I’m turning van into a home on wheels after being put off by 40-year mortgage for a house – I’m saving £100s every month

A YOUNG woman has sacked off joining the property ladder and copped a £4,000 van that she's converting into a home-on-wheels.

Tia Forster spent her teenage years tirelessly saving up so that she could become a homeowner in her early twenties by setting up her own business.

But, when Tia was finally ready to open up her cheque book, she had a sudden change of heart when realising she would be locked into a 40-year-long mortgage. 

The 22-year-old now plans on hitting the road in May in a van that she bought for £4,000, after giving herself a £10,000 budget to turn it into a drivable home.  

The rest of the money has been spent on supplies and gadgets to transform her van into a cosy abode. 

She is currently living at home with her dad in Sandown, Isle of Wight, and so far has put in wood flooring and panelling on the inside of the van.

Tia has also put in supports for the bed and is installing a kitchenette.

She said: “I definitely did consider buying a house and getting on the housing ladder as I had savings sitting in the bank. 

“I quite dramatically switched this mindset once I knew I’d be tied into a mortgage for the next 40 years with high-interest rates and  little freedom to travel while I’m young. 

“It was also a financial decision as I wanted to invest my money in something that will appreciate in value in the short term, which my van will once complete. 

“Since I was very young I would always watch tiny home builds on YouTube and knew I would do it one day.

“I was always obsessed with how cosy and beautiful small spaces could be and being a super creative person, I wanted to do it myself."

Tia went on to say that when she passed her driving test she "straight away" looked for a van, and found one three years later.

The clever money-saver said she has "always" been quite good with money, even ditching university plans to start her own jewellery business.