May the 4th be with you!

As we celebrate another ‘Star Wars’ day, it’s hard to imagine what life was like without Luke, his father Darth, Han, Chewie and the wise words from Yoda. The first movie in the series was released back in 1977 and was a box office hit globally. With its popularity growing, there have now been a total of 12 films released, the most recent being in 2019. There have been a number of changes during these times most notably the cost of living. We thought it is a great opportunity to reflect on how far things have changed within this time 1977 – present day. 

1977 – A NEW HOPE 

The UK celebrated the Queens Silver Jubilee, Liverpool win both League and European Cup and Vauxhall produced their first Cavalier and Ford released their first Fiesta in this year! 

The average Lancaster house price was just £10,306.

1980 – EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 

This year saw the introduction of the Rubiks Cube and Pac Man and John Lennon was assassinated in New York. In the UK the pre decimal six pence was removed from circulation and Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest became European champions. 

In just 3 years since the first film average Lancaster house prices had increased to £18,751.

1983 – RETURN OF THE JEDI 

This year the Compact Disc was launched, the first heart and lung transplant took place, the Brinks-Matt robbery took place at Heathrow Airport with 6,800 gold bars worth 26 million stolen. 

Property prices continued to rise, the average Lancaster home now cost £21,517.

1999 – THE PHANTOM MENACE 

1999 saw a minimum wage of £3.60 introduced in the UK. Manchester United successfully achieved the domestic trophy treble and Tracey Emmin’s controversial exhibit ‘my bed’ also took place at Tate Gallery, London. 

The average Lancaster House Price was now £59,053.

2002 – ATTACK OF THE CLONES 

The Euro currency is introduced in countries in the Euro zone, the Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee but sadly the Queens Mother passed away. England crash out of the World Cup to eventual winners Brazil. 

The average Lancaster House Price jumped to £76,465.

2005 – REVENGE OF THE SITH 

The first ever YouTube video was uploaded in this year and Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles. Live 8 took place across the world focusing on making poverty history and included live performances from U2, Madonna ,Pink Floyd and Paul McCartney. 

In just 3 years since the last film, Lancaster House Prices almost doubled. The average price was now £140,700. Prices were starting to peak.

2015 – THE FORCE AWAKENS 

Conservatives win the General Election, NASA announce they have discovered water on Mars. The latest James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ is a box office hit and Storm Desmond causes destruction throughout Britain. 

10 years on and the UK Housing Market had experienced both a crash and a recovery. The average Lancaster House Price was now £144,145.

2017 – THE LAST JEDI 

Donald Trump takes charge as President of the United States of America, the UK began the Brexit process by triggering section 50 of the Lisbon treaty and Nintendo released their latest console, Nintendo Switch. 

Lancaster House prices were back increasing, with average property now selling for £149,399

2019 – THE RISE OF SKYWALKER 

Tiger Roll wins the Grand National and Boris Johnson replaces Teresa May as Prime Minister of UK. Britain also recorded the hottest August Bank Holiday on record.  In December a decision on Brexit was finally agreed.

In Lancaster House Prices broke the £150,000 average barrier, coming in at £157,700 despite all the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

It’s fascinating to see how things change so much over time and look forward to seeing how the future shapes – you never know we could all be living in a home in a galaxy far far away! 

If you want to talk, Star Wars, Jedi’s or Lancaster House Prices, please call us on 01524 843322.