Comedy content creators Bec and Sam Bartley saved £37,500 in 18 months by moving in with Bec's parents, enabling them to buy a two-bedroom terraced house in Folkestone, Kent. The couple left their one-bedroom flat in Archway, North London, in 2023 and moved into Bec's parents' home in Herne Bay, Kent.
Struggling to save in London
Bec, 36, and Sam, 32, were unable to save anything while paying £1,100 a month rent in London and dealing with fluctuating income from their comedy business, @bamcomedyuk. Their tiny flat doubled as a living room, office, studio, and filming space. Bec said: "Our living room was our dining room, office and studio all in one. We use green screens and do a lot of filming, so having more space was something we desperately wanted."
The couple spent four years renting in the capital before deciding to move. Bec added: "We always wanted to own a property but in London we felt trapped in the renting game. We tried to save but all our money went on rent and living costs. It got to the point where we had to ask ourselves if we really wanted to rent forever."
Living with parents: boundaries and challenges
Before moving in, the family agreed on clear boundaries. Bec's parents did not charge rent but asked the couple to contribute to household bills. They bought their own food and shared cooking duties. Bec said: "We had an honest conversation before we moved in and that was really important. If they'd wanted rent we would have paid it. We still would have saved compared to London."
Despite the savings, the arrangement had challenges. Bec's mother worked part-time as a therapist from home, requiring quiet during sessions. There were queues for the shower, less privacy, and fewer social opportunities. Bec noted: "You miss having time together as a couple. It can feel like living with flatmates. Even having a disagreement, you don't necessarily want an audience."
Saving £2,000 a month
The couple saved an average of £2,000 per month, sometimes putting aside a few hundred more. Over 18 months, they accumulated a £37,500 deposit for a £225,000 home, taking out a mortgage of around £185,000. Bec said: "Moving in with my parents wasn't something either of us found easy to bring up. Asking your partner to move in with their in-laws is a massive ask."
Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows the proportion of people aged 25-34 living with parents has risen by a third in the last two decades. Additionally, four in 10 renters would consider moving back in with parents to save for a property.
Overcoming the stigma
The couple admitted feeling like they had failed initially. Bec said: "You do feel like you've failed at first. Society tells us we should move out in our early 20s and have everything sorted. Going back after years of renting can feel embarrassing. But the average age of buying a first home keeps going up. It's a different world now."
Now settled in their new home with a courtyard garden and converted loft podcast studio, they have no regrets. Sam said: "I even miss Bec's mum settling our disagreements and honestly I miss having help with the washing. It was worth it. In London it literally costs you money to breathe. What is the point in that?"
Encouraging others
The couple encourages others to consider moving back in with family if possible. Sam added: "We sacrificed our north London life, and for the sake of 18 months we managed to get ourselves on the property ladder. It may not feel worth it at the start, but once you get your own property you'll feel the reward of that sacrifice. If you have supportive parents and the opportunity is there, don't worry about the stigma. Yes you will miss your freedom for a while but you'll be surprised how much you can save, and it could completely change your future."
