'Mortgages are so expensive right now, I decided to renovate and live out of my girl van instead'

'Mortgages are so expensive right now, I decided to renovate and live out of my girl van instead'Heidi Elliott says she loves her freedom and the van costs her just a fraction of what a mortgage wouldCommentsLifestyleHoward Lloyd Regional content editor11:32, 16 Apr 2026Updated 11:32, 16 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesHeidi with her van(Image: SWNS)A woman determined not to become "stuck" with mortgage payments has invested £20,000 transforming her "girl van" - and claims her monthly living costs amount to merely £600. Heidi Elliott, 26, purchased a 2015 Ford Transit high top for £15,000 and has dedicated the past year converting it into her "dream apartment on wheels".‌Her £20,000 pink makeover has enabled her to craft her own distinctive "girl van" - featuring a separate sleeping and lounge space, an oven, shower facility, a skylight and a dresser. The vehicle boasts pink and white interior walls, while the exterior sports a rhino roof rack and 300 watts of solar panels mounted on top.‌Heidi's transformation and outright ownership of the van has meant she can "massively save" on monthly expenses. Her monthly food shops set her back £200, petrol averages £250, and her Starlink Wi-Fi subscription runs to £95 monthly.‌Heidi, who journeys throughout the UK while producing content for her TikTok channels alongside her freelance photography work, said: "I wanted to make a dream girl apartment on wheels. I wanted a lovely big seating area. I've got an oven, I've got an indoor shower and wet room, which is a dresser during the day.View 4 ImagesInside Heidi's "girl van"(Image: SWNS)"I shower every day - I'm a very bougie van-lifer! For me, I would so much rather do this than be stuck paying a £2,000 mortgage a month. You appreciate things more. My lifestyle means I only spend £600 a month on bills." Before embracing van life, Heidi lived at home with her family, paying a sma...