Elise Holt, a 22-year-old estate agent from Oldham, has turned her grandmother’s 300-square-foot granny annexe into a long-term home, saving around £10,000 for a house deposit amid rising property costs.
In a notable housing story from Oldham, Greater Manchester, 22-year-old estate agent Elise Holt has found a distinctive solution to rising property costs by living in a “granny annexe” situated in her grandmother’s backyard. The compact residence, measuring 300 square feet, was initially constructed by her grandmother, Beverley, 71, for Elise’s great-grandmother, Winnie. Originally costing Beverley £17,000, the annexe was transformed into a leisure area featuring a pool table and fruit machine following Winnie’s passing.
Elise’s original plan was to stay temporarily at her grandmother’s home while refurbishing her room at her parents’ house. However, she soon made the decision not to return to her childhood home and has now lived in the annexe for four years. By opting for this alternative living arrangement, Elise has managed to save approximately £10,000 towards a house deposit. The average one-bedroom flat in her area is reported by the Office for National Statistics to cost around £605 per month, leading Elise to estimate that she has evaded around £19,000 in rent payments over her time in the annexe.
Speaking about her unique living situation, Elise remarked, “With my job [as an estate agent] I take all the photos for the properties we sell. When I tell people I show houses to I live in my nan’s back garden, everyone is shocked and thinks it’s so cool.” This unconventional setup has not only yielded financial savings but has also provided a welcome respite from her three younger siblings.
Elise enjoys a supportive arrangement with her grandmother, who is not inclined to charge her much. “I don’t pay much, my nan doesn’t ask much from me, she’s just happy to have me,” Elise said, adding that this dynamic allows her to save money for her future. Having viewed moving into the annexe at the age of 18 as “a good opportunity to gain some independence,” she now shares the space with her partner, Lucus, 24, an engineer, as well as their two cats, Kalvin and Simba.
Elise has personalised the annexe since moving in, making the most of its fresh decor following a recent renovation by her grandmother and her partner, Mark, 52. “It’s a good size, compared to some one-bed flats—it could be bigger,” she concluded, speaking to the potential advantages of her living situation.
This innovative approach to housing amid escalating property prices reflects a growing trend among young adults seeking alternative living arrangements to achieve financial independence while maintaining family connections.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/Granny-annexe-uk-cost-planning-permisison-council-tax-home-insurance – This source provides detailed information on the costs associated with building a granny annexe in the UK, including construction expenses and potential council tax implications, which supports the article’s mention of Elise Holt’s grandmother constructing the annexe for £17,000.
- https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-improving/granny-flat/ – This guide discusses the advantages of building a granny flat, such as offering loved ones independence and potential savings on care home fees, aligning with Elise Holt’s decision to live in the annexe to save for a house deposit.
- https://napc.uk/news/the-benefits-of-a-granny-annexe-over-a-care-home/ – This article outlines the benefits of granny annexes over care homes, including enhanced independence and personalized care, which resonates with Elise Holt’s choice to live in the annexe for financial independence and respite from her siblings.
- https://gardenroomhub.co.uk/granny-annexe-adaptations/ – This source discusses adaptations for granny annexes to accommodate elderly care and disability, providing context to the article’s mention of Elise Holt’s grandmother, Beverley, renovating the annexe for her great-grandmother, Winnie.
- https://www.conveyancingcalculator.co.uk/index.cfm/blog/pros-cons-buying-property-with-granny-annexe/ – This article examines the pros and cons of properties with granny annexes, including potential rental income and increased property appeal, which supports the article’s mention of Elise Holt’s savings and the annexe’s appeal to potential buyers.
- https://www.agespace.org/care/granny-annexes – This guide provides information on granny annexes for elderly relatives, including costs and benefits, supporting the article’s mention of Elise Holt’s grandmother constructing the annexe for £17,000 and its transformation into a leisure area after Winnie’s passing.
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2050728/i-moved-my-nan-s-garden – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative does not appear to reference outdated or recycled content. However, without specific publication dates or events to verify, it remains somewhat challenging to confirm its absolute freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quotes appear original as no earlier sources are found online. This suggests they might be first-hand statements from an interview, contributing to the uniqueness of the story.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
Express.co.uk is known for sensationalised headlines but generally provides factual information. However, its reputation for reliability varies, and it might lean towards tabloid journalism.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The story of living in a granny annexe is plausible and reflects current challenges with housing costs. The narrative lacks detailed financial or long-term impact analyses, but the scenario itself is believable.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears fresh and original, with plausible claims about housing alternatives. While the quotes seem genuine and the scenario is believable, the source’s reliability is somewhat variable due to its tabloid tendencies.
