Housing too expensive?

Housing got you down? Can't afford your own place?
To be honest, people don't tell you just how much buying a house will cost. + keeping a house.
It's been a tough few months for this little Gold Coast property dreamer. Washing machine broke, other source of income dried up. After paying mortgage, repair bills, water, rates and insurance, I was majorly in the red.
What about the great Australian dream of owning a house? Well, it's a dream for a reason. It's hard work. Doesn't happen over night. Here's to those who have been able to start small :P probably save on water, rates and insurance too.