What can you afford? |
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Once you have decided on the type of home you need, it is helpful to set a budget. While the amount you can borrow will be limited by your earning capacity, assets and existing debts, lifestyle expenses and so on, do not make the mistake of using this amount as a price guide for your home. Your budget should also include hidden costs such as mortgage and building insurance, stamp duty, legal fees, searches and reports, furnishings and fittings, repairs, maintenance and conservancy rates. Be aware that even high salary earners can and do lose their jobs, so do not use this factor alone to determine the size of your mortgage. Take into account possible future lifestyle changes such as periods out of work, or moving from a double to a single income household with the arrival of a new family member. If you are making a first step into the property market you may have to accept that your first home will not be everything you dreamed of but remember that even the humblest of homes can be beautiful with a few personal touches. Your aim should be to buy a home you can comfortably afford to repay over the long term with the goal of being debt free in the shortest possible time. |
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