So despite my mucho moaning about the mortgage situation, we've managed to get a house. It's not as big as we'd have liked (2 bedrooms rather than three), nor is the garden as big as we'd have liked. Nor is there a shed. But it's altogether lovely and I'm so happy :).
So lesson learnt - it's sensible to think about the present rather than the future (we've shortened our 'house' plan to one in which this place is likely to be for 5 rather than 10 years....)
And now Mr Draco Malfoy.... erm Stuart Broad.... is getting the wickets we need!
Yay!
Sorry for this much to happy sounding post, and I really don't mean to gloat. It's just nice to have something to be positive about!
S

Congratulations! Hope you have a lovely time there - at least it will be something to keep your mind off work! :)

Huge congratulations! Hope you'll be very happy there.

no need to be sorry pamplemousse, I'm so glad you've finally found a house and you deserve to be well chuffed!! I hope it's everything you wanted in a home and more :) (up) all the very best!

Can I ask how you managed to get the money together - I am looking for a mortgage with my husband at the mo and although we can guarantor it and have a 25% deposit, it would be nice to have a back up in my stipend being included!

I'm afraid we didn't get a mortgage. It was near impossible to get anything with a decent rate. We ended up as cash buyers.

Great news Pamplemousse - hope you're very happy in your new home! I suspect you've bought at the right time & it's good that you've managed to get that foot on the ladder before prices start heading up again.

Well done you!

Honestly it's so great to read a positive thread for a change - gloat away (up)(up)(up)

Right, so when is the house warming due and do we all have to bring our own bottles :p

As long as it's not a 5x salary job, congrats!
Housing is what's effectively brought the economy to it's knees - research it ;)

Guitarman - we're lucky enough not to require a mortgage, although it was one option we explored. I've no idea how people manage with 5x mortgages as even with 3.5 x our income we'd have struggled!
S

No problem - I wasn't judging :)
I do have a chip on my shoulder regarding insane house prices, however, and after a lot of research I apportion a lot of the economy's woes on this. I'll spare you all the rant :)
Congrats and enjoy!