In the world of real estate, presentation is everything—or so we thought. A recent property listing from Sunderland, UK, has turned that notion on its head, leaving potential investors and the internet community in stitches. The listing, which featured a stubborn tenant asleep in bed, has become a viral sensation, showcasing the unexpected and often humorous side of property marketing.

The one-bedroom apartment, modestly priced at £53,000 (approximately $103,000 AUD), was aimed at investors looking for a steady rental income. However, the current tenant, who has been consistently paying rent for several years, made it clear they had no intention of vacating the premises. In a bold move, the tenant decided to feature themselves in the property's campaign photos, snuggled up under the doona on a single mattress, with their back turned to the camera.



The listing on Rightmove candidly disclosed the tenant's desire to remain, stating, 'They do not have any intentions to move out so hope to remain in the property.' This unusual situation might raise eyebrows among potential buyers, but it also highlights the realities of investing in rental properties—tenants come with the territory, and sometimes they're not ready to leave.


The apartment itself, described as 'very compact,' includes a kitchenette and a bathroom. The photos revealed a less-than-stellar state of tidiness, with a towel strewn on the kitchen floor and various dishes and utensils left out. It's a far cry from the meticulously staged homes we're used to seeing in property ads.



Social media had a field day when the listing went viral. The image of the napping tenant was shared widely, including on X (formerly Twitter) and in the British press, before the agent or landlord decided to remove it from the listing. But by then, the damage—or should we say, the hilarity—had been done.

The current rental rate for the home stands at £6,000 per year (around $11,700 AUD), with the potential to increase to £7,200 ($14,120 AUD) with a new lease. This financial detail adds another layer to the story, as it underscores the potential for a profitable investment, sleepy tenant and all.

One social media user, @amyalby2904, shared the full listing with a caption that resonated with many: 'Enjoying my favourite pastime having a browse through Rightmove.' Amy reflected on the efforts she made to present her own property in the best light, contrasting it with the laissez-faire approach of the Sunderland listing. 'I remember selling my old property and the agent was particular about moving furniture etc around for photos. I can’t stop laughing,' she said.



A follower chimed in with a comment that perfectly captured the mood: 'Gives it that lived-in look.'

This property ad serves as a reminder that the real estate market can be unpredictable and that sometimes, a little humor can go a long way. It also raises questions about the rights of tenants and the challenges that landlords and investors may face.

For our readers over 60, who might be considering downsizing or investing in property, this story is a humorous cautionary tale. It's essential to consider the existing tenancy agreements and the personalities involved when purchasing an investment property. And who knows, maybe a quirky listing like this could be just the thing to make your property stand out in a crowded market.



We'd love to hear your thoughts on this unusual property listing. Have you ever encountered a stubborn tenant, or perhaps you've been one yourself? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!