The only way to fix housing in this game is to have a 1.23 style cataclysmic event totally destroy every ward available and start again with a system that works. They are never going to solve the problems with the current system unless they add 100 more wards.

The worst part about it all is I used to own a house, but because I had to stop playing for a short period I had it taken from me. I understand why they do that, but to me that is an indicator of bad design rather than a solution. You shouldn't have large purchases confiscated from you for taking a break.