‘Mortgage is like a noose round neck’

FREELANCE business consultant Rebecca Fleming, 33, right, and many of her friends and colleagues say buying a home and getting a mortgage is not a responsibility they want to take right now.

Ms Fleming, from London, enjoys the flexibility freelancing offers her and her husband, who is also a consultant.

But they sometimes feel guilty, knowing that if one or both had a permanent job, they could easily get a mortgage.

Ms Fleming said: “The idea of buying a property has always been very important to me and after meeting my husband, we decided we wanted to buy a home together. But when we were looking into mortgage rates it dawned on us what a huge commitment it would be.

“We could be agreeing to repayments that would carry on into our early 60s and that felt like a massive financial burden that we didn’t feel ready for.

“It felt like we’d have a noose around our necks so we’ve decided to wait a little longer until we’re completely prepared.

“Sometimes it feels like the goal of buying a house keeps moving further and further away but I’d still like to do it eventually.

“I think it’s rare to make big financial commitments at this age, so when anyone does have that opportunity I don’t think it feels ‘real’. I don’t think many of my friends think about things like income protection, for example.”