A DIY-obsessed young woman is converting a van into a home after being put off by the pricey housing market.
Tia Forster spent her youth building up her savings after skipping university with the idea of getting on the property ladder.
But the 22-year-old was put off by the high-interest rates and the thought of being tied down to a 40-year mortgage.
This led her to creating her own home on wheels.
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Setting herself a budget of £10,000 the professional gift finder purchased her grey, Mercedes Sprinter for £4,250 in June last year.
The rest of the budget has been spent on supplies and gadgets to transform her van into her cosy abode.
She is currently living at home with her parents in Sandown, Isle of Wight.
So far she has put in wood flooring and panelling on the walls.
Tia has also put in supports for the bed and is installing a kitchenette.
She hopes to be finished by May.
Tia, told What’s The Jam: “I definitely did consider buying a house and getting on the housing ladder as I had savings sitting in a 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 with 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.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“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.
“When I passed my driving test, I looked straight away for a van to convert and three years later, I found one.
“I have always been quite good with money and after skipping university, I started a jewellery business.
“This allowed me to buy my first car and save some money.
“Since then, I’ve been working full time and putting aside money every month to buy parts for my conversion.”
However, sharing her journey online she states that she has had to face a litter of stereotypical and sexist comments.
She added “I get comments like ‘Where is the guy that’s really doing the work’ or about what I’m wearing.
“I think a lot of it comes from a small minority of men who feel slightly intimidated, perhaps that a woman is doing a stereotypical ‘men’s’ job.
“The good comments are amazing though and come from people who feel inspired to do the same as me.”
“The words of encouragement definitely help.”
Businesses who have loved her DIY journey have helped pitch in with items to contribute to the cause.
Even the well-known brand Ninja gifted her one of their iconic air fryers to help kit out her kitchen.
“Since doing my van conversion some amazing companies have kindly gifted me products which have helped massively,” she added.
“I was a bit too excited when Ninja gave me an air fryer for my van’s kitchen,” she added.
