What I Own: I purchased my £267,000 London flat for £33,000 under the asking price

Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.

This week, we’re in Uxbridge, West London, having a look around Billie-Jane Whitbread’s one-bedroom flat.

Having originally bought it in 2020 for £267,000, she managed to shave £33,000 off the asking price – which at the time, was £300,000.

Five years and a baby later, Billie-Jane and her partner are now looking to say goodbye to Uxbridge and move closer to her family in Iver, Buckinghamshire, where they’re hoping to buy a four-bedroom home.

Here’s what Billie-Jane had to say about her property journey…

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Billie-Jane, I’m 32 and I’ve lived in Uxbridge for five years. I work for the removals and storage company Gentleman & A Van, and I recently returned from maternity leave after having my son.

Where is your property, and what do you think of the area?

I live in Cowley, Uxbridge, and I love it here. The area has great transport connections, which makes commuting easy.

When did you move in?

June 2020.

How much did your property cost?

I bought it for £267,000, even though it was originally listed for £300,000.

The property had been reduced in price just before I viewed it. I then under offered, and it was accepted. My auntie works at an estate agent, so she was great at helping me navigate the situation, and how much to offer to get the best deal.

How much was your deposit?

£13,500.

What is your monthly cost of living, including mortgage and bills?

Around £1,900, which I cover myself. My partner doesn’t live with me, but he stays here occasionally to see our son.

How did you save for your deposit?

I started saving as soon as I started working. Having worked in removals for so long, I saw firsthand how important homeownership was for so many people, and that motivated me to focus on getting on the property ladder myself.

What was the process of getting a mortgage like? Did you face any challenges?

I was very lucky. My boss, Terance Puna, has strong connections in the property industry and introduced me to a fantastic mortgage advisor.

That made the whole process much smoother than I had expected. Seeing so many customers go through the moving process, I knew I needed expert guidance, and my advisor was invaluable in helping me secure the right deal.

Can you share details about your mortgage (rate/term)?

I secured a great rate in 2020 with a 40-year term at 1.63% interest.

Where did you live before buying — were you renting or living with family?

Before buying, I lived in Hanwell, Ealing, with my parents and siblings.

What made you want to buy rather than rent?

I see the excitement of people moving into their dream homes every day. It’s such a big milestone, and I wanted to experience that for myself. I also wanted the stability of having my own space – somewhere I could truly make my own.

How did you find this property, and why did you choose it?

I found my flat through a Help to Buy scheme, which colleagues had told me about. Through the scheme, you get a 40% contribution from the government, which you pay back at £1 per month for the first five years.

When I viewed it, I loved how spacious it was for a new build. Now, with a young family, I appreciate how that space has stood the test of time.

How have you made the property feel like home? What’s your interior decor style?

Gentleman & A Van works closely with some of London’s top interior designers and being surrounded by that expertise has really influenced my style.

I’ve picked up so many ideas from the designers, like adding mirrors and mirrored furniture to lighten the darker spaces, which I’ve incorporated and has really made a big difference.

What’s your favourite room and why?

My bedroom is my favourite space. It’s bright and airy thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and it’s where I have my favourite furniture pieces.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

At the time of buying, yes. But since meeting my partner and having my son, more space would definitely be a bonus.

Do you have plans to move?

Yes, my flat is currently on the market. The Help to Buy scheme means thatI will owe the government 40% of the current value of my flat when it sells.

I’m looking to move to Iver as I would be close to my grandparents. It’s always been my dream to live there, and we’re ideally looking for a three or four-bedroom property with a garden close to the station.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

Owning a home has given me so much independence, and I’ll always look back on my first place fondly.

What are your future housing plans?

Now that my family has grown, I need more space. My next home will be somewhere with even more room to grow – ideally, a house with a garden where my little one can play.

I want to focus on making memories with my partner and son and bringing our vision for the new home to life.

Shall we have a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.