“It’s Probably the First Place I’ve Felt Settled” – Gabriel’s Journey to Home Ownership

Gabriel Filpi, 26

Two thousand and twenty will be forever known as a year of chaos. For many, it feels like being stuck in the moment between when you’ve just slipped over and when you actually hit the floor. As tasks that were previously simple have become difficult, major life events present more complicated challenges. Gabriel Filipi, 26, tackled one of those landmark moments in March this year when purchasing his first home.

What’s something major you’ve achieved in 2020? “Definitely buying a house. That was probably a big life step in general but just happened to happen this year. Buying my own unit, and moving there, in the middle of COVID.”

Before this milestone, Gabriel had experienced a different type of housing, facing bouts of homelessness and poor housing security in his home town of Sydney. “In 2015 I moved out of home, got kicked out of home, a bit of both, and became homeless. Then I was really just trying to get back up on my feet for a little while.”

After working in education support for twelve months, Gabriel had the financial means and opportunity to move to Canberra. He moved straight into student accommodation as he began his postgraduate education at the Australian National University. For three years, Gabriel shared a kitchen and bathroom with five other people, and was eager to have a space for himself when he moved into his new place. “There was a point where I was really excited to live alone because I’d just been living in student housing with like 30 people.”

Gabriel moved into the two bedroom apartment just as serious coronavirus restrictions came into place. “With COVID, it felt like a bit of a trap, I was kind of like oh no, what have I done now, I’m stuck here on my own and I don’t see anyone. Now that the restrictions have eased a little bit and the social aspects can kind of go back to normal it's actually a really nice balance of still being able to come home to my place at the end of the day but being around people during the day.”

Gabriel and Basil

Two months after moving into his new place, Gabriel was joined by his new feline flatmate, Basil. Rescued from a stormwater drain, he was taken to an animal rescue facility run by a friend of Gabriel’s. Although the initial plan was to just foster the cat, Basil quickly found a place in Gabriel’s heart. “Pretty much the second day I was like nah, I’m adopting”. Providing companionship and comfort to Gabriel, their bond grew quickly as they spent iso together. “The fish are great, but probably not the same level of interaction as the cat.”

Despite the challenges faced due to COVID-19, Gabriel is happy that he has a place to call his own. “Having your own place, and having the security and the fact that I have financial stability has allowed a lot of personal comfort and growth.” Next year, Gabriel hopes that his long distance partner who currently lives in Newcastle will be able to join him in his new home.