We moved into a caravan in my mother-in-law's garden for a year, sure it was cramped but we saved £20k

Scottish Sun

4 days ago

Freya Gill says that the living conditions were 'questionable' at first
YES YOU VAN We moved into a caravan in my mother-in-law's garden for a year, sure it was cramped but we saved £20k
A WOMAN was able to save a £20k house deposit - after moving into a caravan in her mother-in-law's garden for a year.
Freya Gill, 29, and her partner, Charlie Thackwray, 29, were living with their parents when they decided they needed their own space.
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Freya Gill moved into a caravan in her mother-in-law's garden for a year and saved £20k
Credit: SWNS
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She and her boyfriend Charlie plan on living there for another year to boost their deposit
Credit: SWNS
Unable to get on the property ladder straight away, they moved into Charlie's mum's caravan - which she got for free as it already came with her home and moved it to the plot of land they are currently living on in North Allerton, North Yorkshire.
The pair remained in the two-berth caravan for a year, saving £2k for the deposit to buy their next caravan.
They upgraded their caravan three times, forking out £16k for a newer model with controllable heating, towel radiators in the shower, and an onboard water pump.
Freya and Charlie plan to continue living in it for another year while they save to buy land to build their own home and to keep chickens, goats, and alpacas.
Freya, a business owner, from North Allerton, North Yorkshire, said: "We are saving up to buy a plot of land as we want to do a field to farm, and anyone who knows that when buying land, you need a much larger deposit.
"We are looking at a 25% deposit - money is a massive problem for everyone now, and this is a good alternative to save money.
"The rental market is mental, but money aside, people have said they would like to live this way because of your freedom.
"If we'd rented a property around here, it would cost £750 a month, and that would just not have been achievable for us. It's so hard to find a rental when you've got a dog."
Before moving into their caravan, Freya lived in a three-bedroom house with her parents in North Allerton, North Yorkshire, for £250 a month.
The couple always dreamed of owning some land but realised that to do that, they would need savings, so they thought a cost-effective option was living in a caravan which they say is £500 cheaper than renting in the local area.
Watch as Josie Gibson tells This Morning she's living in a caravan
Freya said: "The living conditions were questionable in the first caravan.
"When Charlie's mum bought the house, the caravan came with the house from the 90s, and it had been there for quite a while.
"Charlie renovated it, spending £200 by ripping out the floor and painting the interior, but because it was so old and a lot of the caravan didn't work, we decided to move."
After a year, the pair moved out of their first caravan and lived in an Eldest Crusader bought from a local dealership for £4K for a year.
Then in June 2025, the couple upgraded to an Adria Adora caravan for £16k - and they plan to live in it until they're in a position to buy their own farmland.
Freya said: "It's a small space, so the bills are going to be lower anyway. We have set up our solar power system, and that has been a huge help to our savings.
"The gas bills are low, and when we run low, it is £80 to get a new gas bottle.
"We don't have to pay council tax or water bills, which is helpful.
"We collect water and have a filtration system; we just have to pay for a new filter every month.
"My friends always say to me that it is not the typical life in their twenties, but we are quite introverted people, so we like the fact that it is just us and we are in our own space."
Currently, Freya and Charlie, a caravan dealer, pay £150 rent for the land they use, £55 on gas, £130 on finance, and £350 on food a month.
Previously, they spent £250 a month on bills, but they now say they've saved a whopping £20k.
Freya said: "We have saved so much money from living in a caravan - it is an excellent alternative to renting.
5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder
Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers.
1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving
Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out - holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway.
Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month.
2. Have a realistic property search
Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it?
3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes
The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they're great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London.
4. Consider buying with another person
Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner.
You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven't already.
5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order
A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs.
"It has taken us three years to get to this stage, and we are both pleased with how much we have saved.
"We are genuinely enjoying our time. I love that it is peaceful, and the sound of the rain is relaxing and helps me sleep.
"Sometimes, people living in a caravan receive a common misconception, which is simply false. We want this lifestyle, and we like living this lifestyle.
Freya added: "Charlie loves animals, but I have always been animal mad. I was raised on a small holding and want to return to that life.
"I've always wanted to improve our place and make it our own. We have plans to build our farmhouse, and Charlie wants to build his lake. We can't wait for the future."