To ask how much you'd spend on a dream house?

[CloverCannot]

Just that, really.

Not in ££ obviously, but as % of disposable income and with no known prospect of change in circumstances (for better or worse)

We're faced with what feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and in need of perspective on whether we are being unduly cautious or utterly reckless

(and I know it's v much a "how long is a piece of string" type question but genuinely interested to know others' opinions)

I would be more concerned about how long the mortgage was for and can you afford to live comfortably with the possible lifestyle changes e.g. Nursery costs and working part time.

No house is worth potential financial destitution. If you leave yourself skint to the bone you'll soon turn to hate it. You have to let your head rule your heart unless you have more money than you can count and absolute cast iron guarantee that it'll stay that way. I faced the same decision last year and we walked away.

Moving to a good area, good schools, to a house in a much better state of repair or to alleviate over crowding makes good sense but I'm not sure there is much point in stretching yourself above that point.

I mean if the money was just sat around doing nothing, I wouldn't stop myself from a house of 'a lifetime' but I wouldn't limit my security or opportunities for adventures outside of the home to secure it.

I bought my first house myself, on a 100% mortgage that barely left me enough money for food. I didn't think at all about what could happen if I couldn't pay the mortgage and was happy to live on bread and butter. Crazy, wouldn't do it now, but it was a gamble that paid off.

Now with kids, we've just extended our current house majorly. Had to take out a large mortgage to do so but we have saved a large shit-creek-fund so felt able to take a risk again.

I think the banks are very savvy now about what's sensible for you to borrow. Bil was recently turned down by multiple mortgage providers as his outgoings were too high and had no savings.

I'd say that if you can borrow it, go for it.

A weeks wages for your mortgage payment I was advised...

Wouldn't pay more than 25 per cent of the monthly joint income, as a mortgage payment.

We have a 50% mortgage and pay 26% of our income on the mortgage repayments each month. It doesn't feel ridiculous, but we don't have kids. We've recently remortgaged and the main consideration was nursery fees (£1100pcm in London). Will be over paying between now and then!

Our mortgage payment falls in line with Uppitys ideology. To some our house isn't much, a 3 bed semi with a kitchen and living/dining room, two car drive and no garage. It is our dream house atm.

If and when we decide to move on our dream house will be decided purely based on income again.

We did fancy the other three bed semi with a garage, three double bedrooms and master en-suite but it would push our mortgage repayments into a bracket that would be slightly tight.

There is no point in buying a house that squeezes you dry or leaves you in a very precarious position should financial circumstances change.

Well, I bought my non dream house with a mortgage multiple of 5.5 on a 30 year term. I couldn't possible have paid any more, dream or not.