a color TV, let alone 3? No mention of interest rates in the 80’s (of course not, it wouldn’t support the whining). Can we talk microwave ovens? Size of houses?
Supply and demand. Buy land. It won’t get cheaper and wages won’t go up as much. They aren’t making more of it.
My dad bought his house for 1X his annual salary and his house payment was about 10% of his monthly wage. I bought mine for 5X and 50%. Yes, it was very difficult.
Google house affordability from the 80’s and right now. You will be surprised. It isn’t much different and I think it is easier now. To assume it is the most difficult time ever to afford a home is wrong.