Leona 'can't afford' house in Hackney

Leona Lewis can't afford to buy a house in Hackney, say reports.

The singer wanted to purchase a property in East London for £500,000, but when sellers realised who she was they increased the price by £100,000, reports The Sun.

"It was quite upsetting," said a source. "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.

"It’s great she wants to buy a house in the area where she grew up - it shouldn’t be made harder because she’s made something of herself."

According to Lewis's father the X Factor winner is not a millionaire yet, despite becoming the first British female solo artist to reach number one in the US since Kim Wilde in 1987.

He commented "It’s a myth Leona is a millionaire. She earns enough to live on, but that’s it."