City flat lists for ultra-cheap price – but there’s a major catch

A ground-floor flat in a sought-after suburb of London has listed for just £70,000 ($140,000). 

It’s an unusually low price for a city that regularly ranks among the world’s most expensive housing markets. 

But there’s a catch: the flat is just 2.06 metres wide – narrower than a Tube carriage. 

In total, there are less than nine square metres of internal space. At 2.06 metres by 3.25 metres, the flat is barely bigger than a large bed. 

The narrow front door leads to a small kitchenette with a sink and bar fridge. Down a small flight of stairs is a couch that doubles as a bed. 

A shower and a toilet are squeezed into a corner behind the door, right next to the kitchenette. 

There are no windows in the property aside from the frosted glass front door. 

And the flat’s size isn’t the only hurdle. The property does not have planning permission for residential use. 

Despite not having residential planning permission, the listing reports that the flat is currently operating as a rental that brings in £1436 per month ($2880). 

This is equivalent to an eye-watering rental price of $720 per week. 

“The property is situated in the highly sought out area of Westminster. The open spaces of Warwick Square are within easy reach,” says the listing. 

The flat went to sale via public auction on 12 December with Auction House London, but failed to sell. 

The property is currently available for a 108-year leasehold.