First-time buyer opens secret door to find 'whole extra flat'

A first-time buyer in Liverpool made a surprising discovery after moving into her new four-bedroom flat. Phoebe Irving, 26, found a secret door in the corridor that estate agents had described as merely a storage cupboard. Upon opening it on moving day, she uncovered a vast hidden space roughly the size of three double bedrooms, effectively doubling the size of her home. Phoebe purchased the flat for £105,000, having saved for two years using a Lifetime ISA and putting down a £10,000 deposit. The unexpected extra space was not included in the property’s floor plans, and surveyors had not accessed it during their inspection. While Phoebe is currently renovating the flat on a modest £5,000 budget, she is considering converting the newly discovered area into a cinema or dressing room. The discovery highlights potential issues in property sales where hidden or unregistered spaces may not be fully disclosed or inspected. For first-time buyers like Phoebe, such surprises can bring both excitement and challenges, especially when renovation budgets are limited. The case also underscores the importance of thorough surveys and clear communication from estate agents regarding all parts of a property. This unusual find could increase the flat’s value significantly, offering Phoebe more living space than initially anticipated. However, it also raises questions about legal and planning considerations for the use of the hidden area. As she continues her renovations, Phoebe’s experience serves as a reminder to prospective buyers to remain vigilant and seek comprehensive information before completing property purchases.