Tanya and Ryan Gains, both 34, have recently purchased a new home in Penistone, located in the Pennines, marking their second property acquisition. After owning their first house—a new-build valued at £175,950—for nine years, the couple spent six viewings to secure their new residence, which cost £322,500. The move was partly motivated by the desire for a garage and a change in location close to their previous home.

The transaction process took approximately four months and faced some complications, notably around a clause in the sale of their former home. The road outside that property had not been formally adopted by the local council despite the development being ten years old. This situation led the buyer’s lender to require an indemnity policy, delaying the completion. The Gains experienced a delayed move-in on the agreed day after the sellers had not vacated as planned, resulting in them waiting outside their new home for several hours.

Financing the new purchase involved selling their previous property for £255,000, which released £125,000 in equity after paying off a £130,000 mortgage. They secured a new mortgage and intentionally retained £50,000 in cash to invest in buy-to-let properties in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, attracted by the area's affordable property prices and strong rental demand. Their investment strategy focuses on two-bedroom terraced houses near the Barnsley town centre, aiming to acquire two properties priced around £100,000 each, ideally completing the first purchase before the end of the year. The couple has been actively monitoring listings and maintaining good relationships with local estate agents familiar with their criteria, prioritizing properties that require minimal work and feature modern, efficient boilers.

Both Tanya and Ryan work as marketing consultants and operate a freelancing marketing agency from a co-working space in Leeds. They view property investment as a way to diversify income streams amid a changing employment landscape. Despite recent changes to tenancy laws, such as the Renters’ Rights Act, they remain optimistic, ensuring any investment decision is carefully assessed and financially safeguarded. Ryan also benefits from a connection to a property management company, which will help manage tenant sourcing and daily operations.

The Gains have personal ties to the area; Tanya grew up nearby and attended Leeds University, while their relationship began in their teens. They married in York in July 2024. Outside their professional lives, Ryan is described as an accomplished DIY enthusiast, having previously landscaped their garden, converted a camper van, and restored a classic Porsche. Their Penistone home, built in 1981, requires some updating and garden work. They look forward to the lifestyle offered by their new surroundings, including access to the Peak District for outdoor activities like walking and running, while still being within an hour’s reach of cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, and Harrogate.