On congested servers it's extremely difficult to acquire a house. I, myself was lucky enough to get a small plot in Shirogane on Tonberry server, despite wanting a medium.

I have come up with a solution, which I believe shouldn't be too hard to implement (I have programming and networking knowledge). SE could create private islands (instanced versions of 3 types of housing plots (S, M, L)) that would be accessible via the ferry skippers. It would work in much the same way as apartments, but obviously more expensive, more spacious and with a garden.

Sure you wouldn't have neighbours, random scenery near you or have access to a market board (adding that in might be a bit difficult), but who can say no to a private island XD