Have I Already Gone Mad?

Hi Scott,

Nine months ago, I excitedly moved into my partner’s parents’ granny flat. The goal: save for a townhouse deposit in 12 months. I pay no rent and get along well with his parents, but, after 10 years of independence, this is huge. Plus, my commute is longer than ever. Now we’re approaching the 12-month mark and my partner is getting cold feet! Our townhouse goal has become “maybe we should stay as long as possible and buy a house instead”.

I know I’m lucky to be in this financial situation, and he says we should “take full advantage”, but I'm afraid I’ll go full crazy if I live with the in-laws much longer! I’ve sacrificed my independence and sanity for our shared goal, but now he’s moving the goalposts. What if property prices rise faster than we can save anyway? Are my fears valid or have I already gone mad?

Sia

Hi Sia,

You haven't gone mad ... though if you don’t get on the same page as your partner you might find yourself getting mad at him.

It sounds like you’ve already thought through how much longer you’d need to stay there to save up for a home, and you’ve ruled that out.

Your concerns are completely valid.

It’s not about the money; it’s about having your own space. You feel indebted to his parents, and that’s a heavy strain – day in, day out.

So here’s what I’d do:

I’d sit down and work out how much you need to comfortably buy the townhouse, including having some Mojo for the unexpected, so you can buy with confidence and not immediately become a postcode povvo.

Then, set a firm deadline: “Either we buy the townhouse when we reach ‘X figure’, or I’m moving out to rent.”

This is your first big test before you sign up to a 25-year mortgage:

Will he listen?

Scott