Couple who couldn't get a mortgage ditch UK to buy £7,000 home in Bulgaria on a whim

A British couple have swapped their life in the UK for a fresh start in Bulgaria, purchasing a property on a whim for a mere £7,000. Lewis and Jordan from Bournemouth were unable to secure a mortgage, so instead of giving up their dream of owning their own home their decided to look further afield.

The pair, who have two children, discovered a spacious home a three-hour flight away with plenty of land, and despite never seeing the house before, they took the plunge and moved over to Bulgaria.

Lewis and Jordan have since been documenting their journey on TikTok and YouTube as they renovate their bargain home and embrace their new life in the Bulgarian countryside. Their cottage, which came complete with a sprawling garden, has three bedrooms, a bathroom, lounge, and kitchen.

READ MORE: 'We moved to the UK and bought houses on the same street - now our kids can grow up together'

Aside from the main house, the property also boasts an annex with a craft room, workshop, and shower room, as well as a "unbelievably huge" barn, reports the Mirror.

Sharing their vision, Lewis said on TikTok: "In 2022 we had a dream of owning our own home and having farmland to raise livestock and to grow our own produce, however with an acre plot of land ranging anywhere from £300,000 to one million in the UK, this dream soon became pretty unrealistic."

The pair, who were previously unable to get a mortgage, refused to abandon their aspirations. Lewis explained: "So instead of giving up on our dreams, we decided to look elsewhere.

About a year and a half ago, we drove up this driveway after a £1,821 mile journey because we decided it would be a good idea to purchase a house for £7,000 in Bulgaria. And we bought this house on the internet for £7,000 without even looking at it. I think we got pretty lucky," he added. "We could never afford this much land in England."

After selling most of their belongings, the family, including children Leo and Fae, embarked on an adventure from Bournemouth to Bulgaria. They've committed to a five year residency with the option to renew.

Their story has resonated with many, garnering thousands of comments on social media. One fellow Bulgaria resident said: "Did the same 5 years ago, 11 roomed house 1000 square metre garden, water well. Best move ever. It had been renovated a little. Price of a car in UK."

Others expressed admiration and shared their own dreams of relocation. "Your garden is endless," one commented, while another wrote: "This is amazing! I would love to do something like this once my little ones are a bit older."

Someone else added: "This is exactly what I want to do, well done for doing it," and another individual recounted their return to Romania and successful business venture, calling it the "I am Romanian and lived in the UK for about 5 years. Left the UK 3 years ago, came back home opened a car repair shop - best decision I have made ever."

Where I Live: Get involved!

Are you a homeowner who has recently finished a renovation, or are you a tenant who has made their rented home their own?

If so, we would love to speak to you as part of our property series Where I Live. Each week we chat to different residents across the region to hear about their buying or renting journey, whilst taking a peek inside their home.

If you fancy getting involved, please email your name and details to: phoebe.jobling@reachplc.com with the subject line Where I Live.