Jumping off that property ladder

Will Johnston, host of The Hits daytime radio show. Photo/George Novak

"Are you on the property ladder?"

It's a question everyone over the age of 25 is used to hearing. I am thoroughly over it!

That age is also creeping up as quick as house prices are in the Bay. There are plenty of over 40s who are nowhere near being on the property ladder. I bet those people have amazing life experiences too.

I'm 32, and I'm not on the property ladder, but is that actually a bad thing? I was - holding on, kicking and screaming and feeling the heat of the fire lit directly below the ladder. A fire that never gets smaller (the role of 'fire' is played by the bank in this theatre of the mind).

After owning a home in Whangarei, where I lived before moving here, renting it out when I moved here and becoming a tenant myself, I've seen the property/tenant/landlord market from multiple angles.

That house in Whangarei has since sold - we got a great price for it and the whole process was really enjoyable.

Now it is amazing to call a property manager when something goes wrong with my place.

I've never been happier to be paying someone else's mortgage! If I wanted to take the money I made from the Whangarei sale, quit my job and travel the world, I could be gone in less than a month. Try that if you own a house! You could rent it out, but it's still ultimately your problem and will play on your mind.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy a house. That's not what this is about. Get in now before it goes up further and we become the big city we are eventually going to be.

Being on the property ladder can be amazing and fulfilling. But why does it dominate our life goals? Do you actually have to own a home to have security and be seen as successful?

I think owning a home is a really sweet bonus. But it's not critical to ultimate happiness.

Having great mates, a happy and healthy family, a job you love, down-time filled with things you enjoy - all are 10 times more important to me than owning four walls and a roof.

I'll definitely get back on that ladder one day. When it's right for you, it's right. But if you're struggling to save every dollar to afford the deposit, then take a second and think about what you do have.

Go out for dinner with someone who makes you happy and live your life in this beautiful part of the world. It's only money, right?

* Will Johnston is host of The Hits 95FM Day Show. Live and local from 9am till 3pm, every weekday in the Bay.