I think the reason the "braindead brigade" are out on force is because they don't understand your "poor financial decisions" comment.

After tax I was earning £1000 a month. Rent for a one bedroom flat in my town on average costs £600, council tax cost me £90 (including single person discount). My water bill was £120 (including a discount for saying I collect my own rain water - check your supplier, you'll find this as a small charge they add -big thanks for my friend who works at the company for letting me know!). I was on a gas/electric meter which yes, isn't most cost effective in the long run, but I paid £20 a month on electric, £10 on gas because my cooker was electric rather than the £60 I now pay living with someone.

My mobile tariff was cheap due to a crappy phone and my neighbour let me use their WiFi because they knew o was struggling.The rest went on food and a few beers on the weekend. "Wow you can afford to drink don't complain about not having money". Yes, so what I let my hair down once a week? If that's my "poor financial" decision well then I'm ok with that.

Bottom line, OP, if you want to get on the property ladder, stay home as long as you can. Save your money. Once you move out, especially on such a low income, you will struggle and getting on the ladder will take longer.

And if anyone cares, I'm doing MUCH better now :)