### British Family Leaves UK for Bulgaria, Trading a Costly Life for Freedom and Lower Bills
A Somerset-based family seeking escape from the spiralling cost of living in the UK have started a new chapter in Bulgaria, purchasing a property for just £23,400. The Smerdon family’s decision to relocate came after years of feeling financially strained and let down by the system at home.
Amy Smerdon, 35, and her husband Jerry, 53, longed for a life less encumbered by financial woes and the limitations of renting. The couple, who share two young sons aged eight and six, and five-year-old twin boys, had grown weary of the rental cycle and the ever-rising bills that left them feeling as if they were merely surviving rather than thriving. Their experience is emblematic of a broader trend: British families are increasingly seeking alternative lifestyles abroad to reclaim control over their finances and wellbeing.
The idea of living mortgage-free seemed unattainable in the UK, especially with Amy’s limited credit history and Jerry’s age, making it nearly impossible to secure a traditional mortgage. As a potential solution, they considered off-grid living—possibly creating a home from a shipping container. However, UK land and construction costs meant that dream was out of reach. In search of alternatives, Amy and Jerry turned their attention abroad after hearing about affordable property in Bulgaria.
Initially, their venture into Bulgarian real estate was intended to result in a modest holiday home. In 2024, the Smerdons snapped up a three-bedroom fixer-upper for £7,000, treating it as something of an experiment. The family’s plans changed dramatically, however, when Amy inherited money following her grandfather’s death. With this windfall, they purchased a larger property—a three-bedroom house with 2,000 square metres of land and a substantial 25 by 15-metre warehouse in the rural area of Popovo.
Jerry, who owns a vape shop and ice cream parlour back in the UK, transformed the warehouse into a liveable space. In March 2025, Amy, along with her four sons (including her eight-year-old from a previous relationship), moved permanently to Bulgaria. The family embarked on a major renovation project with a budget of around £10,000, embracing a life rich in freedom and far less burdened by financial pressures.
“Our quality of life has dramatically improved,” said Amy, reflecting on the transformation. “Here, we feel like a real family, no longer just scrambling to make ends meet.” Jerry shared a similar sentiment, expressing disappointment with the lack of support he felt in the UK, particularly regarding council tax and other expenses. Faced with no help, bailiffs at their door, and the constant grind, he said he felt let down by his homeland.
The contrast in household expenses is stark. Monthly bills in their Somerset rental had reached an eye-watering £2,000, including £1,300 for rent alone, plus council tax, utilities, and more. In Bulgaria, these costs have plummeted to less than £200 a month. Mortgage payments are non-existent, council tax is only £18 per year, and even day-to-day life feels more manageable and rewarding. Amy says these savings have given them a new sense of security, allowing the family to set aside £1,801 each month, or a remarkable £21,600 annually.
Reflecting on UK life, Amy describes it as an exhausting cycle of working to pay bills—a “rat race” that left little time or flexibility for family joys. She says the relentless pace and judgmental attitudes around parenting in Britain also contributed to their decision to leave. In Bulgaria, by contrast, her children can roam, shout, and play freely on their expansive land without neighbours complaining. “Here, they can be themselves—kids, just playing outside and being free,” she said, citing her hope that her boys enjoy a simpler, less technology-focused childhood.
Despite considerable logistical challenges and still adjusting to life in a foreign country, the Smerdons do not regret their move. Amy admits that integrating into a new community has not been seamless, and they are not yet fully settled. Still, she feels that life in Bulgaria is “simple and relaxed,” and offers opportunities that would have remained out of reach back in the UK.
The Smerdons’ situation highlights the tough choices facing many families amidst Britain’s cost-of-living crisis. Their bold move overseas casts a spotlight on both the difficulties of conventional home ownership in the UK and the appeal of starting afresh somewhere new. Though the transition is ongoing, Amy and Jerry remain convinced that the freedom, affordability, and quality of life they have gained are worth the challenges of starting again in a new land.