Data recently published by Savills has revealed that there are now more than 730,000 million-pound homes in the UK, which is 2.5% of all residential properties.
The rapid increase in property values over the last decade means that more and more people each year are becoming property millionaires.
The Savills report confirms that, unsurprisingly, London clearly has the biggest percentage of million-plus homes, but there have been big increases in the number of properties worth more than £1 million all over the UK, with the biggest rises in the West Country and the south-east.
Reading the report set us thinking about the different Premiership rugby towns and cities, and comparing what £1 million will buy you in each, as of March 2024.
For the purposes of this article, we have selected the following criteria:
- The properties listed are within a 15-mile radius of the relevant home ground
- We have avoided big refurbishment projects, so all the properties we looked at are fit for immediate living.
Join us on a whistle-stop tour to see what £1 million will buy you close to each major rugby venue.
Please bear in mind that these are not personal recommendations for property to purchase, and are purely intended as examples of the types of property you might be able to find.
Bath
Given the historic nature of the town centre, you will not be surprised to learn that there is a big contrast between property prices in Bath itself and a few miles outside.
For your notional seven-figure budget, you could find a six-bedroom detached family house just 10 miles away from Bath, set in approximately two-thirds of an acre of private land.
Alternatively, if you prefer living in the town, there are Georgian garden maisonettes situated on Great Pulteney Street, and just a stone throw from the Rec. These boast spacious, flexible accommodation set over two floors, and some even feature a private walled garden.
Gloucester
As with Bath, there is no lack of £1 million properties within your 15-mile radius. In Cheltenham, we managed to find standard four-bedroom properties that would make ideal family homes.
You can also find some spectacular alternatives further out, such as in the heart of the historic village of Ruardean. One property stands on four acres of ground with superb views over the Gloucestershire countryside, providing no less than four double ensuite bedrooms and a fifth smaller bedroom or study that is also ensuite.
Bristol
Continuing the smallholding theme from Bath and Gloucester, you can find four-bedroom stone-built detached cottages sitting on 2.8 acres of land to the east of Clevedon, and within easy striking distance of Bristol town centre.
Meanwhile, in the centre of town, you might prefer a Grade-II listed building in historic Queens Parade, featuring six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and flexible living accommodation.
Exeter
As with other Premiership rugby towns in the south-west, you can also find remarkable value for money in terms of space outside the centre of Exeter.
In Cullompton for example, just 12 miles from Sandy Park, we saw one example of an impressive five-bedroom detached home that was only completed in April 2023.
It overlooks the beautiful Exe Valley, with some of the finest views in Devon, and is built on two acres of land with a mixture of formal lawn, as well as open grassland.
Harlequins (Twickenham)
As you leave the West Country and head east into London, you will not be surprised to find that there is no lack of £1 million properties, although you will struggle to find any of that value surrounded by the amount of land you saw in the west.
In inner London, there are luxurious riverside apartments within easy travelling distance of the Stoop, as well as being within walking distance of the Oval cricket ground.
Further out, the 15-mile radius takes in big swathes of the Stockbroker Belt of Surrey.
That includes Walton-on-Thames, where you can find stylishly presented five-bedroom double-fronted houses, conveniently placed for local facilities with the mainline railway station a short stroll away.
Saracens (Barnet)
As with Twickenham, a 15-mile radius of Barnet and the Stonex Stadium takes in central London as well as the affluent commuter belt north of the city.
We found an impressive four-bedroom two-bathroom detached family home situated on a popular residential road in the heart of Bushey Heath, conveniently located and within walking distance of all local shopping and transport facilities.
If you are after a busier lifestyle in the centre of London, in Kensington W14 you will find two-bedroom two-bathroom apartments within the £1 million budget.
These boast a spacious layout and offer a serene retreat in the heart of the city, including your own private roof terrace.
Sale
As a suburb of Manchester, Sale is only five miles from the city centre, while the AJ Bell Stadium is even closer.
So, you might enjoy a luxurious ninth-floor penthouse apartment in Deansgate if you are looking to enjoy contemporary city living.
Meanwhile, out of the city centre, the small village of Worsley contains many stunning options, including a six-bedroom detached property on a substantial plot of land.
It is immaculately presented throughout, and offers modern luxury living in a great location with excellent access to the motorway network and the main commuter routes to the city centre.
Newcastle
While there are no £1 million properties in the centre of Newcastle itself, there certainly are in the highly sought-after suburb of Jesmond, just a mile away.
One notable example we found is a rare Georgian property in the very heart of the thriving area. It was built in 1812 and is set out on four levels to provide a high-quality, contemporary living space with a classic feel.
The south-facing gardens are completely hidden away and provide an oasis of calm. It even boasts a wine cellar!
Further out of town, as you would expect, you will get far more for your money than many places elsewhere in the UK. In fact, during our research, we discovered a stunning six-bedroom, four-bathroom, detached manor house that is within budget, just three miles from Welford Road with excellent transport links.
It is a high-quality property, with great specification throughout. Outside, the sizable rear gardens are deceptively big, consisting of a third-of-an-acre of meticulously landscaped grounds.
Northampton
Abington is a district of Northampton just two miles outside the town centre.
Here you could find Grade-II listed, late-Victorian semi-detached family houses. One we found is arranged over four floors with a stunning kitchen and family room extension opening to the landscaped rear garden, and part of the extension actually converts into a home cinema room.
It is just a short journey to the railway station, and it is close to all key facilities.
Get in touch
If you are a professional rugby player looking for help managing your money, then please do get in touch with us at DBL Asset Management.
Email enquiries@dbl-am.com or call 01625 529 499 to speak to us today.
Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
