How street art is sparking a boom in Portsmouth’s property market

How street art is sparking a boom in Portsmouth’s property market

By Lizzie Burt – Associate Director Chinneck Shaw

If you were told that having the side of your house painted by a renowned street artist could increase its value, would you believe it? It might seem like a tough call, with opinions split – some seeing it as a creative masterpiece and others as unwelcome graffiti. Yet, recent property trends suggest that the verdict is in: street art can indeed enhance the value of your home. And nowhere is this more evident than in the vibrant coastal city of Portsmouth, now crowned the UK’s street art capital.

Portsmouth is making headlines not just for its maritime history, but for the colourful murals that have transformed its streets—and, surprisingly, its property market. According to recent research, the city boasts the highest density of street art murals per square mile in the country. This artistic “takeover” is having a significant impact on home values, boosting Portsmouth’s standing in the UK property market.

The power of street art on property prices

It’s no longer just a debate about aesthetics. Homeowners and investors alike are beginning to see the value that street art can bring to an area. A prime example is a property on Eldon Street recently sold by Chinneck Shaw, adorned with a striking street art mural depicting afternoon tea. Properties like these are no longer just homes—they’re conversation pieces that stand out in a competitive market.

Photo by Naomi Lloyd

This surge in street art’s appeal can be traced back to the growing appreciation for artists like Banksy, who transformed street art from a fringe movement into a global phenomenon. In fact, it wasn’t long ago that a couple in Bristol sold their home with a Banksy mural still intact, recognising that the artwork added more value than the bricks and mortar itself. The days of dismissing street art as vandalism are fading fast, especially as more property buyers seek unique and culturally rich environments.

Portsmouth’s artistic renaissance

In Portsmouth, this trend has reached new heights with initiatives like the September “Look Up” campaign, designed to celebrate the city’s street art culture. As you stroll through areas like Southsea, it’s impossible to ignore the murals that have breathed new life into the city’s landscape. Among the most beloved works is “Phone Your Mum” by local artist MyDogSighs, a stunning piece located on Henley Road that has become a neighbourhood landmark.

But it’s not just the art itself that’s drawing attention—it’s the way these murals are transforming perceptions of the city. Buyers are now looking beyond the traditional criteria of property value and considering the cultural and artistic flair of their potential new neighbourhood.

Art meets property

For estate agents in Portsmouth and Southsea, this shift is an exciting development. We’ve seen first-hand how properties with street art can generate increased interest and, in some cases, higher offers. A property with a striking mural, particularly by a recognised artist, can attract a broader range of buyers, especially those seeking something unique.

Street art is no longer just about urban rebellion; it’s becoming a symbol of cultural identity, one that can define a neighbourhood and, in turn, increase the appeal of homes within it. As Portsmouth continues to thrive as a hub for creativity, we anticipate even more properties benefiting from the value-boosting effects of this artistic revolution.

So, if you’re a homeowner in Portsmouth, the question is no longer whether street art is an asset – it’s how you can leverage it to boost your property’s value. The city’s artistic renaissance isn’t just beautifying the streets – it’s changing the face of the property market too.

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