Latest news with #househunting
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nicole Kidman makes surprising residency permit application in European country - with no mention of her husband Keith Urban
Nicole Kidman has lodged an application for residency in Portugal, fuelling speculation the Aussie screen icon could be preparing to spend more time in Europe. According to Portuguese media outlet SIC Notícias, the Oscar-winning actress submitted her paperwork to the country's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) in recent days. The surprise move comes as Kidman, 58, was spotted arriving at the Tires airfield in Cascais - a wealthy seaside enclave just outside of Lisbon - amid reports she is house hunting in one of Portugal's most exclusive gated communities. The Nine Perfect Strangers star is said to be eyeing property at Costa Terra Golf & Ocean Club in Comporta, a luxury development popular with global A-listers including George Clooney, Paris Hilton and Princess Eugenie. Notably absent from the application is her husband, Australian country music star Keith Urban, who did not appear to submit a request for residency alongside her. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The Hollywood actress and the New Zealand-born musician, 57, share two daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 15. The family divide their time between the US and Australia. Over the past ten years, Kidman has purchased two penthouses in the exclusive North Sydney Latitude building and then combined them to make a mega-apartment. In February, it was reported that Kidman and Urban fell victim to Los Angeles' alarming wave of celebrity home burglaries. The power couple, who purchased their Beverly Hills mansion in 2008 for over $5 million, were not home when the break-in occurred, according to TMZ. Legal sources report that an intruder smashed a window to gain entry, but was ultimately scared off by one of Kidman and Urban's employees. The Oscar-winning actress and country music superstar, 57, own the five-bedroom, 3,977-square-foot estate, which sits on a 1.4-acre lot in the prestigious Beverly Hills Post Office neighbourhood. The pair have built an impressive international real estate portfolio since marrying in 2006. The power couple currently divide their time between the US and Australia Their first joint purchase came in 2007 - a 36-acre estate in Franklin, Tennessee, for over $3 million. The following year, they upgraded to a lavish mansion in Nashville's exclusive Northumberland community. Beyond Tennessee, the couple owns properties in Manhattan, Sydney, and New South Wales.
Bloomberg
22-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Home on the 18th Hole at Wentworth Golf Club Lists for £13 Million
When Neil Thomas was looking for a house in 1997, the investment banker had very specific requirements. 'I told my wife to buy something within 15 minutes of Heathrow because I was traveling a lot for work, and make sure it has at least five 40-foot trees in the garden,' says Thomas. Coming from South Africa, he says, he was especially keen on ample outdoor space. They found a property that ticked all the family's boxes. Called Home Farm, it's located in the Wentworth Estate in the affluent suburb of Virginia Water, some 12 miles from Heathrow and 24 miles from central London. 'It just had the most wonderful feeling of both being in the country and being so close to London,' he says.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I'm 38 and live in a retirement village. My rent is cheap, and my neighbors have taught me how to be a better friend.
After a break-up, I needed a new place to live but was having trouble finding an apartment I loved. My aunt suggested moving to her retirement village, and they accepted my application despite my age. I love living here. My neighbors have changed my perspective on aging. I get mixed reactions every time I tell people I live in a retirement village. Some people just laugh it off because they don't understand how I came to that decision. Some ask, "Isn't that depressing?" while some family members initially thought I was way too young to live around seniors. I get it — it's not typical to find a 30-something in a retirement village. But every Wednesday morning when I join my silver-haired neighbors for a game of bingo, I realize it's the best decision I've ever made. I'm a 38-year-old woman who's independent by all means. My ex and I previously shared a home, but after our long-term relationship ended, it made sense to move out and start fresh. While looking for an apartment that had everything I was looking for that I could afford, I had been living in an Airbnb for two months, which was becoming costly. Then one weekend, I visited one of my favorite aunts in her retirement village and casually explained that I was househunting. She told me that a unit a few minutes from her place had opened up and was actively seeking a tenant. I didn't see how I could get into the retirement village when there was an age stipulation, but she assured me they had made exceptions before. She was confident, and told me the village's homeowners' association reviewed applications on a case-by-case basis. And while I desperately needed an apartment, I thought I would feel out of place in the village. I wasn't sure how I would relate to older neighbors or rules like time limits on guest visitations and quiet hours, as I've never really been a stickler for rules. Still, after a lot of convincing, I submitted the application, which included a short letter explaining my situation, rental history, proof of income, credit report, photo ID, and my aunt's recommendation. Then, we waited to hear back. Six weeks later, I got a call saying I had been approved for the unit. I'm not sure what tipped the scales in my favor; maybe it was my aunt's glowing recommendation, or the fact that I expressed how I desperately needed community after a heartache. Either way, I signed the lease and was a resident. The actual move was surreal, especially because rent for my two-bedroom apartment is 500 Australian dollars, inclusive of service fee. That's a fraction of the going rate for most apartments of the same size in Melbourne, where a two-bedroom typically goes for AU$2800 to AU$3200. As I moved in, the neighbors introduced themselves, and I particularly remember a retired school principal and an Army vet who were kind enough to set up my bed and TV frame and make sure my cabinets could lock. My days often start the same way. I'm woken up by the faint sound of my neighbor's golden oldies. I drink coffee while reading the newspaper, enjoy a walk, and watch the occasional cat sunbathing. As members of the village strive to stay fit and have fun, I've joined chair yoga classes, cycled now and then, attended bingo at the clubhouse every Wednesday, and spent my afternoons freelancing. Evenings are also simple. I walk to the nearby grocery store or diner, bake, or sit on the porch and go down memory lane in unending conversations. These are things I always look forward to, and they are surprisingly peaceful. I've been living in the retirement village for a little over a year. I've stopped considering it a stepping stone to a better place, and I now see it as my home. I've never felt out of place, and living around people who are not in a rush to live life or consumed by tech has been great for my mental health. It's a kind of haven. My neighbors talk about their life experiences, the books they've read, the jobs they miss, and offer unsolicited yet meaningful advice. I meet their friends and family, making new friends along the way. Last week, my neighbor Anna taught me to make lemon bars, and I can't get enough of her chicken noodle soup. My new home has reshaped my life ambitions and the way I view aging. I've found immense peace here, and it's my definition of a wonderful life. It's comforting to know that the 70s and 80s aren't so bad after all. As I've learned from those around me, you can still have agency, volunteer, make friends, and start new hobbies, no matter your age. My experience has taught me how to be a better friend and neighbor. There's always a bowl of soup, apple pie, or a bottle of ginger ale on my front porch because everyone cares. In turn, I help run errands for others when I can, and even better, live only 10 minutes from my aunt. So, the next time you pass by your local retirement village, don't be shy to ask for an opening; you never know where it will take you. Read the original article on Business Insider
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I ditched city for a hidden historic town where houses cost as little as £4K & pints are cheaper than a Tesco sandwich
PERUSING the offerings on sale, Kiki Delichte weighs up her options. A nice vintage one-off for £3,451 that would need a little restoration work, or she could fork out another £700 for a larger piece with fewer flaws. 7 7 But Kiki isn't perusing eBay for a vintage designer bag but rather she's house-hunting for her dream home in Italy. The 28-year-old moved across the world to renovate a 600-year-old medieval home – because house prices in her hometown had 'sky-rocketed'. Kiki was stunned by the local property market when she came across the tiny Italian town of Mussomeli online where historic homes were going for 'the price of a handbag'. The 28-year-old snapped up a 17-room pad for just £22,800, (€27,000) – a fraction of the estimated £367,000 ($500,000) one closer to home would have cost, and has been restoring it ever since. Despite involving a move across the world to a place she doesn't know a soul, Kiki is embracing the challenge full-heartedly, throwing herself into renovations. 'It started as a bit of a wild idea,' Kiki, who works in fashion PR, says . 'I had always seen news stories about cheap homes but never seriously considered it.' Kiki, who is originally from Canada, had been living in LA and quickly found the city overwhelming. 'I'd been living in the city for years, surrounded by constant pressure to chase a version of success that didn't actually fit me,' she says. 'Life felt expensive, overstimulating, and still a little soulless. Reality star quits UK for new life abroad less than a year after shock split with her fiancé 'I experienced a lot of loss and pain, and eventually, when I finally picked my head up and really looked around, I realised I wasn't living in a way that felt true to me, and I wasn't even sure why. 'Then I came across this tiny Italian town where you could buy a historic home for the price of a handbag. 'It wasn't some carefully calculated life plan, it was a gut feeling that there was a richer, more grounded way to live.' Kiki soon found her future home, which she says cost just a fraction of the price of what a house would cost in the US - playing a huge role in her decision. Kiki says: 'I'd been living in LA for over a decade and the real estate market there is laughable. 'Even in Canada, prices have skyrocketed. 'I was working hard, doing well, but owning a home, let alone a dream home, always felt just out of reach. 'I couldn't justify spending half a million dollars on something that didn't feel special. 7 7 7 'Then I realised that for a fraction of that I could own a literal piece of history. 'The math just started to make sense in a way that North America never did.' At some points she was paying £1,830, ($2,500), a month for a one-bedroom apartment. She explains: 'That didn't include parking or peace of mind. 'Nor with castle views and cobblestone charm. 'Rent felt like a monthly punishment for staying somewhere I wasn't thriving. 'It wasn't sustainable long-term, financially or emotionally.' But it was not only the price that influenced Kiki who was looking for a change of pace when it came to her lifestyle. She says: 'In LA, everything felt like a rush — fast food, fast fashion, fast success. 'In Mussomeli, time feels expansive. 'I'll be cooking more, walking more, talking to neighbours, hosting dinners instead of scrolling. 'My daily life will be rooted in connection, creativity, and calm. 'I'll still be working and creating, but from a place that nourishes me. It's not about slowing down completely, it's about being intentional.' So far she has spent £42,185 (€50,000) on renovations to the 600-year-old pad. She says: 'This is a historic home, the kind of place that reveals new surprises behind every wall. 'To me, this isn't just a house, it's an experience, an art project, a home base for my future, and a way to live life a little differently. 'So I'm more than happy with the investment. 'I'm building a spa with a jacuzzi and sauna, and full bar, because if you're going to bring a home back to life, why not make it a little magical?' Kiki estimates that the total will land somewhere around £101,250 – £118,140, (€120,000 – €140,000). She adds: 'I want it to feel like the ultimate home for peace and tranquillity. 'A place where I can bring all my loved ones together and experience something special and rare. 'It is the kind of place that feeds your soul and makes you feel at home the second you walk inside. 'I'm also building a library as an homage to the home's previous owner, a Sicilian scholar and professor. 'It felt only right to preserve that legacy and create a space where books, ideas, and conversation are front and centre.' Kiki now splits her time between Sicily, LA and Canada while renovations continue, but she is almost ready to move in full-time. She estimates it'll save her around £2,200, ($3,000 a month) once renovations are finished. She says: 'Rent alone is already eliminated. 'Groceries, utilities, dining out, everything is more affordable here.' And she's not wrong, according to local prices you can expect to pay around £3.40 for a pint, less than most supermarket sandwiches. Kiki says that another benefit is that she no longer has to pay for holidays. 'I don't need to pay to escape chaos, I just step outside and I'm in a 14th-century fairytale,' she says. 'This house felt like a chance to take something forgotten and make it beautiful again. Italy's €1 house scheme Depending on the region, a number of towns and villages across Italy have offered the cheap €1 properties to encourage people to move to the area. There are around 25 regions who are taking part, each with a number of properties. Many of the areas have a dwindling or aging population and hope to build the community again. The properties range from small houses to larger villas, but are all in a very rundown condition. The conditions for buying each property also vary, but the majority of them need large renovation works which are part of the scheme 'There's a kind of romance to that.' And to anyone else looking to take a leap of faith, she says that 'life doesn't have to follow the script'. She got the keys to her new home in January, started renovating in March and is moving in next month to do the finishing touches. Kiki, originally from Winnipeg, Canada, says: 'You don't need a five-year plan, a perfect timeline, or anyone's permission to build a life that feels good. 'I bought an old, crumbling house in a tiny Sicilian town with no real plan beyond: this feels right. 'And it's led to more freedom, joy, and community than I could have imagined. 'The life I've built here feels amazing.' For work, as of now - she is continuing her career in fashion PR. She adds: 'But once my home is completed I plan to start a business here. 'What business exactly, I'm not entirely sure, but I have a few ideas that I'm working on. 'I'm just healthier mentally, physically, and spiritually than I ever was in North America. 'It's truly remarkable what this town has given me, and the version of myself I've been able to return to because of this journey.' 7
Irish Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
The ‘emotional toll' of buying a home in Ireland: ‘split' deals and queueing for houses already sold
Buying a house in Ireland feels like fighting a mental war, trying to make a decision when none of the options seem truly right. My husband and I moved here from Brazil three years ago with our infant son, with our daughter arriving shortly afterwards. We have since joined the race to buy a home, like many immigrants and plenty of Irish natives too. At first, I was hopeful. The Help to Buy (HTB) scheme seemed like a much-needed support for first-time buyers, but that hope quickly gave way to frustration as I watched prices soar and floor plans shrink. I lost count of how many emails, phone calls and, most of all, how much energy I poured into conversations with estate agents, desperately trying to secure a place in competitive launch queues. READ MORE On the line, the agent sounded embarrassed as they explained that all the HTB units had already been reserved before the sale As an immigrant without family roots here, I tried to stay open-minded. I broadened my search and considered properties in four counties surrounding Dublin. I viewed homes in Louth, Meath, Wicklow, and Wexford but had to limit the search as the daily commute would be too punishing. I have finally secured a home and am waiting to get the keys, but over the course of my long house-hunting journey, I have come across many worrying proposals. In one case, after four months of back-and-forth with an estate agent about a new development, I received a call just days before the official launch. On the line, the agent sounded embarrassed as they explained that all the HTB units had already been reserved before the sale. In one situation, an estate agent offered me an unofficial deal for a house in Co Wicklow: pay €25,000 in cash, off the books, to secure a property that was still within the HTB scheme. The agent called it a 'split' deal. There was a separate proposal involving a different estate agent and developer in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, details of which are reported in The Irish Times today. Here, an agent from Sherry FitzGerald offered me a former show house priced at €525,000, which had been visited by hundreds of potential buyers. I was told the price would be 'split' between the cost of the house - €500,000, which is the maximum price to qualify for the HTB scheme, and an additional €25,000 for the flooring in the 102sq m home. When I queried the cost of the flooring, the agent replied to say: 'We will offer the property to the next person on the list looking for HTB.' Sherry FitzGerald has launched an internal investigation into the matter, and Revenue says it takes 'any attempt to bypass or understate the full value of a property extremely seriously', while declining to comment on individual cases. As an immigrant without family roots here, I tried to stay open-minded. I broadened my search and considered properties in four counties surrounding Dublin But should it really be this hard to buy a house? In the midst of a housing crisis, first-time buyers still have to deal with situations like this. When things that should be simple become so difficult, it is only natural to start questioning the cost, not just the financial one, but the emotional toll as well. Clara Franco is a freelance journalist based in Dublin
