How the hell are first time buyers supposed to get on the ladder(houses are just too expensive)?

Answer 1

1. Build credit
2. Stay out of debt
3. Save up a down payment
4. Be patient

Answer 2

The housing market is always coming up with ways to afford properties. Either lenders are inventing new types of mortgages (e.g. interest only mortgages, long term mortgages) or buyers are adapting to the market.

During the last decade, it was possible for a single person to buy a property. Prices rose, and then singles were priced out only for the market to turn into a couples only game. Now, its become a selective couples market in which only couples where one person is earning greater than £30K can play. In parallel, parents are helping to get their children onto the property ladder either by lending money, or by leaving their property at death.

Answer 3

House prices are going to rise by about 7% next year don't bother trying to save a deposit because by the time you have saved £10-20k your house/flat which was £200k this year after 2-3 years for you to save your deposit the same house is now valued at £245k so you have actaully lost £25-35k along the way.
So for all those in rented acc and saving for the day that house prices drop, you bunch of twits go get a 100% mort and get something before everything goes and investors control all available property.
What people tend to forget or they never knew in the first place was that before the first world war most of the house's were owned by family estates, Whole villages and london was carved up and everyone rented , like the tyrwhitt drake estate. Have you ever wondered why they have like cavendish square its because that is the same of the estate that built them to be rented out.

So it is a mere blip that people have actually been able to buy at all, Take this oppurtunity beofre all the property's are bought up and rented out.

Answer 4

I am not sure if you are in the UK or elsewhere.

If you are in the UK there are a few options.

Some lenders are giving high loan to value mortgages, but you have to be confident that your earnings will be sufficient to make the repayments.

You could consider buying with a friend as lenders are more amenable to that now.

You could buy a house which needs work, it will be cheaper initially but you will gain nothing unless you are able to do the work require. Obviously that would give you more time as you could do the work gradually as and when you can afford it.

Contact the local housing association in your area, they will have a selection of shared equity housing - you are able to increase your share of equity when you can afford it.

There is, I believe, a government scheme to help people in certain occupations in certain areas, but this is of no use if you are not eligible.

Obviously, tighten the belt and save.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I do not know where you live,but a good general rule of thumb is to look for less desirable up and coming areas. Older people retiring and selling,being replaced by younger families or similar idea. Get the best area you can afford and buy the cheapest place to hold value. Never buy the best home in a so-so area.
Try to set aside the difference between your rent and the likely monthly cost to buy including taxes, etc. for like 6 months. If you can't do it,you are not ready to buy. If you can do it, then you have a great start on that downpayment. goodluck!

Answer 6

I know! I keep kicking myself that I didn't but 10 years ago when houses were affordable!!! I think there is a new scheme coming out where if you rent first the mortgage lender looks on how well you pay rent as to what they will lend rather than on how much you earn. I read about it in the Metro paper. It sounds like the best option

Answer 7

http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/08/real_estate/caught_in_the_bubble/index.htm?postversion=2006090814
http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/05/real_estate/Ofheo_home_prices/index.htm?postversion=2006090514

Rent vs. Buy as Housing Market Continues to Slump

As housing market slump, it is easier to calculate "Rent vs. Buy" scenario. Because "appreciation" is no longer a factor.

Mortgage payment consists of two parts: interests and principal. Interests are like rent, which doesn't add to the equity to your house. It simply disappear as your pay it.

If interests portion of the mortgage payment is roughly equal to rent of equivalent property, then it is a decent buy.

For example, let's buy a $500,000 condo with 0% down and apply interests only loan (just like renting a place). Mortgage payment would be $3250/month. It is a bad buy, because you can enjoy same property for $2000/month.

Please note that I assume the tax benefits from home cancel out fees from home association and property tax. For more accurate calculation, consult with your CPA or accountant. But NOT your realtor, whom will say anything to get the deal to go through.

And again, if you like a particular property, then paying more may be reasonable. You are the only person who can decide how much more premium you are willing to pay.

Answer 8

A lot of people get help for a down payment from their parents. There are various Government programs that help with down payment loans. Talk to a reputable real estate agent. They should be able to point you in the right direction. The main problem is coming up with the down payment, and also establishing and maintaining good credit if you are young.

Answer 9

I have a lender that has a down payment assistance program available.
I would ask you not to wait too long, a condition such as a buyers market means its favorable to you.
I have a few reports on my site, and they can help you. They're free feel free to request one.
Las Vegas Real estate
http://www.myhomeinvegas.com

Answer 10

Homeowner Eric Elkins is struggling to avoid the real estate world's dreaded F-word. Foreclosure may be his only way out.

Elkins says he can no longer afford his payments. He owes $285,000 on his Highlands Ranch house. But it's worth less than $250,000. 'I just want to get out of the house and not be too screwed,' he said."

He and his then-wife bought it for $252,000 in 2002. Last year, Elkins put the house on the market for $299,000. At that price, the home attracted only three showings. Increasingly unable to afford his payment, he contacted his lender, U.S. Bank. At first, the bank told him he couldn't refinance again because he owed more on the house than it was worth, he said."

He inquired about selling, but to sell a house for less than it's worth requires lender approval. Eventually, Elkins' lender came up with a better idea. 'He put me into two home-equity lines of credit,' Elkins said. 'It was all very creative.'"

These new loans replaced his mortgages. One was interest-only, meaning Elkins wasn't required to pay the principal during the term of the loan, keeping payments low. Both loans had adjustable interest rates. As for the value of the house versus the size of the loans needed to refinance it, well..no equity, no problem. 'He got an appraisal for $285,000,' said Elkins of his lender. 'I don't know how he did it. It was exactly the amount I needed.'"

Unfortunately, Elkins' financial situation is still disintegrating and his payments keep rising. He put his home up for sale again in May. In June, he got an offer for less than $250,000. His broker submitted it to U.S. Bank for approval.

The bank had to decide what to do about the deficiency. One option would be to grant Elkins an unsecured loan for the balance. Another would be for the bank to take the loss. The loss on a short sale is typically smaller than the loss on a foreclosure.

Unfortunately, the bank did not respond and Elkins' bidder moved on. 'This property will end up foreclosed on because the bank cannot respond quickly enough,' said Elkins' real estate broker, Gretchen Faber. 'U.S. Bank is completely uninterested in cooperating with me or with the buyer's agents. It isn't just U.S. Bank,' she said. 'All banks do this.'"