Getting onto the property ladder has never been an easy thing to achieve, but if you're able to make it happen it really is one of the best things you'll ever do. As someone who rented for many years before owning a property, I can honestly say that it's a very different experience. Renting can be handy, it allowed me to move to all different places, and generally have freedom and flexibility of where I lived during a time in my life where I was still figuring it all out. But there are downsides too. If you're stuck in the renting trap, you'll be all too aware (and probably fed up) of the expense and headache of it all at times. If you're in the process of buying a house or just hoping to one day, here are some real benefits to doing so.
A place of your own
I've heard some real landlord horror stories over the years, and I was probably quite lucky in that respect in most of the places I lived. But when you're renting, you're still very much at the mercy of the landlord. If you want to own a pet, decorate, change the garden or anything else you have to get permission and go through all of the right channels. It's obviously understandable as it's their house, but when you're paying for somewhere to be your home then it can be frustrating. In your own home you have that freedom to truly make the place your own, as long as your budget can stretch to it you can do most things bar anything extreme that needs planning permission. I found it was really refreshing after years of having to get approval for every decorative change to just be able to do what I wanted with my home. And finally managed to achieve the general vibe and aesthetic I'd been aiming for for years, but just was previously unable to do,
More than just a home
Many people, myself included work from home. I like to tell people how I worked from home 'before it was cool'- ha. Having kids and a flexible job from home has been the most incredible setup. So having a home to accommodate this has been handy, I've been able to have custom desks and shelving and things made to fit the space which wouldnt have been something I'd have wanted to do in a rental. Anything fitted like this- wardrobes, media wall, custom cupboards and things all maximise your space and make life better where you can stay more organised. And when you own your home not only do you not need to get permission but you don't mind investing as you know you'll be using them for the foreseeable.
Security in old age
One of the biggest, often overlooked, benefits of owning your own home is the sense of security it gives you for the future. Rent can go up, leases can end, and the worry of having to move or deal with a difficult landlord never really disappears. Owning a property removes much of that uncertainty and gives you a stable place to live as life changes. It’s also a long term investment as over time, your home can increase in value, and even if the market isn’t perfect, having something tangible to pass on or draw equity from can make a huge difference in your later years. If you’re hoping to buy, focus on budgeting carefully, saving for a realistic deposit, and exploring mortgage options that suit your situation. The best thing you can do is search for mortgage brokers near to where you live, eg 'mortgage broker in Warrington' and get professional advice. Everyone's situation is so different so they'll be able to guide you. Sometimes even small steps, like setting aside a regular savings amount or getting a first time buyer consultation, can bring homeownership within reach sooner than many people think.
