It's an interesting view and I'm curious what it's based on?
America's and Ireland's real estate crashes both preceded a labour market crisis. That is, the real estate crash happened before a recession. High unemployment was only recorded afterward. I think there are other examples too but can't be bothered searching.
I believe that most people have irrational ideas when properties are concerned on their finances. Something I learned from my parents doing anything possible to keep the house when interest rate was 20%, Second job, skimping on everything etc. alas by the time my father lost his main job and we sold, house price went down much more and all our saving had gone into the mortgage. Had he sold in the beginning, we still would have had some equity in the house left.
And I’ve also seen the same irrational behaviour with my friends. A school friend who grew up later in life just bought a first home in April, all of us said don’t do it, but alas....
Too many people wait until there is no choice left to them but to sell quickly. Usually this mean they have lost their jobs or closed their business and are getting foreclosed.
For example, many people who bought off the plan two years ago, are underwater at the moment but if they can get finance they will buy it, while a rational view would be to walk away lose the deposit.
Scenario is
A. Already paid $100,000 deposit on a $800,000 off the plan list price, have $200,000 deposit, need to finance $500,000 to buy a apartment realistically worth $700,000 now and falling.
B. Logically it would be better to walk away and lose the $100,000