How to get on the property ladder.

trixychic

Hi guys

Well myself and hubby have been scrimping and scraping every little bit we have to try and get on the property ladder but it just doesn't look like it will ever be a possibility!!!

Seriously how do people do it. We have 2 kids. One has Autism so I am home to care for him. Hubby is working 60-70hours a wk. We are paying rent of €800 a month along with bills etc. The most we can afford to save is a measly €150/month and I just feel like we will never get our own place.... or we'll have to settle for a house in the middle of drugs Ville keeping the Windows and doors boarded up.

I even considered trying to buy a plot of land, put a mobile home on it it and slowly do a self build. But that seems pricey too.

Our eldest is 8yrs and I would love to be in our own house sooner rather than later. But it seems way too far off at this stage.

How are others doing it??

the_syco

Apply for a council house?

LirW

The chance that they'll get a council house in the next 10 years is basically non-existent if they're in Dublin. They are not homeless, the father works, there are plenty of people that would jump before them, it's a struggle.

OP, do you have any money saved? Where are you living?
Would moving out of the urban area work for you?
We have 2 children and lived with my In-Laws for over a year since we moved back to Ireland, we didn't find anything to rent and bought a modest house a bit away from Dublin. It improved our quality of life so much.

In your situation I'd think about relocating to a cheaper part of the country where your husband still could secure work.
With 2 kids, one income and the amount you can save no bank would consider you for a mortgage.
Living is cheaper outside of the cities and could take a burden off your shoulders. I'd at least look into it in your situation.

Good luck.

LuckyLloyd

In the absence of access to a lump sum / help from your parents allied to two decent salaries it's very difficult to buy in Dublin for most people.

Ask yourself this: what is owning a home or getting on the property ladder going to change about your happiness? You're saving the little you can and fair play to you. Enjoy your life, the little things you have and keep going. The property market picture may look very different in five year's time and you'll be ready to take advantage then if you keep doing what you're doing now.

Now is the wrong time to buy a house.

super_sweeney

I am going to assume based on 800 rent that your outside dublin or a catchment area of dublin as any of my friends living in dublin are paying 1400 plus for a small 2 bed apartment.Not knowing personal circumstances at all. It sounds like you guys are doing amazing to what you do. Have you spoken with the tax office to see if there is more financial support you can get? 

I know for myself and friends we moved home for a period or rented out rooms in houses but these are people that are single or have no kids so thats not really an option.
Building yourself might not be the worst idea in the world. You could do a very small generic build that is designed in the future that you can build onto to expand. Also if you build yourself there is a lot of work you can do yourself. 
Lastly when i was looking to buy there was a lot of very small places that needed a lot of work for cheap.. i saw a few at around 40-50k they were very remote and needed work but this could be a solution for your family. As you could pay it off pretty quick if you continued to pay off 800 a month on it and it would allow you to do work yourself to increase its value.

Lumen

trixychic wrote: »

I even considered trying to buy a plot of land, put a mobile home on it it and slowly do a self build. But that seems pricey too.

That seems unrealistic given that your partner has zero free time. Building houses is also expensive and you'll struggle to finance it in the same way as you would struggle to finance a purchase, even more so since there's a risk that the build may not complete. And planners don't like people living in mobile homes for years.

You are in a rental trap, but TBH with 800/mo to spend on housing it's always going to be a struggle. My boom-time semi-d purchase of 330k ish in a fairly cheap area cost about 1200/mo on a tracker, but those rates aren't coming back any time soon.

I think you might be being unnecessarily negative about "we'll have to settle for a house in the middle of drugs Ville keeping the Windows and doors boarded up."

There are lots of places which are relatively affordable but aren't bad to live in if you're willing to put up with poor transport connectivity.

Recent price rises have been heavily focused on new builds and property close to Dublin city centre. Used stock further out is still 30% below peak madness.

Your biggest problem is going to be lack of deposit.

I wish people wouldn't call it a ladder. I thought we had all learned that it can be a highly risky investment in this country.

PhoenixParker

Your best bet is to look at ways of increasing your income. Can your husband get a better paying job or can you find a way to earn some money on the side?

GoneHome

OP in what area of the country are you? As already pointed out there are still bargains to be had the further you move away from urban areas.

trixychic

We are in county carlow. I'm afraid to move too far as my son is settled in the school and he can't handle changes. Even moving from this house will be a nightmare.

Hubby is trying to look for a better paying job but it's just such a slow process. I wouldn't mind moving somewhere into the countryor city once we stay near the school for my son.

I was planning on going back to work in September but unfortunately my depression is back with a bang and I am trying to work through that before I can even think of anything else for myself. Right now I'm trying to just get through the days and stay on top of things for the kids. Its a pain. This bloody rent bubble trap is horrible!!!

trixychic

LirW wrote: »

Would moving out of the urban area work for you?

Looking at renting prices I feel id have to move a far bit away to compensate for anything.

Because our son has Autism we all find change very daunting. He can't handle it. Even moving from this house will be horrible but i can't even begin to think what moving schools could mean. I'm all for moving anywhere... once it's in range of the school. Even half hour drive would be fine.

GoneHome

trixychic wrote: »

We are in county carlow

Lots of value to be had in County Carlow. A quick search of Daft brings up the likes of http://www.daft.ie/carlow/houses-for-auction/carlow-town/159-the-laurels-carlow-town-carlow-1578851/ for €55,000.

tommythecat

Yes there seems to be plenty that could be in your reach with only a small deposit.

https://www.daft.ie/carlow/houses-for-sale/carlow-town/143-the-laurels-carlow-town-carlow-1582973/

95k for walk in condition in the town

trixychic

The laurels and Burrin Manor are the 2 estates we are trying to avoid. We went looking to rent there not long ago and when the estate agent saw we had kids she said not to go near the place. Every other house is burnt out or boarded up. They are scary places to live. I don't think the house value would ever go up and I'm afraid to br stuck there long term.

trixychic

I do see a couple of places that could be options but the question is still how do we get there. Like its been said. No bank will look at us.

We have been renting for 10yrs with no debts. We never go out. We don't drink or smoke. The most we splurge on is a takeaway and DVD some weekends. It's infuriating. We just seem to be stuck.

tommythecat

No worries. I don't know Carlow town so wasn't aware they were bad areas.
Do you mind me asking how much of a deposit have you guys saved to date?

Idbatterim

You getting back into emoynent if possible and if you don't have to land out for child care would be best bet I think...

purpleisafruit

Make sure that you're claiming incapacitated child tax credit for Autism. It's an extra 3300 a year, not much but better than nothing.

GoneHome

trixychic wrote: »

I do see a couple of places that could be options but the question is still how do we get there. Like its been said. No bank will look at us.

With prices quite reasonable in the area, if you had a good savings record with the Credit Union they might possibly lend to you if you are only looking to borrow maybe €50,000 or €60,000.

trixychic

purpleisafruit wrote: »

Make sure that you're claiming incapacitated child tax credit for Autism. It's an extra 3300 a year, not much but better than nothing.

We are and have applied for DCA. Hopefully it will help.

trixychic

tommythecat wrote: »

No worries. I don't know Carlow town so wasn't aware they were bad areas.
Do you mind me asking how much of a deposit have you guys saved to date?

Almost €6000. But I have €2000 inheritance coming to me soon. It's not fantastic but it's all we've got so far.

trixychic

GoneHome wrote: »

With prices quite reasonable in the area, if you had a good savings record with the Credit Union they might possibly lend to you if you are only looking to borrow maybe €50,000 or €60,000.

Oh I might look into that. Thank you.

purpleisafruit

trixychic wrote: »

We are and have applied for DCA. Hopefully it will help.

Have you applied for Carer's Allowance too? I've an autistic son too

trixychic

purpleisafruit wrote: »

Have you applied for Carer's Allowance too? I've an autistic son too

I was told I have to be in receipt of DCA to be able to apply for that?? I've started mentioning we may have to move to help him get used to the idea. Making it sound like a great adventure but I'm dreading how he is gonna take it.

purpleisafruit

trixychic wrote: »

I was told I have to be in receipt of DCA to be able to apply for that?? I've started mentioning we may have to move to help him get used to the idea. Making it sound like a great adventure but I'm dreading how he is gonna take it.

The transitions are difficult but def manageable. Yeah, DCA is needed to apply for carer's. Best of luck!

DubCount

trixychic wrote: »

I was told I have to be in receipt of DCA to be able to apply for that?? I've started mentioning we may have to move to help him get used to the idea. Making it sound like a great adventure but I'm dreading how he is gonna take it.

I dont think its essential, but having DCA would certainly make it easier. Chase up local TDs if Social Welfare are dragging their heals on processing your application (they tend to do so). Dont be afraid to appeal if they turn you down - this is a pretty common delaying tactic. Also, check out some of the Special Needs boards.

If you get DCA or carers, you will also get the Carers Support Grant (formerly the Respite Care Grant). I think DCA can be back dated, so its worth asking about that when you receive it.

Finally, the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit was mentioned earlier. You apply to Revenue for that. Just watch that the requirements for that is for "Acute Autism". I've never come across anyone with that diagnosis, but it is a useful expression to have if a kind doctor is prepared to use it in the forms for Revenue, it makes life easier. If you get that, there is no reason you cant ask Revenue to back date that to the last few years. If you call them up they are always helpful and knowledgeable (pity you cant say the same for all other areas of government).

Good luck with the house search and with coping with autism in the family.

LirW

I'm actually around in the eastern corner of Carlow county a bit and there is some value to have, even in the very last part of Wicklow and Wexford. Do you drive? I think if you really want to get yourself a home you need to compromise or stay renting unfortunately. I know it's not easy with an autistic child and wish you all the best.
But there's some really good advice here on the thread!

trixychic

LirW wrote: »

I'm actually around in the eastern corner of Carlow county a bit and there is some value to have, even in the very last part of Wicklow and Wexford. Do you drive? I think if you really want to get yourself a home you need to compromise or stay renting unfortunately. I know it's not easy with an autistic child and wish you all the best.
But there's some really good advice here on the thread!

I know everyone is fantastic. I love the advice. I will be looking into every possibility. We do drive (thank god) so it'll help. Thanks.

trixychic

Guys I've just had another idea and looking to see if it's at all feasible. What if we were to buy a mobile and rent some land for 12-24months while we save for the house.

I know my dad had a mobile he put in his field and hr didn't need planning for it. Even if it was in family grounds or something. We could save alot more alot quicker?

Anyone have any idea if this would work??

myshirt

trixychic wrote: »

Guys I've just had another idea and looking to see if it's at all feasible. What if we were to buy a mobile and rent some land for 12-24months while we save for the house.

I know my dad had a mobile he put in his field and hr didn't need planning for it. Even if it was in family grounds or something. We could save alot more alot quicker?

Anyone have any idea if this would work??

I wouldn't repeat that story about your father in earshot of anyone familiar with planning.

PhoenixParker

trixychic wrote: »

Guys I've just had another idea and looking to see if it's at all feasible. What if we were to buy a mobile and rent some land for 12-24months while we save for the house.

I know my dad had a mobile he put in his field and hr didn't need planning for it. Even if it was in family grounds or something. We could save alot more alot quicker?

Anyone have any idea if this would work??

Don't.
It will delay you getting a house and you'll be miserable in the meantime. Youveal ready said you struggle with mental health. Living in a budget mobile that's cramped damp and cold will not help.

You're about 10k away from a house right now. Focus on getting well enough for a part time job and you'll have that in a year. Focus on the tax breaks and allowances that have been discussed and you could well be moving in for Christmas 2018.

Purple Mountain

Buying a mobile/caravan will eat into your deposit too.

pwurple

For savings... I poured over the finances like a hawk for months, trimming everything off. I mean flippen everything. We dropped a car for a while and cycled. I don’t know if you have two cars and can do a carpool or public transport etc.

Remove all non essential monthly bills. Phones (go pay as you go and never make calls), tv, everything.

Limit buying. Get hands-on. Repairing / adjusting clothes rather than buying. If buying, go second hand. Cooking from scratch, growing as well where possible.

Sell anything of value not being used, nonessential. Playstation, books, dvds, old kids toys, everything and anything. I once sold a pack of vitamins. I swear my ebay and done deal profile absolutely soared while we were saving. And you would not believe the stuff people buy on etsy. I swear to god, any crafty notion you have at all... hawk it.

Bad habits. Identify Any. Swiftly ditch them. Gambling. Smoking. Drinking. Pyramid schemes.


It’s all temporary... support eachother.

trixychic

pwurple wrote: »

For savings... I poured over the finances like a hawk for months, trimming everything off. I mean flippen everything. We dropped a car for a while and cycled. I don’t know if you have two cars and can do a carpool or public transport etc.

Remove all non essential monthly bills. Phones (go pay as you go and never make calls), tv, everything.

Limit buying. Get hands-on. Repairing / adjusting clothes rather than buying. If buying, go second hand. Cooking from scratch, growing as well where possible.

Sell anything of value not being used, nonessential. Playstation, books, dvds, old kids toys, everything and anything. I once sold a pack of vitamins. I swear my ebay and done deal profile absolutely soared while we were saving. And you would not believe the stuff people buy on etsy. I swear to god, any crafty notion you have at all... hawk it.

Bad habits. Identify Any. Swiftly ditch them. Gambling. Smoking. Drinking. Pyramid schemes.


It’s all temporary... support eachother.

Thanks for this. We don't drink, smoke or gamble and I don't even know what pyramid schemes are. Ha. I'll start doing that though. Thanks

As for living in the mobile thanks for the input. I definitely see where everyone is coming from. Thanks .

Purple Mountain

You sound like a lovely mam and wife so I wish you sincere good luck.
Respect for parenting a child with special educational needs.
xx

catrionanic

pwurple wrote: »

For savings... I poured over the finances like a hawk for months, trimming everything off. I mean flippen everything. We dropped a car for a while and cycled. I don’t know if you have two cars and can do a carpool or public transport etc.

Remove all non essential monthly bills. Phones (go pay as you go and never make calls), tv, everything.

Limit buying. Get hands-on. Repairing / adjusting clothes rather than buying. If buying, go second hand. Cooking from scratch, growing as well where possible.

Sell anything of value not being used, nonessential. Playstation, books, dvds, old kids toys, everything and anything. I once sold a pack of vitamins. I swear my ebay and done deal profile absolutely soared while we were saving. And you would not believe the stuff people buy on etsy. I swear to god, any crafty notion you have at all... hawk it.

Bad habits. Identify Any. Swiftly ditch them. Gambling. Smoking. Drinking. Pyramid schemes.


It’s all temporary... support eachother.

Plenty of ideas here.

I also find it much easier to budget if we don’t use our debit cards. Withdraw your budget in cash at the start of each week and make it last. If you have any of it left over at the end of the week, put it in a money box. A tenner a week or whatever soon grows.

Heres Johnny

Have you gone in to your bank yet? They have financial planners which is the job I do myself. If you don't want to do this in a bank I do a financial review for people and set plans and make recommendations. You seem like a lovely lady trying her best to raise a child in a difficult situation I would be happy to take a call from you and go through everything to try help you if you don't want to go to banks yet. But the bank should be helpful really.

ABEasy

I know it has been mentioned a few times already but you should be entitled to the incapacitated child tax credit, if you have not applied for it yet do so straight away, it is worth 3.3k p.a. and can be back dated 4 years (you will lose a year if you don't apply before 31/12), that's 13.2k in potential tax refunds. That could be the deposit you need.

myshirt

ABEasy wrote: »

I know it has been mentioned a few times already but you should be entitled to the incapacitated child tax credit, if you have not applied for it yet do so straight away, it is worth 3.3k p.a. and can be back dated 4 years (you will lose a year if you don't apply before 31/12), that's 13.2k in potential tax refunds. That could be the deposit you need.

Yes.

Also ensure to claim back tax on medical expenses for the child. Look at home carers credit also, and if you have private health insurance ensure you are claiming back what you need to there. The deposit is the hardest part.

JMNolan

trixychic wrote: »

How are others doing it??

Others here have helped with your spending and stuff so I'll tell you how we did it. Like you we have a child with autism so my wife stays at home, we have 3 kids. I worked security for about 7 years (I arranged with my employer to only do weekend nights, so Thursday - Sunday night, about 50 hours a week) but I managed to go back to college for 4 of those years and retrained for software.
The software industry pays quite well and once I had a few years experience the wages went up a fair bit. We had to move alright to follow the jobs.

rightyabe

What’s people’s opinion on using 100% of my savings (90,000€) and borrowing about €30,000 more which I’d could easily pay back in 2 years?

I’d be mortgage free which would be great but it feels hard to hand over all I’ve saved over 5 years in one big hit. Would I be better of borrowing more, let’s say 60000 over 10 years and keep some savings for minor renovations to the house/holidays etc..

Wesser

I think people opinions would be start your own thread.

trixychic

Thank you so much for all of the replies. Believe me we are looking into all of them. I really appriciate the the help.

And hey we could win the lotto some day and not worry at all. Ha ha ha. We will keep pushing forward. I applies for a few part time jobs the last few days. Mainly evening times so hubby could be home for the kids.

Fingers crossed we get there eventually. Thank you.

trixychic

trixychic wrote: »

Thank you so much for all of the replies. Believe me we are looking into all of them. I really appriciate the the help.

And hey we could win the lotto some day and not worry at all. Ha ha ha. We will keep pushing forward. I applies for a few part time jobs the last few days. Mainly evening times so hubby could be home for the kids.

Fingers crossed we get there eventually. Thank you.

All the best, hope things work out for you.

riclad

https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/architects-clinic-were-planning-a-selfbuild-how-much-should-we-expect-to-spend-35836161.html

https://www.fastcompany.com/3056129/this-house-costs-just-20000-but-its-nicer-than-yours


An irish architect has a website,
i looked at it in 2016.
he has full detailed plans free to download ,the cost of building is
20k for a 2 bed house.800sq ft
Using basic materials wood plasterboard .
he lists all the materials used .
eg 3 sinks cost 320 euro.
Its a catch 22 , you pay rent,
you cant save a large deposit.
house prices are predicted to go up by 20 per cent by 2020

20k does not include the cost of the site.
in my experience 80 per cent of council house,s were already sold to the tenant.the average age of the owner is 30-40 .
if i find the link i,ll post it here.
Or just buy a cottage a few miles from dublin and modernise it,
with new bathrooms, kitchen, windows.
i could build the house in the plans,
but i,d have to pay an electrician and a plumber to install water pipes

And have the wiring installed .

most of the materials are cheap and light which reduces build cost.
All the items and materials are new .
the plans are very detailed eg pvc window kitchen 5ft x 4ft .
kitchen door 198cm
x85cm

http://www.daft.ie/meath/houses-for-sale/kildalkey/kildalkey-village-kildalkey-meath-1573689/
https://selfbuild.ie/construction/build-cost-estimator/

LirW

OP is in Carlow.
The question is will you get planning for it and how energy efficient is that, because there are strict rules.
20k for a 2bed house is one thing, but getting the place wired and plumbed is another thing and that is expensive (I'm just rewiring and replumbing the place and hell, it's mad). Plumbing material is certainly not cheap.

I wouldn't recommend anyone who's caring for an autistic child recommend building a house, this is stressful beyond believe.

Cunning Stunt

riclad wrote: »

An irish architect has a website,
i looked at it in 2016.
he has full detailed plans free to download ,the cost of building is
20k for a 2 bed house.800sq ft
Using basic materials wood plasterboard .
he lists all the materials used .
eg 3 sinks cost 320 euro.

Was it this guy, Dominic Stevens?

http://www.irishvernacular.com/

Maz2016

trixychic wrote: »

Hi guys

Well myself and hubby have been scrimping and scraping every little bit we have to try and get on the property ladder but it just doesn't look like it will ever be a possibility!!!

How are others doing it??

Hi and what a very interesting thread. Im in a similar situation. Saving so so hard. Some tips I could offer - (some have already been mentioned)

-Keep a record of all spending for a month - On excel spreadsheet. You'd be very surprised how much non essential things you bought over the month. Sounds OTT doing this but if you do, I guarantee you will find savings.

-Change phone plan. Dont be loyal to any company. An Post phone currently have an offer 250mins+250texts+5GB of data for 10 euro a month!

-Same with electricity - shop around! I recently switched companies and got a good offer.

-Ditch the cable TV if you have it and go free to air. It has so many channels that you will find something to watch.

-Plan your weeks cooking in advance. I batch cook a lot of things now and freeze them. No waste and its cheaper to buy bigger batches.Take it out of the freezer the night before and put it in the fridge to defrost. (Curries, Sheppards pie etc)

-Cut out shopping in the local shop and stick to one big supermarket shop per week - as much as possible.

-Bring lunches to work .

-For your weekly take away, go online and see if there is offers. Just Eat and the likes often have discounts for your local take away.

-Dont be brand loyal in supermarkets either. Buy things when on offer.

-Good idea mentioned above about withdrawing cash at the start of the week and not using cards. Make do with what you have withdrawn.

-Claim all medical expenses at the end of the year with revenue - you'd be surprised how quick it mounts up.

I know what its like and its a horrible feeling to save so hard and feel your getting no where. But you are doing great. Don't feel disheartened. Things will come right for ye. The very best of luck

December2012

would it be possible for you to earn extra money doing childminding? Or could you look into becoming a Special Need assistant in a school? it would be a way for you to earn an income, without additional childcare costs, and its something that you are presumably very good at handling?

trixychic

Maz2016 wrote: »

Hi and what a very interesting thread. Im in a similar situation. Saving so so hard. Some tips I could offer - (some have already been mentioned)

-Keep a record of all spending for a month - On excel spreadsheet. You'd be very surprised how much non essential things you bought over the month. Sounds OTT doing this but if you do, I guarantee you will find savings.

-Change phone plan. Dont be loyal to any company. An Post phone currently have an offer 250mins+250texts+5GB of data for 10 euro a month!

-Same with electricity - shop around! I recently switched companies and got a good offer.

-Ditch the cable TV if you have it and go free to air. It has so many channels that you will find something to watch.

-Plan your weeks cooking in advance. I batch cook a lot of things now and freeze them. No waste and its cheaper to buy bigger batches.Take it out of the freezer the night before and put it in the fridge to defrost. (Curries, Sheppards pie etc)

-Cut out shopping in the local shop and stick to one big supermarket shop per week - as much as possible.

-Bring lunches to work .

-For your weekly take away, go online and see if there is offers. Just Eat and the likes often have discounts for your local take away.

-Dont be brand loyal in supermarkets either. Buy things when on offer.

-Good idea mentioned above about withdrawing cash at the start of the week and not using cards. Make do with what you have withdrawn.

-Claim all medical expenses at the end of the year with revenue - you'd be surprised how quick it mounts up.

I know what its like and its a horrible feeling to save so hard and feel your getting no where. But you are doing great. Don't feel disheartened. Things will come right for ye. The very best of luck

Thank you for this. It's encouraging to have the positive feedback. I hope its all turning right for you too. Xxx

riclad

as far as i know Anyone earning under at least 25k can apply for a council mortgage,
eg for dcc it must be in local authority area, the apartment or house must be in good structural condition.

http://www.dublincity.ie/housing-and-community-i-am-looking-home-section/mortgages

My friend got a council loan 12 years ago for 75k.used it to buy a 1bed
apartment.
you,ll still need to pay a lawyer ,
Try and save at least 15k,
legal fees will be 1200 euro approx.
You can buy any proprety in theory,
as long as its taken to be affordable,
eg in 3 years time you will be able to pay the mortgage while lwaving money over to pay esb,insurance,food bills