It is no secret that over the last few years first-time buyers have been amongst those hit the hardest by the property market. From fierce competition and soaring house prices to the cost of living crisis and interest rates rising, it is no wonder would-be homeowners have faced difficulties getting a foot on the ladder.
It has been especially tough for those who have been unable to live rent-free with parents and have instead had to save up for a deposit - all whilst paying extortionate rent costs. But for people in this position, when they finally get the keys to their first home, the gruelling process feels all the more rewarding.
First-time buyer Emma Tse, 29, spoke to us as part of our Where I Live series, where each week we take our readers inside a different home in the north and find out how much it cost, how they've made their house their own and about their home-buying journey.
