Snapped up - after 40 years

By Leah Simpson
Posted: 2009/06/05

A HOUSE has finally been sold more than 40 years after going up for sale.

The three-bedroom house in a neat terrace has remained empty since the year man landed on the moon but yesterday neighbours were rejoicing to see the "Sold" sign.

The saga of the "for sale house" in Banwell Street, Morriston, Swansea, began after its owner, remembered only as Mrs Grifftiths, died in 1969.

Relatives put the house up for sale for £950 but inheritance was disputed and no one wanted to maintain it if it proved not theirs to sell.

Barbara Thomas, 80, who has lived on the street since she was nine, said: "Mrs Griffiths was really, really houseproud. She would be disgusted if she knew what it was like now."

Eventually, Swansea council stepped in to replace the roof before using powers under the Law of Property Act 1925 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to force a sale.

It was snapped up by a developer for £45,000; other houses nearby go for more than £100,000.

Neighbour Trish Lear, 66, said: "It is fantastic that it has finally sold. I even went down to the auction myself to make sure. We are delighted."