How did you feel when finally entering the housing ladder?

[Canteverdecide]

Mainly asking to first time buyers in expensive areas and in this day and age with super high prices. Took us over a decade to get there and even though all we could afford was a small and modest property compared to all our friends and family, we still felt so happy and “accomplished”, don’t know how to explain.
What was your first step into the ladder like, how did it make you feel and will you be go up other steps you think?
We’d like to say our home will be a 5-7 years stage and then hopefully upgrade but it’s hard to predict as we are 40 and we live in a very expensive area near London, who knows.

i was 45.
The words over the moon are too small.

I was 42. I was elated.

I was 25 (30 years ago!) and felt properly grown up for the first time in my life! 😁

The plan was to stay for 5 years and then upgrade, but the kids came along, didn't want to move them to a new school and DH and I work in the area (also family here), so we're still happily here until we retire.

I'm very glad that although I was single at the time, I chose a 3 bed house.

I was 23. Because it was a long time ago, it wasn't a big deal. I had a 100% mortgage and you could actually borrow more than 100% to cover your moving costs.

I was 41 when I bought my house as an FTB (single person, expensive city) and I was honestly so depressed for the first year or so. Most of my savings had gone on the deposit and what was left I needed to spend on maintenance and redecorating. I was broke and clueless and often tempted to put the house straight back on the market! I now obviously appreciate having the house as rents have risen so much and the costs and stress of the upkeep have lessened after that initial stage when everything needed done. At the moment I can't see myself ever moving again but who knows?

I was 22. Didn't think it was a big deal at all, but realise now it was. Also realise I shouldn't have shacked up with someone 10 years older than me.

I was 42 (3 years ago). To not be beholden to landlords who kept selling up on us felt amazing. Double edges sword though as we had to move to an absolute shithole of a place hours from where we were from to be able to afford to buy anything.

Worried. And still worried.

Felt utterly amazing. Been wanting to move out for years. Finally moved out at 22 with DP. First night in our home felt surreal.

I was 20 and it was 1987. I had a 100 percent mortgage for £17,500. It wasn't a big deal and most people I knew were buying their own places. It's very sad it's so difficult these days and I do worry for my children. The only thing I will say is that the worry of losing the roof over my head has never left me since interest rates went into double figures soon after I moved into that first home.

I was 30, it was 1990. I felt elated but nervous.

I had been in a flat share from a while and the sense of having my own space was wonderful, and I was very happy there although it was only a studio flat.

Soooooo excited.

This was 35 years ago, and I still remember the feeling.

I'd been looking at properties for 2 years, and prices had just been shooting up.

Scary, of course, with the mortgage rate being so high and the mortgage being such a high % of my income, there was no room for treats, but also incredibly proud that I had done this, and got my first foot on the ladder.

Yes it feels great. I bought a year ago and did so as a single woman on an average wage without inheritance or family help, by saving a small amount for years and years and years and years. It's probably my biggest accomplishment to date.

I was an FTB in my late forties after decades of renting and I love my little house. I even sing to it sometimes how much I love it! I feel so blessed that I have the security of a place all my own and don't have to worry about bad landlords and rent increases.

The possibility of something going kaput and being hugely expensive to fix scares me a lot though. I am always intensely aware that I need to keep a financial safety net under ds and I for repairs and maintenance.