From Mouldy to Marvelous: Our £410,000 Home Transformation Journey
A couple turned a neglected house into a stunning family home, boosting its value by £191,500 in just 18 months
Timperley, Trafford, Home Renovation, Property Market, DIY, Family
Timperley: So, there’s this couple, Jonathan and Katie O’Neill, who took on a real fixer-upper. They bought a three-bedroom house that was just a mess—mouldy and overgrown. It had been sitting on the market for ages, and no one wanted it.
They snagged it for £218,500, which was a steal considering it was listed for £260,000. They saw potential where others saw a disaster. After diving into a massive renovation, they turned it into a beautiful family home.
Fast forward 18 months, and they’ve not only transformed the place but also boosted its value to £410,000. That’s a whopping £191,500 increase! They really put their heart and soul into it, and it shows.
Katie shared that they had a tight budget, especially as first-time buyers during the pandemic. They lived with her parents for a year to save up. When they found this house, it was a bit of a gamble, but they were ready to take the plunge.
They started the renovations the day they got the keys. The house was so overgrown that they had to clear the front just to get inside! They did most of the work themselves, with a little help from family. It was a big project, but they were up for the challenge.
They added an extension, re-plastered every wall, and created a lovely open-plan living area. Katie kept the decor neutral but bright, making it feel modern and welcoming. Plus, they had their first baby, Archie, just after finishing the renovations, which made it even more special.
Now, they’re thinking about their next steps. They plan to sell every few years and move up the property ladder. They want to balance work and family life, aiming for part-time jobs to spend more time with Archie. It’s all about making memories in their beautiful home.
It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come, and they’re excited for what’s next. You can even follow their journey on Instagram to see more of their home projects!