[foldor]

For many people yes, because that 20k isn't being added to the mortgage, so it isn't easily financed over a long period of time with low interest. These days, many people are stretched to meet the minimum down payment and won't have 20k extra to throw at a problem like this.

[AndrewDavis]

Redraw facilities are available in most countries? Refinancing etc? Genuinely curious.

For example (in Australia), my mate recently spent $40k, drawn out of his mortgage on solar panels, battery, double glaze windows, heat pump heating and cooling, gas stove to induction, gas hot water to heat pump and is currently investigating drawing more to upgrade roof insulation.

[ThunderSizzle]

How can you refinance when you just bought the house? There is no equity for you to tap into, and if there was, you now even have a highly monthly payment.

Housing prices have to decrease first if you want people to be able make these decisions. That means we need a deflationary economy through increased production, so more people can be able to afford the enhanced productivity.