‘I regret not buying a Chelsea flat in the 90s – I was too cautious’

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 6, 2026

At 17, the writer began her career as a receptionist in an advertising agency during the late 1980s UK economic boom before transitioning into television presenting in her early twenties. Her decision to avoid buying a depressed London property amid high interest rates led to later regret as prices soared, illustrating common financial challenges faced by young adults entering independence.

At 17, embarking on her first formal job interview, the writer secured a position as a receptionist at an advertising agency despite lacking prior experience. Offered initially on a trial basis, she quickly adapted to the complex phone system and earned her first salaried paycheck, marking her entry into the professional world. This milestone came in 1987, a period that preceded the “Lawson boom,” characterized by tax cuts, cheap credit, and robust economic growth in the United Kingdom.

The late 1980s saw the economy expand at over 5 percent annually, spurred by Chancellor Nigel Lawson’s 1988 Budget, which reduced the basic rate of income tax to 25 percent. This favorable environment led to increased consumer confidence and a surge in advertising expenditure. Although initially part of the advertising sector, the writer soon transitioned to her family’s fashion business, CiBi, founded by her mother, Chrissi. Managing both sales and a modest advertising budget, she found the experience restrictive, ultimately seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Ambitions evolved towards television presenting, inspired by prominent broadcasters like Joan Bakewell. After a period of uncertainty, short contracts, and freelance work, she secured a coveted role as the Los Angeles correspondent for what is now Good Morning Britain in the early 1990s. In her early twenties, she spent 15 months covering a wide array of stories from entertainment industry red carpets to news events like forest fires. During this time, she interviewed numerous high-profile figures including John Travolta, George Clooney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Douglas, Sandra Bullock, Jane Fonda, Robin Williams, and Pamela Anderson.

A pivotal financial decision occurred prior to her departure for Los Angeles. She had considered purchasing a small flat near King’s Road in Chelsea, London, when property prices were depressed following the late 1980s crash and early 1990s recession. Interest rates had soared to as high as 15 percent, and national property values had declined by around 20 percent, with London particularly affected. Concerned about taking on a mortgage and managing a property remotely, she ultimately refrained from buying.

By the end of the 1990s, however, London property prices had surged by more than 60 percent. The flat, which would have cost approximately £100,000 at the time of consideration, would be significantly more valuable in subsequent decades. Reflecting on the decision, the writer expressed regret for missing what would have been an advantageous entry point into the property market. Upon returning to London, she faced the challenge of purchasing real estate at higher prices.

This experience highlights the broader dilemma faced by many young adults in making substantial financial commitments amid uncertainty. The writer attributes her hesitation to a lack of self-trust masked as caution, a sentiment she believes is common among those navigating early adulthood. Even years later, she notes that the sense of being fully “adult” remains elusive, despite accumulated experience and maturity.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.