Do you have a picture of your dream home in mind? If so, you’re not alone Most of us have ambitions to own a home that ticks every single box on our wish lists. Sadly, this goal isn’t always affordable immediately. If you can’t afford your ideal home right now, don’t panic. Here are some alternative options you could explore.
House share
It may not seem like the most appealing proposition, but sharing a home with others can cut costs dramatically. This may mean sharing with friends, looking for a room to rent or moving back in with your parents. Consider it a short-term option that will have long-term gains. The money you’re saving on a mortgage on your dream home can be put aside each month. Before you know it, you’ll have saved enough to put a deposit down on a property of your own. You may not be able to afford your fantasy home straight away, but getting onto the ladder is a step in the right direction.
Buy a mobile home
Are you desperate for your own space, but you can’t afford most of the houses your real estate agent is showing you? If so, consider buying a mobile home. You can enjoy your own freedom and privacy, and the asking price will probably be significantly lower than other properties you’ve looked at. If this is something you’ve never considered before, take time to explore in more detail. Contact some vendors and have a look for manufactured homes for sale online. You may be surprised at your reaction.
Start saving
If you’re spending everything you earn each month, you’ll never get to the stage where you can invest in a more expensive property. If you’re serious about moving, start saving as soon as you can. If you’re tempted to spend money, set up a direct debit to a savings account, so that you know that money is going into the new home pot every month. If you don’t already have a savings account, shop around for the best offers. Look for an account with high interest rates. It’s always advisable to budget, as this gives you an idea of what you can afford to spend and save each month. There are often lots of ways you can cut back on spending. You could make an effort to reduce how much you spend on luxury items each month, for example.
For many of us, owning the home of our dreams is a long way off. However, that doesn’t mean that we’ll never make it. For now, there are other options that are worth considering. You could move in with other people, such as friends or your parents for a while. This is a really fast and effective way of saving money. Alternatively, you could invest in a cheaper property, and make your way up the ladder. Focus on saving, and be careful with your money. If you want something enough, you should be prepared to work for it.
