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A UK couple is currently living the fantasy of many families up and down the country by being able to save hundreds a month, living mortgage-free.While most of us are living paycheck-to-paycheck, Amy Smerdon, 35, and her husband, Jerry, 53, have taken the leap to get away from the ever-expensive Britain.The couple - who share two sons, eight and six, and twin boys, five - spotted a £7,000 property on the market in Bulgaria and decided to cash in, do it up, and rent it out as a holiday home.However,...

AFTER years of enduring the rat race as a jewellery dealer in the UK, George Laing took a gamble on a new life in Europe - with just 85p. With gruelling hard work and patience, the Brit is slowly transforming a derelict three-story building into his dream home - and he has another plan up his sleeve.15George Laing, 32, bought his dream home for cheap as part of the €1 Houses projectCredit: Instagram/george_laing_15The property George bought for 85pCredit: SWNS15He snapped up the home in Mussomeli, Sicily - a sun-soaked region...

WITH spring now upon us, more people are thinking about moving home.As the weather brightens up it’s the most popular time of year to buy and sell.1Spring is the time most people moveAnd with England and Northern Ireland facing major changes to Stamp Duty thresholds from April 1, it’s the ideal time to get to grips with the nuances of Scottish property and what to consider when buying.Scotland operates under a different system known as Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), tailored to our unique market conditions.Felipe Ferreira, Sales Director...

A WOMAN resigned to renting for life got on the property ladder by temporarily becoming an estate agent – to learn the tricks of the trade.Comedian Kate-Lois Elliott thought she was going to live in a rented basement flat for the rest of her days due to her career choices.2Comedian Kate-Lois Elliott got on the property ladder by saving into a LISACredit: Ben Stevens/PinPep2She also became an estate agent for six monthsCredit: Ben Stevens/PinPepAs a former actor-turned-comedian – who is married to another actor – their irregular income offered little...

Bigger homes have been driving property price growth in the West Midlands over the past year, according to analysis by the bank.The trend could make it easier for first-time buyers to take their first step on the property ladder – but harder for them to move up to a property with more space.The average price of a house in the West Midlands is now  £258,617,  That is a rise of almost £10,000 on last year - a jump of 4%.Halifax says prices are risingThe Halifax has also looked at the...