I have done a self build and it took over a year from completing to starting the new build to get planning permission, bat surveys etc. I assume they bought with planning as she has said before she didn’t like a window or something at the front. She was clearly too impatient to modify the planning application to have what she wanted. I don’t see why she couldn’t have what she wanted inside, except she doesn’t spend a lot of money on things. All of her shopping trips are to primary, new look, Ikea etc which is odd. Opposite to her mate who thinks spending money makes you have good taste. My house is actually more similar to BB, and not far away but whilst I used similar colours for the base, I have actually added colour in accessories!