Sometimes I worry that I'll rent for the rest of my life.
Why is the UK housing market so expensive?
I hate that I'm still struggling to save enough for a deposit.
Shouldn't I use that money to invest in stocks or mutual funds?
Crystal ball time sadly. They always talk of housing bubbles and such, truth is, growing population will continue to hold up housing prices. The best trick is to get into the market in a small way. Then more of your repayments come off the principal rather than get lost as interest. Then once you have got the loan down some you can always upgrade. Also, it is great to take in boarders, help with the costs. And yes, like here in Oz, the UK house prices seem very high.
As always, by the worst house in teh best street and improve it, same goes with suburbs and towns.