‘Mortgage chaos put our shared home on hold’
Evening Standard|February 14, 2024
Interest rates kept them apart last year, but this couple hope easing inflation will make their dream real in 2024, finds Charlotte Duck
‘Mortgage chaos put our shared home on hold’

Splitting time between North Lambeth and Maida Vale can hardly be classed as a long-distance relationship. But, as a thirty-something couple wanting to live together, finding themselves suddenly priced out of doing so when interest rates spiked last year was still a blow for Kristiane Clear and her partner of four years, Michelle Rowihab.

"We are extremely excited to be able to live together fulltime," says Rowihab. "We can't wait to build a home together." But Clear, 37, a marketing consultant working with Apple, and Rowihab, 38, an architect and founder of a trauma coaching business, found that after Kwasi Kwarteng's mini-budget in October 2022, the mortgage chaos that ensued put their dream of sharing a home on hold, especially since they both work for themselves.

Last year we would have had to significantly lower our budget and compromise on the size of the property

"Getting a mortgage last year would have been too much for us with the interest rates, especially as we're both self-employed. We thought long and hard about it and it didn't make financial sense for us, so we decided to take our time," says Clear.

Denne historien er fra February 14, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra February 14, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EVENING STANDARDSe alt
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
The London Standard

Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives

From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer

time-read
5 mins  |
October 31, 2024
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
The London Standard

It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise

England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Bukayo Saka
The London Standard

Bukayo Saka

The making of a London icon

time-read
6 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
The London Standard

Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic

Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
The London Standard

Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK

Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...

time-read
5 mins  |
October 31, 2024
The Old Operating Theatre
The London Standard

The Old Operating Theatre

St Thomas Street, SE1

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
The London Standard

Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?

Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie

time-read
2 mins  |
October 31, 2024
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
The London Standard

AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?

Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.

time-read
1 min  |
October 31, 2024
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The London Standard

Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?

The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
A poetic puzzlebox
The London Standard

A poetic puzzlebox

This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024