We've currently saved enough to pay off half, so we're getting there. At the moment it's the timing of everything that is off. Buying another house now requires putting in some money, so that gets in the way. Next year the rules change making it even harder.
You were lucky that you bought at the right time. Even for 2009 you've done well that the value has increased. Part of our mistake was buying in an area that isn't so popular. Some areas have increased, but not ours sadly.
We live and learn.
RE: All thanks to those bloody bankers