A homeowner has shared how renting out spare rooms has helped her earn nearly £18,000 a year while significantly increasing the value of her property.
Philly Garrett, 34, bought her three-bedroom home in Reading in 2020 with the intention of taking in lodgers to help cover her mortgage and household expenses. Before welcoming tenants, she renovated the property to make it more practical for shared living, even converting part of the home into a fourth bedroom to maximize the available space.
Today, Garrett rents out two rooms, generating approximately £1,550 per month in rental income. She says the additional earnings have more than covered the cost of the renovations and allowed her to focus on growing her business without the same level of financial pressure from mortgage payments.
According to Garrett, renting out spare rooms was always part of her long-term plan because she didn't need a large house for herself. She also believes the arrangement makes better use of available housing while providing an extra source of income.
The renovations have not only increased her rental earnings but have also boosted the property's estimated value. Garrett says the improvements have turned her home into a more functional and attractive space for both herself and her lodgers.
Her story has sparked discussion online, with many people viewing it as an example of how homeowners can make better use of unused space. Others noted that becoming a live-in landlord also comes with responsibilities, including finding suitable tenants and maintaining a comfortable living environment for everyone sharing the home.