4 days ago
I sold my house to live mortgage-free in a double decker BUS – I did the renovations myself & only paid £18k to buy it
GETTING on the property ladder can be expensive - so many people are looking for creative alternatives instead.
One woman has revealed how she snapped up a double decker bus to live in for just £18,000 - and it allows her to travel the UK too.
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Given that the average UK house price for December 2024 was £268,087, her unusual dwelling was an absolute steal when she got it in 2023.
Lindzi, 38, shared how poignantly she had wanted to be a bus driver when she was a child, and had no idea that her dream would semi come true with her bus buy.
On her @lindziadhd account, she shared: 'After selling my house, I decided to buy this—a double decker bus. I always had this crazy idea that one day I'd live on a bus.
'So, without much experience in DIY, I began the massive task of renovating it. I just kinda got stuck in there, doing whatever I could do.'
Not only is the bus an adventurous place to live, but also facilitates her mobile book swap business too.
Lindzi explained: 'The overall plan is to live upstairs, and downstairs be a community space and a book bus.
'This project has already been filled with absolute blood, sweat, and tears. But I've always been the type of person that, if I want to do something—if I've got my mind set on something—then I just go for it.'
She shared how part of the renovation work included adding a stove inside the bus, as well as decorating it with homely touches.
She also had to pass her Class C driver licence so she could take it on trips, and the bus passed its MOT in May this year.
Lindzi shared on her video, which has racked up over 322,000 views, how she has already taken the bus to a number of festivals and is loving life on the road.
I bought a dated caravan & turned it into my family's very own second home for £4.5k - now we holiday for just £10 a day
One of the only drawbacks is fuel cost, and she estimated that it costs her £100 for 150 miles.
Many people were hugely impressed with her unique home, with one saying: 'Love this I wish I was brave enough to do it.'
Another added: 'This is my dream! Congratulations!'
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities)
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120
Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80
Internet and TV: £20 - £50
Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40
Other Potential Costs
Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25
Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
Pitch Fees: £400
Utilities: £80
Maintenance and Repairs: £40
Internet and TV: £40
Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
Insurance: £500
Maintenance and Repairs: £480
Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
