I rang Barry at the estate agents on Friday morning and he told me that the buyer wished to view the flat at 2.30 that day. Not a problem.

I then hoovered and cleaned the bathroom, opened a window to get some fresh air in, then quickly hoovered round the rest of the flat and sprayed some air freshener around before walking out the front door and heading for Mum's.

You maybe wondering why I didn't stay indoors for the viewing. My flat is a studio flat and therefore very small. With two people inside, it's not too bad. But with 3 people inside it, it makes it seem even smaller. I'd originally agreed with the estate agents that for that reason I would not be present for any viewing.

I got a phone call from Julian at the estate agents later in the afternoon saying that the viewing had gone well and that the buyer was still very interested in the flat but he needed to speak to his financial advisor on Monday before he was able to go any further. Julian also informed me that there was somebody else interested in the flat and would like to view the flat today at 12.30

That viewing went ahead as arranged, again I wasn't present for the viewing as previously arranged. I then got a phone call from Julian informing me that the viewing hadn't gone well and that frankly it had been a waste of time. He'd also spoken to the buyer who had been able to see his financial advisor today and is able to go ahead with the purchase which is excellent news but won't be able to complete until mid February which is no problem. Julian formally asked who my solicitor will be and I told him.

On Monday, I need to phone the solicitors and speak to my solicitor. I have also put a letter to my solicitor through their door. I also need to phone the letting agents in Andover about the flat in Mansell Court.

This is a fantastic result, it really is. I still can't believe this is happening. In roughly 6 weeks I finally will be going home to Whitchurch after a wait of over 16 years.