The rise of the extreme house-sitter

[dipsydoodle]

In the current tough economic climate, with rents rising people are finding unusual ways to cut back on living costs while they save up for a deposit on a place of their own.

To let: One 35-bedroom Victorian mansion in Helensburgh, picturesque location in the middle of the countryside, 50-minute train journey to Glasgow. Rent: £180 a month, including bills.

It sounds too good to be true, but for 26-year-old call centre worker Sam Van Gelder, this estate is home. With these low living costs, he has already saved over £3,000 to put towards a deposit on a home of his own.

Van Gelder is a property guardian and lives in the mansion, which is currently up for sale, with the aim of deterring vandals, burglars, metal thieves and squatters from targeting the property. In exchange he gets an affordable monthly rent and unique living space.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23082912

[Scuba]

1. Glad I don't have to heat it.

[dipsydoodle]

2. Rent quoted is inclusive of that.

[snappyturtle]

3. That was a very interesting and up lifting article.

I love the story of the 97 year old taking on a youthful room mate to help each other! Great idea to help one stay at home and give the other reduced expenses.

[LeftishBrit]

4. Very interesting!