Lily Phillips has revealed how she’s preparing for her latest so-called ‘sex-challenge’, but her methods have left doctors concerned.

Lily announced she would be having anal sex ‘with as many guys as possible’, sharing the news just days after OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue had sex with 1,057 men in a day.

Concerns have been raised for both women’s sexual health, and now Lily, 23, has acknowledged that STIs are ‘something that could happen’.

While Lily said she was on PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a medication used to reduce the risk of HIV) she told The News Movement that STIs are ‘just the nature of the job’.

She said: ‘Stuff can go wrong… it’s a con of being in our industry. I make sure everyone is tested… but if someone tests the week before and then has sex in between that… it’s something I can’t really stop.’

As well as taking PrEP, Lily said she was preparing in other ways ahead of her ‘all anal gang bang’.

‘I’ll probably stop eating, I also wear a butt plug for quite a while the day before and then the morning of I’m douching quite a few times, making sure everything’s really cleaned out,’ she explained.

‘Then I usually go in with toys and really stretch it out quite a bit.’

However, NHS GP, Dr Hana Patel tells Metro that there are ‘several potential risks’ associated with Lily’s methods.

Anal douching

Anal douching is the process of rinsing the rectum with water or a specialised cleansing solution, typically using a bulb syringe, enema kit or shower attachment.

Dr Hana, who works with Superdrug Online Doctor, explains: ‘It involves inserting some lukewarm water or douching solution into the rectum, allowing it to be retained briefly before expelling it into the toilet. The process is repeated until the water runs clear.

‘It’s important to use body-temperature water, as water that is too hot or too cold can cause discomfort or damage the delicate rectal lining. Some people opt for commercial enema solutions, but these can cause irritation if used frequently.’

Douching regularly carries a number of potential health risks too, as Dr Hana sayd: ‘Overuse can strip away the natural mucus lining of the rectum, which serves as a protective barrier against irritation and infection.

‘It may also disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to irritation, inflammation, or an increased susceptibility to infection.’

And alongside these issues, inserting the water with too much pressure could cause a tear to the rectal tissue, making infection or STIs – including HIV – more likely, as micro-tears in your rectum allow the infection to enter the system more easily.

Butt plugs

The OnlyFans star revealed that she plans to stretch her anus with a butt plug.

Dr Hana explains: ‘The anal muscles are naturally tight, and sudden penetration can cause pain if they are not adequately relaxed. Gradual dilation using a small-to-medium-sized butt plug can help the muscles become accustomed to penetration.’

But using a butt plug for a long time in the way that Lily plans isn’t a good idea.

‘Care should be taken not to overuse a plug,’ says Dr Hana. ‘Prolonged wear can cause irritation or desensitisation.’

Fasting

When it comes to Lily’s decision to fast, the doctor stresses there are numerous risks: low blood sugar, dizziness, fatigue and decreased stamina.

Plus, given her ‘challenge’ is also going to last for hours, a lack of food could increase the star’s risk of fainting or exhaustion, or make sex more painful.

‘Dehydration is another concern,’ adds Dr Hana. ‘Inadequate fluid intake can lead to muscle cramps and reduced lubrication, increasing discomfort during sex’.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Walking through Milton Country Park near my home in Cambridge one morning in the bitterly cold first week of January this year, I felt a sense of peace.

The grass was crunchy underfoot while the trees sparkled with frost. It was so bright, beautiful and invigorating that I stopped to take a video. 

Perhaps most incredibly though, despite the temperature hovering somewhere around the 1°C mark, I bumped into three people during my 90-minute walk. And I spoke to each and every one of them.

For me, a walk in wintertime often turns out to be a more social affair; I love to connect with and help people.

That’s why I created RED January, to inspire everyone to set a daily movement challenge that works for you and your lifestyle and to simply ‘Rise Every Day’.

It all started 10 years ago when I stepped into my mother’s bedroom and invited her to join me in a walking challenge.

At that time she was 52 and a teaching assistant. However, she had been signed off work with severe depression and was struggling to get the motivation to take a step out of bed, especially during the colder months.

Mum wasn’t alone in this – Sport England research shows a marked decline in any sort of adult activity over the winter months – because the darker days and longer nights can cause a physical and emotional setback. 

The impact of reduced sunlight on our hormones and vitamins in the body has been linked to depression, too.

But the thought of another winter of my mum being really unwell with her mental health was just too much, so I vowed to take action.

I shared with her that we had signed up to walk the distance of a marathon in March, something we’d need to train for. Walking is an activity my mum used to really enjoy – and we would do it together. 

That January, my mum and I started by setting little walking challenges: First was to get out of bed, walk to the shower, then outdoors. It was small steps, but we took them together.

Gradually, in our daily phone calls, Mum dropped hints that she had been out of bed and that she’d found her old hiking boots. And then one day, I phoned home and was told she was out with the dog. It was a huge moment for my mum.

She was finally feeling more like herself again. As for me, I felt like I was getting my mum back: My adventurous, outdoorsy, funny mum.

I knew that my mum wasn’t alone in experiencing challenging winters. Whether we experience mental health challenges or not, winter can be a testing time of year – and so RED January was born.

The focus is on ‘moving every day, to beat the winter blues away’. After sharing the idea with my mum – who loved it – I told some close friends, who all helped me launch it. From the logo to word of mouth, there was a small but mighty community working to get the word out.

Since then, RED has grown into a global movement.

We now have a huge community – complete with families, schools and workplaces – doing things together and sharing their experience and achievements, no matter how small.

The majority of ‘REDers’ are motivated to support their own mental health and wellbeing; and our members range vastly in age. Our youngest is four-year-old Jack who does laps of the school playground every weekday between November and February. While Brenda, who is 98, enjoys daily dog walks in Wales.

Research from the University of Oxford even showed that 74% of the RED community are more active than usual during the month.

It’s not just the physical benefits that our members love either. More than 50% of participants experience less stress and reduced signs of depressive symptoms.

I’ve had all sorts of messages from participants about how embracing the movement has been a real boost to self-esteem and self-confidence. Some tell me how they’ve gone for a job they never thought themselves capable of, or have started a new class, or taken steps towards something they’ve always dreamed of doing. 

Other participants raise money for charity alongside completing these challenges – and we’ve raised £3.2 million so far. 

Just the other day, I was speaking to a dad who signed up this year and he told me all about how doing RED January had really enriched his relationship with his son. It’s so heart-warming to hear those positive stories; they remind me exactly why I started this community initiative.

I didn’t do it for the accolades – never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d one day step inside Windsor Castle to receive an MBE ‘for services to the nation’s physical and mental health’ – all I wanted was to help my mum.

Today she still supports her mental health with daily walks and is still very much at the heart of the community. It’s so special that we are now part of a community of over 270,000 people who no longer dread winter.

Instead, we get up and get moving despite the cold, dark weather outside. We build connections with people walking their dogs and talk about how being in the open air helps our wellbeing.

And as another January draws to a close, I feel so proud of the community. Together, we’ve turned a typically challenging time of year into something bright and positive!

This year we partnered with Mind Over Mountains – a mental health charity that provides walks and well-being retreats where the therapeutic benefits of the open air are complemented with trained counsellors to help people open up in an unpressured setting. It was incredibly moving to see so many ‘REDers’ not only choosing to support their own wellbeing, but raise funds to support others.

The RED philosophy carries on year-round, too. Over 70% of our community are more likely to continue the healthy physical activity habits they formed in January, if they’re given support to do so; and we’re all here to support and inspire. 

We can turn January into something to look forward to; so long as we’re ready to rise up and be part of something special.

(As told to Mik Barton, Mind Over Mountains charity)

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

When viewing a property for the first time, you might be focusing your attention on the interiors and looking for any glaring issues that could cost you down the line.

But as soon as you enter, you might want to focus your attention on the front door itself as one flat number is associated with a specific ‘curse.’

Have you ever lived in flat number one? If so, you might have had more visitors than you anticipated, accommodating various deliveries and lost Deliveroo drivers. Who needs a concierge when you could just press the first buzzer?

Since buying a flat after years of renting, this has been the experience of one disgruntled Redditor – who would have thought twice had they known the perils.

‘When you live in flat one of a block you effectively become the concierge,‘ yojimbo_beta penned in the r/HousingUK thread.

‘Any time a postman, Amazon driver, Deliveroo courier, canvasser etc can’t get hold of flat two, they will see your flat one doorbell and smash that button like you’re their personal helper.

‘It never occurs to them, never, to try anyone else. You are going to be buzzed several times a day, have people peek through your windows, and basically [be] asked to drop everything to solve whatever their problem is.

‘Disconnecting the buzzer helps a little but there’s still a lot of footfall, intrusion, [and] people treating you as the backup for all neighbour-related tasks. I’d definitely think twice next time.’

They weren’t alone in their experience. For @minimumof6, someone on the top floor of their building runs an Airbnb.

‘Their code for their key safe is 1999…can you guess how many guests have no idea what an intercom is and enter this code into the intercom, subsequently buzzing us?’ she wrote.

‘About six in 10 people. I’m permanently WFH so I made a note. I had to ask them to remove the one from the code.’

Meanwhile, @Original_Nothing_787 used to live on the top floor of a block of flats. After the delivery drivers realised that they worked from home and were subsequently in ‘all the time,’ they became the go-to parcel people.

‘They ended up ringing us every day instead of the flats they actually had mail for…was frustrating at least,’ they penned. ‘Never let anyone know you’re home during the day.’

@FootballBackground88 used to live in a block of flats where the road address was 88, and so everyone’s address was ‘Flat X, 88 Y Road.’ It caused such a nuisance that flat 88 ‘had a notice on the door as they were harassed so frequently.’

However, while it might be frustrating constantly being treated like the concierge, there’s more value to living at number one than initially meets the eye.

As per one previous study from Rightmove, this number actually has the highest valuation at an average of £393,690.

It’s not such good news for number 13 though, which has the lowest average property value at £354,793 – a difference of 11%.

For superstitious reasons, number 13 has the lowest average property value of them all at £354,793 – £5,333 lower than the average across the study of £360,126.

For this reason, there are almost double the number of houses number 14 than 13 across the UK, with many streets choosing to skip the notoriously ‘unlucky’ number.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

When viewing a property for the first time, you might be focusing your attention on the interiors and looking for any glaring issues that could cost you down the line.

But as soon as you enter, you might want to focus your attention on the front door itself as one flat number is associated with a specific ‘curse.’

Have you ever lived in flat number one? If so, you might have had more visitors than you anticipated, accommodating various deliveries and lost Deliveroo drivers. Who needs a concierge when you could just press the first buzzer?

Since buying a flat after years of renting, this has been the experience of one disgruntled Redditor – who would have thought twice had they known the perils.

‘When you live in flat one of a block you effectively become the concierge,‘ yojimbo_beta penned in the r/HousingUK thread.

‘Any time a postman, Amazon driver, Deliveroo courier, canvasser etc can’t get hold of flat two, they will see your flat one doorbell and smash that button like you’re their personal helper.

‘It never occurs to them, never, to try anyone else. You are going to be buzzed several times a day, have people peek through your windows, and basically [be] asked to drop everything to solve whatever their problem is.

‘Disconnecting the buzzer helps a little but there’s still a lot of footfall, intrusion, [and] people treating you as the backup for all neighbour-related tasks. I’d definitely think twice next time.’

They weren’t alone in their experience. For @minimumof6, someone on the top floor of their building runs an Airbnb.

‘Their code for their key safe is 1999…can you guess how many guests have no idea what an intercom is and enter this code into the intercom, subsequently buzzing us?’ she wrote.

‘About six in 10 people. I’m permanently WFH so I made a note. I had to ask them to remove the one from the code.’

Meanwhile, @Original_Nothing_787 used to live on the top floor of a block of flats. After the delivery drivers realised that they worked from home and were subsequently in ‘all the time,’ they became the go-to parcel people.

‘They ended up ringing us every day instead of the flats they actually had mail for…was frustrating at least,’ they penned. ‘Never let anyone know you’re home during the day.’

@FootballBackground88 used to live in a block of flats where the road address was 88, and so everyone’s address was ‘Flat X, 88 Y Road.’ It caused such a nuisance that flat 88 ‘had a notice on the door as they were harassed so frequently.’

However, while it might be frustrating constantly being treated like the concierge, there’s more value to living at number one than initially meets the eye.

As per one previous study from Rightmove, this number actually has the highest valuation at an average of £393,690.

It’s not such good news for number 13 though, which has the lowest average property value at £354,793 – a difference of 11%.

For superstitious reasons, number 13 has the lowest average property value of them all at £354,793 – £5,333 lower than the average across the study of £360,126.

For this reason, there are almost double the number of houses number 14 than 13 across the UK, with many streets choosing to skip the notoriously ‘unlucky’ number.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Buying (or selling) a home can be an arduous process – but what happens if you uncover a nasty secret after securing your dream property?

We’re not talking about damp, mould or subsidence here, but paranormal activity. And while many might not believe in ghosts, Reddit is inundated with posts from new homeowners who have accidentally moved into a haunted house.

The fiancé of one first-time buyer had a number of spooky experiences while renovating their home a few doors down from a graveyard. They were never warned about any unsettled spirits by the previous owners.

‘He was coming up the basement stairs three months ago and felt a strong presence behind him. He went to go book it up the stairs and the lights shut off on him,’ @winteralexandria’s post in the r/Paranormal subreddit reads.

‘He turns around while at the top of the steps and from the lights in another room of the basement he saw two shadow figures at the bottom of the steps peeking around the corner.’

Elsewhere, the fridge would often be ‘open and dinging’ whenever he arrived at the house – and a 6ft ladder was moved from one room to the other.

‘He was in the basement and clear as day heard someone walking upstairs, heavy footsteps. He went up and the house is empty,’ the post added.

Meanwhile, @Litalonely rented a house that was so spooky they couldn’t use the entire third floor, which was comprised of three bedrooms, two living rooms, and a bathroom.

‘Whatever is in my home is ruining our lives and I have smudged it many times. It worked once a few months ago, and now whatever it is, [it] doesn’t care how long I smudge and chant for,’ they wrote.

‘Four hours of drowning the place in sage and cedar while commanding it to leave did not work.

‘When my partner has stayed up there, things get bad with him. Whatever it is, [it] steps in and basically possesses him. It happened to my brother as well when he lived here.’

And last week, Adele was accused of jeopardising the sale of a £6,000,000 mansion she lived in back in 2012 for publicly alluding to it being haunted.

The current owners of the Grade II-listed Lock House in Partridge Green, West Sussex have now submitted a planning permission request to convert the 10-bedroom property into three residential units.

As per reports from the BBC, they remarked that Adele’s comments during an interview had impeded the selling process, as well as ‘future marketing efforts.’

Do you have a right to know if your new home is haunted?

So, with all this in mind, do homeowners legally have to disclose a property being haunted to buyers? In short, no – unless the new buyers end up feeling misled and decide to take legal action.

‘When it comes to selling a potentially haunted house it’s somewhat of a grey area with regard to disclosing such information and the law does not compel you to disclose if a property is haunted, unlike a physical issue such as a structural default,’ CEO of Yopa, Verona Frankish, tells Metro.

‘That said, as a seller, you must also ensure you don’t lie about the history of the property if a buyer asks you a direct question, but this largely puts the ball in the buyer’s court to fully investigate the property and any potential issues it might have.’

Naturally, though, not everyone believes in ghosts – and as Verona says, it ‘really rests on whether you believe in the paranormal or not and, perhaps most importantly, the buyer.’

‘If the buyer feels they’ve been misled it could lead to a case of non-disclosure under the Misdescriptions Act of 1991, however, they would need to be able to prove in a court of law that the house is haunted,’ Verona adds.

‘Despite the fact that it is incredibly hard to prove, a property with a reputation for being haunted can go for as much as 10% to 25% below market value – that’s between £29,000 to £72,000 based on the current average UK house price.’

4 of Britain’s most haunted homes

30 East Drive in Pontefract

Number 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire is an unsuspecting semi-detached house — but upon entering you may discover it’s home to Europe’s most violent poltergeist.

Horror fans from all over the UK have been flocking to stay in the three-bedroom property, which has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most haunted’ home, spending just £75 per night to see if it is as haunted as the claims suggest.

The strange happenings started in 1966 when Jean and Joe Pritchard moved into the home with their two children Phillip, then 15, and Diane, then 12.

The family then claimed to have experienced years of unexplainable events such as lights being turned on and off, green foam appearing from tops and photographs being slashed.

They said the happenings got progressively more violent as family members were slapped and shoved down the stairs.

The Stag Inn, Hastings

Perhaps the oldest public house in Hastings, East Sussex, The Stag Inn dates back to the 1500s – and was connected to smugglers in the 1700s.

Ghosts are discussed matter-of-factly on the pub’s website, where they admit to a few familiar (if translucent) faces: a sea captain from Holland murdered by a local fisherman, and a horror movie-esque young girl dressed in all white.

‘The back bedroom gives you goosebumps,’ the staff add. ‘Most who have used the room have felt a presence.’

Even more weirdly, there are two old, mummified cats at the bar. They’ve been on site since the 1800s, or so the stories say, apparently used to fend off evil spirits.

Blickling Hall, Norfolk

This Aylsham, Norfolk country home is the residence of the UK’s most famous headless ghost: Anne Boleyn.

Apparently, the beheaded former wife of Henry VIII haunts to corridors of her family home (she was born on Blickling’s 5,000-acre estate) every year on the day of her execution: May 19.

Anne isn’t the only Boleyn to haunt the halls. Some have reported sightings of her father Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire’s ghost.

Littledean Hall, Gloucestershire

Noted as one of the most ‘haunted’ houses in England, Littledean Hall was built in the 5th century. Originally a Saxon hall, it was later remodelled from a church and then into a Norman hall.

That said, there are supposedly some ghostly tenants here who don’t appear to have moved out.

Perhaps the most famous apparition is that of a little boy, whose portrait still hangs on the wall.

In the 1950s, one visitor recalled a terrible night of sleep on account of the flickering lights out on the landing – where another saw the boy running across the room, only to find just his portrait upon arriving.

Meanwhile, other experiences at Littledean Hall include hearing horses’ hooves in empty stables, as well as multiple experiences of vertigo on one of the staircases where a previous owner fell, and ghostly bloodstains in front of the fireplace.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Buying (or selling) a home can be an arduous process – but what happens if you uncover a nasty secret after securing your dream property?

We’re not talking about damp, mould or subsidence here, but paranormal activity. And while many might not believe in ghosts, Reddit is inundated with posts from new homeowners who have accidentally moved into a haunted house.

The fiancé of one first-time buyer had a number of spooky experiences while renovating their home a few doors down from a graveyard. They were never warned about any unsettled spirits by the previous owners.

‘He was coming up the basement stairs three months ago and felt a strong presence behind him. He went to go book it up the stairs and the lights shut off on him,’ @winteralexandria’s post in the r/Paranormal subreddit reads.

‘He turns around while at the top of the steps and from the lights in another room of the basement he saw two shadow figures at the bottom of the steps peeking around the corner.’

Elsewhere, the fridge would often be ‘open and dinging’ whenever he arrived at the house – and a 6ft ladder was moved from one room to the other.

‘He was in the basement and clear as day heard someone walking upstairs, heavy footsteps. He went up and the house is empty,’ the post added.

Meanwhile, @Litalonely rented a house that was so spooky they couldn’t use the entire third floor, which was comprised of three bedrooms, two living rooms, and a bathroom.

‘Whatever is in my home is ruining our lives and I have smudged it many times. It worked once a few months ago, and now whatever it is, [it] doesn’t care how long I smudge and chant for,’ they wrote.

‘Four hours of drowning the place in sage and cedar while commanding it to leave did not work.

‘When my partner has stayed up there, things get bad with him. Whatever it is, [it] steps in and basically possesses him. It happened to my brother as well when he lived here.’

And last week, Adele was accused of jeopardising the sale of a £6,000,000 mansion she lived in back in 2012 for publicly alluding to it being haunted.

The current owners of the Grade II-listed Lock House in Partridge Green, West Sussex have now submitted a planning permission request to convert the 10-bedroom property into three residential units.

As per reports from the BBC, they remarked that Adele’s comments during an interview had impeded the selling process, as well as ‘future marketing efforts.’

Do you have a right to know if your new home is haunted?

So, with all this in mind, do homeowners legally have to disclose a property being haunted to buyers? In short, no – unless the new buyers end up feeling misled and decide to take legal action.

‘When it comes to selling a potentially haunted house it’s somewhat of a grey area with regard to disclosing such information and the law does not compel you to disclose if a property is haunted, unlike a physical issue such as a structural default,’ CEO of Yopa, Verona Frankish, tells Metro.

‘That said, as a seller, you must also ensure you don’t lie about the history of the property if a buyer asks you a direct question, but this largely puts the ball in the buyer’s court to fully investigate the property and any potential issues it might have.’

Naturally, though, not everyone believes in ghosts – and as Verona says, it ‘really rests on whether you believe in the paranormal or not and, perhaps most importantly, the buyer.’

‘If the buyer feels they’ve been misled it could lead to a case of non-disclosure under the Misdescriptions Act of 1991, however, they would need to be able to prove in a court of law that the house is haunted,’ Verona adds.

‘Despite the fact that it is incredibly hard to prove, a property with a reputation for being haunted can go for as much as 10% to 25% below market value – that’s between £29,000 to £72,000 based on the current average UK house price.’

4 of Britain’s most haunted homes

30 East Drive in Pontefract

Number 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire is an unsuspecting semi-detached house — but upon entering you may discover it’s home to Europe’s most violent poltergeist.

Horror fans from all over the UK have been flocking to stay in the three-bedroom property, which has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most haunted’ home, spending just £75 per night to see if it is as haunted as the claims suggest.

The strange happenings started in 1966 when Jean and Joe Pritchard moved into the home with their two children Phillip, then 15, and Diane, then 12.

The family then claimed to have experienced years of unexplainable events such as lights being turned on and off, green foam appearing from tops and photographs being slashed.

They said the happenings got progressively more violent as family members were slapped and shoved down the stairs.

The Stag Inn, Hastings

Perhaps the oldest public house in Hastings, East Sussex, The Stag Inn dates back to the 1500s – and was connected to smugglers in the 1700s.

Ghosts are discussed matter-of-factly on the pub’s website, where they admit to a few familiar (if translucent) faces: a sea captain from Holland murdered by a local fisherman, and a horror movie-esque young girl dressed in all white.

‘The back bedroom gives you goosebumps,’ the staff add. ‘Most who have used the room have felt a presence.’

Even more weirdly, there are two old, mummified cats at the bar. They’ve been on site since the 1800s, or so the stories say, apparently used to fend off evil spirits.

Blickling Hall, Norfolk

This Aylsham, Norfolk country home is the residence of the UK’s most famous headless ghost: Anne Boleyn.

Apparently, the beheaded former wife of Henry VIII haunts to corridors of her family home (she was born on Blickling’s 5,000-acre estate) every year on the day of her execution: May 19.

Anne isn’t the only Boleyn to haunt the halls. Some have reported sightings of her father Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire’s ghost.

Littledean Hall, Gloucestershire

Noted as one of the most ‘haunted’ houses in England, Littledean Hall was built in the 5th century. Originally a Saxon hall, it was later remodelled from a church and then into a Norman hall.

That said, there are supposedly some ghostly tenants here who don’t appear to have moved out.

Perhaps the most famous apparition is that of a little boy, whose portrait still hangs on the wall.

In the 1950s, one visitor recalled a terrible night of sleep on account of the flickering lights out on the landing – where another saw the boy running across the room, only to find just his portrait upon arriving.

Meanwhile, other experiences at Littledean Hall include hearing horses’ hooves in empty stables, as well as multiple experiences of vertigo on one of the staircases where a previous owner fell, and ghostly bloodstains in front of the fireplace.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

First, it’s a coffee shop, and then it’s a miniature craft ale brewery. Once you see these little signs, you might conclude that the bang average London area you call home is now officially ‘on the up.’

It’s something of a double-edged sword, as gentrification can unfairly price locals out or lead to homogenous property developments and high streets.

On the other hand, spotting these neighbourhoods early allows cash-strapped househunters to find somewhere affordable, while an influx of interest can boost the local economy.

Whichever side you’re on, it makes sense to stay ahead of the curve. So where can we expect to see the next Hackney or Brixton-level transformation?

On an impassioned Reddit threat about gentrification in the capital, some claimed Tottenham as the latest target of ‘the Gail’s and Ole + Steen crowd’, while others name-checked Woolwich, Thamesmead, Forest Gate and East Ham.

To find out more, Metro chatted to property expert Sue Iluc, founder of Courtyard Holiday Apartments and self-described ‘designer holiday let lady’, about the areas in the capital she thinks are heading this way in 2025.

Woolwich

Average house price: £407,866

As soon as it was announced that the Elizabeth Line would be coming to Woolwich, countless new crowds started to reconsider this often written off suburb of South East London.

Its distance from the city centre might’ve put people off – being more than 5 miles east of central London – but now, it’s just 25 minutes to Paddington and half an hour to Tottenham Court Road. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

There’s bags of culture in Woolwich – and it’s the natural home of Arsenal fans, being the founding location of the football club (as followers of north London rival, Tottenham Hotspur, love to point out) with its namesake coming from the Royal Arsenal, an armaments factory.

It’s not just sporting history though, as there are plenty of local coffee shops to enjoy both a community vibe and a tasty cuppa, including House of Denna, Chealsons Coffee and Busy Brewing.

Plus, there are stunning views of the River Thames – from a point further down the stream which you might not be so used to.

‘Crossrail has made getting into the city so much quicker, which has brought more attention to the area,’ Sue tells Metro.

‘But there’s more to Woolwich than convenience — there’s been serious investment in the town centre, creating a livelier, more connected community.

‘You’ll find everything from riverside apartments to charming period homes, offering something for everyone.’

Croydon

Average house price: £392,333

Characterised by bright green trams, Boxpark and a massive Ikea, in January 2024, Croydon was crowned the most affordable location for househunters in London, with research from Zoopla indicating that you can get on the ladder for as little as £76,000 in a shared-ownership home.

And so, it’s little surprise that it’s looking like one to watch in the London property world.

Data from Rightmove reveals that, over the last year, the average selling price for properties in Croydon was £392,333 – considerably cheaper than the typical London house, which now rests at a whopping £686,817.

Along these lines, it seems Croydon is beloved by many for being well-connected to central London, as well as its cultural hotspots including Surrey Street Market and Matthew’s Yard.

There’s no shortage of green space either, offering up Wandle Park, Lloyd Park and Addington Hills.

‘It’s shedding its old image as just a commuter hub, with tech start-ups and creative businesses breathing new life into the area,’ Sue explains. ‘On top of that, there are big plans to overhaul the town centre, making it more attractive to people looking for a mix of affordability and city access.’

Barking and Dagenham

Average property price: £387,184

In the middle of the 19th century, Barking was actually Britain’s most important fishing port. And in 2021, the nation’s biggest wholesale fish market, Billingsgate, was confirmed to be moving in alongside New Smithfields and Spitalfields.

Arguably, the relocation of these iconic markets has spearheaded a total transformation of the area, alongside the addition of a new community at Barking Riverside, the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier, and the opening of a new Overground station in 2022.

Barking’s pre-existing connectivity is also excellent, with District and Hammersmith & City lines, c2c and Overground services, and Cycle Superhighway 3.

‘With lower property prices and a wave of regeneration linked to the Thames Estuary projects, it’s drawing attention from first-time buyers and investors alike,’ Sue says.

‘Transport links are improving, and the area’s focus on community-driven initiatives makes it a compelling option for renters as well.’

This article was first published on January 13, 2025.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

First, it’s a coffee shop, and then it’s a miniature craft ale brewery. Once you see these little signs, you might conclude that the bang average London area you call home is now officially ‘on the up.’

It’s something of a double-edged sword, as gentrification can unfairly price locals out or lead to homogenous property developments and high streets.

On the other hand, spotting these neighbourhoods early allows cash-strapped househunters to find somewhere affordable, while an influx of interest can boost the local economy.

Whichever side you’re on, it makes sense to stay ahead of the curve. So where can we expect to see the next Hackney or Brixton-level transformation?

On an impassioned Reddit threat about gentrification in the capital, some claimed Tottenham as the latest target of ‘the Gail’s and Ole + Steen crowd’, while others name-checked Woolwich, Thamesmead, Forest Gate and East Ham.

To find out more, Metro chatted to property expert Sue Iluc, founder of Courtyard Holiday Apartments and self-described ‘designer holiday let lady’, about the areas in the capital she thinks are heading this way in 2025.

Woolwich

Average house price: £407,866

As soon as it was announced that the Elizabeth Line would be coming to Woolwich, countless new crowds started to reconsider this often written off suburb of South East London.

Its distance from the city centre might’ve put people off – being more than 5 miles east of central London – but now, it’s just 25 minutes to Paddington and half an hour to Tottenham Court Road. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

There’s bags of culture in Woolwich – and it’s the natural home of Arsenal fans, being the founding location of the football club (as followers of north London rival, Tottenham Hotspur, love to point out) with its namesake coming from the Royal Arsenal, an armaments factory.

It’s not just sporting history though, as there are plenty of local coffee shops to enjoy both a community vibe and a tasty cuppa, including House of Denna, Chealsons Coffee and Busy Brewing.

Plus, there are stunning views of the River Thames – from a point further down the stream which you might not be so used to.

‘Crossrail has made getting into the city so much quicker, which has brought more attention to the area,’ Sue tells Metro.

‘But there’s more to Woolwich than convenience — there’s been serious investment in the town centre, creating a livelier, more connected community.

‘You’ll find everything from riverside apartments to charming period homes, offering something for everyone.’

Croydon

Average house price: £392,333

Characterised by bright green trams, Boxpark and a massive Ikea, in January 2024, Croydon was crowned the most affordable location for househunters in London, with research from Zoopla indicating that you can get on the ladder for as little as £76,000 in a shared-ownership home.

And so, it’s little surprise that it’s looking like one to watch in the London property world.

Data from Rightmove reveals that, over the last year, the average selling price for properties in Croydon was £392,333 – considerably cheaper than the typical London house, which now rests at a whopping £686,817.

Along these lines, it seems Croydon is beloved by many for being well-connected to central London, as well as its cultural hotspots including Surrey Street Market and Matthew’s Yard.

There’s no shortage of green space either, offering up Wandle Park, Lloyd Park and Addington Hills.

‘It’s shedding its old image as just a commuter hub, with tech start-ups and creative businesses breathing new life into the area,’ Sue explains. ‘On top of that, there are big plans to overhaul the town centre, making it more attractive to people looking for a mix of affordability and city access.’

Barking and Dagenham

Average property price: £387,184

In the middle of the 19th century, Barking was actually Britain’s most important fishing port. And in 2021, the nation’s biggest wholesale fish market, Billingsgate, was confirmed to be moving in alongside New Smithfields and Spitalfields.

Arguably, the relocation of these iconic markets has spearheaded a total transformation of the area, alongside the addition of a new community at Barking Riverside, the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier, and the opening of a new Overground station in 2022.

Barking’s pre-existing connectivity is also excellent, with District and Hammersmith & City lines, c2c and Overground services, and Cycle Superhighway 3.

‘With lower property prices and a wave of regeneration linked to the Thames Estuary projects, it’s drawing attention from first-time buyers and investors alike,’ Sue says.

‘Transport links are improving, and the area’s focus on community-driven initiatives makes it a compelling option for renters as well.’

This article was first published on January 13, 2025.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.

This week, we’re in Battersea visiting 33-year-old Elliot Gleghorn, who bought a two-bedroom flat in Nine Elms.

Prior to moving into his new home, Elliot rented nearby and was able to save through the London Living Rent (LLR) scheme.

Funded by the Mayor of London, the policy enables tenants to boost their savings by paying a reduced rate for their rented homes, eventually giving them the opportunity to buy their rental property – or a different home – through shared ownership.

Now, Elliot lives right next to the vibrant Battersea Power Station with its shops and restuarants, and even has the Nine Elms Sainsbury’s Superstore (so beloved it’s gained a niche online fan club) right on his doorstep.

Here’s what Elliot had to say about his property journey…

Tell us about yourself!

I’m a 33-year-old chartered surveyor and I’m originally from Hertfordshire. I moved to London mainly for work, but it’s always been somewhere I wanted to live and own a property. I believe that shared ownership was the only way I could achieve this.

Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?

I’ve been lucky enough to purchase a brand-new apartment close to my previous London Living Rent apartment in Nine Elms, and my monthly payments are actually lower now with shared ownership than they were renting.

How did you save up for your deposit?

I previously lived in an apartment rented out by housing association and developer L&Q Homes, who offer tenants the option to take part in the London Living Rent scheme. There, I was paying £1,540 per month, of which £350 was allocated towards a deposit.

It allowed me to live in a great location, in a high-quality home, while saving up each month. It gave me the lifestyle I wanted, but still left room for my long-term goal of homeownership. Without it, I would’ve likely had to flat share, which wouldn’t have been ideal.

It gave me the independence and flexibility I needed to start saving for a home of my own. I started looking after two years of saving through London Living Rent. Paired with some inheritance, I was able to use my savings to secure a two-bedroom apartment just down the road.

When did you move in?

October 2024.

How much does your property cost?

The full market value is £820,000. I own 25% through shared ownership, which equates to £205,000.

How much was your deposit?

£110,000.

What is the monthly cost of living here now; both mortgage and bills?

Around £1,500 per month (including mortgage, shared ownership rent, service charge and bills).

What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?

Very straightforward, but I would highlight that the key is working with an experienced mortgage advisor who has good knowledge of how affordable and shared ownership products work, and has good relationships with the high street banks.

This makes it much more efficient to find and secure the best rate, and most appropriate lender for your circumstances.

Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?

I’m on a three-year fixed no-fee purchase. I was given a loan of £95,000 for a duration of 40 years.

What made you want to buy rather than rent?

Recent large rent hikes and increases in the cost of living have made renting in London very difficult.

I concluded that if I wanted to continue to enjoy working and living in London, a shared ownership purchase was the only viable option that allowed me to build equity in my own property. Renting through London Living Rent helped me to save.

How did you find this property? What made you choose it?

I did my research – I looked into the available shared ownership schemes in Wandsworth (the London borough I worked in). I also registered on the affordable housing government website to receive updates from relevant housing associations.

I chose this development as it is one of the tallest and most impressive newbuild developments in London, with views over the River Thames. It’s a modern high-quality build, has great amenities, and fantastic transport links nearby.

How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?

Fortunately, I moved from a self-furnished one-bedroom flat nearby, so I was already very familiar with the area and it was quite straightforward to move everything over to the new apartment, which made the transition really easy.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

I have a two-bedroom flat as a single occupant, which means I can utilise the second bedroom as an office, and implement good storage solutions to make the place feel much less cluttered.

Storage space is normally a problem in apartments, particularly in London, so with the benefit of the second bedroom, the property feels surprisingly spacious.  

Do you have plans to change the property?

Nothing other than a few more minor decorations.

Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?

There have been some snagging issues to do with the heating system, but this was all dealt with by the developers and is to be expected with new build properties.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

Please do your research, get good advice from experienced property experts and only make the big commitment to purchase a shared ownership property, once you have understood the costs and benefits, because like everything in life, there are always both!

What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?

In the long term, my preference is to staircase and build my equity in the property.

My aim is to be in the property for a minimum of three years before considering my next steps. For the moment it suits all my requirements perfectly.

Shall we take a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.

This week, we’re in Battersea visiting 33-year-old Elliot Gleghorn, who bought a two-bedroom flat in Nine Elms.

Prior to moving into his new home, Elliot rented nearby and was able to save through the London Living Rent (LLR) scheme.

Funded by the Mayor of London, the policy enables tenants to boost their savings by paying a reduced rate for their rented homes, eventually giving them the opportunity to buy their rental property – or a different home – through shared ownership.

Now, Elliot lives right next to the vibrant Battersea Power Station with its shops and restuarants, and even has the Nine Elms Sainsbury’s Superstore (so beloved it’s gained a niche online fan club) right on his doorstep.

Here’s what Elliot had to say about his property journey…

Tell us about yourself!

I’m a 33-year-old chartered surveyor and I’m originally from Hertfordshire. I moved to London mainly for work, but it’s always been somewhere I wanted to live and own a property. I believe that shared ownership was the only way I could achieve this.

Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?

I’ve been lucky enough to purchase a brand-new apartment close to my previous London Living Rent apartment in Nine Elms, and my monthly payments are actually lower now with shared ownership than they were renting.

How did you save up for your deposit?

I previously lived in an apartment rented out by housing association and developer L&Q Homes, who offer tenants the option to take part in the London Living Rent scheme. There, I was paying £1,540 per month, of which £350 was allocated towards a deposit.

It allowed me to live in a great location, in a high-quality home, while saving up each month. It gave me the lifestyle I wanted, but still left room for my long-term goal of homeownership. Without it, I would’ve likely had to flat share, which wouldn’t have been ideal.

It gave me the independence and flexibility I needed to start saving for a home of my own. I started looking after two years of saving through London Living Rent. Paired with some inheritance, I was able to use my savings to secure a two-bedroom apartment just down the road.

When did you move in?

October 2024.

How much does your property cost?

The full market value is £820,000. I own 25% through shared ownership, which equates to £205,000.

How much was your deposit?

£110,000.

What is the monthly cost of living here now; both mortgage and bills?

Around £1,500 per month (including mortgage, shared ownership rent, service charge and bills).

What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?

Very straightforward, but I would highlight that the key is working with an experienced mortgage advisor who has good knowledge of how affordable and shared ownership products work, and has good relationships with the high street banks.

This makes it much more efficient to find and secure the best rate, and most appropriate lender for your circumstances.

Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?

I’m on a three-year fixed no-fee purchase. I was given a loan of £95,000 for a duration of 40 years.

What made you want to buy rather than rent?

Recent large rent hikes and increases in the cost of living have made renting in London very difficult.

I concluded that if I wanted to continue to enjoy working and living in London, a shared ownership purchase was the only viable option that allowed me to build equity in my own property. Renting through London Living Rent helped me to save.

How did you find this property? What made you choose it?

I did my research – I looked into the available shared ownership schemes in Wandsworth (the London borough I worked in). I also registered on the affordable housing government website to receive updates from relevant housing associations.

I chose this development as it is one of the tallest and most impressive newbuild developments in London, with views over the River Thames. It’s a modern high-quality build, has great amenities, and fantastic transport links nearby.

How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?

Fortunately, I moved from a self-furnished one-bedroom flat nearby, so I was already very familiar with the area and it was quite straightforward to move everything over to the new apartment, which made the transition really easy.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

I have a two-bedroom flat as a single occupant, which means I can utilise the second bedroom as an office, and implement good storage solutions to make the place feel much less cluttered.

Storage space is normally a problem in apartments, particularly in London, so with the benefit of the second bedroom, the property feels surprisingly spacious.  

Do you have plans to change the property?

Nothing other than a few more minor decorations.

Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?

There have been some snagging issues to do with the heating system, but this was all dealt with by the developers and is to be expected with new build properties.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

Please do your research, get good advice from experienced property experts and only make the big commitment to purchase a shared ownership property, once you have understood the costs and benefits, because like everything in life, there are always both!

What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?

In the long term, my preference is to staircase and build my equity in the property.

My aim is to be in the property for a minimum of three years before considering my next steps. For the moment it suits all my requirements perfectly.

Shall we take a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.