A first step on the property ladder can be a very challenging step to take, especially with the continuing shortage of affordable housing stock, rising mortgage interest rates and the cost of living crisis. So finding an affordable home and then securing it before someone else does, and for a price that's not ridiculous, means being dedicated to scowering the online property portals and contacting local agents - and that takes stamina with no guarantee of a happy outcome.
The property auctions are always an option to try and find a bargain that might need some renovation work but at least secured you a roof over your head - depending on how badly the roof needed repairs, of course. But even properties going to auction can be sold at way above the guide price.
So maybe considering an even smaller property that's ready to move into is the answer? Enter into the auction property arena Swan Terrace - maybe one of the cutest homes currently for sale in Wales.
READ MORE: Ordinary end-of-terrace Cardiff home has the most jaw-dropping decor
Located in Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, the tiny terrace is due to go to online auction with Paul Fosh auctions with a guide price of £45,000. Of course, there's no guarantee the bidding won't push that price to much higher level, but seeing as it has only one bedroom and one reception room there's a chance of bagging it for somewhere near the guide - hopefully.
Angie Davey, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, has an obvious soft spot for this little sweetie that has so much to offer, saying: "This mid terrace house is in a pleasant location in the town of Tonypandy, within walking distance to the shops and has been newly refurbished to a high standard throughout."
The tiny terrace is within walking distance to the shops at the front and has a surprise at the back - firstly a narrow garden next to the property that could be somewhere to sit out and enjoy the sunshine as friends, as long as you don't mind sitting single file. But any outside space at all is a bonus and with some thought and clever design ideas could be made into the sweetest of sunny spots to enjoy the summer weather.
But that's not the surprise - a house of this level of price surely can't give you more garden than this slither of space? Well, no - but up a well-placed ladder to scale the wall from the sunken tiny courtyard garden there's a small, rundown little building that looks like it could be saved and used as storage, although in a former life was most likely an outside toilet.
But to get there you will need to cross a neighbour's garden, as this home is part of a cluster of terraces that huddle together on Swan Terrace and then turn the corner onto Amos Hill, so the rear spaces are nestled together and over look each other, so the terrace at this auction property being somewhat sunken is a bit of a bonus.
Inside, the ground floor has an open-plan kitchen and living room that has been fully modernised to optimise the available space by cloaking it in contemporary interior design, from the handleless glossy white kitchen units to the pale grey flooring and tiling to the pale walls and compact furniture, it's a space where you can just unpack and get living.
Although there is a statement, contemporary radiator in this space too, the heating bills shouldn't be too mind-blowing in a cute little home.
To the rear of the ground floor there's the door to the little garden and the stairs, where every spare section of space has been utilised - from the window at the top that helps to flood the area with light to the wall cabinet that offers unexpected extra storage next to it.
The first door from the landing is the bathroom and it's a decent sized space thanks again to thought - the toilet is tucked around the corner in a perfectly proportioned space that sits above the ground floor corridor to the back door and base of the stairs.
On the opposite side is a modern basin and a bath with integrated shower, a handy towel rail behind the door, plus the modern and neutral decor continuing but with pattern flooring that adds a touch of personality to this light and bright room.
Next to the bathroom is another door that opens into a handy built-in wardrobe so freeing up the need for more storage in the bedroom other than a chest of drawers and bedside cabinets, and this again shows careful thought on using space wisely.
Another feature to notice in here is actually the lack of a feature - the bedroom has not got a door, allowing the light from the rear landing window to join the bedroom illumination party but also helping to make the room feel a lot bigger by not fully enclosing it in four walls and a door.
Lastly, don't forget to look up because you might have missed the ceiling hatch to the attic space. Of course it's small but it could be the gateway into adding something bigger - more space to the home.
How about a mezzanine level above to utilise the area the loft space offers - subject to building regulations, planning and of course available budget. It could just be extra, handy storage and that has a high value in a house as cute as this.
Sold with vacant possession, the tiny terrace that offers so much is going to online auction between Tuesday, July, 26 and Thursday, July 28 with Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £45,000, call them on to find out more. And don't miss the best dream homes in Wales, renovation stories and interiors, join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter, sent to your inbox twice a week.
READ NEXT:
Stunning Tudor country manor that comes with lake, cinema and plenty of history
Remote riverside farmhouse for sale for the first time in over 100 years
The bungalow with surprise sweeping sea view out the back and a famous neighbour
Three very different coastal dream homes in Wales that all have gorgeous sweeping sea views
