Getting on the property ladder is notoriously difficult, and it becomes even more so when you’ve got to rent in order to work in the job that pays you money to buy.
But one young couple have come up with a novel solution to saving money, insofar as they are house sitting their way around the globe.
Brittnay Sharman, 29, from Melbourne, and Jayden McKinlay, 29, from Plymouth in New Zealand, have spent the past two years house sitting on and off and looking after the pets in those homes.
They estimate that they will save $30,000 this year alone from their endeavours.
Here, they reveal to FEMAIL how they got into house sitting – and their ultimate money-saving tips.
Brittnay Sharman, 29, from Melbourne, and Jayden McKinlay (pictured), 29, from Plymouth in New Zealand, have spent the past two years house sitting
In that time, they have saved thousands of dollars – the couple (pictured) estimate they saved $10,000 in just three months living in Dublin, and will save $30,000 this year
While they house sit, the couple (pictured: Brittnay) often look after family pets
According to Brittnay, the pair started their house sitting adventure after finishing off a European travelling stint in 2015.
‘We enjoyed our getaways to European and African cities so much, we wanted to find a way to continue it,’ she told FEMAIL.
After a house sitting friend told Brittnay about the benefits of looking after a property and taking care of the owners’ pets, a lightbulb went off in the 29-year-old’s head:
‘We realised that house sitting could give us all the things we missed without having to settle somewhere,’ she said.
Two years later and they’ve enjoyed stints in a picturesque Dublin property neighbouring U2 star Bono’s house – as well as stays in beachside properties in Melbourne and city pads in London.
One of the best properties for them was a castle-like abode in an affluent suburb of Dublin (pictured), where they stayed for several months neighbouring Bono
Speaking about their money-saving tips for those looking to get into house sitting, Brittnay and Jayden (pictured) said it’s all about seeking out the small experiences that don’t cost the earth
‘We managed to save around $10,000 in three months of living in Dublin,’ Brittnay said – adding that this was just the rental money.
‘We also scored a house in one of the most affluent suburbs, where we had Bono and Enya as neighbours around the corner.’
‘By the end of this year, I estimate we’ll get together around $30,000.’
The couple also have house sitting plans lined up until next January in Melbourne, before they will move on to the likes of Turkey and Croatia.
They love going for long walks (pictured) in the countryside – and making the most of being in incredible locations
The couple also said if you want to get started, you should also sign up to websites such as Trusted House Sitters and House Carers, making sure you get a pet first aid certificate
Speaking about their money-saving tips for those looking to get into house sitting, Brittnay and Jayden said it’s all about seeking out the small experiences that don’t cost the earth.
While travelling in Sicily, for instance, the couple bought fresh octopus from a boat in a local harbour, which they then grilled, added lemon and salt and paired with a bottle of Aperol Spritz in a local shop for $4.50.
They also said if you want to get started, you should also sign up to websites such as Trusted House Sitters and House Carers.
‘Complete a pet first aid course and you’ll also give pet owners peace of mind. This is often the deciding factor in someone letting you have their house,’ Brittnay said.
The pair have no plans to return home and stop house sitting any time soon, with plenty of countries on their radar for 2019
‘There are a lot of countries we have not yet been to which we would love to see through house sitting such as Baja in Mexico & the French countryside!,’ Brittnay (pictured) concluded
The couple have no plans to move into a rental property and get full-time jobs, either.
‘There are a lot of countries we have not yet been to which we would love to see through house sitting such as Baja in Mexico & the French countryside!,’ Brittnay concluded.
To follow Brittnay and Jayden, visit their Instagram profile here.