Is it really the wrong time to buy? Is it really better to wait 12 months? I'm confused and tend to shy away from the "breaking news stories" firstly, because I dont understand them (I'm not stupid or thick) and secondly, because the news is always so depressing.

I've tried to follow the economy crisis but it made my ears bleed and my head hurt. I've sold my house and I'm nearing completion and will rent short term until I find the right house, I am also a single mum too and want to make sure I invest wisely to provide for her in the future if that makes sense.

Thanks for your time

I bought probably at the height of the housing boom - makes me think if I'd waited, I'd have got a property that was valued better. But at least the money that would have been bleeding off into rent went into my mortgage instead.