Hi Joan, Portsmouth houses were almost entirely rented and home ownership did not become an aspiration for the working classes until the decade before WW2. Only about 20% were owner occupied whereas now it is possibly 80%. Quarters were always provided for Senior Officers eg Admiralty House for CINC Portsmouth and Anchor House for the Commodore of the Naval Barracks. Provision of Married Quarters for officers & sailors became a post war development with estates at Hilsea, Farlington, Lee on Solent, Gosport, Rowner and smaller ones at Lovedean and Petersfield (HMS Mercury). In addition if MQ's were not available then private accommodation was provided which were called Naval Hirings. The movement of personnel from one Port Division to another added to the turbulence and constant change of address. When I was drafted from Mercury back to sea (1960) I had to vacate my tied MQ (rent 75p a week fully furnished including council rates!!).That said I have only moved six times since then. Mike Waterlooville