Martin Roberts Warns Buyers After Disturbing Property Discovery

Martin Roberts, a prominent figure from the BBC’s property show Homes Under the Hammer, issued a stark warning to potential buyers after uncovering a significant issue during a property inspection. In an episode aired on August 3, 2023, Roberts visited a two-bedroom mid-terrace house in Maerdy, a former mining village located in the Rhondda Valley. The property, set to go to auction, presented unforeseen challenges that could deter even the most seasoned investors.

During his assessment of the house, Roberts quickly identified a severe problem, cautioning buyers, especially those with children, about the ramifications of neglecting thorough inspections. Within moments of entering the property, he was confronted with a pungent odour that he described as overwhelming.

“What you can’t smell is what I can and that is just as well because it would put you off your chocolate biscuits and your coffee… it stinks of dog!” Roberts remarked, emphasizing the extent of the issue. He elaborated on the daunting task ahead for the new owner, stating, “To get rid of that smell is a massive job, don’t underestimate it.”

The property was purchased by Tim, a regular participant on the show, who acquired the fixer-upper for a modest £57,500. With prior experience in renovating dilapidated homes, Tim was ready to take on the challenge. He allocated a budget of £12,000 and estimated the renovation process would take four to five months before transitioning the property to a rental.

Tim’s journey was not without its hurdles. The intensive renovation began with a full week of fumigation to eliminate the pervasive stench. Reflecting on the project, he noted, “It was a real challenge to get the property up to the standard mainly because we literally had to completely gut everything that was in here and then once all that was taken away the house went under fumigation for a week… before the renovation could start.”

In a surprising turn of events, Tim ultimately decided to sell the property instead of renting it out. His total expenditure, including the purchase and renovation, reached £69,500. After the renovations were complete, the property’s valuation fell between £90,000 and £95,000, resulting in a profit of £25,000. Despite this financial success, Tim expressed some disappointment, admitting that the final selling price was “a little low” compared to his aspirations.

This episode of Homes Under the Hammer serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls in property investment, particularly the importance of thorough inspections before purchasing. The show continues to highlight the diverse challenges faced by buyers in the real estate market.