A 26-year-old photographer, Phoebe Irving, was left speechless after discovering a hidden room the size of three double bedrooms inside her newly purchased flat in Liverpool. The property, bought for £105,000, turned out to contain a secret space that was not listed on the floor plan and was missed by surveyors.
Unexpected Discovery
During the initial viewing, Irving noticed a locked door that the estate agent claimed was just for storage. Despite asking for the key at a subsequent viewing, the agent forgot to bring it. 'I assumed due to the price of the flat, it wouldn't be anything,' she said. However, upon receiving the keys, she opened the door to find a massive room. 'I was so shocked, it was a lot bigger than a cupboard … it's basically a whole other flat.'
Financial Implications
Irving purchased the flat as a solo buyer in April after saving into a Lifetime ISA and putting down a £10,000 deposit. The unexpected space has left her overwhelmed, as she had not budgeted for renovating the additional area. 'It's been empty for a while, so it needs quite a lot doing to it. I'm so overwhelmed, as now I have double the amount of space, and I don't even have the budget to do up the rest of the flat, never mind this!' she said.
Renovation Plans
Currently renovating the main flat and installing a new bathroom, Irving is considering turning the secret room into a cinema room or dressing room in the future. The discovery has been a pleasant surprise, though it comes with financial challenges.
Liverpool Property Inspiration
For those inspired by Irving's move to Liverpool, another success story is Laura Hall, a 41-year-old artist who transformed a 1930s ex-council house in Woolton Village. Purchased for £140,000 in 2015, it is now estimated to be worth between £385,000 and £400,000. Hall shares her renovation journey on Instagram at @thehexagonalhouse and was a finalist in the ufurnish.com Home Awards 2025 for Best Interior Instagram.
