We were going to stay in our £70,000 two-bedroom flat for longer, but lockdown changed everything,’ says Abbey. ‘There was no garden and we were sick of staring at the same walls. I really wanted an older property in a quieter area that wasn’t overlooked, with fields nearby for walking the dogs.
Our flat sold within five days, and after viewing three other properties we went to an open viewing for a three-bedroom semi with a garden in Billinge, Wigan. It was at the top of our budget but it had so much potential to extend in future, and we loved the old doors and fireplaces. In the car afterwards we made an offer straight away, then exchanged contracts the day before the stamp duty holiday ended. It was a stressful few months as we moved in June and got married in August!
