We are lucky that we have equity in our house and still should have, even when the IVA is finished. Once the mortgage goes then the house should be worth a fair bit, as I imagine house prices will have risen by then.
Retirement in the sun for me if I can.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I have to admit I prefer the security of owning our house rather than renting, and I like to be able to do what I want without having to ask the landlord first - a friend of mine isn't even allowed to put a picture on the wall without asking permission and there's no way I could live like that.
The fear of landlords is a real concern and I feel sometimes come from experiences in the private rental secto, where it can be difficult. However we are with a social rental landlord and the approach is very different. The ability to do things in the property is accepted providing the work is carried out by a professional and this can be verified. The properties are currently been improved and what is been put in is amazing.
New central heating system, condensing boiler, kitchen and bathroom and complete rewire as well as UPVC windows and doors. it has been done on our property and is good, although some issues are a problem.
my view is if you are with a social housing provider or housing association then you should get a good deal.
My parents have always been happy with renting as they would never have been able to afford to have had the things done that they have.
However, I prefer to know that the bricks and mortar I live in will be mine one day (and it's not that far away for me now) and have never minded having things fitted. I then get to choose what I have, such as the new combi boiler, bathroom, radiators and who fits it (we have an excellent plumber).
When we had our windows done, I was able to have the patio doors removed and French doors put in - I couldn't have done that if I was renting.
Renting is great if that's what you want.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I own my flat(well bank does really), I do miss the freedom you get with renting. Don't like your neighbours, you can just move, want to move to another part of the country you can do. When the housing market's static it can be a bit of a nightmare, we had a situation of months and months of harassement from kids on the local estate and i felt very trapped. I think once my iva is over and i don't need to worry about credit checks for renting, I will just sell up and rent. Home ownership isn't the be all and end all. The worst years of my parents life were when they owned their own home, and then repossed, now in council property they couldn't be happier.
It's each to his own - owning my house happens to suit me and hubby and we love where we live and have great neighbours.
My parents have lived in council accommodation all of their lives, and in the same house since they married 56 years ago.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
