> if housing is so affordable in Japan, why are there still people who don't own homes? Mostly because they don't need or want their own house and/or they spen

> if housing is so affordable in Japan, why are there still people who don't own homes? Mostly because they don't need or want their own house and/or they spend their money on other stuff. > Can an average McDonalds worker in their 20-ies just go and buy a home easily The median McDonalds worker in Japan is 17 and lives with their parents. And maybe 3/4 of the ones who aren't teens are freeters. If you don't make a lot of money you can certainly buy something but it won't be the nicest or in the best location. > without applying for a lifetime-long mortgage? Many people buy with cash, many get nicer homes with 35-year mortgages at super low interest rates.