5 signs you're ready to buy

Are you in a financial position to get on the property ladder? ELLA WALKER gets some expert guidance

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FINDING a way on to the property ladder can feel almost impossible for many, and the pressure to start climbing the rungs can lead others to buy before they are really financially ready.

The average house price in the UK is around £269k - in London it’s more like £600k - making buying a property the biggest financial commitment you'll make in a lifetime.

Filling out a mortgage or stamp duty calculator online can give you some idea of what kind of buying position you're in, but, warns Emily Boxall, co-founder of financial education company MicroFact.co.uk: “One generic calculator won't paint the picture of your personal situation.”

And there’s more to being ready to buy a home than hitting a target savings goal, or nabbing a specific salary amount.

Here are five signs that might help you decide if the time is right to buy...