Furious residents in a leafy London suburb claim their dream homes have become financial nightmares thanks to one infamous property that's been dubbed 'The Scaffold House'.
The dilapidated semi-detached cottage in Merton, southwest London, has been encased in metal poles and wooden boards for more than two years, creating what locals describe as an 'absolute eyesore' that's actively depressing house prices throughout the neighbourhood.
The Property That's Dividing a Community
Neighbours report that the unsightly structure has become a constant source of frustration and financial concern. 'It's affecting the whole road,' one resident lamented. 'We're all suffering from this one property that nobody seems to be taking responsibility for.'
The scaffolding originally appeared in 2021 when the owner began renovation work, but progress stalled shortly after, leaving the metal framework and protective sheeting in place indefinitely.
House Price Impact
Local estate agents confirm the visual blight is having tangible financial consequences. Properties in the immediate vicinity are reportedly selling for significantly less than comparable homes in nearby streets, with potential buyers being visibly put off by the construction site appearance.
'You can literally track the price differential on this street compared to the next one over,' explained a local property expert. 'The Scaffold House is costing neighbours thousands in lost property value.'
Council Under Pressure
Merton Council has faced growing pressure to intervene, with residents filing multiple complaints about the property's condition. Local authorities have the power to issue notices requiring owners to complete or remove unfinished works, but the process has been slow-moving.
'We're caught in a bureaucratic nightmare,' one neighbour expressed. 'Meanwhile, our largest financial investments are losing value by the day.'
The situation highlights the delicate balance between property owners' rights and community welfare in Britain's densely populated urban areas, where one neglected property can impact an entire neighbourhood's character and financial stability.
