A three-bedroom house located near the seafront in Blackpool, Lancashire, has been listed for sale at the remarkably low price of £12,000. However, the seemingly attractive price tag hides a rather unpleasant secret: the property has become a haven for pigeons, resulting in a significant infestation. The interior of the house is covered in pigeon droppings, affecting every surface imaginable – furniture, walls, floors, and even the previous residents’ abandoned belongings. Photographs of the property’s interior showcase the extent of the problem, with layers of droppings coating everything in sight. Pigeons can even be seen perched atop the refrigerator and amongst the piles of discarded belongings. The seller acknowledges the issue in the Rightmove listing, admitting that the house requires a complete strip-out and refit. The listing also indicates that the interior photos were taken during a June 2023 inspection and that the auctioneers haven’t inspected the property.
The property’s listing has sparked considerable discussion online, particularly on Reddit, where users have reacted with a mixture of amusement and disgust. Many commenters have pointed out the obvious connection between the low price and the extensive pigeon infestation. Some express surprise that the asking price isn’t even lower, given the scale of the problem. Others have voiced concerns about the potential health hazards associated with the accumulated pigeon droppings, highlighting the risks posed by exposure to such unsanitary conditions. Some users humorously compare the property to the dilapidated houses often mentioned by older generations as needing “a bit of elbow grease.” Despite the apparent challenges, one user suggests that the property could still represent a worthwhile investment, given the potential for renovation and the relatively low purchase price compared to similar houses in the area, which have sold for around £85,000.
The property, measuring 1,141 sq ft, is situated on Haig Road with rear access via Adrian Street, conveniently located close to Blackpool’s seafront and beach. The seller candidly states that the house requires a complete gutting and renovation. The property’s condition has become somewhat of an online sensation, with users sharing their reactions and amusement at the extent of the pigeon infestation. While some have expressed concerns about the health hazards and the sheer scale of the cleanup required, others view the low price as an opportunity for a potentially lucrative investment, assuming the renovation costs are managed effectively. The dilapidated state of the house has also prompted humorous comparisons to stereotypical “fixer-upper” properties often mentioned by older generations.
The Blackpool property’s listing comes on the heels of other unusual property listings that have garnered attention for their unique features. One such listing involved a property in Edinburgh with a vibrant, perhaps excessive, LED light display on the ceiling and a distinctive purple colour scheme. The unusual aesthetic choices of the previous owner drew mixed reactions from prospective buyers, with some expressing strong disapproval while others found the unconventional style intriguing. Another property listing that attracted attention was a £2.3 million home in west London, located on the same mews where a famous scene from the movie “Love Actually” was filmed. The connection to the popular romantic comedy added a unique selling point to the property, potentially appealing to fans of the film.
The Blackpool property is set to be sold at auction by Network Auctions Limited on December 5th. The auction will determine the final sale price and reveal whether the property’s unique challenges and low asking price will attract buyers willing to undertake the extensive renovation required. The online buzz surrounding the property suggests there may be significant interest, despite or perhaps even because of its unusual condition. The contrast between the property’s current state and its potential, combined with the low entry price, might attract investors looking for a project with the potential for significant returns.
The Blackpool property exemplifies the varied and sometimes surprising nature of the real estate market. While most properties are presented in a move-in ready condition, occasionally, listings emerge that showcase unique challenges or unusual features. These listings often generate significant interest, sparking online discussions and attracting buyers seeking unconventional opportunities. Whether the Blackpool property’s pigeon infestation proves to be a deterrent or a draw remains to be seen, but its low price and proximity to the seafront certainly make it a listing worth watching. The upcoming auction will ultimately reveal whether a buyer is willing to take on the challenge and transform the pigeon-infested house into a desirable seaside property.
