pocona

I've spent a couple of years riding around Africa (pushbike), crossed via the Eastern and Western routes and I definitely recommend re-trying for the Egypt / Sudan visas one day. It took me four attempts to get a Sudan visa and I'm glad I did - it's the most stunning riding I've ever done (as well as the hardest), among the best people I've ever met. Whenever the HPI frustration sets in, I keep having to remind myself that I've never been happier than when my home was a bivvy bag, my possessions fitted into four panniers and my outgoings averaged less than £5 a day.

The one above: 2 bed semi - "Excellent First Time Buyers Or Retirement Home." The one below: 2 bed flat - "Ideal First Time Buyers Home." In my part of North Yorks, RM's average prices went from £87k in Aug 2000 to £320k in Aug 2010 (although low sales volumes mean there's a lot of variation month-by-month). Average wages in North Yorks are around £19,000.

Yep, Emmerdale's set in the Yorkshire Dales, where around 15% of houses are holiday homes or second homes (at least they were in the 2001 census). There's no way most FTB locals can afford to buy there now. I live in the Dales and both house prices and rents are starting to fall now, especially in the last few weeks - a big sell-off of second / holiday homes (which I assume people expected capital appreciation on) would help speed things up nicely.

I'm besotted with a place on for £350k - was on for £460k in '08. I'm going to put in an offer for £250k (cash buyer, no chain - and will walk if they don't accept it, which they probably won't). Planning to wait four or five months before putting in the offer though...

Banksy's with you on that one: