An overgrown house which has fallen into serious disrepair after being left unoccupied for more than 25 years has now been put up for sale.

The derelict detached property in Ham Shades Lane, Whitstable, may be smothered in foliage and have boarded-up windows - but it still commands an asking price of £775,000.

The valuation - higher than any other sale in the street since December 2020, according to Rightmove - is influenced by the large plot the three-bed sits on.

Aerial images show it has an enormous rear garden, with the entire site measuring 78ft x195ft.

It is thought a potential buyer may snap up the plot in the hope of demolishing the current building and constructing multiple new homes.

Kent Estate Agencies describe the land as having "unlimited potential subject to planning".

It is the first time the house, which is believed to have been built in the early 1900s, has been up for sale since 1960.

The estate agents say it has "sadly fallen into disrepair, presenting a perfect opportunity for those seeking either re-development subject to planning or a complete restoration project to create their perfect home".

Whatever the fate of the property, residents will be relieved that something is finally being done with the building after decades of inactivity.

It comes after Canterbury City Council launched efforts to tackle empty houses in the district by doubling council tax on homes left unoccupied for more than five years.

The charges were introduced by the authority in April 2020 in an attempt to tackle a housing shortage.

At the time, council spokesman Rob Davies told KentOnline: “The aim of the 200% premium is to encourage owners of properties that have been empty for five years or more to bring them back into use, and we have experienced officers here at the council who can provide advice and support on how to go about that.”

The most extreme example is the Ham Shades Lane house, which has been unoccupied for longer than any other dwelling in the district.

The council said in 2020 that it had been in discussions with the owners.

Mr Davies said: “This property is one we are keen to see brought back into use.

“We have been working with the owners to try and achieve this, but it is a complicated situation, as is the case with many long-term-empty properties.

“It is, though, one we remain hopeful of being able to resolve at some point in the future.”

Situated half a mile away from Whitstable railway station - and with the beach within walking distance - the site is likely to attract developers, despite the £775,000 price tag.

The average house price in Whitstable is £442,876 and in Kent is £409,347.