A first-time buyer, feeling "priced out" of the London property market , has snapped up a 10-bedroom mansion in France for less than the cost of a one-bed flat in the capital. Natasha Marie, 28, feared she'd never be able to afford a mortgage in London on her own salary. So, she turned her gaze abroad, having harboured a love for France .
After moving back with her parents in Greater London in January 2023, Natasha managed to save enough for a deposit on her first home. Having enjoyed summer holidays in France during her childhood, she felt it was the ideal location to invest in property, where her money would stretch further. Have you moved to another country because it is cheaper? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.
com She broadened her search and eventually chose Occitanie, France — 759 miles from London. There she discovered a sprawling 10-bedroom mansion set on an acre of land, all for less than the £500k average price tag of a one-bedroom London flat. Natasha, who now works remotely in her corporate role, took the plunge and moved into the mansion in December 2023, despite its near-collapsing ceiling, black mould, and rat problems.
Currently residing in the mansion, Natasha is using her savings to restore the grand building to its past splendour, viewing the renovation as a lifelong endeavour. Her vision is to create a retirement haven for herself and her parents when the time comes. Reflecting on her journey, Natasha shared: "When I started looking for somewhere to buy .