Mortgage

From Frikipedia

Expensive type of bank loan. Currently the only way to buy a house in the UK is to go into a bank and get a mortgage. Currently the only way to buy a house in London is to go into a bank on the pretence of getting a mortgage and rob the place.

Getting a mortgage is often a sign of growing up. It is something that grown-ups do when they're in a relationship and are thinking about buying a Renault Espace for their weekend trips to Homebase.

Actually a pretty good investment outside of London, as repayments are usually far lower than rent. Be warned though, once you have one, there is no turning back from the descent into middle-age.