What started as a dream of living off-grid turned into a full-blown lifestyle change for one British family.
Amy Smerdon and her husband Jerry were tired of scraping by in the UK, watching their income disappear into rent and bills.
So, when the opportunity to buy cheap property in Bulgaria came up, they didn’t just take a holiday—they took a leap of faith.
Now, this family of six is not only living mortgage-free, but they’re also saving around £22,000 a year in household costs.
And though it hasn’t always been easy, they say it’s the best decision they’ve ever made.
The Dream That Seemed Out of Reach
Back in Somerset, Amy, 35, and Jerry, 53, were stuck in the usual cycle: renting, struggling with bills, and feeling like home ownership was a distant dream.
Jerry, who runs a vape shop and an ice cream parlour in the UK, and Amy, a stay-at-home mum, wanted something more sustainable for their kids—especially given Jerry’s age and Amy’s poor credit history, which made a UK mortgage almost impossible.
Amy even explored the idea of converting a shipping container into a home.
But even that, she says, would have been far too expensive in the UK.
A Bargain Find Changes Everything
The turning point came when they discovered just how affordable property in Bulgaria could be.
In 2024, they picked up a three-bedroom house for just £7,000, thinking it would serve as a holiday retreat.
But after Amy inherited some money following her grandfather’s passing, they decided to go all in.
They purchased a plot with a warehouse near the town of Popovo, and in early 2025, Jerry converted the warehouse into a liveable space.
By March 2025, Amy and the kids—her eldest from a previous relationship and their three younger boys—moved out for good.
Freedom Feels Different Abroad
For Amy, the change in lifestyle has been transformative. “We’ve regained control of our lives,” she says.
“We’re actually a family now—not just surviving.”
Jerry echoed the sentiment. “Back in the UK, we were constantly being let down.
We couldn’t get help with council tax, and then bailiffs would show up. It was exhausting. Now, we’ve got two homes, and we did it in under a year.”
Escaping the Rat Race
It wasn’t just about money. Amy said the UK had become a constant grind, and she felt judged for her parenting choices.
“It was like Groundhog Day. You’re surviving, not living.”
In Bulgaria, she says life feels much more relaxed—almost like stepping back in time.
“Everything’s simple here. No one tells you what you can or can’t do. If you want to build something or grow something, you just do it.”
Letting Kids Be Kids Again
One of the biggest benefits? Letting their kids be kids.
Amy loves that her sons can run around and play outdoors without neighbours complaining or society breathing down their necks.
“In the UK, you see eight-year-olds walking around with iPhones.
Here, my boys can shout and play and be loud—without anyone twitching the curtain or knocking on the door asking for quiet. That’s really important to me.”
Big Savings, Simple Living
The family’s savings are substantial. Back in the UK, Amy says they paid around £1,300 a month in rent, plus £670 in bills.
Now, they’re spending just £198.50 per month on their utilities.
With a total budget of £10,000 set aside for renovations, they’re building their new life one piece at a time.
It’s Not All Perfect, But It’s Worth It
That said, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
Amy admits they’re still adjusting to life in Bulgaria and don’t yet feel fully settled.
But when asked if they regret the move?
“Absolutely not,” she says. “It’s been our saviour. This life has given us freedom.
We’re not bound by the same rules or stress. We can dream again.”