Home Sweet House

Unbelievably, I am writing this sitting in my very own living room. If I dangle my fingers over the edge of the sofa, I can stroke little pupper. We’re just sitting, breathing in the quiet; it’s an October evening and so the dull orange glow coming from the candles is our only light. My bank account is well and truly empty, but my heart is full of a peace I have not felt before and cannot describe. The feeling of freedom and safety and sanctity.

It was a rough road to get here, but I’d ride it again a million times. I wanted to share some things I’ve learned as I completed the purchase of my first home.

1.       Solicitors are rude and useless

I hope your estate agent is as lovely as mine, that’s all I can say! The sellers were using Mayfair and the lady who works there who dealt with the sale of No. 17 was proactive and kind. She gave me so much emotional support as well as chasing our solicitors daily. I remember once, after another hurdle cropped up with my mortgage, I called her crying and saying I couldn’t live at home anymore and I wanted the house so badly and she was so understanding and supportive. I’ll always remember that.

2.       Getting a mortgage alone is nigh on impossible – but not actually impossible

Without my brother being a big time baller, I would’ve had a very steep monthly payment to meet with one of my parents as a guarantor. There are ways around the 4.5x income cap, even on your own. During the process, you’ll learn about guarantor mortgages, joint borrower sole proprietor mortgages, and Generation Home. Try them – it’s all online and it’s one way to go about getting your own home by yourself. Or, put a parent or family member you can trust on the deeds and get them to sign a bare trust to avoid second home stamp duty. This is another way. Do your research. I swear to you as I sit here in my cocoon of peace – IT IS FUCKING POSSIBLE.

3.       Being alone isn’t scary, it’s glorious (when you find the right place)

Me and my mum looked at lots and lots of houses before we settled on No. 17. I knew the moment I saw it from the outside that it was my house. I saw the stylish grey door, the quirky brickwork, the fields and fields of dog walking out back and I was already saying to mum that we should cancel our other viewings. The house is only a two bed, but uses space so well. Seeing the spacious kitchen diner and big garden for our Willow and the cats … it nearly made me jump up and down there and then!

I also looked at some shit holes. I was so lucky to get my house as cheap as it was – I think if I had taken one of the properties that were just ‘ok’, I would’ve felt less settled than I do right now. In the night, I pad around on these spongey new carets for a drink or a wee and I feel like it’s my home. Plus, I am a busy person! I’ve got two jobs and a vibrant life and so I never feel lonely, in fact, it’s nice to retreat to my little house with Willow in my free time. I can cook whatever food I want, get up and go to bed whenever I want, watch WHATEVER I want on Netflix (a personal highlight). I don’t think I could go back to living with another adult again, which is mildly concerning. Only mildly. I largely don’t care!

4.       Don’t wait around for no fucking man – all you need is a dog and a good family

This one speaks for itself. Although I saved and saved and saved for the deposit for my house, in other ways, my family have enabled this for me and I am acutely aware of their blessing. If you think your family might be willing to help, have the conversation with them. You don't know what could be possible. They love you and I'm sure they'll help where they can. Also, as a side note, get the dog. They make everything even more glowy around the edges.

A caveat of course is that not everyone will be from a background which facilitates buying their own home at 25, and for that I am truly sorry. As you know from my previous posts, I believe that this world is in a sorry state – it should be guaranteed that a working young person can procure a place to feel safe and call their own. But it isn’t. I know my stress and 50 hour weeks and tears to get here are a blessing too, and I thank god for my champagne problems every day.

As a final note, I have been helped by so many of you, so thank you. For your signatures, your extra shifts, your presents. I am lost for words at your generosity during this monumental event in my life. Thank you for your love. I feel it in my soul. Thank you, thank you.

Char and Willow @ No. 17 (finally)

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'Home sweet house' is a quote from the King and I, and all Granda has been saying since I told him I was getting one!