For many prospective buyers, a million-pound property represents a huge opportunity in widening the scope of their hunt for the dream home. But depending on where you are in the UK – let alone the world – this price tag varies in purchasing power for the ideal property.
In London, six-figure budgets often only fetch modest square footage, with recent data showing average house prices sitting just under £650,000. When we widen the asking price to a million, you get the equivalent of a typical family home in cheaper areas of the country, but rarely without compromise on size or location. Compare this to global tourist hot spots such as Dubai, coastal regions of Spain, the idyllic Caribbean islands or parts of Australia, and a much different picture is painted.
With UK housing prices continuing to climb and two-thirds of Brits considering life abroad, it’s only natural that swapping a cramped city-centre flat for a larger home, warmer climate or a beachside lifestyle is becoming a tempting alternative.
To put this into perspective, property experts Royal Westmoreland have compared what £1,000,000 can get you across London and four other sought-after locations, helping Brits decide if their money could go further with a life overseas.
London, Chelsea: Bright, two-bedroom period flat
Set across the second and third floors of a handsome period building on Ifield Road, SW10, this two-bedroom apartment offers 862 sq. ft of well-proportioned living space alongside a private roof terrace.
The second floor opens into a bright reception room with good ceiling height, a separate kitchen and direct terrace access. The third-floor houses both bedrooms and a bathroom off the hallway. The principal bedroom spans the full width of the property and has its own en suite, while the second bedroom benefits from ample built-in storage.
Practical credentials are equally strong: 995 years remain on the lease, the annual service charge sits at a modest £700, and the apartment works equally well as a primary residence or investment. (Images: Knight Frank)
At a glance:
- Two-bedrooms
- Two-bathrooms
- Private roof terrace with direct access from the reception room
- En suite bathroom
- 862 sq. ft of bright, well-proportioned living space
Netherlands, Amsterdam: Canal-side two-bedroom apartment
Set along one of Amsterdam’s most prestigious waterways, this design-led two-bedroom apartment occupies a refined position on Keizersgracht. Located within a characterful canal house, the property blends classic architectural features with contemporary interiors, offering a calm, light-filled living environment in the heart of the city.
The apartment spans approximately 1,184 sq. ft of interior living space, thoughtfully arranged to maximise natural light and views across the canal. The main living area is open-plan, incorporating a bespoke kitchen, dining space and lounge, with large windows framing the historic canal views.
The principal bedroom features built-in storage and a sleek en-suite bathroom, while a second bedroom is served by a separate bathroom finished in high-quality materials. Clean lines, neutral tones and carefully considered detailing run throughout, creating a cohesive, modern aesthetic within a traditional setting. (Images: DSTRCT)
The property is priced at €1,150,000 (approximately £995,000).
At a glance:
- Two bedrooms
- Two bathrooms
- 1184 sq. ft of living space
- Canal-facing apartment in a historic building
- Open-plan living, dining and kitchen area
- High-spec finishes throughout
- Prime central Amsterdam location
The Caribbean, Barbados: Split-level four-bedroom townhouse villa
Set within the exclusive Royal Westmoreland Golf Resort on Barbados’s prestigious west coast, Sugar Cane Ridge 14 is a split-level, four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse villa spanning 2,530 sq. ft, with views across a golf course towards the Caribbean Sea.
The upper-level houses an open-plan living and dining area that flows onto a covered south-facing terrace, alongside a fully fitted kitchen with granite countertops and Miele appliances. The lower level holds the principal bedroom, which opens directly onto the private pool deck and has its own en-suite bathroom, along with two further bedrooms. A fourth en-suite bedroom sits on the mezzanine level adjacent to the main entrance. Each bedroom is equipped with air conditioning and ceiling fans.
As a Royal Westmoreland member, the property comes with access to the Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course, tennis and padel courts, a spa and gym, concierge services and the resort’s private beach club at Mullins Bay, a ten-minute drive away. The property is listed at £1,000,000. (Images: Royal Westmoreland)
At a glance:
- Four bedrooms
- Three bathrooms (two en suite)
- 2,530 sq. ft of living space
- Private pool with deck
- Covered terrace with sea and golf course views
- Access to golf, tennis, spa, gym and private beach club
- Gated resort with 24-hour security and concierge
Dubai, Business Bay: Modern one-bedroom apartment
Situated within DIFC Living – the Dubai International Financial Centre’s residential development – this one-bedroom apartment spans 1,073 sq. ft in a 41-storey tower, due for completion in Q3 2026. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views across Dubai’s skyline, including the Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers, with high-specification interior features.
Residents have access to a temperature-controlled pool, private cinema, gym, concierge service and direct access to Gate Avenue’s retail and dining. The Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future and the Financial Centre Metro Station are all within easy reach. Listed at approximately £1 million, this is a property where location and amenity outperform square footage, offering the least space when compared to others on the list. (Images: Knight Frank)
At a glance:
- One bedroom
- One bathroom
- 1,073 sq. ft of living space
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline views
- Temperature-controlled infinity pool
- Private cinema, gym and concierge
- Direct access to Gate Avenue retail and dining
- Off-plan, due for completion Q3 2026
Australia, Yarrawonga: Six-bedroom dual-residence estate
Set on 5.5 acres of landscaped grounds with mature gum trees on the edge of Yarrawonga, 17 Havenstock Drive is a dual-residence estate comprising two fully independent homes behind a sweeping gated driveway, priced at $1,900,000 AUD (approximately £980,000).
The main homestead was built in 1986 using double brick and hardwoods, with cathedral ceilings, multiple living areas, an entertainment bar, a billiard room and a covered gazebo complete with a hot tub. A four-car garage with workbenches completes the main residence. The second home is a generous, self-contained dwelling with open-plan living, a north-facing veranda and its own garage, suitable for extended family or with strong potential to be a rental or bed and breakfast.
The grounds include practice golf holes and manicured lawns, with the Murray River, Lake Mulwala and central Yarrawonga’s shops and cafés just minutes away. (Images: Real Estate)
At a glance:
- Six bedrooms across two residences
- Four bathrooms
- 5-acre plot with mature gardens and gum trees
- Main homestead with cathedral ceilings, bar and billiard room
- Covered gazebo with eight-person spa
- Four-car garage plus separate 11m x 6m workshop garage
- Practice golf holes on the grounds
- Solar system, bore water and natural gas
- Subdivision potential at rear
