At what age is 'normal' to buy? How old were you?

greensalad

tizzle6560 wrote: »

I can honestly say I did this on my own

But did you pay full market rent whilst living with your parents?

I don't want to stomp on your achievements but I'd consider living with parents to definitely be receiving family help. It might not be a direct cash lump sum by then but unless you are contributing fully to bills as you would with housemates, you're getting a leg-up on the ladder.

penguingirl

We were both 23 and had a 25% deposit. But we live in the north-west where it was affordable. Have now bought a bigger/ more expensive house aged 28 in a much nicer area.

wymondham

Moved out of home at 16, rented until 21 then bought a house when I got married.... in the days before monopoly money house prices (1990).....

Red-Squirrel_2

tizzle6560 wrote: »

I bought in London 8 months ago at the age of 27. I saved bit by bit and moved back home with the 'rents for the last stint to get me over the money line for deposit and stamp duty etc.

I can honestly say I did this on my own with no trust fund or inheritance and am proud of my achievement.

Well I didn't do it on my own and I don't intend to act ashamed about it! My parents gave me several thousand as a gift and let me stay at home for minimal 'keep' to help me save.

I don't understand the reluctance to admit to having help/support. Isn't that sort of the point of having a loving family? We all help each other out as and when we can, in all sorts of different ways. If you're lucky enough to have that, its not something to hide and be embarrassed about!

cwcw

I was 22, in 2007. In 2nd, much larger property now, the "family home".

Ps. Just noticed this forum reverts to the old style format when logged in..... what a relief! Hate that new look.

cwcw

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

Well I didn't do it on my own and I don't intend to act ashamed about it! My parents gave me several thousand as a gift and let me stay at home for minimal 'keep' to help me save.

I don't understand the reluctance to admit to having help/support. Isn't that sort of the point of having a loving family? We all help each other out as and when we can, in all sorts of different ways. If you're lucky enough to have that, its not something to hide and be embarrassed about!

Absolutely. I'm already saving and investing for my baby angels ready for when they come of age. Hopefully they'll be sensible and not blow it all!

househuntingmad

I'm 34 and looking to buy for the first time currently. Many years at uni, followed by living in the south east to build up my career meant it was never an option before. Now I have a good job and income, a decent amount saved, and the time feels right.

It's never bothered what other people do or when they do it. I made my choices and decisions and my own way.

catterlen

I agree on the getting help front- I was 24 on 2004, and my parents acted as guarantors on my first property which i then lived in and rented out 3 rooms to uni mates. It was amazing and so much help when I came to buy with my husband for the first time a few years later. I really appreciated their help and hope I can do the same for my kids eventually.

Fleecedskinflint

The longer one puts up living in poky bedsits, the sooner one can buy.

The sooner one buys the more ones first property resembles a pokey bedsit.

It's horses for courses and right now looks to be a sellers market. Plenty of pokey flats around though.

Cars are the biggest drain on consumable income, so live near your work.

unicornbunnies

I left care at 16 and been renting and saving on my own since, im 23 now and currently in the process of (hopefully) getting my mortgage offer

i think it depends on everyone's situation and where your at in life. But i don't think there is a set age or any rush? whatever feels good to you i personally have had no help from anyone, but if you have a bank of mum and dad i don't think its anything to be ashamed of - saving is a nightmare!