Character Home Dreams Come True in Adelaide

Kate and Paul had always been drawn to character homes with history and unique architectural features. The couple, both teachers, had been renting various properties around Adelaide but dreamed of owning a heritage home they could lovingly restore and make their own.

"We're both passionate about preserving history," explains Kate, who teaches art history. "Every time we'd see a beautiful character home, we'd imagine what it would be like to own and restore it, but the deposits required always seemed out of reach."

Paul, a high school history teacher, adds: "Character homes often need work, which means you need money for both the deposit and renovations. As teachers, our salaries are steady but not huge, so saving for both seemed impossible."

The couple had been renting a modern unit for $350 per week but felt no connection to the property. They longed for a home with character, original features, and a story to tell.

"We'd spend weekends driving through Adelaide's heritage suburbs, looking at beautiful old homes and dreaming," says Kate. "We particularly loved the federation-era houses with their ornate details and established gardens."

When they discovered GettaHome, they were initially unsure if the program would work for character properties, which often require more specialized financing due to their age and condition.

"We were pleasantly surprised when the GettaHome team told us they had experience with heritage properties," says Paul. "They understood our passion for character homes and were committed to helping us find the right property."

The search took a bit longer than typical, as they were looking for a specific style of home in good structural condition. After 12 weeks, they found their perfect match - a beautifully preserved 1920s bungalow with original features intact.

"The moment we walked through the front door, we knew it was 'the one,'" says Kate. "It had original floorboards, decorative ceilings, leadlight windows, and the most beautiful established garden. It was everything we'd dreamed of."

The property featured 3 bedrooms, high ceilings, a large kitchen with period details, and a wraparound verandah. While it needed some cosmetic updates, the bones of the house were solid.

"We've spent the last few months slowly restoring and updating the house while preserving its character," says Paul. "It's been incredibly rewarding to bring this beautiful home back to life."

The couple's mortgage payments are comparable to their previous rent, but now they're building equity in a unique property that reflects their personalities and values. "We're not just homeowners - we're custodians of a piece of Adelaide's history," says Kate. "GettaHome made it possible for us to own the character home we'd always dreamed of."