuanced story, particularly here in Waltham Forest.

In 2011, 31.6% of local residents under 35 owned their home. By 2021, that had risen to 41.7%.

At the same time, private renting amongst under 35s actually fell.

And this happened during a decade shaped by austerity, Brexit uncertainty, tighter lending rules, rising house prices and a global pandemic.

That doesn’t mean affordability isn’t still a huge challenge – it absolutely is. Deposits remain difficult to save and many younger buyers still need support to get onto the ladder.

But what the figures do show is that the aspiration towards homeownership hasn’t disappeared.

People still want security. Stability. Somewhere that feels like theirs.

The route to getting there may have changed. Some people buy later, buy smaller, relocate further out or buy jointly rather than alone. But the desire itself remains remarkably strong.

I also think Waltham Forest’s story says something important about the changing shape of London living more broadly. Areas offering community, green space, good transport and comparatively better value have become increasingly attractive to younger buyers over the last decade.

Despite all the headlines, demand from younger buyers hasn’t gone away. If anything, it’s adapted.

Sometimes the real story sits quietly inside the data.

Sometimes the real story sits quietly inside the data …