In the UK, there’s a program called “Homes for a Pound” where the council sells homes for just a pound (a bit over a dollar) that have been abandoned for over ten years.
The idea is to encourage people to renovate these homes and revitalize the neighborhood.
Maxine Sharples, a 28-year-old, heard about this program and saw it as a great opportunity to own a home. Despite being a recent graduate with limited savings, she was determined to make it work.
To qualify for the program, she had to live or work in Liverpool, be a first-time homeowner, have the financial means to renovate, and complete the renovation within 12 months.
Maxine faced challenges along the way, but her hard work paid off when the interior of her home came together. She made significant changes to the layout, adding heated flooring in the bedrooms and creating an elegant bathroom with a unique black design. The second floor became a beautiful common space with a kitchen island serving as both a dining table and a cooking area.
Maxine also added a sunroof for more natural light, and the room is adorned with plants, creating a calm and zen space for relaxation. Despite spending $74,000 on materials and labor, Maxine is proud of her work and has no plans to sell the house.
She thought about renting it out but couldn’t imagine parting with her home.