When it comes to the mortgage affordability of our favourite Christmas TV homes, the humble abode from Gavin and Stacey takes the crown.
With average monthly mortgage repayments coming in at a staggering £21,000 cheaper than Kevin McCallister’s luxurious Chicago mansion from Home Alone, fans can rejoice in its budget-friendly appeal.
Mortgage broker Alexander Hall analysed 10 iconic Christmas TV properties, considering their current market values and the estimated monthly mortgage repayments required after a 15% deposit. The findings reveal not just the festive spirit of these homes, but also their starkly different price tags.
This December, the excitement isn’t limited to the arrival of Father Christmas. Fans of Gavin and Stacey are gearing up for the final-ever episode on Christmas Day. But for those reluctant to say goodbye, there’s good news: a Gavin and Stacey-inspired property is the most affordable option among all the Christmas TV homes studied.
NUMBERS BEHIND THE NOSTALGIA
The average value of a terraced home in Barry, South Wales – the setting of Gavin and Stacey – is currently £224,612. With a 15% deposit, buyers would require a mortgage of £190,920, translating to an average monthly repayment of just £1,011.
In contrast, a flat in Peckham – home to Del Boy and Rodney Trotter from Only Fools and Horses – is significantly pricier. The average property value in Peckham stands at £439,722, with monthly mortgage repayments averaging £1,979. Despite this, it remains the second most affordable Christmas TV home.
MAGICAL MID-RANGE
Third on the list is Harry Potter’s childhood home with the Dursleys in Bracknell. While Harry likely has no plans to return to Privet Drive, a semi-detached home in the area would cost an average of £2,025 per month in mortgage repayments.
HOME ALONE
At the other end of the table lies Kevin McCallister’s spacious Chicago home. Located in the affluent suburb of Winnetka, the detached property is estimated to be worth £4.116 million. A 15% deposit of £617,511 would leave buyers facing a hefty monthly mortgage payment of £22,460.
Not far behind is Edina Monsoon’s opulent Holland Park Avenue townhouse from Absolutely Fabulous. Valued at £4.6 million, the UK’s more favorable mortgage rates mean the monthly repayment would average £20,833, slightly less than the McCallister household.
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Stephanie Daley, Director of Partnerships Alexander Hall, says: “Christmas wouldn’t be the same without some of the classic entertainment that tends to grace our screens during the festive season and, for many, re-watching our favourites each year is a cornerstone of our Christmas traditions.
“In many cases, the properties featured in these TV shows and films can be as iconic as the shows themselves and the Home Alone house is perhaps the most famous of the lot.”
She adds: “However, this year there’s only one show that everyone is talking about and excitement for the last ever Gavin and Stacey is as high, if not higher, than the anticipation of Christmas Day itself.
“But if you can’t quite let go, the good news is that Stacey’s home in South Wales tops the table when it comes to property market and mortgage affordability, meaning that a move to Barry could be very obtainable for the average homebuyer.”
