September 5th 2024.
Rudi and Lauren Smith were exhausted. Despite both working full time jobs, they were still struggling to pay their rent for their £750-a-month home in Leeds during the cost of living crisis. As their expenses continued to rise, they found themselves with less and less disposable income, making it impossible to plan for their future. On top of their rent, they were spending an extra £500 on bills each month, leaving them with only a couple of hundred pounds to cover all of their other expenses.
"It put us in a real hole," Rudi, who is 27 years old, recalls. "We thought, 'this is no way to live', so we started exploring other options in 2022." They began looking into alternative living arrangements and eventually made the bold decision to purchase a 25m by 100m plot of land for £8,000 and a second-hand caravan for £6,000 from a scrapyard. The caravan was in rough shape and needed a lot of work, which ended up costing an extra £2,000.
Despite the high price tag, Rudi and Lauren were able to save money in the long run. They now live mortgage and rent-free, saving a whopping £13,800 each year compared to their previous flat. Their monthly bills have also decreased significantly, now costing less than £100. Rudi, who works as a stone mason, is able to save 90% of his salary each month while Lauren, who works in hospitality, uses her wages for daily expenses.
"I have been a lot happier," Rudi admits of their new lifestyle. "There is so much breathing space financially."
The couple's caravan may have looked old on the outside, but thanks to two years of hard work and investment, it is now "lush" on the inside. The small space allowed them to splurge on nicer materials for the renovation, including herringbone wood flooring. The land they purchased was also overgrown and in rough shape, which is why it was sold for such a low price. But after clearing away the brambles and making it their own, Rudi and Lauren love their remote new home.
"We have no neighbors, which is really nice," Rudi comments. "The closest house is at least 150m away. We can make as much noise as we want."
The main advantage of their new lifestyle is the significant reduction in living expenses. A single gas bottle can last them around three to four months and they have solar panels and off-grid electricity for cheap power in the caravan. With a monthly Wi-Fi bill of only £30, their total expenses come to less than £100.
Their bathroom, which was previously uninviting, now looks modern and bright after the renovation. Rudi explains that they have been in "militant savings mode" for the past two years because they have a five-year plan. They hope to use their savings to invest in a motorboat yacht in Spain, which they can then rent out. Their ultimate goal is to free themselves from having to work for other people.
The couple is now looking forward to traveling in a 16-seater campervan that they have been renovating on the side. They say they have never been happier, but Rudi also acknowledges that it hasn't all been easy. "It's definitely not been a dreamy experience," he adds. "The winters are cold and it takes a lot of work in the beginning."
While this budget-friendly alternative lifestyle may seem tempting, it's certainly not for the faint-hearted. DIY novices may struggle with the challenges that come with it. Do you have a similar story to share? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing email.
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