The oldest surviving residence in Ipswich is about to hit the rental market and become home to someone outside of the church congregation for the first time in 650 years.

Elm's Cottage, which is located in the courtyard of St Mary at the Elm's Church on Elm Street, is the oldest residential property on record, dating back to 1467.

The property is set to welcome a new resident after the previous tenant, a member of the church's congregation had to move due to being unable to navigate the stairs.

The cottage is in the courtyard of St Mary in the Elm's ChurchThe cottage is in the courtyard of St Mary in the Elm's Church (Image: Concord Property) It is believed that the next person to call the cottage home will be the first person outside of the church's congregation to live there in it's 650 year history. 

The flat has three bedrooms, two doubles and a single room and all of the services such as cooking and heating are electric.

Being built in the late 15th century, during the reign of King Edward IV makes the property pre-Tudor and also a Grade II listed building. 

The original beams of the pre-Tudor cottage are sure to be perfect for any local history enthusiastThe original beams of the pre-Tudor cottage are sure to be perfect for any local history enthusiast (Image: Concord Property) St Mary at the Elm's Church are partnering with Concord, an Essex-based property management company to find the latest resident to live in the quirky building.

Mark Hurley, who works at Concord, said that they were "incredibly grateful" to be put in charge of the letting of the "amazing" historic property.

Mr Hurley said: "I would say it is an incredibly grateful position for us to be in and from a personal point of view I am quite a history buff myself.

The flat is located behind the St Mary at Elms church, off Elm Street in IpswichThe flat is located behind the St Mary at Elm's church, off Elm Street in Ipswich (Image: Concord Property) "I think it is just amazing, it is so unique, I don't know of many people who would be in this position.

"It is so interesting to have this bit of history that you get to work with."

It will be available for £995 per calendar month. 

In August, plans were submitted to Ipswich Borough Council to renovate the church hall into homeless accommodation. 

Anyone who wishes to enquire about the property can contact Concord through its website or by calling 01206 393213.