“Are you really priced out of the market or are you pricing yourself out of the market because you want to live somewhere you cannot really afford? More likely the latter. It would be interesting to know how much you can afford to spend and then we could actually help with some suggestions about where would be suitable.”

“@ooojamaflip I have a budget of £120k (I'm looking at flats obviously, I'm under no illusions I'll be able to get a house for that much...)”

“what areas do you want to live in?”

“I live in Redland at the moment, which is lovely but also very expensive! I work in the city centre so don't want to be too far from work. I'm looking at Bedminster / Southville, Kingswood, St George, possibly St Paul's / Greenbank in Easton (cheaper but a bit rough?) - Having only lived in Bristol a couple of years I'm open to suggestions...”

“Although if I could afford it I'd live in Clifton, Hotwells, Redland or Westbury-on-Trym!”

“Easton/Greenbank/Whitehall isnt as rough as people make out. We lived there for 7 years and only recently moved away because of work. Sold our house for 130 last year and there are plenty of houses round there for 120 or less that need a bit of work. Yes there are some iddiots but most people are just everyday joes and janes like you and me - bustling community is the description. I suggest on a saturday get on the train at redland station and get off at stapleton road station, walk down to the bustling shops of st marks road (half a minute if that) and you'll see what I mean.”

“Mmm definately the latter then.

Parts of Bedminster you can get a property easily for £120k. However the closer you get to Southville the more expensive it is.

You may think St Pauls is rough however after living on City Road and in Ashton Vale, Southville, Bedminster and Knowle. I am of the impression theres good and bad everywhere. Take for instance the "arty farty" area of North Street, Southville. Just a stones throw away from East Street, Bedminster but a would away in real terms.

My advice dont write an area off just because you presume its rough. You need to spend time there. Even if it means sitting in your car a few different times of the day in that area to make an informed decision. Oh and also you may have to accept the face that you cant quite afford to buy in your first area of choice. However, being able to close the door on your OWN property in your second choice area should be better than renting and paying someone elses mortgage off ??

Good luck in your search x”

“@ooojamaflip @greatdallas Thanks both, I've heard good and bad things about Easton and St Paul's but not knowing the areas very well I think I need to see for myself, maybe I will do some exploring over that way this weekend. Thanks for your suggestions!”

“You asked about shared ownership... run, don't walk... they may have some advantages, but the word "schemes" should be a red flag. Shared anything, except your help and compassion to those in need, is really putting yourself in a position you may find not to your liking later on. If you can afford to purchase using your own resources and no "schemes" you will be much happier later on.”

“I have visited potential clients in St George recently, who were young professional couples, looks like asking price for a decent 2 bed flat is about £140k , if you have £120k (first time buyer, no chain, fast sale etc) you are no going to be worlds away from a deal.”

“Plenty of flats and houses across the city including Redland for your budget. Just to to the rightmove website and search for the lowest valued properties..”

“Clair,

http://tinyurl.com/7ynkut6

Link above relates to an event at the Council House this Thursday about getting into the Affordable Housing market. Might be of some use?

Good Luck”

“Hmm there is nothing in Redland for your budget I'm afraid.

I'd personally avoid areas in the East of Bristol, you are better off looking south on your budget, Bedminster, Windmill Hill, Totterdown or maybe Brislington.

You won't get anything north unless you are prepared to gamble on somewhere like Southmead.

Bristol is very unaffordable.”

“Why not Long Ashton? Judging by the NIMBY's comments here, they'll be giving houses away in LA when the new City stadium gets built.”

“I wouldn't take any notice of Bristol Guide... here's a flat in Redland for £109k http://tinyurl.com/7nkassw

and here's one in Clifton for £99k http://tinyurl.com/82kemwz

Best to look around..”

“Brisguide - why "avoid areas of east Bristol"”

“Patchway, Stoke Lodge,Bradley Stoke ,Filton,Thornbury, lots of nice places to buy and plenty of retail shops about great Schools.The Mall great place to shop plus the Vue,Hollywood Bowl.”

“I really don't think I can face another year in the UK. The UK is a country for yobs. They can have it.”

“HI Clair, have you considered brislington, totterdown areas anything near the paintworks and future enterprise zone which will create possibly up to 17000 jobs might be a good investment.

Just remember if you buy a flat leasehold you will have to pay a monthly service charge normally which has pros and cons.”

“Hi Clair - was in a similar possition myself after living in Redland/Clifton for many years. After a longs search, I bought in Brislington - quiet, friendly area but close to Temple Meads, Paintworks, Totterdown, city centre etc, and increasingly popular with young professionals.”

“@kaminki I went to the Affordable Housing Fair but it only confirmed to me that Shared Ownership Schemes are money-making scams designed to take advantage of FTBs desperate to get on the property ladder. So I've drawn up a budget which basically sees me living on beans and toast for year - but at least I'll be able to put more towards my deposit!”

“House prices fell by 1.3% in 2011 (before inflation so in real terms lost more like 5% of their value). Perfectly likely to do similar this year, or more as unemployment is likely to rise and the economy is projected to perform worse this year than last. On a £120k that would mean losing several thousand pounds. Also consider the lost interest on your savings. There's quite a loss before you even think about the interest you're paying on the mortgage in the first year ~£4200 (4.2% on £100k) and any legal fees you end up paying.

Is buying now really worth it when waiting a year or two you could probably buy a similar property for less, your deposit would be larger and as a result your payments would be lower. Alternatively, you might be able to afford a shorter loan, 20 years instead of 25 and save tens of thousands in interest and probably be able to afford to retire a few years earlier.

Don't be in a hurry to take on a huge debt and expose yourself to falling market!”