Karen Hill, who has worked as a nurse since 1986, has recently returned to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary site—where she completed her initial training—under very different circumstances. This time, rather than living in shared nurses’ accommodation, she has purchased a property in the new £175 million Nightingale Quarter development by Wavensmere Homes.
Recalling her early days in Derby, Ms Hill said, “I moved here from a little village to train as a nurse back in 1986 and stayed in the old nurses’ accommodation, which is now the Nightingale Quarter. It’s a fantastic location—central Derby, close to the railway station, bus station, shops, entertainment—everything is on your doorstep.”
After qualifying, she rented a property with a fellow newly qualified nurse, enjoying the flexibility that renting offered. “At that time, I hadn’t even considered buying,” she explained. “Years went by, and it still wasn’t on my radar. I valued the freedom to move if I wanted to pursue more training.”
A change in priorities
However, as time passed, Ms Hill’s perspective shifted. “After about a decade in the rental market, I realised I had no substantial deposit saved. As I got older, I thought, ‘I’m never going to achieve this.’ I had lived in charming but older properties where, if something needed maintenance, I had to contact the landlord.
“The area changed too—more students, younger families. I found the noise and lifestyle differences challenging as I got older. Suddenly, owning my own home seemed more appealing. And I realised I didn’t want that traditional cottage I had once imagined. I wanted something modern, low-maintenance, and easy to live in.”
Accessing professional advice
To help with the buying process, Ms Hill spoke to a mortgage adviser who clarified her options. Although initially overwhelmed, she managed to secure a two-bedroom apartment and complete the move within a few weeks.
“I’ve been in the Nightingale property for just over three months,” she said. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I absolutely love it and wish I’d done it sooner—although it simply wasn’t built back then, and I probably wouldn’t have been in the right mindset.”
According to Ms Hill, it took a couple of years of focused saving once she committed to the idea. The passing of her parents was another factor that prompted her to reassess her future and finally take the leap onto the property ladder.
Advice for other aspiring homebuyers
When asked for guidance, Ms Hill emphasised the importance of professional input. “Speaking to a mortgage adviser really helped me understand my options,” she said. “I know it can be challenging—property prices, deposits, and the commitment all feel daunting. But if you can manage it, it’s worth doing.”
For those weighing up whether to buy, Ms Hill’s experience shows that it’s never too late to reconsider your living situation, plan carefully, and take that step towards homeownership.