Family swap UK for abandoned home bought unseen in eastern European country

A family took the plunge and snapped up an abandoned property for a mere £8k, sight unseen, in a bid to live "-free".

Maxwell, 38, and Leah Jones, 29, had always harboured dreams of a self-sufficient lifestyle, but were keen to dodge a quarter-century of mortgage payments in the UK. The couple bagged their three-bedroom home in Popovo, Bulgaria in January 2025, a steal compared to similar properties in their hometown, which typically fetch around £300k.

Joiner and landscaper Maxwell and Leah, who works in health and social care, jetted out in May and plan to relocate permanently by year's end. They reckon that living on a "stringent budget" in Bulgaria would cost their family of four just £300 a month, while a "comfortable month" would set them back £680.

This is a stark contrast to their current £680 monthly rent, weekly food bill of up to £200, and £250 monthly utilities costs. They estimate a refurbishment bill of between £15k and £20k to get the house shipshape.

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Maxwell, hailing from Prestatyn, Wales, said: "It was exactly like it looked online. Now we're mortgage-free. There is a lot to do - it's a shell. We're up for a challenge."

Maxwell and Leah, who already homeschool their two children - Lorenzo, two, and Indy, nine - embrace an "alternatively" lifestyle. They eat organically, whip up their own toothpaste, and have long dreamt of a self-sufficient life, a goal they realised was unaffordable in the UK.

Maxwell and Leah were inspired to explore Bulgarian property options just before Christmas 2024, after witnessing a social media trend. Maxwell explained: "We were due to buy a house in the UK but it became hard to put all this money out and still be paying it off for 25 years. We looked at the price in Bulgaria and it became a no brainer."

They quickly found an online listing that caught their eye and made an offer, securing the property by January 2025.

Their new abode boasts three bedrooms and a barn, which Maxwell envisions as the perfect spot for live DJ streaming sessions. He's set to jet off in two months to kickstart the rewiring process, with the family planning to move in later in the year.

The couple isn't rushing the renovation, nor are they aiming for a "showhome" finish. Leah shared: "We want to try and get away from this idea that it has to be an aesthetically pleasing home."

Maxwell chimed in: "If the kids help out with painting and there are a few brush strokes on the skirting board - that's OK. It will be an ongoing project - it might take years."

They're also keen to revamp their garden, cultivating their own produce and keeping animals. The allure of Bulgaria's lower cost of living, agreeable weather, and relaxed lifestyle was irresistible to them.

Maxwell revealed: "Our neighbour says he pays £15 to £20 a month for electric. We pay about £3,000 a year for electric and gas in the UK. Council tax is only £25 a year. We estimated you could get by on about £300 to £400 a month in Bulgaria - on a stringent budget. The cost of our rent - £680 - will be everything you need in Bulgaria for a comfortable month there."

Maxwell says they are fortunate that their jobs allow them to work remotely, which has been a boon as he's just launched a wellness supplement brand, aiding them in securing visas.

Maxwell expressed: "Breaking from the norm - as scary as it is it can be rewarding. In Bulgaria the kids are playing out all day. In this country kids are striving for that next toy or app - it's constant dopamine hits. We want to keep a creative space in our children."

You can follow the family's adventures on TikTok @maxwellmydailys and @indandihomeed.

In the UK, Jones' living expenses tally up to: Rent at £680 a month, electric and gas bills amounting to £250 a month, weekly food shopping ranging between £130 to £200, council tax at £140 a month, WiFi costs of £45, and water bills fluctuating between £40 to £50 a month.

Meanwhile, their projected living costs in Bulgaria are significantly lower: an electric bill of £15 to £20 a month, weekly groceries estimated at £40 to £80, an annual council tax of merely £25, WiFi for £60 to £100 a year, and water at a mere £5 a month.