I have worked myself into a right state and it's not even midday, so I hope this makes sense!
I am turning 30 next year and have been single all my life. My parents have been pushing me to look at buying somewhere of my own rather than renting, for my own security and to have a bit more freedom. I would love to decorate and have a cat as I am really lonely.
I am looking to buy in London (I know) as I enjoy living here and most of my career opportunities are here. Currently in a full time permanent position paying 25k with no debt/credit issues (minus student loans). I may have access to a deposit from inheritance, so I've been looking into shared ownership etc, which I know I'm really lucky to be able to do.
However, the luck stops there...everywhere I've investigated, even for a 1 bedroom small flat, wants a 'minimum income' of around 50k+. There is no way I could achieve that without a partner in the next 10-15 years. It feels like I am being penalised for being single and it's just set off a load of my insecurities: 'Why am I so useless for not getting a boyfriend? Is it because I'm unattractive? Will I ever be happy and less lonely? Why did I not choose a higher salary profession?'
Can anyone offer comfort/words of wisdom? I feel like I will either be renting forever and not enjoying the privileges of ownership, or owning somewhere where I didn't really want to live. This is not helping my depression spiral
Why are single women constantly penalised for everything?