A family from Derby has traded the "miserable" British weather and soaring living costs for a permanent holiday in Egypt, snapping up a stunning two-bedroom apartment with sea views for just £54,000.
From Derby to the Red Sea: A Life Transformed
Business coach Shelley Quijada, 35, her husband Luis, 39, and their 14-year-old daughter made the life-changing move to Sharm El Sheikh in October 2025. The couple, who had long dreamed of living abroad, were drawn by the promise of year-round sunshine, a slower pace, and significantly lower prices compared to the UK.
"We always knew we wanted to move abroad," Shelley explained. "My husband's from South America, and I've always preferred the sun. After holidays in Egypt, we fell in love with the peaceful feel." She describes an immediate sense of relaxation upon arrival and praises the 365 days of sunshine.
The Financial Leap: Property and Plummeting Bills
The cornerstone of their new life is their property purchase. For £54,000, they acquired a two-bedroom apartment boasting ocean vistas, access to a rooftop pool, and an on-site gym. After a £27,000 deposit, their mortgage payments are £1,125 per month for two years, after which they will own their home outright.
In a savvy investment move, the couple also bought a studio flat for £24,000 in cash, which they plan to rent out. The financial benefits extend far beyond property. Their weekly food shop has plummeted from £100 in the UK to just £35 in Egypt, thanks to fresh, locally sourced produce.
Perhaps most staggering is the reduction in household bills. Where they once paid £917 monthly for utilities in Britain, their combined bills in Egypt now total approximately £30 per month. Their overall monthly expenditure, including dining out and activities, sits around £800.
A New Lifestyle of Sunshine and Adventure
Life in Egypt is a stark contrast to their routine back in Derby. "All we did in England was go to Primark or the cinema," Shelley noted. Now, the family enjoys quad biking, boat trips, and snorkelling in the Red Sea. Evenings are spent browsing shops and visiting juice bars until 10pm, a far cry from being "never out past 6pm" and watching Netflix in the UK.
Dining out is both affordable and healthy, with their most expensive meal for three costing just £17—a fraction of the £100-plus bills they were accustomed to. While there have been cultural adjustments, such as navigating market haggling and road safety, Shelley views it all as part of the "fun experience."
The family is settled for good, with their daughter being homeschooled for now and possibly joining a local British school next year. Shelley, who works remotely, declares: "Our lives have completely changed for the better. I can't see myself moving anywhere else now." She documents their ongoing journey on Instagram under the handle @movingourlifetoeg.
