Katy's Story
I felt I really should be on the housing ladder. It's sensible, and the longer you leave it, the harder it can be. I see my house as a short-term investment, but at least it's mine and it's better than renting.
What you have to remember, though, is that the expense continues for the first year. Furniture, kitchenware, carpets - it all costs, and once you've moved it takes time and a lot of money to get all that done.
Katy's thoughts
As a first-time-buyer it was great not being in a chain. Friends of mine have all said that chains create a lot of stress. So many things can go wrong, and so much is out of your control.
Be brave and put in a low offer for a place you want. You never know. And if it's not accepted, you can always raise it. But we're not great hagglers in this country, and we should be, especially for things as expensive and important as houses.
