Lanre saved a £34,300 deposit for this two-bedroom house in Uxbridge, London (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Can you actually buy a place in London without help from your parents or a wealthy partner?

According to Lanre, 32, yes. But it’s pretty bloody difficult.

Lanre is a petrophysicist for an oil and gas exploration company. He’s lived in London for years, previously renting a studio flat, and in 2015 he bought his first property: a two-bedroom house in Uxbridge that he still lives in now.

As part of our weekly homeownership series, What I Own, we took a look around his place and had a chat about how he made the property his own.


He found the process pretty easy (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Hey, Lanre. Let’s talk deposit.



My deposit was £34,300 (12%) and I saved it with no help from other sources.

I had a general savings account from college/summer jobs which was invested in a very good rate fixed deposit with Natwest in 2007 in my first year of university.

The total cost of my home is £274,400.

So how much do you now need to pay to live here?

My mortgage is £730 a month and bills are around £145.

What was the process of getting a mortgage like?

I was very prepared, had a mortgage in principle 2 years before buying.

When did you move in?

I moved in April 2015. Before that I was renting a studio flat.

Lanre chose Uxbridge because it’s close to where he works (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

How did you find this place?

I wanted a house with a conservatory and freehold. I found this house through a letting agent.

What made you want to buy rather than renting?

It’s cheaper in the long run and a very good investment.

How have you made the house feel like home?

I renovated the kitchen and bathroom.

I’m a whisky lover, so I have my little whisky bar in the living room, too.

He’s made the space his own with a mini whisky bar (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Do you feel like you have enough space?

Yes, I have enough space.

The conservatory and shed in the garden gives me extra storage.

Are there any problems with the house?

No issues at all. It’s a good buy!

What your plans for the future, housing-wise?

For now no plans to change home. Once I start a family, I will mostlikey move to a bigger house.

Fair. Let’s take a look around.

Here’s the living room (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Which leads into the kitchen and dining area (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Spy the bar cart (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Nice glasses, right? (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

And a big TV (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

(Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

The kitchen (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Someone likes cereal (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

A conservatory provides more space and storage (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

The second bedroom (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Lanre’s bedroom (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

(Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

A well-stocked wardrobe (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

We think he likes shoes (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

(Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Finally, the bathroom (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

(Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

Hey, toothbrush (Picture: David Sandison/Metro.co.uk)

How to get involved in What I Own What I Own is a Metro.co.uk series that takes you inside people's properties, to take an honest look at what it's like to buy a home in the UK. If you own your home and would be up for sharing your story, please email whatirent@metro.co.uk. You'll need to have pictures taken of your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom, plus a few photos of you in your room. Make sure you get permission for your housemates! You'll also need to be okay with sharing how much you've paid to live there and how you afforded the deposit, as that's pretty important. If you're renting, you can take part too! What I Own runs alongside What I Rent, which is the same series but all about renting. Again, if you'd like to get involved just email whatirent@metro.co.uk.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments below.

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