Westerosi Real Estate Assessments, Part II
Back at the beginning of Season 5, London & Country Mortgages did an overview of the trends in the Westerosi Real Estate Market. With Cersei madly handing out lordships in the name of King Tommen, there are quite a few newly made noblemen looking for a place to call home, so the organization has had to go back and do a secondary set of assessments.
Let’s see what new money can swing in today’s high end fantasy markets.
With most of the Castles in the first valuation being valued in the millions, it’s a little surprising to see that the first property on our tour is valued exponentially higher. But note that New York was the basis for the valuation, rather than UK properties. More importantly, we can see the lingering effects of Tywin Lannister making people believe the Lannisters are worth more than they are. After all, the property may be sitting on a gold mine, but it’s one that’s been empty for decades.
For those looking to pick up Dragon Stone on the cheap now that House Baratheon has fallen, £188 million seems like a bargain next to Casterly Rock. And it’s beachfront property, though it might behoove one to have either a private plane or dragon to travel to other locations.
Arguably the most beautiful castle in Westeros can be yours for the low, low cost of only £97 million. But I would expect to pay more—the Queen of Thornes is one of the best deal-makers in the business, and she’s sure to upsell you at every turn. Might be better to wait until Mace returns from his trip across the Narrow Sea before bidding on this one.
Riverrun is valued lower than Highgarden, but one must remember that the central location is a boon, despite the relatively low standing of House Tully at this time. Also, the middling location means that those who like having four seasons will be satisfied, even when winters can last a generation. And besides, the centrally located shopping district known as The Crossroads is only a couple hours ride away. Make sure to check out the fine dining at the place known as “The Inn.”
Much like Dragonstone, Storm’s End is another beachfront property with stunning views. And with the Iron Bank probably taking possession of it as repayment for Stannis’ debts now that House Baratheon has fallen, we can expect to pay the straight value of the place. One warning—for those unfamiliar with short sales, it can be a bumpy process. But for the price, it’s worth a shot.
Our most expensive property on the list, the exotic locale of the Dornish Old Palace at Sunspear commands a high prices. £1.1 billion might seem steep, when compare to a place like Highgarden, but who wouldn’t jump to pay that just to whip the current Dornish plot into some semblance of shape, and force those Sand Snakes to take fighting lessons? Just make sure you don’t seal the deal with a kiss.
Unfortunately, information on Pyke is scarce. Though repeated calls to Balon Greyjoy have gone unanswered, and his children are both AWOL or presumed dead, those who do answer simply swirl that the castle is worth “The Iron Price” before hanging up. We venture to point out that the weather is terrible, the island nature of the area means that all goods have to be shipped in from the mainland, and the outdoor rope bridge system of commuting is positively medieval when compared to the M5 ring road. Probably not worth the valuation. We’d wait for the Iron Bank to take possession and see what they charge.
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