How to be happy with the home you’ve got?

[degrasse]

I am naturally very ambitious as a person. Lots of my friends have gorgeous homes, both renting and mortgaged.

For a few reasons, I am not ready to buy yet. My rented home is nice enough but I could easily afford something much smarter, but don’t want to spend another £10k a year.

But I keep wondering and yearning for a nicer place to live. So looking for some tips on how to be happy living in the home you’ve got. Especially when it’s perfectly adequate

U think it's more about do you want to lay your own mortgage or someone else's? Do you want to have an asset or the freedom to leave and move?

Just remember comparison is the thief of joy. When you lie on your death bed, will you look back and think ‘I’m so glad I spent so much time wanting what I didn’t have’. These thoughts are such a waste of your precious energy and indeed life. You could go and volunteer with a charity supporting people who have very little, may help you focus on what you do have and feel grateful?

Your time will come and you’ll get your house but I don’t think being in your own home magically solves these feelings if you are always wanting more. You’ll always be looking for the next and newest thing or biggest house.

I think you answered your own question; your home just isn’t a priority, which is fine! Lots of people value travelling, family, trips, hobbies etc more than their house. For some people it’s a place to lay their heads, for others (including me) it’s an extension of themselves and a sanctuary from the world.

Personally I prioritise my houses and always have, I spent the majority of my disposable income on my house. We’re maxed out mortgage wise and love our home. We both WFH and spend a lot of time here.

But I totally get that it’s not for everyone and saving is more important for some people (especially as your rent).

Be authentically you and keep reminded yourself why you’re choosing cheaper rent right now.

I would do some low cost decorating, nice cushions, vases, pictures etc to make your current place have a lift. You can put your stamp on the place without spending the earth. Little things like fresh flowers and nice crockery can uplift a home.
Wherever you are in the property ladder or size or rental, there will always be someone who has a bigger/more expensive place so there is no point comparing to others in my view.