House hunting

[luckykaa]

I'm told I need to get on the property ladder.  Terrifying theough the prospect is, I agree.

Right now I barely have enough for a deposit.  this will be resolved by waiting.  I'm working and not spending that much (aside fromt he absolute fortune on travel and lodging), so should save up a reasonable amount pretty soon. 

Should I stay in Brighton?

I do love the sea.  It's so nice that it's so close.  And I really do like the friends I have here.  The downsides are simply that it's an expensive place, and it's really impractical for work.  The odds are against me ever getting a contract in Brighton and I'd really rather avoid going permie again.  I certainly want to avboid the games industry ever again.  This means that wherever I get a contract, it will involve crawling through or around London at least twice a week.

Then there's the cost.  Brighton isn't cheap. 

So where else could I go?

There's London.  I think I could afford a shoebox.  I really never liked living in London that much.  Noisy, crowded, hard to see people.

Bristol is pleasant.  I don't have that many friends there any more and would feel like a step backwards.  Plus it's too far from Brighton and London.

Oxford I'd love.  I know a whole bunch of geeks, some of whom even like me.  It's a lovely looking city.  Young, energetic, and full of smart people.  If I did decide to get a proper job, there are many companies, and I even have friends who work for them.  Sadly, expensive again.  I couldn't afford anywhere central.  Also have no idea who's where.

The other options are Woking and Reading.  the people I know there are lovely, but they have the problem of being Woking and Reading respectively.

In related news, there was mention that I may be working in Bristol at some point.  This would be rather nice.  Not sure if it would be a full-time relocation or what though.  Neither does my current employer.  Will keep you informed.

Comments

[ingaborg.livejournal.com]

Oxford is indeed very nice, and there are sometimes cheaper places available as ex-Council or whatever - you could always have a look around to see what there is. Some of the outskirts / less trendy bits can be more affordable, and will hold their value.

Reading sucks, but is very handy for work along the M4 corridor. Similarly Slough I guess...

I like Woking myself, but I understand that it is not Teh Sexior. Certainly it is not Brighton or Oxford. Plus it's not cheap either!

[xenaclone.livejournal.com]

If not Bristol, how about Cardiff?

[theviciouspixie.livejournal.com]

Buying a property in Oxford proper is quite expensive, though I understand that the north-east of the city is relatively affordable. I know a couple that's recently bought a house here (sesquepadalia and vevaphonics aka Raoul Fremont) who might be able to give you some pointers. There is also the option of living out in the Shire, which might give you a little more flexibility.

[blazingskies.livejournal.com]

May I ask one question?

I'm told I need to get on the property ladder. Terrifying theough the prospect is, I agree.

Why?

[luckykaa.livejournal.com]

Mainly because I'd quite like a rent free retirement. Also a larger place that I can actually do stuff to.

Ideally I'd like to be able to upgrade eventually to somewhere with a workshop, but actually paying rent for that seems a little extravagant.

Or are you asking why it's terrifying? :)

[cath-er-ine.livejournal.com]

Houses in Newbury aren't that expensive to buy (albeit costing the earth to rent for some reason), it is pretty, it is commutable for London and Oxford, and I am moving there! hehe just throwing another into the mix! It's not very near the sea though!

[jeanieofoz.livejournal.com]

What about Australia? :P There are jobs here too.

[luckykaa.livejournal.com]

Oh, how I'd love to move to Australia! Melbourne especially was lovely. Not that they do what I do. It's very new-media-ish there. Couldtolerate Sydney I guess.

What are property prices like in South Australia? Would at least be nice to see Emma again:)