Onya steveb.

Crises bring out the best and worst in people. I have seen that in people I know and different posters on this forum. I have certainly gained greater insight through this.

What will be a financial disaster for some will be a positive for others. There is no getting away from that. Many who are seeing their portfolio shrink day by day may well be in a position to regain it on the way back up. It's just hard to look ahead when you are swimming in mud.

These times may also give some an entry to the property ladder that they thought was beyond them. If you keep your job (and most will) there will be opportunities for people. Sadly at other's loss. That said, many have been sitting on a paper profit on their houses anyway. As long as they are not heavily leveraged they will be fine in the long run too.