Meet Adriana Goncalves, a young woman who achieved the dream of buying her own home at just 24. While that sounds amazing, Adriana has a few things she wishes she’d done differently along her journey.
Living rent-free with her mum, Adriana meticulously saved 70% of her salary to afford a one-bed flat in London through shared ownership. But with hindsight, she’s realised a few missteps.
One big regret? Not waiting a bit longer. Just as she was buying, Adriana got promoted. If she’d waited a few more months, she could have snagged a larger place thanks to her salary bump!
Her current flat comes with a hefty commute. Adriana spends an hour driving to work each day. She reckons if she’d chosen a home further out of London, maybe in Essex, her drive could have been sliced in half.
The solicitor process was a real eye-opener for her, too. She wasn’t prepared for the countless emails and jargon she’d have to wade through, which often left her doing her own research to know what was happening.
Adriana also learned the hard way about service charge fees associated with flats. She pays for communal park maintenance, expecting the council would handle it, but that wasn’t the case.
Here are Adriana’s top tips for first-time buyers:
1. **Commute Counts**: Consider travel time to work before you sign on the dotted line!
2. **Multiple Visits**: See a property at different times of day and week to get the true vibe.
3. **Flat Fees**: Be aware of service charges when buying a flat and factor them into your budget.
4. **Do Your Homework**: Research the solicitor process thoroughly. No one will guide you step by step, so be proactive!
While Adriana loves her neighbourhood’s friendliness and the proximity to places like Bluewater, she’s planning her next move wisely. Her next step? A bigger house, perhaps in Essex or Kent, with lessons learned in her pocket.
Remember, buying a home is a significant commitment, so do your research and ensure it fits all your needs. Happy house hunting! 🏡