December 29th 2024.
The atmosphere in the Big Brother house is definitely present here. The quirkiest properties have hit the market in 2024, from a cubby hidden beneath the stairs to a bathroom separated from the kitchen by a shower curtain, and even a telephone box worth £15,000. These unique homes have been listed for rent or sale all over the world, from London to San Francisco, and we at Metro have been keeping a close eye on them.
We've seen air raid shelters listed for hundreds of thousands of pounds, homes adorned with wall-to-wall mirrors, and luxurious houseboats priced at a whopping £1,000,000. Despite all of these eccentric properties, one thing remains constant: renting is still a struggle and property prices are still soaring. Landlords are becoming increasingly demanding, with some asking tenants to limit their showers to only two minutes. On top of that, some renters have even fallen victim to catfishing by fake owners, only to be ghosted when the real one shows up at their doorstep. It's quite a chaotic market out there.
So, without further ado, here's our roundup of the most bizarre properties that caught our attention in 2024. First up, we have a studio flat that can accommodate up to ten people, just like the Big Brother house. However, the catch is that they all have to share a single bathroom and kitchenette. It's like playing a game of Tetris gone wrong. The seafront apartment in Brighton was listed on OpenRent in October and was described as a perfect place for builders or students, with a minimum stay of one month. Tenants could move in on the day of the viewing, but at an additional cost of £35.
In Manchester, a bed in a conservatory was listed as a "studio flat" for a whopping £1,200 per month. However, social media users were quick to criticize the space, as it lacked basic amenities one would expect in a studio flat. Exposed brick walls and a glass roof gave off more of a summerhouse vibe, and the only furnishings were a double bed, leather sofa, desk and chair, and a chest of drawers. It did have its own front door, but it was accessible through the main house's kitchen.
Next, we have a tiny door in Cornwall that led to a micro-home, ready for the apocalypse. While it may not have been an ex-air raid shelter, it certainly gave off that vibe. The property used to be a pumping station and was tucked away from the main road. It was listed for £45,000 in August and may have been tiny, but it had all the necessary amenities, including a kitchenette, dining space, sleeping quarters, and a full bathroom.
In East London, an iconic ex-telephone box was put up for sale at a hefty price of £15,000. These red kiosks are synonymous with the city, but their numbers are dwindling. However, as a Grade II listed building, the buyers were not allowed to alter the exterior. The box did have planning permission for retail use and mains electricity, making it a potential location for a small business.
Back in London, a studio flat was listed for £850 per month, but it lacked a crucial detail – a bathroom with a door. Instead, the toilet was enclosed by a shower curtain, which was located right next to the kitchen. Talk about hygiene concerns. The city's property market is one of the most expensive in the world, with the average house price reaching £526,000 and renting costing an average of £2,190 per month.
Lastly, in San Francisco, a Harry Potter-style cubby was listed for just £192 per month on CraigsList. Measuring only 3ft by 10ft, it was advertised as a room for a like-minded gamer to share with the tenant. However, it lacked a door for privacy and could only be "blocked off" with some makeshift methods. It may have been a bargain, but it definitely wasn't spacious.
It's safe to say that the property market in 2024 was filled with some truly bizarre and unique listings. From ex-air raid shelters to telephone boxes, these properties definitely caught our attention. But with soaring property prices and demanding landlords, it's no surprise that finding a decent place to live is still a struggle.
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