Reports on recent Council of Mortgage Lenders commissioned research into international trends in housing tenure and mortgage systems over the last decade, comparing the UK, 15 European countries, Australia, Canada and the United States. Focuses on the ratio of owner-occupation to renting, the tenure choices of young and middle-aged households, the cost of owner-occupation and its prospects. Looks further at the influence of mortgage systems on owner-occupation rates including the impact of lower interest rates, longer mortgage terms and higher loan-to-value ratios and mortgage product innovations. Comments on the trend towards less generous tax treatment of owner-occupation and on how credit risk is dealt with. Concludes that the UK is at the leading edge of international trends in many aspects of housing and housing finance.Tables cover the research findings. References and endnotes.