NatWest Chairman Faces Backlash Over Home Buying Comments

Sir Howard Davies' assertion that buying a house is not 'that difficult' sparks criticism amid UK's housing crisis.

NatWest Chairman, Sir Howard Davies, has been widely criticized for his comments that buying a house is not 'that difficult' and that potential homeowners 'have to save'.
His comments come amid soaring house prices and a decline in home ownership in the UK from 71% to 65% between 2004 and 2021.
Many first-time buyers struggle to save for a deposit due to high rents and the need for a high income to afford monthly mortgage repayments.
Sir Howard's comments have been criticized by campaign groups and individuals, including Generation Rent and Nigel Farage, who argue that the current housing crisis makes it incredibly difficult for people to buy a home.
Despite the backlash, Sir Howard maintains that the changes in the financial system after the last global financial crisis necessitate a more cautious approach to lending.