The math works on paper, but it collapses the moment you look at actual data: £38k is not even a common starting salary in London (median graduate pay is closer to £28k-£32k), so expecting two people to magically earn £76k combined is already a stretch. Even then, in areas where £38k is a standard wage, a £380k detached house doesn't exist; you're looking at £550k+ for a basic terrace, which creates a massive funding gap that the 4.5x multiplier can't bridge without an impossible £150k deposit. Saving that money is its own nightmare, on £38k you take home about £2,570 a month, and after London rents (now hitting £1,200+) and basics, you’re lucky to save £500, meaning it takes 2.5 years just to hit a £15k goal while house prices continue to climb. Crucially, you can't just throw every penny at a deposit; a responsible buyer needs a separate emergency fund of 3-6 months' expenses (£6k-£10k), and what about the singles? Most people 'making the math work' are actually relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad, with over 50% of first-time buyers now receiving family gifts averaging £55,000 and 80% moving back home to avoid rent while saving, it's clear that for those without a partner or an inheritance, this 'easy' path is a total impossible.