1 Abbey Close, Elstow, Bedford, MK42 9XX

1 Abbey Close is a semi-detached house in Elstow, Bedford, Bedford (MK42 9XX). It has a recorded floor area of 31 m² (around 334 sq ft), construction records dating it to 1967-1975 and council tax band A. At 31 m² this is the smallest unit on EPC record across the building (31–85 m²). The building's EPC ratings span E to C, with this unit at the bottom. On EPC score it ranks last in the building (41 versus a best of 74). The latest certificate (June 2023) shows an E (score 41), well below the UK norm with real room to improve. Earlier certificates rated it C (November 2009); the latest reading is 2 bands lower. Between certificates, hot-water efficiency went from Poor to Average; while wall efficiency dropped from Good to Poor and window efficiency dropped from Good to Average. The recommended improvements would push it to D (score 60). Main heating runs on electricity.

It hasn't traded since June 1999, a hold of 27 years that's notably long for the area. Only one transfer is on record with HM Land Registry, suggesting it has stayed in the same hands for a long time. Today's modelled estimate of £125,000 sits 267.6% above the 1999 sale of £34,000. At 31 m² it sits well below the postcode median (50 m² across 8 EPCs), making it one of the more compact homes locally. It lags the bulk of the postcode on energy efficiency (less efficient than 88% of similar EPCs).