A MUM-OF-THREE has shared how she’s been forced to take out a loan just to pay her mortgage in a desperate attempt not to lose her house.
The woman insisted “this is what survival looks like” as she showed what her London property currently looks like inside – with rubbish piled high and rooms that appear unlivable.
In the TikTok slideshow of her “third world life”, the so-called Escape Fund Mum explained that she hasn’t “had a kitchen for months” – meaning she’s had to function without a hob, oven or even a sink.
So when it comes to washing up at the end of the day, she has to use the bathroom sink to do so.
As she doesn’t have any savings, or a backup plan for that matter, the woman has had to make the difficult decision to borrow money to cover her financial obligations.
And it’s not as though the “mum trying to keep three kids afloat” wanted to pay for a holiday or a car with the money – she just needed “to pay the mortgage so we don’t lose the house”.
“‘Buy a property’ they say,” she concluded sarcastically.
Before adding that while the majority of people on TikTok show “luxury renovations”, she shows “what rock bottom actually looks like”.
“I never thought I’d be washing dishes in a small bathroom sink while taking a loan just to survive,” she added in the caption.
“No kitchen, no savings, three kids depending on me – this is what survival looks like in 2025.”
People were quick to comment on the TikTok, which has been viewed almost 3,000 times since it was posted, with one writing: “Looks like you bought a house to renovate??
“It’s one room at a time, as we know when we take on these projects.”
To which the woman replied: “Trust me, I didn’t choose this.
“It’s not a renovation… it’s a slow, painful financial death.”
“One room at a time,” another urged.
With the mum responding: “Thank you — one room, one crisis, one day at a time.”
In a description on her profile, the woman explained that she’s trying to flip scratchcards and use side hustles to get as much money together for her “escape plan”.
5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder
Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers.
1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving
Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out – holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway.
Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month.
2. Have a realistic property search
Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it?
3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes
The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they’re great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London.
4. Consider buying with another person
Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner.
You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven’t already.
5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order
A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs.
