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Financially feel so stuck!

8 replies

sycamo · 28/03/2023 20:36

We want to get on the property ladder but I’ve heard from various sources now is not the time. We have a 5% deposit stored in a separate account and currently rent. The rent is a lot cheaper than repayments on a mortgage of a house the same size.

We work really bloody hard and bring in about 60k together, sometimes just under depending on commission, likely to go up as DH goes for the next promotion. We live in a part of the country where housing has been historically cheap. Apart from apparently in 2023.

I lost a pregnancy at the very start of this year. It was very difficult despite the fact it was unplanned and we were on the fence on what to do anyway. It’s taken the loss for us to realise that starting a family is what we desperately want, and I can’t get the sense of yearning off my mind.

So, we decided we’d focus on saving a bit and keep an eye on the housing market to see if we can at least buy a home first. But honestly it’s ludicrous.

The idea of a mortgage is daunting and with interest as it is, if we bought, I would have zero flexibility to reduce my hours at work or have a longer mat leave etc after we start a family because we wouldn’t be able to live on DH’s income alone…. where we are, we can live off one income with zero luxuries if we really had to. Peace of mind is second to none

Honestly, answers on a postcard! I don’t know how people are supposed to do it anymore I fear for DN and her generation who isn’t going to stand a chance despite all the family help we will give her when the time comes!

OP posts:
littlebird17 · 28/03/2023 20:47

What size mortgage are you wanting op?
Whatever online calculators tell you that you can borrow, you don't have to borrow the top end. Could you buy something smaller to start if you're in a cheap area anyway?
That way you aren't maxing out yourself on the mortgage.

AlltheFs · 28/03/2023 21:07

It is always harder to buy once you have children. Buy now, getting on the ladder is a long term prospect, it’s never really a bad time to buy.
The value will go up long term even if it dips short term.

I bought when I was 23 when all my friends were renting. It paid off!

Rowthe · 28/03/2023 21:11

It wont get any easier.

So if you want to buy a property you need to do it, rather than wait for a right time that may never come.

And unfortunately for your first property you might need to compromise but will hopefully buy a better place after a few years. I wouldn't expect to be able to afford the perfect place straight away.

Interested in this thread?

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Mimosa08 · 28/03/2023 21:11

Easier to get a mortgage without kids.
You don't have to borrow the max amount (dh and I never have).
Put down the biggest deposit you can.
Take the mortgage over the longest period at first - you can overpay/reduce the term later.

MumOf2workOptions · 28/03/2023 21:43

AlltheFs · 28/03/2023 21:07

It is always harder to buy once you have children. Buy now, getting on the ladder is a long term prospect, it’s never really a bad time to buy.
The value will go up long term even if it dips short term.

I bought when I was 23 when all my friends were renting. It paid off!

I totally agree with this comment

You have to factor in maternity leave/ reduced pay for this time but in the plus side the 30hrs funding is being increased to 1&2 year olds which should massively help people going back to work after maternity leave.

sycamo · 28/03/2023 23:42

@MumOf2workOptions true, very much banking on that

Thank you everyone, we will look to 2 beds. My worry is that a 2 bed would be outgrown in say, 5 years if we decide on having a second child by then. I have heard 2 bedroom houses are far less desirable and sellable. It does seem like the route to go down for now though. If repayments could be 850 a month that would be lovely. I suppose the notion of buying your first home big enough to stay in for a long time is a pipe dream these days

OP posts:
Capreedan · 29/03/2023 11:16

Look for ones that need work which are often cheaper as people don't want to do the work. So many renovation stories on Instagram or YouTube to show you how it can be done. If you have any family or friends that can help see if you can rope them in too. I have helped redecorate after my friend did a loft conversion. We built up our skills using YouTube tutorials.

Definitely buy before you have children, you should have more time, energy and money. Try a wide search on Rightmove, put in 3 beds and see what it brings up. As others have said you don't need to buy at the very top end of your budget, try reversing the results on Rightmove from low to high.

LauraNorda · 29/03/2023 11:17

It's like investing.

The best time to invest or get on the property ladder is today. The second best time is twenty years ago.

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