In 1914 90 per cent of British householders rented their homes; today, two-thirds own them. This book explores one of the most striking changes in Britain during the 20th century - the growth of home ownership - and analyzes its significance for our understanding of contemporary society. Drawing on research based in three English towns, as well as other research findings, the author sets out to test many of the assertions and assumptions that politicians and academics make about home ownership. Finding that home ownership has brought social benefits to people of all classes, he nevertheless recognizes that a worrying division is opening up in Britain between those who can afford to buy and those who cannot.