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Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.
This week, we’re among the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, visiting Liam and Molly Widdop, 35 and 33, at their three-bedroom home in Halifax.
As a husband and wife team, they run a business, which spans interior design and property development.
Including their current digs, which they bought for £208,500 in 2021, the pair own five properties valued at more than £1 million in total. And, having got itchy feet, they’re looking to move again soon.
Here’s what Liam had to say about their property journey…
Tell us about yourself!
We’re both interior designers and property developers who love creating design-led properties. We have five properties worth more than £1 million across our portfolio.
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We started our property journey by buying, renovating, refinancing or selling our own homes to release cash and move to the next project.
For most of our projects, we’ve lived in them or undertaken the work in our spare time while we worked full-time jobs. We recently launched our luxury interior design business, Waterhouse Widdop, and now help high-end property developers and homeowners create showstopping homes.
Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?
We live in Halifax, West Yorkshire. It’s a rural setting within easy reach of major cities like Leeds and Manchester. It’s a warm, welcoming place and a lovely environment to bring up our two-year-old daughter.
We love The Piece Hall, especially the gigs they host. Hebden Bridge is another favourite of ours, with its quirky bars, restaurants, and cafés.
One of the best things about where we live is that it’s only a five-minute walk from our front door to the open countryside.
When did you move in?
2021.
How much does your property cost?
We bought it for £208,500, and it’s currently worth £325,000.
How much was your deposit?
£20,850. We let capital appreciation on our existing properties do the heavy lifting for us and used this to pay for our deposit.
What is the monthly cost of living here now, both mortgage and bills?
£2,000.
What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?
It was relatively easy; we transferred our existing mortgage with the bank to the new property and took an additional advance on the existing mortgage.
There were some slight delays with moving in due to some probate issues, but other than that, it was all fine.
Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?
We’re on a 2% mortgage we fixed for five years as part of our 30-year term.
Where did you live before this – were you renting or living with family?
We both owned separate properties before we met, and when we decided to move into this home together, we chose to rent out the ones we already owned, either as HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation) or Buy To Let.
What are your biggest property non-negotiables when looking?
The list is long – a view, the opportunity to add value, a garden, a minimum of three bedrooms, off-street parking, and a rural location that’s not too remote.
How did you find this property? What made you choose it?
We found it on Rightmove, and we saw it as an opportunity to renovate the property and make it our own while adding value at the same time. Molly also grew up on this same street, just over the road.
How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?
We love a minimalist, sophisticated, Scandi style with muted tones, as well as clean lines and a high-end look on a budget. I think everyone takes inspiration from Instagram these days, but we’re always scrolling Pinterest for new design ideas, too.
What’s your favourite room and why?
Our kitchen. The black on black really adds a statement, and it’s a great space for entertaining.
We have an open-plan downstairs, and our daughter loves to open the doors and bifolds to run around.
Do you feel like you have enough space?
Who doesn’t want more space?
We would love to add another bedroom and WC, but we don’t plan to do this before we move again. In a dream world, though, it’d be ideal.
Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?
As we did a full back-to-brick renovation, the house is like new, and we haven’t had any issues.
We do really like this property as it ticks most of our criteria, but there are some drawbacks, including the garden being on multiple levels, which makes it impractical for our young daughter. Overall, though, it’s the nicest house we’ve lived in.
What do you want people to know about buying a home?
Working with a good mortgage broker and solicitor really helps. Someone who is responsive and attentive will save a lot of stress throughout the conveyancing process.
What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?
No, we don’t plan to stay here long-term. We love the location of this property, but we already have itchy feet and are looking for our next home.
Shall we take a look around?
Do you have a story to share?
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