High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Some homes are constructed by the owners with the intent to occupy. Many are inherited. A large number are purchased, either as new homes from a real-estate developer, or as an existing home from a previous landlord or owner-occupier. A house is usually the most expensive single purchase an individual or family makes, and often costs at least several times the annual household income. Given the high cost, most individuals do not have enough savings on hand to pay the entire amount outright. In developed countries, mortgage loans are available from financial institutions in return for interest. If the home owner fails to meet the agreed repayment schedule, a foreclosure (In some countries known as a repossesion) may result.