A two-bedroom terraced house in Sunderland has gone up for auction at a bargain price of £25,000, thanks to its history of being part of a £50,000 cannabis farm. The property, which is located 1.5 miles from the centre of Houghton le Spring, features two reception rooms, a kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, two bedrooms on the first floor, and a bedroom on the attic level. However, the house also needs a full scheme of refurbishment, as it was previously raided by police and used to grow dozens of cannabis plants.
The house, which is listed with Landwood Property Auctions, is one of the cheapest properties in the area, and could appeal to investors or first-time buyers who are looking for a low-cost project. However, the house also comes with a lot of risks and challenges, as it was previously used as a cannabis farm and has been left in a poor condition.
According to the listing, the house has ‘white plastic sheeting covering the floors and walls, empty plant pots and cables hanging from the ceiling’. The house also has a rear yard that is filled with rubbish and needs cleaning out. The listing warns that the house ‘is understood to have previously been used as a cannabis farm’ and that ‘a full scheme of refurbishment will be required’.
A former crime scene
The house was raided by police in 2020, after they received a tip-off from the public. Police found more than 100 cannabis plants in the house, with an estimated street value of £50,000. They also seized £17,000 of suspected criminal cash, four cars, and a BB gun. Police said that the electricity in the house had been bypassed, but the site has since been made safe.
Four people, three men aged 32, 52, and 63, and a woman aged 58, were arrested in connection with the cannabis farm. They were later released under investigation. Detective Jonathan Wade from Northumbria Police said at the time: ‘As a force, we are committed to tackling serious crime through a range of activity, including targeted days of action like this.’
A potential bargain
Despite its shady past and shabby state, the house could still be a potential bargain for someone who is willing to take on the challenge of renovating it. The house has a lot of space and potential, and is located in a convenient area, close to shops, schools, and transport links. The house also has a low guide price of £25,000, which is well below the average house price in the UK, which was £162,606 in January 2024.
The house is set to go under the hammer on March 6, 2024, with a minimum bid of £25,000. The auction will be held online, and interested buyers can register and view the property details on the Landwood Property Auctions website.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
