First-time buyer fears: I'm doing everything right — but will it ever be enough to buy a home?

Imasha Costa shares the emotional and financial toll of trying to buy a home in Cork during Ireland’s housing crisis

Imasha Costa shares a rented apartment with two other people. Picture: Larry Cummins

Eight months ago, I had given up on the idea that one day I could own a home. I put my foot down and told myself that no matter what I tried, I could not buy something I could call my own.

I saw friends struggling to save for a deposit while living at home. My bills kept going up, and my wages did not keep up with the increasing inflation.