A couple from Greater Manchester have managed to make a step onto the property ladder after more than two decades of renting. Due to fluctuating house prices and mortgage rates over the years, Elaine, 39, and Andy, 44, from Oldham say they were stuck in a 'rent trap' and were unable to save for a deposit.
But this year, after 20 years of renting, the pair finally purchased their very first home - a milestone which they were worried would never come. The first-time buyers now own and live in a three-bed, three-storey new build house in Chadderton.
The couple spoke to the Manchester Evening News as part of our Where I Live series, where each week we chat to a different homeowner from across the north west about their buying journey; and take a look at how they've made their home their own.
