A young couple has turned an abandoned bank, purchased for just £31,000, into a stunning home now valued at £250,000 in only eight months.
Ryan Green, 28, a property developer, and his wife Nicole, 27, a care assistant, bought the former NatWest branch at auction in February 2022. They immediately set to work, transforming the empty banking hall into a blend of retail space and a cosy two-bedroom flat.
After eight months of hard work, the project was completed in October 2022, with a total investment of £60,000.
Their efforts paid off, as the refurbished property is now worth £250,000. Reflecting on the project, Mr Green recalled: “It was tough because the building was just an empty shell,” but he takes pride in the remarkable transformation of the space they now call home.
Originally from Penmaenmwar, Conwy, North Wales, Mr Green had a personal connection to the building. He explained: “I grew up in the village and always knew it had been closed for years. I wanted it because I’d seen it for so long, but I never remember it being open.”
He was especially drawn to the building’s character and the bargain price. He said: “It’s such a cool building, and it was going for so cheap – it was a no-brainer. We got the keys within 30 days of the auction.”
The property had been vacant for nearly a decade before Ryan seized the opportunity with his final bid. He said: “My laptop died right after I placed the bid. When I powered it back up, I saw that I’d won – it was unbelievable.”
After moving into the building in March 2022, the couple embarked on a major renovation, spending £60,000 on a complete overhaul. This included installing a new kitchen and bathroom, fitting eight double-glazed windows, demolishing 75 percent of the walls, and replacing two roofs.
He said: “We had to redo the entire building, which needed plasterboarding, a new ceiling, heating, rewiring, and even a fire alarm system. It was just an empty shell.”
One of the biggest challenges was dealing with dampness, which forced them to rebuild an entire wall.
But despite the difficulties, Mr Green’s dedication to revitalising the former bank has paid off, with the property now valued at £250,000.
The local community has warmly welcomed the transformation, with Mr Green adding: “I know most people in the village, and everyone seems happy to see the building come back to life.”
