KT180x

Aside from paying off your mortgage what would you do with £70,000?

Posted by iffyClyro@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 413 comments

KT180x@reddit

The amount of money you owe to the lender remains the same, you wouldn't suddenly owe more because the house was valued higher. It would mean the proportion of the property's value that is mortgaged is lower, therefore better. E.g. mortgage of 200k on a property worth 300k - 66.6% LTV. Mortgage of 200k on a property worth 400k - 50% LTV. The lower the LTV the better.

Where in the UK can you live comfortably and get on the property ladder with a 65-70k household income?

Posted by Exotic_Industry_4402@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 297 comments

KT180x@reddit

I mean, I bought as a solo buyer just 10 miles outside the m25 on (at the time) 45k. Took a few years of saving but the idea that a HHI of 65-70k isn't enough to buy anything in the SE is an exaggeration.

What % of your household income is your minimum mortgage payment?

Posted by Codders94@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 159 comments

KT180x@reddit

Who is your lender? I work for a bank and it's insane that they haven't done anything at all and are just repossession. Have you spoken to their financial support team and registered a life event?

Have most people in your social circle have been to the US or Canada at least once in their lives?

Posted by One_Sherbert7457@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 40 comments

KT180x@reddit

I've been to California, Nevada, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and New York. I'd say of people I know, probably 75-80% have been to the US or Canada.

is it possible for me to move out as a single parent?

Posted by rattlesnakee@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 40 comments

KT180x@reddit

Thank you for pointing this out. I never sought child support from my child's biological father, because a) he didnt have any money and more importantly b) it was far far better for me and my child to have absolutely no contact whatsoever, and not encourage him to be attached to us in any way. I would have been doing my child a disservice by encouraging any sort of involvement by seeking money, she is without doubt better off far away from that man. I'll admit I claimed in-work benefits for a couple of years, but other than that I have supported her myself (she is 12 now). However, I do agree that in less extreme cases, more absent fathers should be made to pay for the child they created, so I can understand why people are questioning letting him off the hook if it leaves her having to claim extra support (nothing wrong with that in itself).

How long before your flight do you get to the airport? Dot. Want to sit around for ages

Posted by stevey83@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 94 comments

KT180x@reddit

I never check a bag and hate waiting around at the airport. I arrive 1 hr 15 before my flight at most, unless accidentally arriving early. Recently, due to unfortunate events, I arrived at stansted 55 mins before my flight and Oslo 40 mins before my flight. Still made both just fine. I don't recommend this method if you have a nervous disposition or like to have a pint at the airport.

How Are You Dealing With The Heat?

Posted by Damned_I_Am@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 268 comments

KT180x@reddit

I live just outside london, where there is countryside and lakes and places to swim when you cant take the heat any longer. Thats what I've done the last 2 days and what i will have to do today also. My house is very cool, but depressing to sit inside all day. If I sit in the garden I'll just bake.

Could someone explain council housing/estates?

Posted by RedSolez@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 150 comments

KT180x@reddit

Technically it's a split level flat that's part of a larger building and not a house in itself. Sometimes other variations are also sold as maisonette, such as a single level flat that's part of a house, usually when it is ground floor and has a garden. Mine was marketed as a maisonette. The building looks like two quite wide semi detached houses adjoined, but each side has a flat downstairs and one upstairs. The separate front door to the upstairs flat is round the side of the house. Mine in the ground floor, so i have a garden out of my back door. The upstairs neighbour also has their own garden which is behind mine, accessed by a path down the side. Each garden is separately enclosed. That was way longer an explanation that was necessary.

Could someone explain council housing/estates?

Posted by RedSolez@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 150 comments

KT180x@reddit

Great explanation. I like that you highlighted the high quality of the building. I bought an ex council maisonette, and all the rooms are big, theres tons of storage and large garden with a brick shed. Built in the late 50s / 60s and the whole street was once a council estate; now its half and half and a very desirable road to live on. But to your point, was it a bit cheaper because it's ex council? I definitely think so.

Help with Great British treats and snack would love advice?

Posted by PerspectiveStill1272@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 18 comments

How did Chinese made cars become so popular?

Posted by Fondant_Decent@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 713 comments

Hypothetically, if you'd been asked to get picky bits for dinner, what would you get?

Posted by arenaross@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 90 comments

do you struggle to use your annual leave?

Posted by Maleficent_Day_3869@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 338 comments

KT180x@reddit

I truly do not understand those 'i'd be bored if I retired' people. Do you honestly have absolutely nothing you'd like to do with your time other than work?!

Is it common for people who are born in the UK to say they are “Irish” or “Italian” if they have a parent from there?

Posted by Charming_Usual6227@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 1408 comments

KT180x@reddit

You may hear someone refer to themselves in that was occasionally but only if BOTH parents are from that country, but even then they'd probably say 'my parents are xxxx but i was born here'. You may hear people say 'I'm half xxxx' or something if one of their parents is that.

What phrase(s) would you permanently ban if you had the chance?

Posted by MixAway@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 3420 comments

Why don't petrol stations have an exit barrier to stop people driving off without paying?

Posted by FuckingPope@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 186 comments

KT180x@reddit

I have used several 'pay at pumps' that wont accept my credit card (completely normal high st bank, not Amex or anything) and only accept debit. Quite common in my experience!

What role to choose, Barclays or Civil Service?

Posted by Ready_Firefighter_72@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 29 comments

KT180x@reddit

What are the benefits that are better? I dont work for barclays but a different bank, and the additional benefits, pension and annual bonus are crazy good. Also very flexible and hybrid. Not trying to suggest civil service isn't an amazing option, just genuinely curious what benefits there are above and beyond a bank?

How much is your monthly mortgage/rent vs. your income?

Posted by Puzzleheaded_Bet_618@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 143 comments

KT180x@reddit

I already do 9% to pension and there's a 13% employer contribution on top of that. I just want the psychological chipping away of the mortgage on top of the other things!

How much is your monthly mortgage/rent vs. your income?

Posted by Puzzleheaded_Bet_618@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 143 comments

How much is your monthly mortgage/rent vs. your income?

Posted by Puzzleheaded_Bet_618@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 143 comments

When are kids moving out these days?

Posted by Icy_Appearance_8610@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 336 comments

KT180x@reddit

I agree with you. I think the boomer idea of 'well we paid 15% interest what are you all moaning about' is obviously ridiculous, and theres no denying it is a LOT harder to buy a house than before, with wages/house prices / rent prices when saving etc. However, you're absolutely right that there are plenty of people with some brand new flash car on finance, 3 takeaways per week, lots of nights out, convenience spending, lots of holidays, etc etc that also say they couldn't possibly save up cos they cant afford to. The expectation is to save for something big you need to sacrifice in other areas, and some people aren't willing to do that thinking 'well whats twenty quid here and there'. I get the nihilistic feeling of 'what's the point' because it doesn't happen quickly (it took me 5 years to save my deposit, while renting and being a single parent to 1. And yes I live in the south east near london) but ultimately you have to start somewhere, and if you don't actively try then of course it's not going to happen. When I started saving i was on 21k and could only spare £10 per week, which admittedly felt pointless, so I do get the sentiments. But the idea it's completely impossible is just not true at all.

When are kids moving out these days?

Posted by Icy_Appearance_8610@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 336 comments

KT180x@reddit

This is something I see. My good friend is 37 and lives at home with a full time job. Doesn't save anything, spends all his money, and has no intention to move out. Complete waste of the living situation!

When are kids moving out these days?

Posted by Icy_Appearance_8610@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 336 comments

KT180x@reddit

I bought as single parent of 1, saving up whilst renting just outside london. It took 5 years to save a deposit. During those 5 years, I was earning 21k at the start, and was on 40k by the end (so less than a couple both earn NMW) Not trying to pretend its not difficult, and its quite obviously WAY WAY harder than it used to be, but the blanket statement of 'single people have no chance' is just not accurate. I didnt have a takeaway or a coffee out for 5 years, and had only a couple small short cheap holidays in that time, but savignup for anything requires sacrifice.

When are kids moving out these days?

Posted by Icy_Appearance_8610@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 336 comments

KT180x@reddit

I am a 37 yr old single mother of 1, who moved out at 18 and never went back. I saved up a house deposit while renting a 2 bed flat on the outskirts of London, and bought a place after 5 years of saving. I don't deny its very, very difficult, and way more ridiculous than it was in previous decades, but I also think it is possible with sacrifice-you cant go out to restaurants regularly / regular takeaways / new clothes etc, but that applies to saving up for anything, thats not a new concept. I have a close friend who is also 37 and still lives with his parents. He does no cleaning, pays nothing to live there, and seems to have no plans to move out despite having a full time job. He doesn't claim to be saving up to move out or buy a house either. He spends all his money on takeaways and random stuff. It totally baffles me honestly. I understand why adults are staying at home longer, but when you aren't using that situation to save up and propel you forward to having your own place , what is the point? In the years he's been there, he could've easily saved 50k+ but just hasn't bothered. If my adult child wanted to live with me in their 20s, I would make them pay me 'rent' which would be put aside for a house deposit.

How did/do you save on moving costs?

Posted by ArrowPresby@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 26 comments

KT180x@reddit

I did all the smaller stuff in several runs in my car (so if you have friends or family with cars, they could help you). I then got a van and 2 men, via Anyvan, to collect all my furniture and bigger items and load up, transport and unload to my new place-this cost £199. Much cheaper than 'moving companies'!

In your opinion, what’s the cheapest way to do a food shop?

Posted by AncientFootball1878@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 55 comments

KT180x@reddit

You'll need to spend an initial outlay on oil, herbs, spices, and seasonings so that even when all you have in the house is some veg and basic cupboard food, you can still make a meal and make it taste nice. Shopwise, Aldi all the way. Make sure you can cook from scratch, and cook in batches. Find a few meals you like that have some overlapping ingredients to make sure youre being resourceful while still varying your meals(if you want some exmaples, let me know). Don't buy pre made foods, or branded food unless you genuinely do not like the own brand version.

Where do you do family summer holidays in 2026?

Posted by Focusboy50@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 33 comments

KT180x@reddit

8k to go to the canary islands?!? Insane!!!!! I spent only 3k taking my daughter to Thailand and Tokyo for a 2 work trip. Granted your example was a family of 4, but still!!!

How am I ever supposed to move out?

Posted by meowmeowpowpow69@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 27 comments

KT180x@reddit

Could you get a houseshare near your job then? That way, the extra rent is offset by the reduction in your commuting costs, so you'd be moved out for not much more than you're paying now! Well done for saving 2.5k. Thats enough for for first month's rent and deposit! So really all that is stopping you is finding a room you can afford then? Currently you're paying 300 rent + 250 commuting = £550. If you were able to find a room for £700-800 all bills included, somewhere where you could cycle or bus to work, you would only be paying £150-250 more per month and be much happier. You would still have £900-1000 per month leftover, which is absolutely doable!

How am I ever supposed to move out?

Posted by meowmeowpowpow69@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 27 comments

KT180x@reddit

Very much empathise with your situation. Until about 3 years ago, I was on 26k having to rent a not very nice 2 bed flat for me and my child, just outside london. It was £1k per month rent. If you're already paying your mum 300 rent, id consider if it is worth the extra 400-500 per month for a room share in the outskirts of London for the sake of your sanity. What is your actual take home pay? Also, you mentioned it being impossible to save. If you're only paying 300 for rent and bills, where is the rest of your money going? You should be able to save a chunk while living at home and build up a fund. I appreciate its expensive paying deposit and first month's rent, but with minimal outgoings, how much have you managed so far?

Have you or someone you know ever been sectioned?

Posted by pearl_pluto@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 283 comments

To those who listen to music / videos without headphones on public transport - genuine question: why don’t you use headphones?

Posted by Only_Book_995@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 35 comments

What's your biggest oops! moment?

Posted by sniffing_dog@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 189 comments

What's your biggest oops! moment?

Posted by sniffing_dog@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 189 comments

Is my boyfriend being naive about a stag do to Ibiza?

Posted by Correct-Brilliant950@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 63 comments

Where to move to in London?

Posted by Mediocre_Landchad_95@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 72 comments

KT180x@reddit

Try looking at Barnet- insanely nice countryside around there but still on the tube (same line as Bank). Quite a community feel, lots going on, but walks and greenery also. You'd get a very nice place for 3k!

Aldi Shoppers, How much is your weekly shop?

Posted by GiveUsRobinHood@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 51 comments

I’m drawing a toad sitting in a pub with a pint and a crossword. I got a red stain on the page and I’m thinking of turning it into a poppy badge. Is this offensive, as a toad could be seen as a negative characterisation of the elderly? I like toads so there’s no harm intended

Posted by LooseScree@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 406 comments

What age do you think you'll retire?

Posted by Exotic_Bug3885@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 76 comments

KT180x@reddit

I'm 37 and aiming for / planning for 52. This does somewhat depend on not moving up the property ladder but I don't really need somewhere bigger. I have a very good pension at work, am actively investing and getting mortgage paid off to plug the gap between early 50s and late 50s when i can claim my pension.

Need to be in London 2 days a week, where should I live?

Posted by Brutu5_@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 121 comments

KT180x@reddit

My advice would be that the cost of the commute cam dramatically differ depending what train line you're on, and the cost of the commute will be a huge factor here. For example, I used to live in surrey/Berkshire area until a few years back, and the return fare into London was about £32 a day. I now live around the hertford/Ware area (a similar distance outside london) and my commute is £18 return per day. My area of Hertfordshire is on a line that's very much on the 'london' network still, so the fares are cheaper. That difference in fare would make a huge difference over the course of a month! Plus cheaper rent than in London (although still south east prices!) The journey into Liverpool Street is about 30-40mins depending on exact station, and the line intersects with the Victoria line half way along, so that opens up quick access to other parts of London also.

Why does a hotel refuse to match the price that I saw online?

Posted by Logical_Judgment8858@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 11 comments

KT180x@reddit

What's the website you saw the deal on? If it's a legit website, what's the problem? Just book it and enjoy your holiday. The reason they don't match it - it's a bit like the difference between tesco buying wholesale from a manufacturer for a much cheaper per unit price, and one of us trying to call the same manufacturer trying to get the same price as tesco for buying one unit.

To the parents out there, what age did you start leaving your kids at home while you nipped shop for 10/15 minutes?

Posted by Puzzled-Quail2076@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 433 comments

Is the first time buyer preference for new builds a momentary shift or a generational trend?

Posted by Wifflebutter@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 220 comments

Is the first time buyer preference for new builds a momentary shift or a generational trend?

Posted by Wifflebutter@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 220 comments

KT180x@reddit

I was a FTB 18 months ago and I wouldn't have even considered buying a new build. Anyone I know who bought one has horror stories of how poorly built and filled with snags they were, not being ready kn time and having to live in a hotel, lengthy court cases. They seem to be poor quality these days. I quite happily went for a 1960s ex council property which is very robustly built, with big rooms. No immediate work needed doing, just have slowly made improvements as my budget has allowed. There's also the new build premium, which is a huge risk of loss if you have any slight intentions of trying to move again within 5 years or so!

I live with a couple, and they asked me to pay 100£ more in rent than them individually, I feel it is unfair and they disagree, am I being unreasonable?

Posted by Bozenfisch21@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 109 comments

KT180x@reddit

It should be worked out on roughly what each room would cost based on size if there was just one person in each room. Then adjust for the fact the two of them take up more of the communal space. In this example, if 2 people moved in, they'd pay £1400 each, so perhaps £1500 and £1300 if adjusted for room size. Then adjusting for 2 people taking the larger room- £750 each, adjusted for taking up more communal space / costs, and you can see how £900 each for them and £1000 is fair. If they weren't sharing a room, you'd be paying hundreds of pounds a month more for the same place.

How much do you get from the Indian for 2 people?

Posted by RagdollCat25@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 59 comments

KT180x@reddit

3x veg side dishes (muttar paneer/sag dada, chana masala, aloo gobi) 1 prawn curry of some sort 2x chapatis or 1 x naan All to share (Make my own pilau rice so there's plenty, cos its about 4-5quid for 1 rice where I live these days and I just refuse)

29 and my as I know it is about to end and I might end up homeless, what would you do in my situation?

Posted by GivingUp321321321321@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 40 comments

KT180x@reddit

'When the time comes' - you're talking about it like it's an inevitability that you're going to be homeless, which is the part all of us commenting are confused about. I cant see how IF you're made redundant you wouldn't be able to at least get a job for 30k within the several months your savings would afford you. Even if you didn't, is there a reason you couldn't claim benefits? If you were genuinely being evicted and soon to be homeless the council would put you in temporary housing - not ideal or luxurious but you wouldn't be sleeping rough. Evicting someone takes many many months through the courts, you have savings, and even a minimum wage job would pay your rent/bills, you'd just be a bit skint. There is no reason for you to be stressing out about resources to avoid sleeping rough and you shouldn't be carrying around this blanket of negativity on your life for no reason. Just work out what your next job move will be if you get made redundant. Is there something you can learn in the meantime to upskill and give you more options?

29 and my as I know it is about to end and I might end up homeless, what would you do in my situation?

Posted by GivingUp321321321321@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 40 comments

KT180x@reddit

Echoing other commenters that it's really hard to understand why on earth youre talking about sleeping rough when you have a 67k job, have not been told you are being made redundant, have 16k in savings, and live in a country with temporary housing for homeless people. More than anything else, you need a shift in perspective, because the position you're in is absolutely fine and significantly better off than the average person. If you are, for whatever reason, very worried, are you not saving as much as you physically currently while you still have your 67k a year job? You said your rent/bills is only 1200 - you must have about 4k per month after tax? You can afford to be saving 2k per month if you're really that worried! Not saying any of this to criticise you, more just reassure you and try to understand why you think you're going to be homeless or sleeping rough. You could possibly benefit from therapy to try to ease the anxiety.

Where were you when you found out Princess Diana died?

Posted by Seeyalaterelevator@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 837 comments

I'm a new driver - can you advise on first-time car purchase?

Posted by leyjl2@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 19 comments

KT180x@reddit

Key things are getting a small engine (so lower fuel costs, lower insurance, lower tax, lower cost for repairs and tyres), making sure youre presenting your occupation in the most professional way of the options available, and considering adding one of your parents on the insurance (with their permission) as this usually makes it cheaper. I still have my mum on mine and im 37, pretty sure it will stop making it cheaper soon! She's never once driven my car. You will pay more just for living in London, and it also depends where you keep your car at night. I would also consider if you really need a car if you live in London?

Do you have any tips for London Mayors New Year's Eve?

Posted by itsamemarteo@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 32 comments

KT180x@reddit

Obviously not helpful for this year as you've bought tickslets already, but for future years there's several high points in London you can go to for free to get a great view over all of the London skyline including the fireworks, such as primrose hill or hampstead heath. They'll be outdoors, just as cold and just as busy, but a nicer experience and free. For this year, just go well layered with gloves, and take plenty of snacks and drinks. Get nice and drunk. And have a great new year!