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My mum built an annexe in her garden and I live there rent-free – people say they’d ‘never move out’ after seeing it

thescottishsun.co.uk 2 days ago

WITH the cost of homes outstripping wages, it’s no surprise that young people are moving back in with their parents.

One woman has broken the internet though, after revealing the incredible home her mum has built for her – and it’s completely rent-free.

Annexes are becoming increasingly popular as property prices rise
Annexes are becoming increasingly popular as property prices rise
While you might be used to a shed at the bottom of the garden, we doubt it looked anything like Olivia's home
While you might be used to a shed at the bottom of the garden, we doubt it looked anything like Olivia's home

Though most young people are desperate to leave home, Olivia Duffy is making the most of living in her mum’s extensive annexe.

Originally a coach house for the main hone, the building had largely been left empty except for the occasional guest who stayed over.  

That was until the nursery worker moved back to the UK after a two-year stint in Tenerife.

It is not surprising that the influencer was so excited to move back, as she gets to stay in the property completely rent-free. (Yes, you read that right.)

In a now-viral video of the posh pad, she explained: “So today I moved my things into the coach house.

“This is like an extra building at my mum’s house and it was just being used for if we had friends round….I am absolutely so happy to be all settled in.”

This wasn’t the only draw though, as the outhouse had been completely renovated by her mum with a chic, modern interior inside.

For instance, Olivia’s has a spacious bedroom which came furnished with a large double bed and en suite.

Upstairs, the content creator had even more space to enjoy with a living room fitted with multiple sofas and views of the rolling countryside in the background.

Showing off the bright and airy space in the now-viral video, she gushed: “This view – I will never get bored of.”

The TikTok star even had a kitchen area with endless built-in storage and space for a large pine dining table – perfect for when her friends visit.  

Even better, her mum lived just across the garden in the main house.

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Despite having a home most people her age would give anything for, the nursery worker revealed that she still wanted to her stamp on the property.

In the caption, she wrote: “Nowhere near finished decorating wise but it is a start…”

While the TikTok user might still be unpacking and trying to add the finishing touches, others couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have the home.

One joked: “I’m too poor to know what a coach house is that separate from the main house.”

Olivia's home has broken the internet and people are in awe of her annexe
Olivia's home has broken the internet and people are in awe of her annexe
The stunning home had a fully-equiped kitchen, bedroom, living room and en suite
The stunning home had a fully-equiped kitchen, bedroom, living room and en suite

“You have a spare house?” another asked, while a third: “My parents have a shed.”

Others couldn’t get over the size, with many commenting on how big the second home was.

“The fact that the coach house is bigger than my house. It’s lovely,” gushed a stunned viewer.

Meanwhile, some urged the influencer to never move out after seeing her place.

“I’d live there forever....free rent [then] go across the drive for dinner,” a fifth admitted in the comments.

Another agreed, saying: “This is so cool! I’d happily live there, it’s so much bigger than my pricey studio!”

To which, a seventh wrote: “Never move out”.

If only our parents had a place like this.

Having shared the home on TikTok, her fans urged her to never leave
Having shared the home on TikTok, her fans urged her to never leave

What are the rules on garden annexes?

With so many people struggling to buy their first home, you might be wondering what the rules are on annexes.

Most local authorities will require you to have planning permission if you want to build an annexe or convert a garage into a living space.

While there are some grey areas, it's always best to check - even if your annexe exisited before you owned the property.

Homeowners should also be mindful about keeping within the boundaries of your property, the function of the annexe and ownership over the dweeling.

Home upgrades that add the most value to a house

The best renovation to add value totally depends on your property, the local market and your potential buyers.

Zoopla shared a list of upgrades that will instantly add value to your home.

  1. Loft conversion - increase of 15%
  2. Off-street parking - adds £50,000 to property price
  3. New kitchen - increase of 15%
  4. Garage conversion - increase of 15%
  5. Cellar or basement conversion - increase of 10-15%
  6. Open plan living space - increase of 3-5%
  7. New bathroom - increase of 3-5%
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