Profiles home ownership in Wales and describes its particular housing issues and challenges. Finds that Wales has a higher proportion of owner-occupiers than in any other UK country and a higher proportion of low-income and older home-owners than England or Scotland. House prices are relatively low but 8 600 new homes per year are needed to meet new demand, whilst the number of first-time buyers in Wales in 2003 was as low as in the early 1990s. Suggests that the Welsh Assembly and local authorities should address the 8.5% of housing stock in home ownership classified as unfit by using private finance in innovative ways. Intervention should be considered in areas of low demand such as the south Wales valleys and the Assembly should expand the Homebuy scheme to assist aspiring homeowners. Tables cover tenure mix, low-income households, house prices and first time buyers. References.