The North vs South debate is always a hot topic in the UK. Whether it is to do with the economy, football teams, job prospects and politics; any talk of the two regions typically leads to intense discussions and controversial opinions.
And nothing sparks a discussion like house prices. Indeed, with the cost of living and house prices typically far cheaper in the North, as highlighted by the fact many choose to commute to work in the South, is the luxury property market any different?
Let’s find out…
The South
Mayfair
In Mayfair, you’ll find not only the most expensive property in London, or in fact the UK, but was also once the most expensive property in the world. The £90million mansion boasts 21 bedrooms with 21 bathrooms to match, has a mews house and a garage that is large enough to accommodate four limousines.
The property extends to almost 19,000 square feet as it holds a swimming pool, sauna and treatment room and a very sizeable garden and if that’s all, there’s also a glass lift which is likely to provide the perfect view of this luxury pad.
The fact this exclusive and grand residence is in the heart of the wonderful Mayfair makes up for the staggering price tag, but there’s no denying the luxury of this fantastic property.
Updown Court
Updown Court is a Californian style residence located in Surrey. The mansion houses a total of 103 and has more than 58 acres of landscaped gardens and private woodland.
Upon going on the market in 2005 it was the most expensive private home of anywhere in the world but having been on the market for six years without finding a buyer, the property was eventually sold for just £35million, less than half its initial £75million asking price.
Inside the luxurious property, you’ll find a customizable cinema with a 50-seat capacity, a bowling alley and five swimming pools including an Infinity pool and one of which is attached to the master bedroom.
There’s also a squash court, a floodlit tennis court, a panic room and a wine cellar able to hold some 3,000 bottles. The house has just about everything you wish more and if that’s no luxurious enough, the marble used in the house is said to have cost an eye watering £9million.
Rutland Gate
Still, as luxurious and as nice as those properties are, they are still a far cry from the most expensive house in the UK. In 2015, a mansion on Rutland Gate held an asking price of £280million.
The 60,000-square foot mega-mansion boasts more than 40 bedrooms, 20 of which principal and a further 20 for live-in staff. It is believed that the property was owned by Saudi royals and is one of the capital’s few mega-mansions.
The North
Hallington Hall
So, that’s some luxurious properties in the South but what about the North? In Northumberland, for just £5.95million who are able to buy a nine-bedroomed mansion.
The property is one of the most private in the North East, hidden behind a walled garden and security gates and is in the midst 60-acres of formal grounds and woodland.
The Grade II-listed Georgian country house boasts some award-winning interior design and features three principal reception rooms, a beautiful family kitchen, study, shower room, playroom, and several rooms specifically for staff.
Seven of the property’s bedrooms are fitted with an en-suite with two further bedrooms and a huge family bathroom.
On the second of the mansion’s three floors you will find a games room and cinema room.
Castle Eden
Ever wanted to be the king of the castle? For the cut price of just £3 million you can be the proud owner of this fantastic estate in Durham.
Boasting nine luxurious bedrooms and 14 acres of land, for just 3.33% of what you’d have to pay for the Mayfair mansion, this property offers serious value for money. Also housing parking space for 8 vehicles, it really is a fantastic deal.
Verdict:
There’s certainly luxury to be found in both regions and whilst the mansions of the North are much, much cheaper, the mansions of the South are typically larger and equipped with a lot more tech and gadgets.
To answer our first question, much like the standard property market, the south is more expensive.
