LEONA LEWIS - LEONA FORCED TO BACK OUT OF HOUSE DEAL

Despite topping both the UK and US chart with her debut single, BLEEDING LOVE, LEONA LEWIS can still not afford to buy a home in the UK.

The songstress, who sprang to fame after winning THE X FACTOR in 2006, recebtly tried to buy a £500,000 house in Hackney, London with her long-term boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa, reports the Sun.

However, when the seller found out who the buyer was they upped the asking price by £100,000 – forcing Leona to pull out.

"It was quite upsetting," a pal told the newspaper.

"They had their heart set on a property and offered the asking price. But the seller thought she was a pop star and could afford more, so he upped the price. It's cruel."

This news follows the announcement that Leona is the first UK female solo artist to have a number one single in America since KIM WILDE's YOU KEEP ME HANGING ON 21 years ago.

Writing on her website the singer stated that she is "overwhelmed" by her success on the other side of the Atlantic.