A London couple’s fortunes have taken a remarkable leap after winning a luxury townhouse worth £4.5 million through a charity lottery, transforming their dreams of home ownership overnight. Roger Cana, 37, along with his wife Shalini, are overjoyed as they prepare to move from their modest rented studio into an opulent five-storey property in the heart of the capital—an outcome neither ever imagined possible.
Roger, an employee in the hospitality sector, and Shalini, an accountant, had long been saving in vain for a house deposit as property prices in London proved unattainable. Their story is an increasingly familiar one for many city residents facing sky-high housing costs. Until recently, the couple was expecting to welcome their first child into a small flat in Hayes, on the city’s outskirts. Now, they are the shocked owners of a house once hailed as “the most expensive council house in Britain”.
Their good fortune came courtesy of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, a high-profile prize competition with tickets costing £35 each. In addition to the property, the couple received a £250,000 cash prize, plus the comfort of knowing all stamp duty and legal costs had already been settled. The property also comes fully furnished, boasting fixtures and interiors valued at a further £150,000. For the Canas, who possessed little in the way of furniture, this only adds to their sense of overwhelming luck.
The townhouse itself is situated in an enviable part of London, mere moments from cultural landmarks like Borough Market, the Tate Modern and the South Bank. Its four bedrooms span multiple floors, providing unrivalled views of The Shard from a prize-winning garden created by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallists. The space also features a formal dining area, a period-style Georgian reception, and a dedicated studio room suitable for home working—amenities out of reach for most first-time buyers.
Commenting on the extraordinary win, Roger described his disbelief at reading the email notifying him of the draw results. He and his wife marked the occasion with champagne and the same family traditions that had long marked happy milestones, such as their wedding and pregnancy announcement. “I’ve never considered myself lucky,” Roger admitted, “but I can’t say that now. It was just a regular Friday, then came the call that changed everything.”
The property presents multiple possibilities for the new owners; should they want to capitalise on their windfall, local agents believe it could fetch between £8,000 and £10,000 per month in rental income. Alternatively, the cash prize could all but cover maintenance for nearly a decade, giving Roger and Shalini the freedom to settle in unburdened by financial anxiety.
For the couple, the implications stretch far beyond the immediate. “This has changed our lives forever,” said Roger. “Our baby’s future is now more secure than we ever thought possible. Even our baby’s babies will be set.” He also remarked on the prospect of welcoming extended family into their home—an aspiration never previously feasible for them. “No more sofa beds or budget hotels—now they can stay in style,” he laughed.
The house is a blend of historic charm and modern innovation: original sash windows, a contemporary steel-framed sunroom, a bespoke kitchen equipped with high-end appliances and heated flooring, and an inimitable master bedroom suite with a striking rainfall shower. The garden is equally impressive, offering wooden seating, a leafy canopy, and a fire pit with barbecue setup, all enhanced by strategic evening lighting.
This dramatic change of fortune not only delivers personal security for the Canas but has also contributed to a wider legacy. The Omaze draw has raised over £4.1 million for The King’s Trust, supporting young people facing hardship across the UK. Thus, while Roger, Shalini and their unborn son embark on an entirely new chapter, countless others stand to benefit from the charitable foundation at the heart of this life-changing prize.
For Londoners—and families throughout the country—increasingly priced out of the property market, the Canas’ story is inspiring yet bittersweet, highlighting both the dreams and ongoing challenges of home ownership in Britain today.