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AIBU?

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Original poster

To spend half of my wages on rent? Silly idea?

63 replies

singlesoda · 29/01/2018 13:21

I graduated uni last year and finally secured myself a full time salary. My mum is driving me insane and I can't imagine living here any longer than I need to.

I've been looking at getting a room in a shared house of other young professionals but that's easily £600pcm with bills.

But i've just seen a flat that i've fallen in love and it's not much more than renting a room. But it's half my monthly wages without bills. Am I insane to even consider this?

I could stay at home but i'm gay and I have Christian parents. I'm bored playing the straight girl and being lectured on the daily about my life decisions.

p.s I'm extremely privileged that I won't have to save for deposit (to buy a house) as I inherited a small percentage of a house but unable to access it for a couple of years. Right now I want somewhere to live that isn't a dive, be able to eat food and still have some form of a social life.

OP posts:
RedSuitcase · 29/01/2018 13:29

Not a good idea, get a room share until you've worked your way up to a higher salary. Half your salary not including bills? Add another £200-£300 on top for bills, not including food. Things will get tight fast

RapunzelsExtensions · 29/01/2018 13:29

@batmanwearspants not true, never has been for me.

I earn around 1000 a month. My rent last year was 650. And then I had to pay bills, phone, food, travel before any leisure things. If having your own space means you sacrifice financial freedom, do it.

specialsubject · 29/01/2018 13:27

No decent landlord will take you because that isn't affordable.

Move out, yes,but find somewhere you can afford.

PramWanker · 29/01/2018 13:27

Seems like a daft idea to me, especially as it would still be sensible to save more so that when you do buy you have a bigger deposit. However I suppose the question is, do you value the extra few hundred a month more or less than you'd value not having housemates?

Josefine59 · 29/01/2018 13:27

Sorry I do think that's daft.
Once you add on council tax of at least £80 (even with singles discount IME) gas and electric, water, tv license and basic internet you'd probably have £150 a month left for any clothes,
Treats, commuting, tv package, mobile etc not to mention food.
Sorry but I really wouldn't (I struggled some months as a single earning £1000 a month paying only £310 rent per month, maybe that colours my view).

harlaandgoddard · 29/01/2018 13:27

How much would you have left after everything? Gas, electric, water, internet, phone, council tax, travel costs, food etc.

RapunzelsExtensions · 29/01/2018 13:27

More than half your wages on rent? Welcome to the real world.

PinkHeart5914 · 29/01/2018 13:26

If the flat is rented you don’t own the place so you want to let out the landlords house to air b&b?

Batmanwearspants · 29/01/2018 13:26

Usually landlords will want proof of icnomce (ime) and won't accept anything over a third of your income.

Original poster
Singlesoda · 29/01/2018 13:24

Love that answer unicorns

Also thinking of putting a sofa bed in the living room (seems strange to say living room after looking at bedsits!) so I can get some money back from AirBnb.

OP posts:
PinkHeart5914 · 29/01/2018 13:24

The rent for the whole flat won’t include bills so once you’ve added in Council tax, water, gas, electric it will be more than half your wage. Yes it would be daft

ADayAlwaysHasToEnd · 29/01/2018 13:23

With you not having to save for a deposit I would say do it. Living at home is hindering you living your life, it is a big expense but your gaining a lot from it

GlitterUnicornsAndAllThatJazz · 29/01/2018 13:22

Do it