Latest news with #WillThomas
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Rundown three-bed house covered in vegetation on sale in Wales for £450,000
The property in Mumbles, Swansea, has been empty for years and is in a state of disrepair - but it's still on the market for a hefty price tag A dilapidated three-bedroom house in Swansea, hidden amongst lush greenery on a hill, is up for grabs at a staggering £450,000. That's more than double the city's average house price of £212,427, according to housing website Rightmove. The property, which has been vacant for years, may not seem like much with its missing roof slates, worn-out wooden decking and overgrown plot. However, it's located in Mumbles, where the average house price over the past year was £325,058, with detached properties like this one fetching an average of £518,500, as per Rightmove. The real selling point is the breathtaking view across Swansea Bay towards the city centre and the hills beyond, reports Wales Online. You just might need to hack the overgrown vegetation back to see it. Mumbles has always been a sought-after yet pricey place to live. According to Swansea councillor Will Thomas, it's become even more desirable with recent additions such as a new seawall, promenade, 3G sports pitch at Underhill Park, improved park facilities, and road crossings. Cllr Thomas, one of three councillors for the seaside ward, expressed his desire for Mumbles to be an attractive place for all residents, particularly young families, in order to keep local schools bustling. "A lot of Airbnb properties are up for sale since new Welsh Government policies and the 200% council tax in Swansea [for second homes]," he revealed. The house in question, Cairnside, is tucked away off Western Lane and has been listed since May. The estate agents marketing it have labelled Cairnside as a "hidden gem" on a large plot that could either be renovated or demolished and replaced with a new house, subject to necessary permissions. In addition to nearby shops and restaurants, the Blue Flag swimming beach Langland is within walking distance, and beyond that lies Caswell. Local bar owner Harry Gillies praised the former fishing village as a great place to live. "It's fantastic – everything is on your doorstep," he enthused. However, he did acknowledge a minor issue: "But there is a bit of a problem with parking." Mr Gillies, who owns Harry's Bar on Newton Road, added: "It's very busy at the minute. My bar is doing well." First-time buyers may find themselves taken aback by the house prices in Mumbles. Based on an annual survey of earnings by the Office of National Statistics, average salaries in Swansea were £34,871 in April 2024, making an average Mumbles property more than nine times the average wage. But for those lucky enough to secure a home there, the allure is as potent as ever. "Mumbles has always been a sought-after location thanks to its coastal charm, vibrant community, and excellent local amenities but in recent years we have seen demand grow even further," said Ricky Purdy, business partner at Dawsons estate agents, which isn't marketing the Western Lane house. "The new promenade has enhanced the seafront experience, creating a stunning space for walking, cycling, and enjoying the views while the area's restaurants, cafés, and independent shops continue to thrive." Mr Purdy said homes requiring significant work could hold great potential as buyers were investing not just in bricks and mortar but in the location. He added: "It's not just the sales market that sees the allure of Mumbles – our lettings team also see a high demand in those wishing to rent too."
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Overgrown and falling apart Welsh home will cost you nearly half a million pounds to buy because of one thing
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A three-bedroom house in Swansea that has fallen into disrepair and is overgrown with vegetation has been put on the market for a staggering £450,000. This price tag is more than double the average house price of £212,427 in Wales' second city, based on properties sold over the past year according to Rightmove. The property has been vacant for several years. The house is in need of some TLC, with missing roof slates and worn-out wooden decking. Nature has begun to reclaim the plot, with greenery sprouting up all around. However, the property's location in Mumbles could explain the hefty price tag. According to Rightmove, the average house price in this area was £325,058 over the past 12 months, with detached properties like this one selling for an average of £518,500. (Image: Wales Online) Plus, the house boasts stunning views across Swansea Bay towards the city centre and the hills beyond, reports Wales Online. Mumbles has long been considered an attractive yet pricey place to live. Swansea councillor Will Thomas believes its appeal has only increased with recent improvements including a new seawall, promenade, 3G sports pitch at Underhill Park, enhanced park facilities, and road crossings. Cllr Thomas, one of three councillors for the coastal ward, expressed his desire for Mumbles to be an attractive place for all residents, especially young families, in order to keep local schools thriving. "A lot of Airbnb properties are up for sale since new Welsh Government policies and the 200% council tax in Swansea [for second homes]," he stated. Cairnside, a run-down property on the market for £450,000, is located off Western Lane and has been listed since May. The estate agents promoting it have described Cairnside as a "hidden gem" on a large plot that could either be renovated or demolished and replaced with a new house, subject to necessary permissions. (Image: Wales Online) In addition to nearby shops and restaurants, the Blue Flag swimming beach Langland is within walking distance, and beyond that lies Caswell. Local bar owner Harry Gillies spoke highly of the former fishing village, saying: "It's fantastic – everything is on your doorstep," but he did mention a slight issue with parking. Mr Gillies, who owns Harry's Bar on Newton Road, added: "It's very busy at the minute. My bar is doing well." First-time buyers may find the house prices in Mumbles daunting. Based on an annual survey of earnings by the Office of National Statistics, average salaries in Swansea were £34,871 in April 2024, making an average Mumbles property more than nine times the average wage. However, for those lucky enough to secure a home there, the allure remains as strong as ever. (Image: Wales Online) "Mumbles has always been a sought-after location thanks to its coastal charm, vibrant community, and excellent local amenities but in recent years we have seen demand grow even further," said Ricky Purdy, business partner at Dawsons estate agents, which isn't marketing the Western Lane house. "The new promenade has enhanced the seafront experience, creating a stunning space for walking, cycling, and enjoying the views while the area's restaurants, cafés, and independent shops continue to thrive." Mr Purdy said properties needing substantial renovation could offer tremendous opportunities as purchasers were buying not merely buildings but the prime position. He added: "It's not just the sales market that sees the allure of Mumbles – our lettings team also see a high demand in those wishing to rent too."
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Dilapidated house covered in foliage put on sale for £450,000
Dilapidated house covered in foliage put on sale for £450,000 It has potential The house in the middle is up for sale for £450,000 (Image: Wales Online ) At first glance you might miss a three-bedroom house that's up for sale at a price which might leave you wide-eyed in surprise. Nestled among foliage on a hill is a property in Swansea that's on the market for £450,000. That's more than double the £212,427 average house price in Wales' second city based on homes sold over the last year, according to property website Rightmove. It's been empty for years. Roof slates are missing, the wooden decking is past its best, and nature is reclaiming the plot in a profusion of greenery. But the property is in Mumbles where average house prices were £325,058 over the past 12 months, said Rightmove, with detached ones like the one in question selling for an average of £518,500. And anyone looking out from the house will have a superb view across Swansea Bay towards the city centre and the hills beyond. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here . The view across Swansea Bay (Image: Wales Online ) Mumbles has long been an attractive but expensive place to live and Swansea councillor Will Thomas said he believed it has become more desirable with the recent addition of a new seawall, promenade, 3G sports pitch at Underhill Park, improved park facilities, and road crossings. Cllr Thomas, one of three councillors representing the seaside ward, said he wanted Mumbles to be attractive for all residents and particularly young families to help keep the schools busy. "A lot of Airbnb properties are up for sale since new Welsh Government policies and the 200% council tax in Swansea [for second homes]," he said. A lot of renovation is needed (Image: Wales Online ) Cairnside, the dilapidated property on the market for £450,000, is off Western Lane and has been listed since May. The estate agents marketing it described Cairnside as a "hidden gem" on a large plot which could be renovated or knocked down and replaced with a new house subject to the necessary permissions. As well as nearby shops and restaurants Blue Flag swimming beach Langland is within walking distance and beyond that lies Caswell. Mumbles bar owner Harry Gillies said the former fishing village was a great place to call home. "It's fantastic – everything is on your doorstep," he said. "But there is a bit of a problem with parking." Mr Gillies, the owner of Harry's Bar in Newton Road, said: "It's very busy at the minute. My bar is doing well." The house, centre, off Western Lane (Image: Wales Online ) First-time buyers will baulk at house prices in Mumbles. Average salaries in Swansea were £34,871 in April 2024, based on an annual survey of earnings by the Office of National Statistics, making an average Mumbles property more than nine times the average wage. But for those fortunate enough to buy a place there the pull is as strong as ever. "Mumbles has always been a sought-after location thanks to its coastal charm, vibrant community, and excellent local amenities but in recent years we have seen demand grow even further," said Ricky Purdy, business partner at Dawsons estate agents, which isn't marketing the Western Lane house. "The new promenade has enhanced the seafront experience, creating a stunning space for walking, cycling, and enjoying the views while the area's restaurants, cafés, and independent shops continue to thrive." Article continues below Mr Purdy said homes requiring significant work could hold great potential as buyers were investing not just in bricks and mortar but in the location. He added: "It's not just the sales market that sees the allure of Mumbles – our lettings team also see a high demand in those wishing to rent too."
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
University of Warwick celebrates 'Destresstival' success
Pickleball and pet therapy have proven to be a hit after more than 2,300 university students took part in a festival designed to help them unwind during a stressful part of the academic year. The events were part of four-week programme, DeStresstival, hosted at the University of Warwick where students were invited to try a range of free wellbeing activities including climbing, creative workshops and mindfulness said the events helped them to "feel more supported, relaxed, and energised" throughout the exam month-long initiative built on a two-week pilot that the university delivered last year. A spokesperson for the university said the festival's participation had increased by 54% since last year and highlighted "a strong demand for student-led wellbeing activities".They added that a highlight for many students was a campus petting zoo, where they enjoyed the "calming benefits" of animal Thomas, head of student community experience, said the exam period could be "isolating" and events like DeStresstival helped to "bring people together, take a break, and get active". The spokesperson added the festival's climbing activities had been praised by students for helping them to "step outside their comfort zones" and "feel energised" ahead of their exams. A postgraduate student added that DeStrestival had enabled them to explore new activities: "It was great fun, I connected with other students and loved the chance to create. "It was incredibly relaxing."Georgie Pilling from the university said the festival had created a space for students to pause and take care of their wellbeing during what could be an "overwhelming time". Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Forbes
25-03-2025
- Forbes
FBI Confirms Chrome, Edge, Safari Warning—Stop Using These Websites
These attacks are real—here's what you do. Update: Republished on March 25 with additional warnings as to the multiple risks from these websites and advice for users. The raft of recent FBI warnings hitting smartphone and computer users should not be a surprise. The threat landscape is rapidly worsening, whether from Chinese hackers penetrating U.S. networks or unpaid toll scams spiraling out of control. And much more dangerous AI-fueled attacks will soon turn all this up to eleven. As I reported last week, the bureau is now warning website users to beware 'a scam involving free online document converter tools,' with criminals using 'converter tools to load malware onto victims' computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware.' Now the bureau has confirmed this threat is ongoing, with users continuing to fall victim. 'FBI warnings are true,' says Bleeping Computer, 'fake file converters do push malware.' An FBI spokesperson told the site that 'the scammers try to mimic URLs that are legit, so changing just one letter, or 'INC' instead of 'CO'. Users who in the past would type 'free online file converter' into a search engine are vulnerable, as the algorithms used for results now often include paid results, which might be scams.' 'The best way to thwart these fraudsters,' the FBI says, 'is to educate people so they don't fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the resources they need.' Yes, you should check URLs and avoid free ads topping search. But in reality you should not use online document converters at all — stick to established apps and platforms. The FBI did not point out any specifics websites to avoid. Cue threat hunter Will Thomas, who has posted some example URLs on X, and Malwarebytes, which has published 'some recent examples of domains involved in this type of scam: This threat, per the FBI's warning, bleeds into the ransomware attacks hitting organizations across the U.S., public and private, large and small. As CBS News reports, 'federal investigators suggest the file converter method of attack may be behind the February ransomware attack of a Davenport, Iowa-based media company. Lee Enterprises operates media outlets in more than 70 small-town markets throughout the country, according to its website.' In reality, free document converters carry the same risk as the free apps that lure their way onto millions of phones, promising some sort of trivial functionality — QR code or document reader, for example, while in reality porting malware or abusing device permissions to harvest data and transmit this back to its handlers. According to Fred Chagnon from Info-Tech Research Group (via CSO Online), there are multiple risks with using document cionverters, beyond just phishing. 'Firstly, and most prominently, you can't trust the integrity of the file you're getting back. Even the malicious services out there will perform the actual conversion for the user.' Beyond that, Chagnon warns, 'the resulting PDF file may contain embedded JavaScript code, which executes upon launch, or in the case of a Word or Excel document, Visual Basic code, in the form of macros, could be hiding within the document. Endpoint detection and response tools can act as a layer of defense against these malicious programs, but this is not bulletproof.' Thankfully, this threat is getting more press coverage which will increase awareness. As to what you do, per Bleeping Computer, 'while not all file converters are malware, it's essential to research them before using and check reviews before downloading any programs. If a site is relatively unknown, it is better to avoid it altogether.'
