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Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.
When 36-year-old Lou Crane decided it was time to take the leap from renting to homeownership three years ago, it would end up being a swifter process than she thought.
After more than a decade of saving, she was ready to put in an offer – and ended up moving into her four-bedroom home in Northwich, Cheshire, less than three months later.
She’s since transformed it into the dopamine palace of dreams, channelling pattern and colour throughout, as well as her love of Downton Abbey and camp classic Absolutely Fabulous.
Here’s what Lou had to say about her property journey…
Tell us about yourself!
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I’m Lou. I’m 36 years old, and I’m a chief operating officer for an investment company. I live with my two house cats, Sirius and Luna.
When I’m not DIYing, you’ll find me practising yoga, at pilates or on a padel court. Either that or eating my way around as many restaurants as I can find because life is all about balance.
Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?
Northwich in Cheshire, a beautiful part of the world. You’re under an hour from Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, it’s an hour and a half to London on the train, and you’re in Wales in an hour and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
My favourite aspect is the proximity to everything, from major cities to the countryside, small market towns, and even the beach. You can quickly get whatever you need from the surrounding areas. My least favourite thing is that Northwich is a one-way system.
When did you move in?
January 2022.
How much does your property cost?
£270,000.
How much was your deposit?
£27,000.
What is the monthly cost of living here now, both mortgage and bills?
£1,700.
How did you save up for your deposit?
I used a Help to Buy ISA and put aside savings from my wages each month. I saved it sporadically, with whatever I could afford.
How long did it take you to save up for your deposit?
Oh goodness, probably over 10 years!
What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?
Really easy, as my financial advisor is one of my very good friends. The process was the smoothest ever, as from offer to move-in day was less than three months, including Christmas.
Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?
2.39% fixed for 64 months.
Where did you live before this – were you renting or living with family?
I was renting in the same area in a house that I didn’t actually ever see in real life, as I needed somewhere towards the end of Covid, and the market was crazy.
What made you want to buy rather than rent?
It was the natural next step, and I definitely would have bought sooner had finances allowed.
How did you find this property? What made you choose it?
I found it on Rightmove. I always knew I wanted a period property, having grown up in a quintessential Victorian area surrounded by red brick and lovely features.
UFurnish.com Home Awards
Lou’s DIY efforts not only completely transformed her home, but they got her nominated for Best First Time Home Renovation in the ufurnish.com Home Awards, sponsored by Nationwide.
Celebrating talent across 20 categories, including interiors, gardens, furniture innovation and home accessories, the awards highlight the best in the home renovations game.
How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?
I’m a big believer in ‘dopamine decor’ and decorating in a way that makes you happy. Each room embodies the exact feeling I want when I spend time in there, and that’s the main thing that’s guided my decor decisions.
I’ve brought a lot of the features back to life but kept a modern twist with the colour schemes, statement prints and quirky features like my bay window disco ball. I often say my style is like Downton Abbey meets Absolutely Fabulous.
I really have done everything except the electrics in this home by myself, so my ufurnish.com awards nomination feels like a testament to all of the time spent turning this house into a home. I was determined to create somewhere that brought joy to both me, so this is really special.
What’s your favourite room and why?
The office – it’s a hub of creativity and completely works for me. It’s full of plants, and the huge windows bring the outside in. The gallery wall is packed with memories and inspiration to keep my creative juices flowing, and my standing desk keeps me active throughout the day.
I added a huge squishy armchair for tea breaks with the cat when I want it, and the open fire means that in winter it gets really cosy. After working in a corporate environment for years before now working from home, it was so important to turn this into a space that I didn’t dread.
What’s your favourite piece of furniture in the house?
My burnt orange sofa, which I found on Facebook Marketplace.
What are your biggest property non-negotiables when looking?
Period features, sash windows, and original floors.
Do you feel like you have enough space?
My house has a lot of rooms, but in true period style, most of the walls have either a door or a window on them. There’s a lot of space, but sometimes it’s difficult to manoeuvre.
Do you have plans to change the property?
No, I’m happy to respect the original layout.
Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?
I’ve been really lucky. You often get problems with a period home, but mine is in excellent condition.
What do you want people to know about buying a home?
Don’t buy or decorate for resale if this is going to be your home and not an investment property. Buy and decorate for what makes your heart happy.
What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?
Definitely for the near future, but I would love to do this all over again at some stage.
Shall we take a look around?
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