When I was first instructed on this case two years ago, the client was living in a terraced house that no longer worked for her or her family.
At that time, she was more reliant on a wheelchair than she is now. The layout of the property made everyday tasks difficult. Moving between floors was a challenge and there was limited space for both her and her family to live comfortably.
The priority from the start was clear. We needed to find a rental property that provided both space and accessibility.
Starting Out
This was one of my first cases at PLG and it was a real eye opener.
You can understand the role in theory, but seeing it in practice is very different. It gave me a much better understanding of the level of space required and how clearly we need to communicate that to agents and landlords.
It also showed me how important it is to bring everyone on the journey from the beginning.
Finding the Right Rental
The main challenge with the existing property was access.
Getting to the bedroom and bathroom was difficult, and the downstairs space was limited. It affected how the whole family used the home.
Space quickly became a key factor in the search.
At the same time, location was important. The client has a teenage daughter, so being close to school was essential. This naturally narrowed the search area and made the process more challenging.
It became about finding the right balance between space, accessibility and location, while making sure agents understood the full picture.
Even at this stage, it was important for the client to have access to an upstairs space, so we had to carefully consider how that could work alongside accessibility requirements.
What I Learned
This case taught me a lot.
It was my first time working with a wheelchair user from start to finish and it changed how I look at properties. It gave me a better understanding of how much space is really needed and how different each client’s situation can be.
It also highlighted how many people are involved. You are working with the client, their family and a wider professional team. Communication becomes a key part of the process.
Getting agents and landlords on board is also important, especially where adaptations are required. If that understanding is not there early on, it can slow everything down.
Since then, it has influenced how I assess properties. You move away from looking at things on paper and start to understand how they will work in reality.
A Rental That Worked
The rental we secured worked well for the family.
It provided the space they needed, improved accessibility and was in the right location. Over time, they have been able to live more comfortably and understand what works for them.
That has been important as we move into the purchase stage.
They now have a clear understanding of what they need from a property.
Moving Into the Purchase Search
The brief has naturally changed as we move into the next phase. It shows how priorities can shift once someone has experienced a space that works.
The client’s daughter is now potentially moving on to university, which means the search area can begin to widen and offers more flexibility in location.
The main thing I am taking into this stage is the importance of communication.
When looking for a long-term home, it is important that everyone is aligned and that expectations are clear from the beginning.
Looking Ahead
We are still in the early stages of the search.
The focus is on staying within the same area, as the family are settled there. We are also looking to carry across the features that have worked well, including open plan living, good internal space and accessible outdoor areas.
At this stage, it is about ongoing conversations and refining the brief so we are clear on what is needed before moving forward.
What Success Looks Like
Success is finding the right property in the right location, where the client can create a home that works for them without compromise.
For me, it is also about seeing the client settled and comfortable in that space.
Looking Back
This case has been a key part of my development.
Starting with the rental and now moving into the purchase stage shows how important that first step is. A rental is not just a short-term solution. It helps shape what comes next.
Being involved from the beginning has changed how I approach every case going forward.
