Latest news with #Purplebricks


Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The remote worker bubble burst: House prices in London and commuter towns soar while WFH hotspots drop in value - use our interactive calculator to find out how much YOURS is worth
The remote working boom is over, property experts have suggested, amid an increase in value of homes in and around London and a drop elsewhere. Property prices outside of the capital exploded at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic as employers embraced remote working practices and emboldened workers sought out gardens and home office spaces. Demand for suburban and rural property exploded as people fled city centres for pastures greener - but estate agent Purplebricks says some these areas have seen tens of thousands of pounds wiped from the value of homes in recent months. Official house price index figures from the Office for National Statistics analysed by the online agency suggest properties in Bath, north-east Somerset, the Cotswolds and South Hams in Devon lost the most value over the 12 months to May. These were thought to be some of the most desirable havens for the 75,000 people thought to have fled London during the pandemic seeking peace and quiet - among them childless professionals likely working from home. Property prices shot up between five and 15 per cent in these areas between 2019 and 2020 - but more than £20,000 has been skimmed from house valuations over the last year as demand has waned. On the other hand, demand has exploded in areas of London's commuter belt - or on the outer verges of the capital itself. MailOnline's exclusive calculator (below) shows how values have changed in these areas and every area across the UK - select your area in the drop-down box to find out how prices have changed where you are. Three Rivers in Hertfordshire - touching the outer London borough of Watford - has seen values explode by 13 per cent, or around £79,000 on average. Kingston-Upon-Thames and Bromley have seen prices surge eight and nine per cent respectively - around £48,000 each - over the last year. Other areas in the top 10 annual price rise table include Tunbridge Wells, Waltham Forest, Southwark and Elmbridge - all within an hour of central London by train. Values fell across the year in some central parts of the capital, including the City of London, Westminster, Islington and Hammersmith and Fulham. But they have rebounded in the short-term, with values in Camden, the City of London and Kensington and Chelsea rising nine, eight and three percent in the last month, adding tens of thousands of pounds in value in a matter of weeks. Overall, house prices in England have risen by 3.4 per cent in the last year; 5.1 per cent in Wales and 6.4 per cent in Scotland. Average house prices across the three home nations stand at £290,000, £210,000 and £192,000, respectively. Purplebricks says the dipping prices outside of London and continuingly falling interest rates were creating a promising market. The base rate of 4.25 per cent, as set by the Bank of England, is down one percentage point over the last year. Leading economists expect a further rate cut at the Bank's next meeting on August 7. Tom Evans, sales director, said: 'Great news once again for the nation's homeowners, and at a promising time for first-time buyers too. 'The falling interest rates over the last 12 months has helped drive down mortgage rates and drive up property prices - and the forecast base rate cut in August should continue that trend. 'We are confident house prices will continue to rise into next year, meaning your home at the start of 2026 will be worth more than it is today.' Last year, the Centre for Cities think tank said there were early signs the capital was 'bouncing back' from the Covid exodus. The research group says it is confident the population in London has surged past pre-pandemic levels. Official estimates suggest the capital was home to 8.945million people as of mid-2023, largely driven by international migration, according to the ONS.


Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The most viewed houses up for sale in the UK have been revealed including one 'delightful' coastal home
Estate agents Purplebricks has revealed its top ten most-viewed homes of the month - from a countryside cottage to a spacious semi. For Brits thinking of moving, wanting to compare prices in their area, or those who simply love a look through the keyhole, here are the most viewed properties for June. This two-bedroom cottage-style property on Sandy Lane, Middlestown, Wakefield, was the most-viewed home in June. Wakefield is a cathedral city famous for being the birthplace of sculptors Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. The city is a great option for anyone looking for a commuter town to travel to and from either Leeds or Manchester due to its proximity and excellent transport links. Built across two floors, the property has spacious rooms throughout. The home proved such a hit with viewers that it has already been sold. According to the latest House Price Index, the average Wakefield home costs £194,224, meaning prices in this part of West Yorkshire have increased by over 10,000 in the last 12 months. A person in Wakefield earning the city's £34,000 average salary would pay around £862 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £39,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Quiet semi-detached home in Swadlincote This three-bedroom semi-detached home is the second most admired property by house-hunters thanks to its beautiful views, backing directly onto open farmland. Located at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in the Manorfields development in Castle Gresley, the property delivers both modern sophistication and rural tranquillity. The property's centrepiece is its sleek contemporary kitchen and dining area. The upper level showcases a master bedroom complete with built-in storage and a private en-suite shower room. Additionally, one of the two bedrooms has open views across neighbouring farmland. The property is on the market for £237,500, which comes in just below the average price of £255,828 for the historic mining town, according to the latest HPI data. The town, which lies within the National Forest area, has good transport links to Derby, Burton upon Trent, and Nottingham, plus East Midlands Airport just 15 minutes away. In the past year, the average house price in South Derbyshire has risen by over £11,000, making this a safe investment for any house-hunter. A person in Swadlincote earning the town's £36,151 average salary would pay around £1,058 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £47,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Spacious semi in Stoke-on-Trent This three-bed semi-detached home is a great option for a family looking for a home. Located on Fenpark Road in a residential area of Stoke-on-Trent, the property has a spacious front-facing lounge with plenty of natural light. However, it's the outdoor spaces that truly set this property apart from neighbouring homes. This £190,000 property which is also now off the market, had a higher asking price than the average home in the Stoke-on-Trent area, which is £144,171, according to the latest HPI data The landscaped split-level garden creates a private space completely free from overlooking, making it perfect for children's play or peaceful relaxation. Stoke is most famed for The Potteries - a globally renowned pottery-making city with over 300 years of ceramic history, recently awarded World Craft City status in 2024. This £190,000 property which is also now off the market, had a higher asking price than the average home in the Stoke-on-Trent area, which is £144,171, according to the latest HPI data. In the past 12 months, the average property in the area has risen by over £3,000. A person in Stoke-on-Trent earning the city's £30,520 average salary would pay around £844 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £38,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Modern end-of-terrace in Liverpool This four-bed end-terrace house on Moss Lane in Liverpool has three floors and driveway parking. The property includes a front living room with a bay window and a rear dining room that connects to the kitchen. The rear of the ground floor reveals the property's social hub - a well-proportioned dining room that flows seamlessly into a contemporary fitted kitchen. Liverpool is a proud city famed for being the birthplace of The Beatles and hosting two of England's most historic football clubs Everton FC and current Premier League champions Liverpool FC. The average property price in Liverpool is £182,736, less than the £220,000 price tag on this home, which has since been sold. Local property prices have risen by an average of £27,000 in the past year.. A person in Liverpool earning the city's £34,515 average salary would pay around £978 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £44,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Bonny end-of-terrace in Bonnyrigg This now-sold three-bed end-terrace house on Sherwood Crescent, Bonnyrigg, features a front lounge, dining area, kitchen with garden access, and a downstairs toilet. Upstairs are three bedrooms - two doubles and one single. Bonnyrigg is a great option for commuters, just six miles southeast of Edinburgh, with access to the Edinburgh City Bypass. According to the latest House Price Index, the average property price in Midlothian is £285,191, an increase of over £10,000 from last year. A person in Bonnyrigg earning the town's £34,967 average salary would pay around £1,273 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £56,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Spacious family haven in Yorkshire This spacious three-bed family home in Batley, West Yorkshire, is a standout property thanks to its quiet cul-de-sac location on Horner Crescent. The ground floor has a welcoming entrance hall leading to a modern fitted kitchen/diner and a delightful semi-open plan lounge. The property includes a kitchen/diner, lounge, three bedrooms, bathroom, and loft space accessible by pull-down ladder. The house is an opportunity for families seeking spacious accommodation in a tranquil yet location that is well-connected to both Manchester and Leeds, on the market for £210,000. The average property price in West Yorkshire is valued at £207,407. Average property prices in the West Yorkshire region have increased on average by £19,000 in the past 12 months. A person in Batley earning the town's £42,096 average salary would pay around £889 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £40,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Semi-detached home in North West Leicestershire This two-bed semi-detached home is an exceptional first-time buyer opportunity thanks to its modern finish and prime cul-de-sac location. The property includes a porch, a living room, a kitchen with integrated appliances, a conservatory, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Coalville offers excellent commuter value to prospective buyers as it has access to the A511 for Leicester and is near the M1 motorway. The £190,000 home comes in considerably below the £277,993 average for North West Leicestershire. Property values in the area have risen by around £16,000 in the last year. A person in Coalville earning the town's £31,768 average salary would pay around £844 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £38,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Spacious two-bedroom flat in West Northamptonshire This spacious two-bedroom flat is the only home on Purplebricks' most-viewed list with an asking price below £100,000. The property is in a development less than two years old, and within walking distance of Towcester town centre. The 67-square-metre home is available through shared ownership at 35% for £87,500. The flat includes an entrance hall with storage, an open-plan kitchen/sitting room, two double bedrooms, a bathroom, and a Juliet balcony. Towcester is Northamptonshire's oldest town, with origins dating back to the Stone Age. The town is in a convenient geographic location as it is nestled between Birmingham and London, meaning it is a useful place for someone looking to occasionally commute between the two thriving cities. The average price for a flat in the West Northamptonshire region is £148,007. Property values in the area have increased by an average of £25,000 over the past year. A person in Towcester earning the town's £31,559 average salary would pay around £389 in monthly mortgage payments on this flat - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £17,500, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Escape to the country in this dream Devon cottage This 300-year-old two-bed detached cottage in Milton Damerel spans 3.19 acres and comes with equestrian facilities. The upper level has two double bedrooms that offer serene countryside views and period features like window shutters and one offering built-in storage. The grounds contain post and rail paddocks, a 25m x 50m sand and fibre riding arena with mirrors, a turnout area, and a timber stable block with four loose boxes and a tack room. This property represents a great opportunity for equestrians, smallholders, or anyone seeking a tranquil lifestyle retreat with excellent access to Holsworthy and Bideford and could be your forever home for £550,000. Holsworthy can be seen as the gateway to Devon's stunning moorland and coastal landscapes, which also boasts exceptional value in Devon's countryside with excellent transport links to both the Atlantic coast and major Devon towns. The average Devon-based property will cost home-hunters £315,711 according to the latest HPI figures, meaning this property is on the higher end of properties. Despite this, the last 12 months have seen Devon home prices increase by an average of over £11,000, meaning it's a location in high demand for any prospective buyers. A person in Holsworthy earning the town's £30,288 average salary would pay around £2,445 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £110,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator. Delightful coastal home, Essex This three-bed semi-detached house in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, is a 10-minute walk from the seafront and pier. The home has three bathrooms (one en suite) and has a private bar in the garden. Walton-on-the-Naze is a coastal town where cliffs contain fossils dating back millions of years. This £300,000 property is cheaper than the county average of £362,283. In a year, the average Essex home has increased by £15,000 in value. The Walton On The Naze average salary is reportedly £60,952 per year, meaning that for any local looking to make this coastal treat their forever home, they would need to raise £59,000 to meet its 20% deposit and would then be required to pay £1,339 per month over the next 25 years. A person in Walton On The Naze earning the town's £60,952 average salary would pay around £1,339 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25 year deal at 4.5%, and with a 20% deposit of £59,000, according to Purplebricks Mortgages calculator.


Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
How to find out the truth about the neighbours before you buy
If you're in the midst of trying to purchase a new home, you'll know that the process can feel pretty overwhelming. But even though it's easy to get caught up in sorting your deposit and mortgage, organising surveys, getting searches done and chasing solicitors, there is also good reason for doing your own due diligence. While there are rules around the information that a seller has to disclose or that will come up in the survey – formal disputes with neighbours, for example, or a history of flooding or a pest infestation – you might not be quite so clued up on how to find out the bits and pieces the seller (or the estate agent) might be less keen for you to know. So, how do you go about getting the lowdown on regular noisy late-night parties on a nearby road, or the regularity of anti-social behaviour in the area? Such activities or issues would not be documented, and you may not see evidence of them when you view the property. Marc von Grundherr, director of estate agent Benham and Reeves, said: 'Sellers and estate agents are legally obliged to disclose a wide range of material information about a property, yet there is still a significant amount that may not be formally recorded or willingly shared.' Given that buying a home is likely to be one of the biggest commitments you make in your lifetime, it's vital that you go in with your eyes wide open. Tom Evans, sales director at Purplebricks, said: 'We recommend buyers do their homework, becoming local detectives in their chosen area. That way, they can be confident they are making a wise choice.' Here, Telegraph Money takes a closer look at what steps you can take to vet a prospective new area. What information is a seller required to share? Before we take a closer look at the various things you can do ahead of the exchange, it's worth running through the information that sellers and estate agents have to share with you. Angela Kerr, from the HomeOwners Alliance, said: 'The buying process is there to protect you and give you information that will be material to your decision. So, for example, the seller needs to fill in a TA6 'Property Information Form,' which asks explicitly about any formal neighbour disputes, the presence of Japanese knotweed and so on.' Issues such as boundary disputes, structural defects, a history of flooding or subsidence, should also all be declared in this form, along with any relevant planning applications, and restrictive covenants. In addition, local searches conducted by your conveyancing solicitor should highlight any planning proposals for new roads, rail schemes or planning decisions that could affect the property.


Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Modern Musselburgh two-bed end-terrace home with garden and parking
Modern Musselburgh two-bed end-terrace home with garden and parking near the coast for £230,000 | Purplebricks This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Musselburgh two-bed end-terrace home with garden and parking near the coast. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Set in a quiet residential pocket of Musselburgh, this stylish two-bedroom end-of-terrace house is listed for £230,000. With a modern finish, private garden and allocated parking, it's an ideal home for first-time buyers or downsizers looking to enjoy coastal living with excellent local amenities. To see all the pictures, take a virtual tour and book a viewing, visit Purplebricks here . You'll get the full feel for just how much space this home offers across two smartly laid out floors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Modern Musselburgh two-bed end-terrace home with garden and parking near the coast for £230,000 | Purplebricks The home opens into a welcoming hallway with WC and a bright lounge that flows into the kitchen-diner. The kitchen features integrated appliances and space for dining, with French doors opening onto the rear garden ideal for entertaining. Upstairs are two generous bedrooms and a modern bathroom, all finished in clean, neutral tones. The property also benefits from double glazing, gas central heating, and a driveway. This home is one of dozens available in Musselburgh on Purplebricks. Click here to see more . At a glance This two-bedroom end-of-terrace house in Musselburgh is listed for £230,000 Features include a kitchen-diner with French doors, private rear garden and WC Two spacious bedrooms and a modern family bathroom Gas central heating, double glazing and allocated parking Close to local schools, shops, and Musselburgh beach Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld's Lifestyle reporter . If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here . You can also Get the best style and fashion news with Natalie Dixon in Tuesday's NationalWorld newsletter - sign up now Amazon The Shark CryoGrow LED Face Mask is now on sale - for a limited time only £ 238.49 Buy now Buy now Whether you're fighting adult acne, noticing fine lines, or just want that next-level glow, this device gives you control over your skin's future. No downtime. No harsh chemicals. Just proven technology working for you while you sip tea or scroll your phone. It's also perfect for all skin tones and types and safe for daily use. And unlike many LED devices, this one includes advanced thermal regulation, ensuring it never exceeds 110°C, so you get safe, effective treatment without risk of overheating or irritation. If you've been searching for a way to level up your skincare without spending hours at a clinic, the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask is your solution. Professional tech, clinically proven results, and now at an unbeatable price. Kono Travel in style with 44% off this Kono luggage set (affiliate links) £ 106.99 Buy now Buy now This Amazon Prime Day, upgrade your travel game with the Kono 6-Piece Lightweight ABS Hard Shell Luggage Set, now just £106.99 (was £189.99). With three suitcases, a beauty case, duffel, and toiletry bag, it's the ultimate summer holiday essential — lightweight, durable, and TSA-lock secure. Don't miss this standout 44% saving. Shop the Kono 6-Piece Luggage Set for £106.99 on Amazon now

Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Tiny apartment that used to be a janitor's closet costs over $340,000
By James Gamble Meet the man living in one of London's smallest flats - a former janitor's cupboard that's still worth nearly £250k (over $340,000) because of its prime location. Cesar Mendez has lived in the 11.7 sq m property in plush Kensington for four years. He has millionaires for neighbors, can see the Natural History Museum from his window, and says the Royal Family regularly drives by. The 47-year-old insists the space, which includes a bedroom-cum-lounge-cum-kitchen, a minuscule hallway and a tiny toilet and shower room, warrants spending around £1,400 per month in rent (including bills). However, because of the flat's location - one of the capital's most desirable areas - it was recently up for sale with a guide price of £230,000. The flat is now under offer from a prospective buyer and is due to be sold in the coming weeks by estate agents Purplebricks. Despite the lack of room, the flat offers, diminutive Mendez, who works in admin in the banking industry and is originally from Tenerife, says it's the perfect size for him. "The rents in London are crazy," he said. "I love the location, it's great. It's very convenient. "For me it's fine. I'm not very tall, so it's OK. The only problem is you have to keep it clean all the time. "If it's not tidy, there's no space and you go crazy. "Have you seen any other flat under 12 square metres? If I had a girlfriend, we would fight all the time because it's such a small place. Mendez, an avid runner vying to run an astonishing 100 marathons across seven continents for charity Water Aid, says the flat's proximity to Hyde Park is also a major plus. And he added that, due to its centrality in the capital, he regularly sees members of the Royal Family driving past, escorted by police motorcades. "Having Hyde Park five minutes away from the flat is amazing," Mendez continued. "I work in Mayfair, too, and it takes me 10 to 15 minutes to cycle to work. "I have seen King Charles, Prince William and Queen Camilla around the area. Police stop the cars for them to go through. "I see them a lot - maybe once every two weeks. "It's very central. The location is incredible - but there are pros and cons - there's no washing machine so I have to take my clothes to get washed. "But it's still an amazing flat. It's very quiet here. "My neighbors are really nice; some of them are Chinese and some other neighbors are Italian - I think there's eight flats in the whole building." On his rich neighbors' homes, Cesar added: "They are massive. A one-bedroom flat sold for £1m, two bedrooms for £1.5m." Mendez hopes to continue living in the flat he loves once it's sold. Nick Minns, who is selling the flat that used to belong to his mother, harbors fond memories of the flat himself from when he lived in the tiny space for six months. He said he once even had a party, but held the main festivities in the hallway and used his flat as a 'booze cupboard'. On another occasion, he had a tall friend stay over and says he had a limb 'in every part of the flat'. "We had a party on the stairwell once," Minns explained. "The flat was just the booze cupboard. "We had a friend stay over, and he had a different body part in every room." Nick Gaunt, a Local Property Partner at Purplebricks, admitted it was 'unusual' to have a property at a guide price of £230,000 in the area. "To find any property, however small, with such a prestigious postcode and at this price is very unusual," he said. "As such, we're not surprised that it has got snapped up very quickly, especially given its location, investors are likely to see beyond its square meterage and to the fact it makes a smart investment for any buyer." The post Tiny apartment that used to be a janitor's closet costs over $340,000 appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.