{"id":1008742,"date":"2026-06-06T07:55:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T07:55:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1008742\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T07:55:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T07:55:06","slug":"what-i-own-i-moved-from-india-to-glasgow-and-bought-my-dream-flat-for-150000","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1008742\/","title":{"rendered":"What I Own: I moved from India to Glasgow and bought my dream flat for \u00a3150,000"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"Vithagaselvi
\n\t\tThis weekend, we\u2019re up in Glasgow meeting Vithagaselvi (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

Welcome back to\u00a0<\/strong>What I Own<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Metro\u2019s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Vithagaselvi Krishnamoorthy first moved to the UK<\/a> from India<\/a>, she lived in house shares to save money.<\/p>\n

But she\u2019d always dreamt of owning her own home, and finally got onto the property ladder in 2016, after 11 years of renting<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Vithagaselvi bought a two-bedroom flat right in the centre of Glasgow for \u00a3150,000. Now, a decade later, her home is worth \u00a3230,000.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what she had to say about her property journey\u2026<\/p>\n

Tell us about yourself!<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tReady to start your homebuying journey?\t\t\t<\/p>\n

You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from:<\/p>\n

\u2013 Award winning service from the UK\u2019s leading mortgage broker<\/p>\n

\u2013 Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week<\/p>\n

\u2013 Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market<\/p>\n

Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won\u2019t charge you a fee for their advice.<\/p>\n

Find out how much you could borrow online<\/a><\/p>\n

Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m a software engineering manager at an investment bank in Glasgow, where I\u2019ve lived for more than 21 years. I\u2019m originally from Tamil Nadu, South India, but Glasgow is very much home.<\/p>\n

Outside of work, I\u2019m naturally curious and love trying new things, like DIY and home decorating.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m also a keen traveller and have visited more than 61 countries across six continents. Experiencing different cultures has shaped how I see the world and definitely influences how I think about home and design.<\/p>\n

Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s in St Andrew\u2019s Square in Glasgow city centre, right on the edge of Merchant City. Despite being in the heart of everything, it\u2019s incredibly quiet and peaceful. It feels like a hidden residential pocket.<\/p>\n

The square is centred around St Andrew\u2019s Church, which is such an iconic building with real history, and that gives the whole area character and charm. I get the calm of a quieter neighbourhood while still being within walking distance of restaurants, caf\u00e9s, shops and transport links.<\/p>\n

When did you move in?<\/p>\n

I moved in on April 29, 2016, so it\u2019s been 10 years now.<\/p>\n

How much does your property cost?<\/p>\n

I bought the property for \u00a3150,000. <\/p>\n

Based on current market estimates and an appraisal I requested from a local estate agent, it\u2019s now valued at around \u00a3230,000.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Vithagaselvi
\n\t\tVithagaselvi has lived in the UK for 21 years, since 2005 (Picture: Mark Ferguson)
\nHow much was your deposit?<\/p>\n

I put down roughly a 7% deposit, which amounted to around \u00a310,500. <\/strong><\/p>\n

I used the Help to Buy scheme and a Help to Buy ISA, which really helped me build up that lump sum. Without those, it would have taken much longer to get on the property ladder.<\/p>\n

What is the monthly cost of living there now?<\/p>\n

My current mortgage<\/a> payment is \u00a3518 per month. Four years ago, I remortgaged just before interest rates rose significantly and secured a five-year fixed rate at 1.09%, which made a huge difference.<\/p>\n

I pay around \u00a3166 per month in council tax. The flat is fully electric with storage heaters, so electricity averages around \u00a3150 per month across the year. It\u2019s more like \u00a3200 in winter and \u00a3100 in summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The property management fees are between \u00a3150 and \u00a3185 per month, and I pay \u00a340 for my internet package. As a single homeowner, it\u2019s manageable, but I have to plan and budget carefully.<\/p>\n

How did you save for your deposit?<\/p>\n

Before buying, I rented for 11 years and lived in house shares, some of which I was a student for. My deposit was fully self-funded.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always taken a balanced approach to money. <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t stop living my life completely, but I was disciplined and consistent with saving. If something was essential or meaningful, I would still spend on it, but I made sure I was steadily working towards my goal.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Vithagaselvi
\n\t\tShe currently works at an investment bank (Picture: Mark Ferguson)
\nWhat was the mortgage process like?<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t overly complicated, but having only around a 7% deposit did limit my options. Thankfully, I had a consistent income, which strengthened my application, and I benefited from the Government<\/a>\u2019s Help to Buy scheme.<\/p>\n

My original mortgage term was 33 years, as I was borrowing around 93% of the property\u2019s value.<\/p>\n

Since buying the flat, my career has grown, which has helped financially, and whenever I\u2019ve remortgaged, I\u2019ve secured a low-interest deal, partly due to my good credit history.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s allowed me to make extra repayments and overpay where possible, so I\u2019ve reduced my mortgage over time. I now have less than eight years remaining.<\/p>\n

Where did you live before?<\/p>\n

When I first moved to the UK, I lived in Motherwell. I then spent several years in different parts of Glasgow city centre before buying this flat.<\/p>\n

House sharing was practical at the time and helped me save steadily.<\/p>\n

Why did you want to buy rather than rent?<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always had an investor mindset. I like putting my money in places where it can grow. I didn\u2019t want to pay rent indefinitely without building equity.<\/p>\n

At the same time, I wanted the freedom to put my own stamp on a place. Renting<\/a> limits how much you can personalise. Owning gave me stability and creative control.<\/p>\n

How did you find this property?<\/p>\n

I found it on Rightmove after searching for around seven or eight months. I missed out on a few properties at closing dates, which was disappointing at the time, but this one was worth the wait.<\/p>\n

Originally, I was looking for river views. But when I viewed this flat and climbed up to the mezzanine, seeing the high ceilings stretching above the living room, I just stood there and thought, \u201cwow, I love this.\u201d It had character and a unique layout, and that feeling stayed with me.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Vithagaselvi
\n\t\tShe feels Glasgow is very much home to her now (Picture: Mark Ferguson)
\nHow have you made it feel like home?<\/p>\n

My style has evolved over the decade. It started off more classic and has gradually become more contemporary and experimental.<\/p>\n

Travel<\/a> has influenced my decorating a lot. Experiencing architecture, colours and textures from different countries has given me a broader perspective. <\/p>\n

I also love creative crafts and upcycling, so many pieces have my personal touch. I don\u2019t follow trends or decorate to please others. If something feels right to me, that\u2019s enough. I\u2019m the one living here.<\/p>\n

Is this your favourite home you\u2019ve ever lived in?<\/p>\n

Yes. Of course, our family home in India is special, but this one feels different.<\/p>\n

I bought this on my own. It represents independence, stability and pride. Every corner has my stamp on it. <\/p>\n

No matter where I travel in the world, this is the place I want to come back to, and that\u2019s how I know it truly feels like home.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe loves trying DIY in her free time (Picture: Mark Ferguson)
\nWhat\u2019s your favourite piece of furniture?<\/p>\n

My wingback armchair. When I first bought the flat, I furnished it mostly with second-hand pieces due to my limited budget. <\/p>\n

I found a sofa set and a matching wingback chair in a charity<\/a> shop. It was barely used, but it\u2019s still incredibly comfortable. I eventually bought my mustard sofa from DFS, but I couldn\u2019t let the chair go, so I had it reupholstered to match. It\u2019s grown with me, just like the flat has.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your favourite room?<\/p>\n

The mezzanine. It\u2019s now my lounge area, which I call my \u2018she-shed,\u2019 where I unwind and watch TV. It makes the space feel open and special.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Vithagaselvi
\n\t\t\u2026and watching TV in the mezzanine area (Picture: Mark Ferguson)
\nDo you feel like you have enough space?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s perfect for one person. Although it\u2019s a two-bedroom flat, the split-level layout makes it feel more like a three-bedroom.<\/p>\n

That said, I do sometimes miss having outdoor space. A balcony or small garden would make a difference. I also love collecting things from my travels, so I wouldn\u2019t say no to a bit more room in the future.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tHow cosy does this look? (Picture: Mark Ferguson)
\nAre there any problems with the property?<\/p>\n

Being fully electric can mean higher winter bills, but it\u2019s something I\u2019ve factored into my budgeting.<\/p>\n

What do you want people to know about buying a home?<\/p>\n

Plan. Decide roughly when you want to buy and what your budget will be. That clarity helps you save consistently. Actively look for options that might help, like government schemes and savings products. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s often more support available than you initially realise.<\/p>\n

What are your plans for the future?<\/p>\n

As attached as I am to this home, I can see it eventually becoming a rental investment. It\u2019s in a prime location and has strong long-term potential.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d love to move somewhere bigger with outdoor space, ideally a sea view.<\/p>\n

Shall we take a look around?<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWelcome home! (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe\u2019s also a keen traveller, and has visited 61 countries (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tVithagaselvi is originally from South India (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026and she has trinkets from her country all over her flat (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe uses her travel experience to inform her interior design style (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWe\u2019re enjoying the view from up here (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFancy a cuppa? (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe\u2019s right in the centre of Glasgow (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tVroom vroom (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tHer neighbourhood feels nice and calm (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026despite it being in the city centre (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWe\u2019re sensing a highland cow theme here (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWe\u2019re loving the pink loo, too (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe found her home on Rightmove after months of searching (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tIt\u2019s the toothbrush shot, of course (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026and again (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe doesn\u2019t follow trends to please others (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe managed to put down a 7% deposit on the flat (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026which ended up being around \u00a310,500 (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe rented for 11 years before she got on the ladder (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026which gave her time to build a deposit (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe tries to overpay her mortgage where possible (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026and only has eight years left on it (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tIt\u2019s true (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe used to live in Motherwell before she moved to the centre (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tDo more of what makes you happy (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tOwning gave her more stability (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026as well as creative control (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThis is her travel trinket collection (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe\u2019s got a fun art collection too (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFrom the get-go, she loved the character her flat had to offer (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026the mezzanine was particularly appealing (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe enjoys a contemporary style of decorating (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThe high ceilings were also another draw for her (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThis is a fun trinket (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2018If something feels right to me, that\u2019s enough,\u2019 she says of her taste (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThis wallpaper is lovely (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThis flat represents independence to Vithagaselvi (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe\u2019ll always love her family home back in India (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026but this one\u2019s special, too (Picture: Mark Ferguson)<\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: Inside one of the UK\u2019s cheapest flats that could be yours for just \u00a35,000<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: What I Own: We built our \u00a3623,000 Lincolnshire home from scratch \u2014 it only took 16 months<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: You\u2019re probably using your fan wrong \u2014 here\u2019s how to help it cool your home better<\/a><\/p>\n


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