Lights, Camera, Action: Impact of

Filming on Property Prices

The set location for a film plays a crucial role in bringing the script to life. Can you imagine Braveheart was shot in New York, or if London was the location of choice for the Game of Thrones? These award-winning films are a success in large part due to the careful choice of filming destination. We consider the impact on property prices after film production.

 

Skellig Michael, Ireland – Star Wars Episode VII

One of the most anticipated films of the year, the latest Star Wars movie, was shot on an island west of the Iveragh Peninsula in Ireland. The production company rented the entire island, and closed it to visitors for a duration of three days. The island, which was once the grounds of a monastery transformed into the fictional set for the climactic scenes of the blockbuster movie. Rey, played by Daisy Ridley finally tracks down Luke Skywalker in the old Jedi temple ruins.

The lush rolling landscapes and towering cliffs are actually real footage from the island. Tourism in the area has experienced a major fillip, similar to what happened in New Zealand after the filming of the Lord of the Rings and the creation of Middle-Earth. The nearest inland town, Keel, in County Kerry, home of the famous Inch Beach, has seen property prices rebound since the end of filming. According to a property report by MyHome.ie, prices have increased across the board in the province, and whether this is due to the ‘Star Wars’ effect, that remains to be seen.

 

Gloucestershire, England – Bridget Jones

South West England is very picturesque, with the Cotswold Hills and the sprawling Forests of Dean, it makes for an ideal set location. The quaint village of Snowshill, was used for the scenes in which Renee Zellweger visits her parents at Christmas Time. The entire town was sprayed with artificial snow to create the perfect winter wonderland. Christmas lights were placed in all of the houses in shot, with a large Christmas tree placed in the town square.

The house used in the film, has increased in value by 20 percent since the film aired, but the owners are not planning to move anytime soon. According to the Land Registry House Price Index, the South West of England experienced increases of 6.8 percent in the year to 2016. Perhaps the neurotic character Jones, is a neighbour the English would love to have.

 

Pennsylvania, United States – The Silence of the Lambs

It is not all positive for houses used in the movies though, and the home of psychotic murderer Buffalo Bill, still struggles to be sold. The house which was first listed in 2015, remains on the market, with owners Scott and Barbara Lloyd frustrated by the lack of interest. The three-story Victorian was the number two most clicked property on Realtor.com, but perhaps the fact that a crazed killer once lurked in the house is putting people off. Anthony Hopkins went on to win an Academy Award for his impressive portrayal of Dr Hannibal Lecter, the world’s most notorious cannibal. Perhaps horror movies have an adverse effect on property prices.

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