u/Heavenly29

Hello! I know this has been discussed before but the flat I'm buying has 3 different types of windows and before moving into the flat I'd like some advice especially on those types of windows that get rarely mentioned.

Most of the windows are the type that open on one side outwards and then at the top (see picture). The standard window has plenty of options, but what about the top one? Now my boy is 5.5kg and not extremely adventurous but he might be curious about the open window, who knows. Do you think the top one is high enough to be safe? Have you had any experience with that?

https://preview.redd.it/rudqsqx79ijh1.jpg?width=369&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=615b8861125e0bfb59d9509f867cf9142536996f

Then there's a couple center-pivot roof windows, what's the best way to secure them without completely restricting them? (See picture 2)

https://preview.redd.it/19iyrkw89ijh1.jpg?width=699&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5748d8789c3c908b16ac5185fa9976334bb3789

Finally, a Juliette balcony. It opens inwards clearly. No idea what to do with this.

I must also say most of these will be open only in the summer, so we ideally don't want something that obstructs our view 365 days a year. I know a lot of you recommend Flat Cats but can they be stored away without ruining the velcro?

Thanks a lot for the help!

Hello! My partner and I are hoping to buy our first (and possibly forever) home in Greater London, but we haven’t spoken to a mortgage advisor yet.

We’re probably looking at properties around £600k. We already have about £200k saved for a deposit.

We might also receive a similar amount from our families once they sort a few things out, but we have no idea how long that could take, maybe a year, maybe two or three.

Since we’ve been renting for a long time and don’t really want to wait indefinitely, we’re thinking of starting the search now with the deposit we have and getting a mortgage for the rest. If and when the extra money arrives, the plan would be to put it towards the mortgage and remortgage the remaining balance.

Does this sound like a sensible plan, or is there anything we might be missing that would make waiting the better option?

We will speak to a professional eventually, but I’d love to hear your experiences and opinions too. Thanks!