WITH house prices now more than 400 times the average salary, more and more young people are being forced to live in hot air ballons, according to new research.
A study by Glasgow Clyde University found a 33% year-on-year increase in balloon-based living among young professionals across the UK.
Research director Dr Wayne Hayes said: “Balloons offer a practical, low cost alternative to a canal barge, a tent or an old fridge freezer.
“Thanks to a planning loophole we are seeing more and more balloon estates cropping up on the edge of major towns and cities.”
He added: “Although small, the views are fabulous. And in a balloon the world is not just your oyster, it is also your toilet.”
Sarah Bamforth, a 28 year-old marketing manager from Swindon, has been living in a balloon with her boyfriend for six months.
“You do have to get the hang of the sand bags pretty quickly, otherwise it takes ages to back down to the ground. I was late for work every day for a month when we first moved in.”
She added: “It’s fine really. There’s room for a small fridge, a gas ring and a couple of sleeping bags.
“But I would advise against having a pet. We’ve gone through five cats since Christmas.”
