Kirstie Allsopp says university students should live at home to save for house
Kirstie Allsopp has made another divisive comment aimed at university students looking to own their own house one day.
Moving away for university means you get to experience a brand new city and gain newfound independence, whether that's paying bills - and for some that even means doing their own laundry for the first time.
And let's face it, you can return from a boozy night out whenever you want without worrying about sneaking in to avoid waking the rest of the family.
But Location, Location, Location host Allsopp thinks uni students should sack off this formative experience in order to save for a house deposit.
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The TV presenter, 51, has started another social media debate after she said university students should live with their parents if they go to uni close to home.
She argues this would allow university students to use their money for a deposit for a house by avoiding paying rent for student accommodation.
With the cost of living crisis on the rise and young people’s unease about being able to afford joining the property ladder, the Location, Location, Location presenter shared a solution on Times Radio.
“So, in answer your question, ‘Is there ever a good time to buy?’, I think it’s just about doing what you can when you can, but I always say, if the one favour you can do to yourself is to think about it early, as early as you possibly can,” she told Ruth Davidson on the show.
“If you choose to go to university, near your home, and you spend those three years living at home, if you’re able to do that, and it’s a big sacrifice to do that, but it can make an enormous difference.
“And all sorts of different things that you can do to enable you to save that deposit. And do it early. Because I see people really, really struggling now.”
Shortly after the interview was shared online, people weighed in and it should come as no surprise that not everyone agrees.
“The three years I spent at uni were fantastic,” one Twitter user replied. “Free from parents, none of the worries and obligations we shoulder as we get older.
"A unique time to live with ppl same age and grow up together. A valuable , joyful experience.
“How boring to stay at home saving for a deposit.”
A second Twitter user wrote: “Kirstie didn’t go to university, but like so many people, feels fully confident to speak about the experience.”
While a third person quipped: “Does it mean that you can go back to the gym and take out a Netflix subscription?”
However some people came to Allsopp’s defence and explained why her theory works.
“Really don’t get the abuse she is getting for this comment, as she’s correct,” one person replied. “Why it’s ended up that way isn’t her fault but having a pop at her for correctly highlighting a prioritisation strategy is bizarre, but I guess what social media has become.”
Allsopp - who bought her first home aged 21 with the help of her family - previously advised young people to give up luxuries like ‘easyJet, coffee, gym [and] Netflix’ to be able to afford a home.
Gregory Robinson