You can now buy a house in Britain using the cryptocurrency Bitcoin

Ballyclare-based Hagan Homes is believed to be the first firm of its kind in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland to take the step. 

Managing director Jamesy Hagan said: ‘Bitcoin is an innovative new payment method and essentially a new kind of money. It is very similar to a cash transaction. ‘There has been a significant growth in the use of Bitcoin worldwide and our acceptance of this new channel reflects our willingness to respond to the market.’ Hagan Homes recorded a turnover of more than £18 million in 2016/17 and marked its second biggest year of home completions since it was established almost 30 years ago.