In 1933, the Monopoly board we know and love was born. But since that time, the capital has transformed both culturally and political. As has been well-documented, house prices in London are soaring faster than you can get past Old Kent Road with a silver dog. So are the Monopoly squares out of dates, and have some squares fallen behind while others taken over?
As the graph shows, there have been some notable big movers. Monopoly does Pall Mall a disservice, as well as Marlborough Street and Trafalgar Square Park Lane prices have soared, but even in 1935 it was one of the most elite roads in England. Less can be said for places like Regent Street, as the data is skewed by the small number of flats on offer. Poor Old Kent Road still lumbers near the bottom, but it's average prices topping £300,000, it's hardly what you'd call a slum.
But how much of this data has been distorted by increases in the last few years? Which monopoly square has seen the biggest rise in the current London property price boom?
But how much of this data has been distorted by increases in the last few years? Which monopoly square has seen the biggest rise in the current London property price boom?
Clearly, Park Lane and The Strand have become even more out of reach for most Londoners in the last few years. But the general trend shows a housing market spiralling out of control. Judging by these numbers, a new Monopoly board may well be out of date in 70 days, not 70 years.
by Richard Crook
by Richard Crook