Property proximity to St James’ Park has surprising correlation amidst Newcastle United expansion talks

Properties in Newcastle built on the doorstep of St James' Park are worth less than others in the city despite their proximity to the cathedral on the hill.

The football stadium and its surrounding streets have become a hot talking topic since owners bought back the Strawberry Place land that Mike Ashley had sold four years prior, sparking discussion about a potential stadium expansion.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund and co-owners swooped in to reclaim the land outside the Gallowgate End which had been flogged to developers who planned to construct 328 flats, an office block and a 213-bedroom hotel outside the stadium.

However, developers fell into financial trouble and a controversial scrapped council bailout allowed the club owners to complete the transaction.

The intentions behind the purchase became the centre of speculation for Newcastle United fans with many looking at a possible expansion of the stadium, which easily sells out its 50,000 capacity for every home game.

However, local architect firm Sadler Brown explained to NewcastleWorld that any plans to do that would be complicated given the stadium's central location.

Problems that the stadium’s central positioning could face were highlighted by Sadler Brown and included structural problems posed by St James Metro station and the lines underground.

Any expansion would also have to be sensitive to the Leazes Conservation Area and the listed buildings along Leazes Terrace outside St James’ Park - this includes a ‘right to light’, an easement that gives a landowner the right to receive light in buildings on their land.

Given the placement of these properties on the doorstep of St James' Park, just minutes walk away from the leafy Leazes Park and with easy access to St James and Haymarket metro stations, it may be expected that these properties potentially blocking a St James' Park expansion be elevated in price.

However, new data uncovered from Betting.com highlights that properties within 1/4 mile of St James' Park are worth nearly 25% less than the average selling price in the city.

Homes where fans could practically nip home for a half-time cuppa sell for an average price of £167,071 compared to the £208,168 average found in the city of Newcastle - a 24.6% drop. Whether that be due to noise and crowds or any impacts that a potential expansion may have on the quality of life, it's a trend also seen at other Premier League grounds.

The worst affected homes are those near Everton stadium Goodison Park in Liverpool, where properties within a mile of the ground sell for 96% less than the wider area. Meanwhile, the homes around Stamford Bridge in the luxury London area of Chelsea are worth 11.25% more than the average selling price in the capital.