Liam now runs a business renovating vans for others (Picture: mediadrumimages/@liamtheterrible)

Many people are looking into alternative housing solutions in response to the cost of living crisis, but this dad is already a #VanLife expert.

Campervan builder Liam Black, 41, from Sheffield, has lived in a van for four years, sharing his journey and amassing an online following of thousands of others dreaming of their own portable properties.

What started as a stopgap for the father-of-two also flourished into a £30,000 per year business, as Liam began using his building skills to transform vehicles into homes for clients across the country.

Liam bought his first campervan while in a previous relationship, and when that ended he initially planned to stay for a few nights before finding somewhere else.

However, nights turned into weeks and then months, and Liam decided to take the plunge permanently after realising how much money he was saving compared to being in a traditional house.

‘This began my accidental van life journey,’ Liam said.

The van helps the father-of-two save up to £1,000 a month (Picture: mediadrumimages/@liamtheterrible)

Starting in a Volkswagen T5 that was so small he couldn’t stand up, Liam upgraded to a Mercedes Sprinter Van before moving into a small canal boat, which cost £3,000 to buy.

Liam then decided to move on from the waterways five months later due to the high costs associated with houseboats, purchasing the Land Rover Defender he currently lives in in 2021.

His two kids, Alice, 10, and Phoenix, 2, come to stay with Liam in the swanky converted ex-army van, which cost £7,000 to buy and £3,000 to fit out.

Thanks to the success of his YouTube Channel, Liam The Terrible, he was gifted £5,000 of electrical components for free, saving money on the amazing renovation (which is estimated to have added £15,000 in value).

‘I had the tools and knowledge to fit out the van, so I bought that,’ said Liam. ‘It’s probably worth around £25k now.’

He explained: ‘Between me and my friend we fitted it out ourselves.

‘I didn’t have to pay labour costs and because of my YouTube channel, I got a lot of the electrics for free.

‘The green is a traditional army colour, Land Rovers were traditionally used in the army. It was about five different colours when I bought it, it looked like something out of a scrap heap.’

Freebies from YouTube helped Liam keep costs down when refitting the ex-army van (Picture: mediadrumimages/@liamtheterrible)

Despite his outgoings fluctuating over the years, Liam has been able to save between £900 and £1,000 a month with his unique abode.

In total, he spends around £410 a month living in his van, with fuel making up his biggest chunk (£240 a month) and insurance and internet costing £60 and £110 per month respectively.

Liam receives all his electricity for free, using large solar panels on the roof to power his air fryer and induction hob.

He says that the most difficult obstacle was downsizing to fit his possessions into a small space, but sees ‘no downsides’ to living in a van otherwise.

Liam said: ‘I struggle with my mental health sometimes. I would rather be mentally in this position and in a van than mentally in a home and skint.

‘I can move and be somewhere nice, wherever I go I have everything. I have my bed; I can make coffee. I have all my possessions.

‘I loved the peak district. I was there during lockdown, and it was completely empty.

‘Being there and not seeing anyone for weeks on end was amazing. I woke up to beautiful sunrises every morning.’

Liam’s kids, Alice and Phoenix enjoying the van sleepovers (Picture: mediadrumimages/@liamtheterrible)

The only negative for Liam is the comments he receives from some people when they find out about his home.

‘A lot of people frown on it,’ he said. ‘I’ve had a few people be nasty, assuming I’m poor, unclean, destitute, down and out.

‘It’s untrue and they shouldn’t be judging people anyway.’

And thankfully the dad has found support too, boasting 35,000 subscribers on YouTube and 12,700 followers on Instagram.

‘I’m proud of not struggling through Covid and being able to turn that negative situation into a positive one,’ he said.

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‘I built a business during Covid, building campervans for people who also want to live a van life. I had a roof deck on my van and I could just lay there. I was living my best life.’

He added: ‘My advice for moving into a van would be to stick with it, it will be difficult at first.

‘The first three months will be the hardest but after that it’s amazing. It’s not for everyone, but stick with it.’

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He’s spent £10,000 on the portable home, and now helps others live their #vanlife dreams.