For content creator and interior designer Justin Coakley, a missed opportunity on a South West London property turned into a life-changing investment. After initially losing out on a £1 million house, he and his partner secured it for £925,000 in summer 2024. Remarkably, after an 18-month transformation blending Scandinavian and classical design, the four-bedroom home has now been valued at a staggering £1.5 million.
From Missed Chance to Million-Pound Makeover
Justin, originally from South Africa, first saw the Wimbledon-borders property a year before buying. It was listed at £1 million, but exceeded his budget and was sold to another buyer. However, fortune intervened when the original sale collapsed. "It was reduced to £950,000, and then I came in, and I said that there was a whole lot of work to be done here — I think it was last touched in the early 90s," Justin explained. This allowed the pair to negotiate a successful lower offer of £925,000.
The couple funded the purchase with a £300,000 deposit, leveraging equity from their previous UK home. However, securing a mortgage proved far more challenging than for their first property. "This time, we were both self-employed," Justin noted, highlighting that major banks showed little interest. They eventually secured a mortgage at a rate of 4.97% after approaching numerous lenders.
Creating a Personal Sanctuary with Scandi-British Flair
With a professional background in interior design, Justin set about creating his dream home. His style is a personal fusion of contemporary Scandinavian aesthetics and classic British interiors. "I love elements of contemporary design that suggest 'ease', but then also I'm very drawn to the more kind of classic kind of British interiors," he said. The 2,000 square foot house provided ample space for his vision, a welcome change after outgrowing their previous, more cramped London home.
Justin's favourite room is currently the kitchen, recently fitted in collaboration with IKEA. He enjoys sourcing unique pieces from antique fairs, embedding character into the space. While the home is a source of great happiness, it isn't seen as a forever property. "It's given me a taste for wanting to live somewhere a little bit more remote," Justin shared, indicating a plan to sell and move further out of London within five to ten years.
Advice for Aspiring Homeowners
Reflecting on his journey, Justin offers pragmatic advice, particularly for first-time buyers. He suggests letting go of the pursuit of a perfect 'dream house' from the outset. "As long as it fits the bill, as long as it has the right amount of bedrooms, there were a lot of compromises on our first property that we made," he stated, challenging what he sees as a sometimes snobbish attitude in the British market. His core message is clear: "You'd rather be on the ladder than not be on the ladder."
The property's value surge to £1.5 million underscores the potent combination of strategic location, a keen eye for potential, and skilled renovation. For Justin and his partner, their South West London project has not only created a beautiful home but also a highly successful financial investment.
