From Mouldy to Marvelous: Couple Turns £218,500 House into £410,000 Home

A couple transformed a neglected house into a stunning family home, increasing its value by £191,500 in just 18 months

From Mouldy to Marvelous: Couple Turns £218,500 House into £410,000 Home
From Mouldy to Marvelous: Couple Turns £218,500 House into £410,000 Home

Timperley: A couple, Jonathan and Katie O’Neill, took on a huge project when they bought a mouldy, overgrown house. It was a three-bedroom terraced home that had been on the market for over six months without any interest. They snagged it for £218,500, which was a steal considering its condition.

They saw potential where others saw a disaster. The couple rolled up their sleeves and got to work, transforming every room and even adding an extension. Fast forward 18 months, and they’re now living in a beautiful home with their baby boy, Archie.

Katie shared their journey with the Manchester Evening News. They got married two years ago and started their property journey during the pandemic. Living with Katie’s parents helped them save for a deposit, which they felt lucky to have.

When they first looked at houses, the market was tough. Katie said they had a tiny budget and not many options. But then she found this ugly duckling of a house. She didn’t even tell Jonathan about the viewing because the photos were so bad. But she saw its potential and convinced him to check it out.

After buying their first home in Woodley, Stockport, for £151,000, they sold it for £260,000 after a year of renovations. They learned a lot from that experience, but they wanted something in a better area this time.

They found the Timperley house, which had been sitting unsold for ages. It was so overgrown that you couldn’t even see it from the road. The housing association owned it, and since it was in bad shape, they were eager to sell. Katie and Jonathan managed to negotiate the price down to £218,500.

They got the keys on August 11, 2023, and started working right away. The front yard was a jungle, so they tackled that first. They added an extension to create a more functional layout, which was a bit nerve-wracking since they hadn’t done one before.

With help from family and friends, they did most of the work themselves. They re-plastered and painted every wall, added a new kitchen and bathroom, and created a lovely open-plan living area. Katie kept the decor neutral, knowing they might sell again.

During the renovations, Katie found out she was pregnant, and they finished just in time for the baby’s arrival. Now, their home is a beautiful blend of modern and personal touches, and they’ve recently had it valued at £410,000, a £191,500 increase from what they paid.

Looking ahead, they plan to sell and buy a new property every few years. They want to balance work and family time, aiming for part-time jobs while managing their properties. You can follow their journey on Instagram @kandjproperties.

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