**Welsh Family’s Bold Leap: Buying an £8,000 Bulgarian Home Without Visiting**
A Welsh family have astonished friends and relatives after purchasing a derelict Bulgarian house for just £8,000—without ever stepping foot in it beforehand. Maxwell and Leah Jones from Prestatyn, along with their two children, have opted to swap the rising costs of life in the UK for a shot at living mortgage-free in rural Bulgaria, a move motivated by their desire for a more self-sufficient lifestyle and lower living costs.
With the average home in their hometown fetching around £300,000, the Jones family found themselves discouraged by the prospect of a 25-year mortgage. Instead, the couple, who are both in their thirties, were inspired by social media to look farther afield. In January 2025, the couple clinched the deal on a spacious three-bedroom property in Popovo, Bulgaria—a significant saving compared to UK prices.
Maxwell, a joiner and landscaper by trade, and Leah, who works in health and social care, eventually visited their new home four months after purchasing it. Planning to relocate permanently by the end of the year, their story has captured the imagination of many people interested in alternative living and is quickly gaining attention online.
The couple, who homeschool their children Lorenzo (9) and Indy (2), have always leaned towards an alternative lifestyle. Eating organically and crafting homemade items such as toothpaste were already part of their daily lives; however, the dream of genuine self-sufficiency remained out of reach in the UK due to increasingly prohibitive costs. According to their own calculations, their family’s monthly outgoings in Wales, including rent, utilities, and food, came to more than £1,100. In stark contrast, they foresee living on as little as £300 a month in Bulgaria, or £680 for a more comfortable existence.
Maxwell reflected on seeing their new home for the first time: “It was exactly like it looked online. Now we’re mortgage-free. There is a lot to do—it’s a shell, but we’re up for a challenge.” The property will require between £15,000 and £20,000 for a full renovation. Despite the daunting prospect, Maxwell plans to tackle much of the restoration himself, including rewiring, and embraces the idea of making the transformation a family project—however imperfect the results.
For the Jones family, the biggest attraction is not just the price, but the different way of life Bulgaria can offer. Their new home includes a barn, which Maxwell hopes to convert into a live DJ streaming space. The relaxed pace of life, ability to grow their own food, and much lower bills are all driving factors in their decision. For instance, in their new village, council tax is just £25 per year, compared to £140 a month in Wales, while utility bills and food are just fractions of the costs in the UK.
While financial factors played a major part in their decision, the couple also hope the move will benefit their children’s creativity and wellbeing. “Breaking from the norm is as scary as it can be rewarding,” Maxwell said. “But in Bulgaria, the kids can play outside all day. Here, it’s more about that next toy or online distraction—we want to encourage creativity and independence.”
Maxwell and Leah are fortunate in being able to work remotely; Maxwell recently launched a wellness supplement brand which, along with their ability to work from anywhere, helped with securing the necessary visas. They have resolved not to put pressure on themselves to create a perfect ‘show home’, but to view the property as a long-term, evolving project.
The family is documenting their journey on social media, sharing the ups and downs of their big move and renovation challenges. Their story has resonated with many in search of a more sustainable and affordable way of life, sparking conversations about what it means to break away from convention and embrace a new beginning.
The Jones family’s adventure highlights both the lure and potential risks in pursuing alternative lifestyles abroad. Their experience is a testament to the growing number of households across the UK seeking ways to escape the housing crisis and high living costs, and their story is likely to spark further discussion among those looking for a radical change.