Prefab homes sell for £40k after £1 starting price

Two "tin" bungalows that went up for auction with a £1 starting price have sold for £40,500.

Number 1-2 Bank Bungalows in Crumlin, near Blackwood, Caerphilly county, were listed as being a in a "poor state of repair".

But that didn't deter their new owner, who wants to remain anonymous, as they intend to fix the one and two bedroom properties and move in.

"Quite simply, I love them," they said.

The successful bidder said the purchase was prompted by their "love" of prefabricated buildings.

The full history of 1-2 Bank Bungalows are not known, but the new owner describes them as "original prefabs" and "heritage property in need of rescuing".

More than 156,500 prefabs were erected across the UK in the three years after World War Two.

They were built as temporary accommodation for the thousands of people needing homes after air raids, but some still remain.

"There are still a good handful of these in the valleys, still lived in and loved, not to mention the tin tabernacles dotted around the place," said the new owner.

"I am sure some would disagree but I think the cottages I've bought in Crumlin is a beautiful, heritage property in need of rescuing.

"I do not know the history of this individual property but would be very interested to find out."

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said, despite their condition, there were 11 bidders "battling it out to secure the bungalows".