Are you ready, are you ready for… a new home?

If you are not yet exclaiming ‘Yes I am!’ a la Elton John’s hit song, then take this quiz to find out if the time really is right to buy your own home

1 How long have you wanted to buy a house? (a) I just started thinking about it when I picked up this supplement (b) Buying a new home has been on my mind for the last four or five months (c) It has been my dream for as long as I can remember 2 How well do you budget your money? (a) I’m currently behind on several bills and have some debt (b) I don’t stick to a strict budget, but I try to spend my money reasonably (c) I have a planner on my phone which records all my expenses and allowances, and I try to avoid spending even an extra euro over my budget 3 What would you find to be the best thing(s) about owning a home? (a) Not having to deal with a landlord or share accommodation with housemates (b) Having more independence and feeling accomplished (c) Having my own space and the opportunity to build my own personal equity rather than spending my income on monthly rent 4 For what personal reason do you want to buy a house? (a) I watch bloggers on social media in their own amazing houses and I feel inspired to have a house to put my personal stamp on (b) I have both lived at home and rented for years, so I feel that buying a house is the natural next step (c) I have a partner/fiancé/husband/wife and our family is expanding, so I feel we need our own safe and secure space to live as a family 5 Do you know where you would like to live for the next five to 10 years? (a) I have a couple of locations in mind, but I can’t choose which one I would settle in. I have considered travelling and living abroad for some time also (b) I have two or three main areas in mind that I would happily spend the rest of my life in (c) There are two neighbourhoods I am familiar with, that I love. Both have easy access to schools, shops and work, which is what I am looking for 6 Do you have a steady job? (a) I am between jobs and am considering a career switch (b) I have a job that requires occasional travelling across the country (c) I have a role in the same company for the past one or two years, and see myself here in the foreseeable future

7 What are your savings like? (a) Non-existent (b) I do have some money in my savings account, but I occasionally worry it is not enough (c) I have a comfortable amount of savings and am still adding to this 8 Do you think you will mind the additional considerations, such as home maintenance and repairs? (a) Sometimes I would turn a blind eye to any issues in the house I’m renting, to avoid extra costs. I would also miss being able to get my landlord to sort things out (b No. This could be a benefit because it means I would no longer need to ask for my landlord’s permission to make changes or upgrades in the house (c) Myself or my partner don’t mind DIY jobs, but if we are really stuck, we would be able to afford to hire outside help