Lifestyle -- 8 days ago
Words: Alex Woodhall
London house prices have hit decidedly depressing new levels. The current state of the property market is leaving generations of city dwellers facing the prospect of never being handed the keys to their own home – dooming them to a life of renting or an existence away from the capital. Bleak doesn’t quite do the outlook justice. To fully illustrate the point of how wildly unrealistic the city’s housing has got, here’s what you can buy for £1 million at home and abroad.
London
As a point of comparison, 7-figures in London will stretch to a 3-bed semi in Walthamstow, E17. The Victorian house is admittedly spacious, if not somewhat dilapidated. An overgrown garden isn’t doing it any favours, nor is the ragged state of the interior. 20 mins from Oxford Circus, it’s a lifetime away from the houses the sum will fetch you in markedly better climes.
France
€1,050,000 or just under £800,000 will go far in the Dinard commune of Brittany. Situated on the Côte d’Émeraude, this elegant property packs bags of sophistication, a serene paradise that’s complimented by stylishly contemporary decor inside. Plenty of open spaces and manicured greenery is a world away from the dredges of the East End.
Visit Sotheby’s Realty for more
Italy
Moving along the continent and the glorious Lake Como. This 13th-century convented farmhouse is as charming as they come with vistas that you’ll struggle to beat. Lake views are visible from every room with others treated to the additional treat of mountain panoramas. It may be just an hour from Milan, but it couldn’t be further from the hustle and bustle, all for the bargain price of just north of £650,000.
Switzerland
Across the Alpine border and into Switzerland and the tranquil scenes continue. Bountiful views of mountainous topography and the idyllic lake below set the tone for this Champex apartment, not too far from the famous village of Verbier. The four-bed complex comes at the reasonable cost of roughly £675,000 once currency conversation is taken into account.
South Africa
South Africa’s property market is the stuff Londoners’ dreams are made of. At £765,000, this mountain estate offers the the finest 360° views on offer in the Cape Peninsula. A stunningly modern design sets this four-bed, four-bath apart, while it’s part of a residential complex that includes a gym, indoor pool and private entertainment facilities.
Visit Sotheby’s Realty for more
Barbados
Finally, if you really want to settle down in a bona fide paradise, look no further than splashing your cash in Barbados. This beautiful villa is set among luscious tropical gardens and features an attractive tiled terrace that opens up to a beautiful free form swimming pool. 10 minutes from the renowned Gibbs Beach in St Peter, the cost of this Caribbean existence? Just shy of £700,000.
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