Avoiding the Housing Crisis

ProAktive www.selfbuildinsure.co.uk AVOIDING THE HOUSING CRISIS WITH AN AVERAGE DEPOSIT CURRENTLY STANDING AT £26,000, 40% OF YOUNG PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD A LOW COST HOME IN THEIR AREA ACROSS BRITAIN. Although not always ideal, the alternative of renting homes is deemed the lesser of two evils, especially if it's for the temporary measure of living affordably. So, what's the solution to the housing crisis? Many people are turning to innovative and non-standard alternatives. Here are several unusual and affordable homes people have successfully created. THE SHIPPING CONTAINER Frustrated by the extortionate prices of living down south, a couple decided to re-purpose a 40ft shipping container on a farm and live in it before moving on to a temporary house. The total cost of the home was £30,000. This included the cost of merging 2 converted shipping containers, the ground works and the utility costs. The home includes under-floor heating and a log burner to keep the home nice and cosy. The couple recommend a shipping container life but also advise others to consider the planning restrictions and regulations. THE TINY BUILD A young, free spirited man has recently built a "Tiny Home", something that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. The generally accepted definition of a "Tiny Home" is a residential structure under 500 square feet (46 m2). What makes his home even more unorthodox is that he is hoping to build a transportable home, by mounting the house onto a trailer. The self-contained unit is expected to be built for between £10,000-£15,000. Other "Tiny Homes" can cost as little as £2,500. THE 4 WHEELER One family made their home by converting a 2008 Volkswagen Transporter 4 into a static home after leaving their expensive rented accommodation. Although the home is small and compact at 9 cubic-metres, it really does come out on top when it comes to saving money for the future. The van includes a log-burning stove, a steel chimney, a makeshift kitchen and is fitted with insulation. Homes like this must be static and not used as a vehicle in order to be covered by most self-build insurance policies. If you are thinking about taking on a Self Build project, be sure to protect your investment with Self Build insurance. ProAktive Self Build developed the first UK Self Build insurance policy in 1984. ProAktive are the industry leaders, with specialists available to discuss your project build, and insurance requirements. ProAktive Doncaster: 01302 346 831 | Follow us O0 O www.selfbuildinsure.co.uk