30/06/2026
A lot of people need to rethink how they define success, especially when it comes to life abroad.
I saw a post where someone mentioned he bought a house in the UK and some of the reactions from Nigerians were honestly disappointing.
People saying “it’s just mortgage,” or “you’ll pay for 30 years like it’s nothing to celebrate.”
Let’s break this down properly.
In the UK, buying a house is not just about “going to an agent and picking keys.” You need to pass strict credit checks, prove stable income, show financial discipline, and usually provide a deposit of 5%–25% of the property value upfront. That deposit alone, when converted to naira, can often be enough to build or buy multiple houses in many parts of Nigeria depending on location and standard.
Then comes the mortgage system itself.
Yes, it can run for 20–30 years, but it is structured, regulated, and tied to your income in a way that makes ownership achievable for salary earners not just the wealthy or connected.
You will not struggle to pay and you will still enjoy the life.
Now compare that to rent.
Rent here is also extremely expensive.
You can pay thousands every month for 20–30 years and still own absolutely nothing at the end.
With a mortgage, you are paying into something that becomes yours, a long-term asset, equity, and financial security.
There is also something people underestimate and that is stability and dignity.
Owning your home means no sudden landlord increases, no eviction notices because someone wants to sell, no uncertainty every year.
It gives you control over your life in a way renting never can.
The UK system is designed so that working people can eventually own property.
How many % can afford a home in Nigeria?
This alone is a huge difference from what many people are used to back home, where home ownership is often tied to large lump sums, family wealth, or land ownership rather than structured credit systems.
So before mocking someone for getting on the property ladder in pounds oo and not naira, sit and do the conversation in naira, some of you will not make that amount of money in 30 years put together.
What you’re dismissing as “just mortgage” is actually a major financial milestone and a sign of discipline, planning, and progress.
Continue to mock your fellow countrymen balling in pounds and living the life home country didn’t give them. Last last, you all will be alright.
