For just £10, Omaze offers a chance to win a house worth millions – no stamp duty, mortgage, or legal fees included. While many dream of such a win, a recent case highlights a different perspective. Simon Williams, 42, won a five-bedroom home in Devon last year and embraced the experience, hosting Christmas and Easter gatherings that his previous home couldn’t accommodate. After six months, however, he decided to sell the million-pound property, banking a cool £2 million.
He explained that while the house was incredible and brought joy to his family, he felt rooted in Sussex. With the proceeds, he purchased his dream home in Sussex, where he’d previously lived for 15 years. His decision to sell is not unique. Many Omaze winners opt to sell their prize homes, often using the money to support their families, embark on new ventures, or simply enjoy the financial security it provides.
Simon’s experience reveals a fascinating duality – the allure of winning a dream home versus the practicality of financial security. He describes the win as a ‘surreal’ experience, a close second to the birth of his children, but ultimately, his priorities shifted towards building a secure future for his family.
June Smith, a 74-year-old widower, won a seven-bedroom Cornish mansion for £25 and sold it just three months later. She reasoned that she wanted to support her children and grandchildren and wanted to enjoy a family holiday in the property before selling it. Marilyn Pratt, who won a £2.9 million Fulham home, also sold hers eight months later to support her family, even though the home could have generated substantial rental income. These stories illustrate that the value of winning a luxurious home isn’t always about owning the property itself. For many, it’s about the opportunities it provides and the financial security it brings.
While Simon still cherishes the memories made in his Devon home, he is grateful for the financial stability the sale provided. He admits that winning the prize hasn’t fundamentally changed him, but it has allowed his family to enjoy ‘a few nice holidays and a new car.’
The Omaze prize draw remains an enticing opportunity, but Simon’s story, along with others like June and Marilyn, reveals a different perspective – sometimes, the best prize isn’t about owning the home, but about the financial freedom it unlocks.