Daily Star: The Eagle-Eyed Gran Who Funded a Norwegian Cruise Spotting Empty Homes

We're back in the Daily Star, this time with the wonderful story of Linda Williams, a 62-year-old grandmother from Merseyside, who funded a luxury Norwegian fjords cruise simply by keeping her eyes open on her daily walks.

Linda, who runs a gift and card shop and regularly clocks up 20,000 steps a day, varies her routes specifically to look out for empty properties to report. As part of the Daily Star's Sherlock Homes campaign, she spotted a home near St Helens, that had been left empty for years due to lengthy probate complications after its owners inherited it. We negotiated a deal and purchased the property for around £50,000 in just seven weeks — earning Linda £420 in the process, made up of the initial £20 referral fee and a further £400 share of the sale proceeds.

That windfall went straight towards a £700 dream trip aboard the MSC Virtuosa, taking in the Norwegian fjords, Edinburgh and historic Viking towns — complete with fine dining, pools, jacuzzis and even a dance class led by Strictly star Shirley Ballas.

Linda said:

"It was so rewarding to know the house is finally going to be lived in again. I usually have to save my money for trips like this, but it takes me time. It was absolutely fantastic to be able to take off so spontaneously to somewhere I've always wanted to go."

And her advice to anyone thinking of getting involved?

"Give it a go! There's nothing lost at all by signing up and sending in any empty property suggestions — and you could gain a little bit extra, and even more if they go on to buy the property."

With over one million empty residential properties across England (around 265,000 vacant for six months or more) Linda's story is a reminder that the opportunity to make a difference, and a little money, is likely closer than you think.

Read the full article in the Daily Star →