I think it is a complex combination of a number of factors. During the Iron-curtain era getting your “own” flat was something pretty much a life-time endeavor. At the same time there was no really any unemployment so one could get easily the job in practically any place. These two may be interconnected as of the said habits development.JR8 wrote:Perhaps the more recent mobility came together with the opening of the economy (post Iron-curtain)? I.e. it forced this change, a need for mobility.
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NT: 'I say get on your bike, and go and find one'*. I.e. Don't assume you'll find one on your doorstep, go and find one where ever it might be available.
The new era sees younger/mid aged generations earning better money with a reasonable chance to get their flats/houses (of course still mortgage based) within few years after they entered the job market. Still I believe the job mobility is mostly within the first job (if good and lasting long enough). As soon as they have some basic social stability achieved, own place to live included, they tend to settle down (job, geographically) and if they sell the property is to buy a bigger one, likely a house, not flat, but typically within the same city.
Globalization is a factor for a small fraction only. What you see in the UK, the (mostly low end) jobs market flooding by the citizens of the post-communistic countries is mostly opportunistic I think. Earn some (comparatively) good money in few years and come back to the country and city of origin. Then buy a house or flat and find a job somewhere near.