Model valuation£417,0008 Busby Close
Local market context
Forge Cottage, Wilkins Green, Smallford, St Albans, AL4 0HG
Property type
Detached
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
2
Floor area
115 m²
1238 sq ft
Energy rating
F
Score 34
Council tax
Band G
Tenure
Owner Occupied
About Forge Cottage
A plain-English summary derived from public records, EPC certificates, sold prices and local data.
Forge Cottage is a four-bedroom detached house in Smallford, St. Albans, St Albans (AL4 0HG). It has a recorded floor area of 115 m² (around 1238 sq ft), construction records dating it to 1900-1929 and council tax band G. The latest certificate (April 2026) shows an F (score 34), near the bottom of the EPC scale. The rating has held steady at F across 2 certificates since June 2011. Between certificates, roof efficiency went from Very Poor to Very Good, hot-water efficiency went from Very Poor to Average and lighting went from Poor to Very Good. The recommended improvements would lift it to C (score 70), a 3-band jump. Main heating runs on oil. This certificate was lodged in the last six months, so the rating reflects current condition. Other recorded features include a self-contained annexe. Period features are noted in the property record.
Held since July 2011 — that's 15 years off the open market, well above the local norm. Across 1996–2011, sale prices on this property compounded at 6.1% per year. Today's modelled estimate of £992,000 sits 89% above the 2011 sale of £525,000.
What this property has
Pulled from EPC certificates, claim submissions and our property model. Empty categories are hidden — we only show what's known.
Inside
- Bedrooms4
- Bathrooms2
- Dining roomYes
- Utility roomYes
- CloakroomYes
- EnsuiteYes
Building
- Period featuresYes
Before you decide
Everything you need to know about Forge Cottage
The true value, the hidden risks and the full sale history, in one report.
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The data behind every report
Energy performance
Every EPC certificate filed against this property — current rating, recorded improvements, and where there's headroom to reach a higher band.
Forge Cottage's carbon output runs well above what efficient homes in the postcode produce.
Current Certificate(1 of 2)
Apr 2026
EPC Rating
A
B
C
D
E
F
F34
G
Main Heating
Gas
Main Fuel
Oil
Hot Water
Average
Windows
Very Poor
CO2 Emissions
9.4 t/year
Occupancy
Owner Occupied
Certificate validity
Valid until 25 April 2036
Property Improvements
Changes detected from historical EPC data
Apr 2026from Jun 2011
Hot Water
Main (No Stat)Main System
Hot water system upgraded
Roof Insulation
UninsulatedWell Insulated
Loft insulation installed or upgraded to 250mm+
Low Energy Lighting
14%100%
More low energy lighting installed
Get a survey for this property
Level 3 Building Survey
Victorian-eraDetached HouseEPC FPre-1919 buildExtended multiple times (2+ extensions)No mains gasSolid (non-cavity) walls
Because the property was built before 1919, has been extended more than once, and has no mains gas supply, we believe a Level 3 building survey should be considered.
From £1,495 · Includes VAT
Planning history
Applications and permits filed against Forge Cottage, Wilkins Green, Smallford, St Albans, AL4 0HG, sourced from the PlanIt planning register.
Forge Cottage has no planning applications on record.
2
But the area is active
2 notable applications nearby — larger schemes and conversions that could reshape the street. The report maps them all.
Sales history & valuation
Recorded transactions, our model's current estimate, and a quick read on what neighbouring properties have sold for.
Forge Cottage has more than doubled in price since the earliest registered sale in 1996.
Current estimate
See how we calculated this£992,000
Modelled from EPC, postcode comparables and a sale-price growth of 6.1% per year over 15 years.
Last sold (2011)
£525,000
Growth on file: 6.1% per year over 15 years.
Sales timeline
27 July 2011Most recent
£525,000
+138.6%over 14 years21 November 1996
£220,000
Median price across the last 2 sales in AL4 0HG: £740,000 (2021–1996).
Nearby sales in AL4 0HG
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The neighbourhood at a glance
A condensed read of the local area. Each tile links through to the full breakdown on the St Albans district page.
Crime
113/mo
Steady year-on-year across the wider district.
Nearest stop
0.4 km
Great Nast Hyde — bus stop.
Closest school
1.5 km
Colney Heath Junior Mixed Infant and Nursery School. 14 schools nearby.
Go deeper on the local area
A Local Area report breaks down crime, transport links, schools and air quality in depth.
Common questions
The questions buyers, sellers and homeowners most often ask about Forge Cottage, Wilkins Green, Smallford, St Albans, AL4 0HG. Each answer is also embedded as structured data for search engines.