How do ex-council properties in Gosden Hill Road compare?

In previous articles we have found that ex-council properties can achieve both good annual yields compared to other types of property in Guildford of around 5.0%; and healthy capital gains. 

Park Barn had witnessed a capital gain of 266% in the last 15 years while Bellfields had experienced a lower, though still substantial capital growth of 221% over the same time period. Ex-council houses in Bushy Hill, Merrow had experienced 11% higher capital growth than its neighbour, Merrow Park, a mixed housing area comprising properties from one bedroom flats to 4/5 bed executive houses.

This article takes a look at another ex-council housing estate in Guildford, namely Gosden Hill Road and Glendale Drive, in Burpham. This is an attractive development having been built around a large green and backing onto woods. Burpham shops are located nearby and a bus runs through the estate, onto the Sainsbury superstore and then into town. The A3 Guildford to London trunk road is within easy reach too. Most importantly the estate is located within the catchment area of two excellent state schools, Burpham Primary School and George Abbott Secondary School.

Gosden Hill Road

One in 5 of the 168 houses in both Gosden Hill Road and Gendale Drive have been sold over the last 5 years. It is also interesting to note that only 25% of the houses in the area are now rented from the local council, as the rest are either owner-occupied or have been purchased by landlords.

Some of the most noticeable sales have been a three bedroom semi-detached property on Gosden Hill Road sold in 1999 for £138,500 which has since been extended by building into the loft to add an ensuite bedroom. It was last sold in August 2014 for £460,000, a 332% gain over 15 years.

Property with loft extension in Glendale Drive

Another property in the same road was also extended into the loft to add a fourth bedroom. This was sold in 2004 for £200,000 and then resold in 2013 for £408,050 so this proves that property can double on average every 8-10 years, especially when extended, ideally by doing a loft conversion rather than a more expensive brick extension.

Extended property in Gosden Hill Road

Overall prices have risen by 255% in both roads, over the last 15 years, so have risen by more than Bushy Hill Drive but once again, the most socially challenged area of Park Barn has still outperformed all other social housing estates when measured according to both capital gain and gross yield. If you would like to have a chat about property prices in Guildford or a general discussion on investment opportunities in the area your call will always be welcome. Phone 01483 320207 or email richard@guildfordpropertyblog.co.uk