This fall has seen a buyer’s market emerge for homes of Hogwarts alumni, with two properties immortalized by the Harry Potter movie franchise going up for sale in September.
The three-bedroom home of Potter’s maternal family, famously located at 4 Privet Drive, is listed for $798,615 (£475,000) by a U.K real estate firm, and the stately six-bedroom Granger household is commanding an asking price of just over $4-million (£2,400,000).
These silver screen offerings have led analysts at London-based Which? Mortgage Advisors to conduct an unscientific analysis of what it might cost to rest your head at some of the most famous fictional residences from film and television – including the humble abode of Homer and Marge Simpson, the unassuming bungalow from Breaking Bad, and Tony Montana’s gaudy Florida compound.
Here’s a look at what each house might set you back:
The Simpsons — 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield - $257,107 (US$195,000)
This suburban detached two-storey tract house is a steal for $257,107. The home was originally light pink, but has been updated in recent seasons (ahem, years) to a light brown tone.
The home features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Large bay windows allow plenty of natural light into the spacious living and dining rooms. The backyard, which is shaded by a large tree fitted with a homemade treehouse, is large enough to tie up an African elephant.
There have been extensive repairs to the foundation and chimney, both of which have collapsed over the years. The basement is unfinished, but suitable for producing homemade alcohol and hiding your bosses long lost son from police.
The area also boasts incredibly friendly neighbourinos.
Friends — Apt. 20. 495 Grove Street, New York, N.Y. - $5.3-million (US$4-million)
This classic open concept two-bedroom, one-bathroom Greenwich Village apartment is a throwback to the 1990s, with purple walls and parquet floors. The kitchen features open cabinetry against exposed brick. The cast of tenants have added tasteful accents like a gold picture frame around the peephole.
The unit features a large street-facing window, as well as a sizable balcony and access to the rooftop. Previous residents have warned about a tenant across the street referred to only as “ugly naked guy,” who is notorious for leaving his blinds open.
The two male tenants across the hall are friendly, but have been known to jam the garbage chute with pizza boxes. The local coffee shop is said to be a neighbourhood favourite.
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air — Bel Air, Calif. – $26.4-million (US$20-million)
You’ll feel miles away from West Philadelphia in this elegant five-bedroom, five-bathroom estate home in the heart of affluent Bel Air, Calif.
This spacious home has a total of 17 rooms, including a large pool house to accommodate extended visits from inner-city nephews, as well as servant’s quarters for a sarcastic yet loveable British butler. The living room is perfect for entertaining -- even awkward dancing to Tom Jones.
The Roman-inspired four column front entry is perfect for tossing out unwanted house guests, who may also be famous DJs.
Scarface – Coral Gables, Miami, Fla. - $19.8-million (US$15-million)
A fusion of Roman and Middle Eastern architecture with Persian-style landscaping, this elegant 1906 estate sits on 10 acres of land, and boasts 10,000 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
The master bedroom features a sunken Jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing with a cigar after a long day of hands on negations with business clients.
The centerpiece of the main foyer is the fountain adorned with pink neon lettering spelling out “The World Is Yours.”
The previous owner had closed circuit security cameras installed throughout the property. However, the effectiveness of the security system cannot be guaranteed. Much of the damage from a recent home invasion has been repaired, and the owner’s body has been removed from the fountain.
Breaking Bad — 308 Negra Arroyo Lane, New Mexico - $263,730 (US$200,000)
This modest bungalow has fallen into serious disrepair since the previous owners abandoned the property without explanation. The $263,730 asking price will leave plenty of cash left over for renovations.
Situated in a quite Albuquerque enclave, this home features three ample bedrooms, a garage and a pool (empty). The kitchen is ideal for awkward breakfasts. The pizza has been removed from the roof.
