BBC Homes Under the Hammer host Jacqui Joseph was quick to spot a major issue with a flat, just minutes into the show – but things went from bad to worse
Homes Under the Hammer: Jacqui views maisonette in Hayes
Homes Under The Hammer presenter Jacqui Joseph needed just one quick look at the south London property she was inspecting to spot a major problem straight away.
During the repeat episode broadcast on Thursday July 31, Jacqui was exploring the increasingly trendy south London area of Vauxhall, telling viewers it had become a “vibrant” and “bustling” neighbourhood for residents. The property specialist and TV host, who boasts extensive expertise and has been a beloved fixture on the BBC show since 2021, couldn’t conceal her immediate concern.
The BBC personality had arrived at a Vauxhall apartment block that had already gone under the hammer, but she quickly identified a significant flaw. As Jacqui stepped into the building’s shared entrance, she encountered a carpeted iron staircase, reports MyLondon. The presenter looked around for a lift but announced to the camera: “There’s no lift.”
She embarked on the exhausting journey up multiple flights of stairs, with narrator Martin Roberts joking as she continued her ascent: “You would soon see an increase in stamina going up all of these stairs once per day.”
Matters didn’t get better when she entered the flat itself. Attempting to find some bright spots, Jacqui remarked: “Not a bad size but actually it does feels really dark. I suppose it is because of the decor because you’ve got this mock flock wallpaper, I think if you had a brighter colour that would brighten up the entire space.”
The flat featured lofty ceilings but once again Jacqui succeeded in spotting problems. Gesturing towards a substantial door positioned well beyond her reach, the presenter remarked: “I mean there’s a huge cupboard up there but who is going to reach that?”
Jacqui also made another discovery during her inspection that could potentially present an immediate danger, warning: “One thing I have noticed is that all of the sockets all seem to be different so definitely get your electrics checked out.”
It wasn’t entirely negative feedback from the host who then stepped onto a compact balcony describing it as “a bonus” aspect of the property as she showcased the outdoor area, admitting on camera: “I like this”.
Despite uncovering a minor positive, Jacqui delivered more disappointing news for prospective purchasers, revealing there was another significant problem with the legal paperwork concerning the ground rent.
She clarified: “Now, in the legal documents the ground rent wasn’t specified. It simply said ‘it’s to be mutually agreed by both parties’, the issue with this is that a mortgage lender will insist on a defined ground rent, making this property unmortgageable and thus limiting its market to cash buyers only.”
Narrator Martin also described the rental matter as “concerning” whilst sharing his perspective: “The unknown ground rent is a little concerning, my advice would be to try and define the ground rent the lease holder asap but that can sometimes be tricky.”
The property was swiftly purchased in an online auction in September 2021 for a sum of £417,500 by property expert Joseph and his London-based estate and lettings agency.
Joseph was drawn to the property due to its prime location, with his business operating in close proximity. However, the “property became so attractive by price,” that he simply couldn’t resist.
He had no plans to sell the property and was aware that it wouldn’t turn a profit without significant refurbishment. Joseph opted to divide the three-bedroom property into two separate flats and lease them both out.
An estate agent projected that, if modernised, he could fetch £1500 per calendar month for both flats.
Homes Under The Hammer airs weekdays from 11:15am on BBC One and can be streamed via BBC iPlayer.