In our weekly series What I Own we’re taking a look inside the properties people own, to get better aquainted with the process of owning a house instead of renting.
If this all sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things. What I Own is a sister series to What I Rent, which is the same idea but focusing on renting.
Both series are intended to take an honest look at the reality of housing, from the dodgy landlords and absurdly priced studio flats to how on earth people save up for a deposit.
This week we’re chatting to Jade Vanriel, a 26-year-old blogger and business owner.
Jade is a law graduate who used to work in product management and advertising. She managed to buy a house at the age of 23.
But – spoiler – like many people who buy a house, a big part of Jade being able to afford the deposit was living with her aunt, so not having to faff around with the expensive rents the average person has to face.
She still had to work hard and save even with that significant leg-up, but was able to get a mortgage on a two-bedroom flat in Harlow.
So, let’s talk the deposit. How much did you need to save?
I managed to save £27k for my deposit over seven years. While at college and uni I had multiple part-time jobs and once I finished uni I went straight into work with the intention to save most of my earnings.
And how much was the total amount of your mortgage?
It was around £200,000. I’ve owned my flat for three years now – I was 23 when I bought it
How did you find the flat?
I was constantly online looking at sites like Rightmove, Zoopla etc. I set up loads of email alerts daily and spent every Saturday going on viewings for months until I found the right flat
What was the process of getting a mortgage like? Did you feel prepared?
I did feel very prepared because I researched a lot of things, I was looking for about a year so plenty of time to ask questions and speak with my mortgage broker on anything I didn’t understand. I would say the only part I struggled with was having bidding wars and getting gazumped so many times!
And how much do you pay each month for your mortgage?
My mortgage is roughly £600 a month and I would say about £400 for household bills.
Why Essex?
Having been born and raised in London I wanted somewhere quieter and an easy commute, so I chose Essex as it’s so easy to get to London on a day to day basis and much more affordable.
Do you feel like you have enough space in the flat?
Yes, I do for the next few years. I’ve used the second bedroom as my wardrobe and office space which I am so lucky to have.
How does owning a home feel different to renting?
I never rented before owning my home. I did live with an aunt and pay towards bills but I didn’t have a proper renting experience.
How have you made the flat feel like home?
I took my time with redecorating because I didn’t have a big budget, so many things were a DIY project like my kitchen. I only changed the cabinet doors and painted the wooden worktop grey. I documented the process on my YouTube channel and people loved it.
I didn’t have a sofa or flooring for six months until I could comfortably afford to do those things. And I only just completed my bathroom which was the most expensive room, so now the whole flat is finished!
I’ve always wanted my flat to be fresh and bright yet still cosy so I’ve added all of my favourite things everywhere like cushions, flowers, and candles
Let’s talk about your YouTube channel! You make a lot of videos about home ownership and renovations. Why do you think it’s important to share these?
I love sharing my experience and tips because I don’t feel there is enough real conversation around home ownership.
My followers come to me for advice and insight and over the past 3 years my audience has grown so much. Young people want to know more about the process and need practical ways to get onto the property ladder.
What are your future plans, home-wise?
I am aiming to buy a house soon, and I would love to hold onto this flat forever as it means so much to me.
Oh, cool. A second property. We’ll just go ahead and regret our life choices. Shall we have a look around, though?
How to get involved in What I Own
What I Own is a Metro.co.uk series that takes you inside people's properties, to take an honest look at what it's like to buy a home in the UK.
If you own your home and would be up for sharing your story, please email whatirent@metro.co.uk.
You'll need to have pictures taken of your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom, plus a few photos of you in your room. Make sure you get permission for your housemates! You'll also need to be okay with sharing how much you've paid to live there and how you afforded the deposit, as that's pretty important.
If you're renting, you can take part too! What I Own runs alongside What I Rent, which is the same series but all about renting. Again, if you'd like to get involved just email whatirent@metro.co.uk.
MORE: What I Own: Vanessa, the 29-year-old photographer who paid a £5,100 deposit on a house in Belfast
source https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/19/jade-26-year-old-blogger-saved-27000-deposit-two-bedroom-flat-harrow-10947658/
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