A three-bedroom house in Swansea, hidden amongst the foliage on a hill, is up for sale at a staggering £450,000 – despite being overgrown and dilapidated.
This is more than double the average house price of £212,427 in Wales’ second city, based on homes sold over the past year, according to property website Rightmove.
The less than dream home has been vacant for years. The roof slates are missing, the wooden decking has seen better days, and nature is gradually reclaiming the plot with an abundance of greenery.
However, the property is located in Mumbles where the average house prices were £325,058 over the past 12 months, with detached properties like this one selling for an average of £518,500. Plus, the view from the house across Swansea Bay towards the city centre and the hills beyond is simply breathtaking.
Mumbles has always been a desirable but pricey place to live. Swansea councillor Will Thomas believes it has become even more appealing with the recent addition of a new seawall, promenade, 3G sports pitch at Underhill Park, improved park facilities, and road crossings.
Cllr Thomas, one of three councillors representing the coastal ward, expressed his desire for Mumbles to be an appealing place for all residents, especially young families, in order to keep the local schools bustling. “A lot of Airbnb properties are up for sale since new Welsh Government policies and the 200% council tax in Swansea [for second homes],” he told Wales Online.
Cairnside, a run-down property on the market for £450,000, is tucked away off Western Lane and has been listed since May. The estate agents promoting it have labelled Cairnside as a “hidden gem” on a large plot that could either be renovated or demolished and replaced with a new house, subject to obtaining the necessary permissions.
In addition to nearby shops and restaurants, the Blue Flag swimming beach Langland is within walking distance, and beyond that lies Caswell.
Harry Gillies, owner of a bar in Mumbles, praised the former fishing village as a wonderful place to live. “It’s fantastic – everything is on your doorstep,” he commented.
“But there is a bit of a problem with parking.”
Mr Gillies, who owns Harry’s Bar on Newton Road, added: “It’s very busy at the moment. My bar is doing well.”
First-time buyers may find the house prices in Mumbles daunting. Based on an annual survey of earnings by the Office of National Statistics, average salaries in Swansea were £34,871 in April 2024, making an average Mumbles property more than nine times the average wage.
However, for those lucky enough to secure a home there, the allure is as potent as ever.
“Mumbles has always been a sought-after location thanks to its coastal charm, vibrant community, and excellent local amenities but in recent years we have seen demand grow even further,” said Ricky Purdy, business partner at Dawsons estate agents, which isn’t marketing the Western Lane house.
“The new promenade has enhanced the seafront experience, creating a stunning space for walking, cycling, and enjoying the views while the area’s restaurants, cafés, and independent shops continue to thrive.”
Mr Purdy said homes requiring significant work could hold great potential as buyers were investing not just in bricks and mortar but in the location. He added: “It’s not just the sales market that sees the allure of Mumbles – our lettings team also see a high demand in those wishing to rent too.”
