It wasn't a particularly palatial house, but the mortgage would have been paid off before retirement.
But this is a direct consequence of a rent-seeking economy which uses property rights as a proxy for political influence. The British economy started being converted from an industrial economy to a patrician rent-seeking speculative economy in the 80s, and the result was massive asset price inflation in property and shares.
This wasn't an accident. It made a certain kind of person extremely rich, and most other people increasingly poor to varying degrees.
Unless there's a change in strategy - unlikely - you can expect the wealth concentration to continue in the UK, with increasing danger to the personal circumstances of any kids you have - if not to yourself if there's a serious downturn.
Even a 95%er is in danger of losing their property if they lose their job for an extended period if they don't live off speculative investments and rent.