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How can I afford a House and Life?

Posted by covas on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 21:19:56

I am 22 years old and earn 20k a year with my partner earning the 15k, we live in rented accommodation and have one car which I need in order to get to work. In our area of Wolverhampton we can not afford to buy a house, as most house prices are between 120-170k for something which is not rat infested, with high council tax and huge petrol costs we can not even save for a mortgage never mind being able to afford the get one or even afford to save for a pension and with more and more tax hitting us, we have decided if labour get in again we are moving to Canada, my question is how are you going to help British citizens get affordable housing? I use the word "British" as labour have recently said they are building affordable homes in London for the "poles" :(, does the labour government hate British people? I think the answer is yes

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Posted by ORowlinsonYouthMp on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 21:50:22

I c ompletley agree with this argument.In Kent the average cost of houses is over 250 000.Can first term buyers afford this so i say to labour to stop giving houses to the polish people and leting moe countries come in and steal our homes.D OES LABOUR CARE ABOUT BRITISH PEOPLE
so come on conservatives you can do better

Posted by canvas on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 21:50:56

Try to but as large a flat as you can - shared ownership - check out housing associations. At least that way you get a foot on the housing ladder...it's hard - but there are ways. Do it now! :) Good luck.

Posted by canvas on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 21:51:44

Try to BUY! I hate typos and we can't edit comments ggggrrrrr :)

Posted by canvas on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 22:09:34

PS> Margaret Thatcher has to take a lot of the blame for your problem. Look at history - and maybe blame Labour too - but don't blame Polish people. That's slightly irrational :)

Posted by neale on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 22:21:08

In truth you have hit the nail on the head "British citizens". But your answer has to be NO, cos current ideology is to help thousands of migrants with tax payer hand outs, which includes housing. "British citizens" are now third class citizens, way down low on Government list of things to do.

You do have a valid issue and I really hope your wish is fulfilled ;)

Posted by BenjaminStrange on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 22:25:18

Trust me dear fellow, dear dude of all humanity, Labour are for an impossible world, putting Britain aside, The dont seem to no where they stand or who they represent. You are obviously in a position which is natural, so press on hard, and you will survive...

Posted by canvas on Wednesday, 03 January 2007 22:26:41

migrant workers pay tax and national insurance - so they aren't just taking - they're giving back too.

Posted by Tizzy on Thursday, 04 January 2007 01:35:03

I don't wish to rain on you parade but there is no entitlement to own your own house, whether you are British or Polish, aged 22 or 42.

I will agree here is a need to provide affordable housing asap. However, it may not become available in such built-up areas as Wolverhampton (I will defer to your better knowledge on that) and relocating, whether in or out of the UK is your choice.

Posted by Geddes on Thursday, 04 January 2007 16:24:38

Hate as you say it, is a very strong word and should be used with caution. I don't think the government hates the British, it has, and is continuously getting priorities wrong - serving the economy and capitalism rather than its people. This includes Margaret Thatcher, but also Labour hasn't helped much...

Posted by Votedave on Thursday, 04 January 2007 17:37:49

Well I'm 24, earn just over £10k a year, have never had a partner and live with parents. You're lucky, covas.

Posted by jez9999 on Monday, 08 January 2007 11:55:21

canvas: You can edit comments. Click 'Leave a comment', then 'Manage' at the top, then click the comment you wish to edit. Voila!

Posted by SimonT on Monday, 08 January 2007 17:44:24

I agree, since labour came in house prices have virtually tripled and the hikes in petrol and road tax have severaly dented my finances these last few years..

I was fortunate in that I had plenty of savings and was able to buy a house using a very large deposit, but other people are less fortunate.

I would be interested in seeing what David has to say on making affordable housing available to first time buyers.

Posted by Bazza12 on Saturday, 13 January 2007 00:06:04

I sympathise with your predicament as, being an older person, I got on the property ladder when housing was cheaper. However, whenever one buys a house it is always very difficult when you begin, until your income catches up with your mortgage. You have to do without holidays, second cars, and so on. On 35,000 you should be able to afford a mortgage, especially as you are probably already paying a lot out in rent. My niece, who works as an assistant manager in a retail outlet, earns not more than 25K, but she has recently bought a 2 bed flat for 110K (we're in the south where prices are ridiculously high). Yes the mortgage is a large part of her income, but at least she's not throwing away money on rent. I hope you can see your way to buying soon.

My main reason for replying though, is to complain about the many people who are now building enormous property portfolios on the back of buy-to-let mortgages, largely ensuring that the cost of property continues to rise with their demand, and there is very little left for the genuine first time buyer. You could argue that these developers are risking their money, but really all that could happen to them is that they could have the property repossessed. They will not lose their own homes. The rental income pays for the property. I believe government should clamp down on this practise by taxing heavily second and subsequent homes. Maybe then multiple property ownership will become less attractive and we can get back to the situation when first time buyers could pick up a bargain and do it up.