Would you live in one of the narrowest houses in the UK?

The Poker Players These homeowners have nerves of steel and play a cool game: despite being tempted by rural bliss and a move out of London, they are not cashing in their chips. And why would they? Their three-bedders in leafy enclaves such as Balham and Clapham have increased in value by 26.5% and 46% respectively over the past three years, according to Douglas & Gordon estate agency, and so they have decided to sit tight. “They are waiting because they think they can do better,” says Ed Mead, executive director of Douglas & Gordon.

Three-bed terraces cost an average of £1.2m in these parts of southwest London, and Savills forecasts they will rise by 24.4% over the next five years. Would-be buyers, fed up with ever-rising prices and scrambling after too few homes, are now being pushed into more affordable areas such as Tooting and Streatham. Others are “going large” — capitalising on current low interest rates and leapfrogging from a flat in Fulham or Clapham straight to a five-bedroom house. “It is pushing some people into situations they are not particularly comfortable with, but they are taking the plunge,” Mead says.

May 24, 2025 | 8:51 am