I managed to catch an open plot LONG before the first expanded wards were added and even before housing demolition was added in. (I think someone changed servers.) It was sheer luck, I know, but it's possible if you just keep an eye out on the lists at the aetherytes.

You definitely can't camp a house that way, but if you just want a house, ANY house, then the first thing that opens up should do, right? I am very content with my cottage in the Goblet.