Leona LewisLeona Lewis has become the first British female solo artist to top the US charts in 21 years - but still can’t afford to buy her own home.

The X Factor winner, who yesterday reached No 1 in the US with single ‘Bleeding Love’, is said to have put in an offer of around £500,000 on a house near where she grew up in Hackney, East London but the owner is said to have raised the asking price by £100,000 when they found out that the pop star was interested.

A source told the Sun: “It was quite upsetting. [Leona and boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa] 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.”

Her dad Joe added that despite her success in the UK - where her debut album ‘Spirit’ became the fastest-selling debut of all time - and now in the US, “It’s a myth Leona is a millionaire.”

“She earns enough to live on, but that’s it.”

Leona herself said yesterday that it was “overwhelming” to have got to No 1 in the US: “I really don’t know what to say. I’m so overwhelmed right now. I’m getting to share my music with people around the world and it’s beyond my wildest dreams.”

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much. It’s because of you that I am able to do this. I called my family to share the news and my mum started crying. It was so sweet.”

“They’re coming to visit me in New York and were all going to celebrate because its also my birthday when I’m there.”

“I’m still in LA at the moment so I’m going to make sure I find time to celebrate here too. Once again I can’t thank everyone enough for this incredible support.”