Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have reportedly left the U.S. for good, settling in England’s Cotswolds region. Known for flipping multimillion-dollar homes across Southern California, the couple’s move could bring an end to one of their most profitable hobbies.
According to TheWrap, the decision to relocate follows their dissatisfaction with the political climate in the U.S., particularly after the election of Donald Trump.
In the U.K., however, flipping luxury properties—especially in the countryside—is not nearly as easy or profitable. Industry experts point out that the Cotswolds market is dominated by long-term buyers looking for “legacy homes,” not quick resale opportunities. “The higher-value houses across the Cotswolds don’t come up particularly regularly,” said Sebastian Hipwood, co-founder of Blue Book Agency.
One of the biggest hurdles is the strict renovation process for listed, or historically protected, properties. Even simple updates like changing windows or flooring often require planning permission, which can take months. “It slows the whole process down,” Hipwood noted.
Gemma Maclaran of Middleton Advisors added that renovation costs have doubled since the pandemic, sometimes reaching £1,000 per square foot.
On top of that, recent tax increases—such as a 2% stamp duty hike on second homes and up to 17% in taxes for international buyers—further reduce the chances of turning a profit.
Experts suggest that flipping in the U.K. may still be viable for those willing to invest in neglected properties in emerging areas. But given the couple’s preference for luxury estates, like their recent $96 million beach home sale in California, rundown fixer-uppers may not fit their usual strategy.
Their move could mark a significant shift in how—and where—they pursue their real estate ventures.
