Emma Orlando made a bold move when she realized she couldn’t save enough for a house deposit while paying £1,000 per month in rent. Three years ago, the 28-year-old decided to live in a campervan to save money.
With the help of a friend and online tutorials, Emma transformed her van into a livable space. She continued working as a freelance marketer using the van’s installed Wi-Fi.
Van life: Amy Nicholson with her dog Indie
Emma found a campsite in Cornwall with a beautiful ocean view, costing her only £300 per month. She saved on rent and bills compared to a flat in Kent.
The van’s expenses were similar to those of a car, including road tax and diesel fuel.
With rising mortgage rates and soaring house prices, the dream of owning a home seems out of reach for many first-time buyers. The average deposit required is £34,500, which is difficult to achieve without family assistance. As a result, some aspiring homeowners are choosing alternative options, such as living in campervans.
The National Caravan Council reports that campervan sales have been increasing steadily since 2013, especially during the Covid lockdowns.
Kitted out: Lewis Nyman and one of his vans
Amy Nicholson also chose to move into a van to gain financial independence. With her parents’ help, Amy converted the van and equipped it with solar panels for electricity. The reduced expenses allowed her to save for a cottage in Newquay, Cornwall.
Robert and Mariona Bolohan lived in a van for a year to save for a home deposit. They successfully ran their web-based businesses while saving up to £2,000 per month. They plan to invest their savings in a property in Catalonia, Spain.
Lewis Nyman saved £25,000 after living in a campervan for a couple of years. He now runs an electric campervan rental business and intends to spend the colder months in Spain or Portugal.
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