Feel insecure about my home

[Ifeelsick34]

That I even own a home is an achievement in itself, I know. It's a 1-bed and was bought for 70k (yes this is possible) this was pretty much all I could afford on my own.
I enjoy living there, it's on a nice road in a convenient area, it's very quiet and I've never had any issues.
However I can't afford any renovations on it. It's an 1800s property, and luckily everything is in working condition but it's just quite old-fashioned. Needs so much doing to it if I were to ever sell it.

I can afford to live there and pay the mortgage and I'm slowly saving up for things like new carpets but I can't afford all new windows everywhere or anything like that. It's been repainted, but needs a new kitchen too.

It sounds stupid but I feel inferior to friends in their 200-300k properties, I know they've bought with husbands who are all on high salaries so inevitably they'll have nicer homes. They've never been to see mine as they probably can't be arsed, but I can imagine they'd look down their nose at it secretly.

I've tried to make it nice with pictures and so on but there's only so much you can do.

OP if they look down on your home they are not your friends, friends turn up anywhere with a drink or for a cuppa they don’t judge, the celebrate with you.

I bet it’s really lovely and they no doubt would be proud of much you have achieved on your own and how you get to enjoy peace and your very own space.

You need to have a bit of a search on Insta - there's lots of people making do with dated kitchens and bathrooms to live within their means - it seems to be a thing. Do what you can, don't compare and be proud of what you have achieved on your own!

You should be proud of what you’ve achieved on your own

I have a lovely big old Victorian home but same as you OP we prioritise the kids and our breaks away and stuff over massive home renovations at the time. We could do with new carpets and definitely a kitchen. We have no downstairs toilet and cracks in some ceilings.
i have mosy friends and family who come happily to enjoy our company but I also feel a little under pressure from the display mug / hoover lines /marble tile crew!

You have your own place, be proud . I love watching YouTube videos on how to diy cheaply. If it’s 1800 I bet it has character.

Thank you, this has made me feel better.

You’ve purchased a property on your own - that’s a huge achievement! You should be so proud of yourself! Just remember that lots of people in big fancy houses don’t always have the perfect life they make out to have, and just think, if they split up from their high earning DH where would that lead them? Comparison really is the thief of joy but I know how hard it is to not compare. Your house sounds lovely and everything else can wait, renovations often take years and are a real labour of love. We’ve been in our home for 3 years and we’ve barely made a dent! Honestly you’re doing brilliant!

Real friends aren't snobs about where their friends live.

You own a home that you can afford in a pleasant area and everythingis in working order- you are winning!

That's a great achievement OP especially these days well done!.I also bought my house on my own when in my late 20s, that was umpteeeeeen years ago and I had nothing. I mean I took my single bed from home, together with bits and bobs cutlery, plates etc. that my mum gathered for me. There was an old rickety cane chair at home and I got that too, which I promptly fell through first time I sat on it!

OP, people were so very kind. The neighbours couldn't believe a single woman on her own had moved in. They took me under their wing and provided cakes, teabags, a vacuum cleaner (!) that was a hint maybe 😊and they helped me clean up the garden.

It was in a bad state, but no leaks, damp or critters, but the decor was so dark and dreary and I hadn't a penny to do it up. But bit by bit I got there with hard work and help from friends and family. I was so proud of myself to have done it.

It's a lovely house now. Yes, I am still there 30 odd years later, so it was obviously a good buy in a great location. Don't be too hard on yourself, count your blessings and your achievement in doing this. It will all work out.

You need new friends if you think they would have that attitude. The warmth of the welcome is what is important when visiting someone’s home.

We are similar and have a dual income, so we'll done for doing it on your own!!

We got our house for 80k, it was very very dated, but completely liveable in, so we moved in, and have been slowly doing it up while in it.

In the space of about 8 years, we have done the bathroom (it had carpets before...) and the kitchen. And have started some slow work on the living room

I love the fact that its slowly becoming ours, while still honoring the person before us who looked after it so well that it was liveable in despite being dated.

Congratulations on being able to achieve home ownership, and when your friends are still paying off large mortgages and yours is complete, your decision will seem a lot more sensible...!