Are you renovating your dream property?

[Guest]

ARE YOU ABOUT TO RENOVATE YOUR DREAM HOME AND BUILD A NEW LIFE?

Have you bought a property and are getting ready to move to a new location?

‘Build a New Life’ is returning to FIVE for a second series and we would like to hear from hands on people who are starting work on a major property renovation.

If you are happy for us to document your inspirational journey please call:

Lizzie on 0207 3138072

or email

elizabeth.march@shinelimited.com

[Muddypause]

You know, of all the several dozen property programmes (or so it seems) on TV at the moment, whether about buying, renovating, building from scratch, or leap-frogging up the property ladder, I'd really like to see one grapple with the situation that faces so many people in the UK - namely, how do you afford a basic home at £150k on a single income, on a minimum wage. Many double income couples cannot even get close to borrowing, or affording the repayments on this sort of figure. A single, low income person is out of the running altogether.

Twenty years ago it was possible to rent a house with long term security of tenure. But since Thatcher's government destroyed this security, the only way someone can have a long term home, with security of tenure for more than six months, is to buy it. This resulted in massive property inflation, and the problem facing a growing underclass is not that they are just priced out of the market, but that the market is on a different planet. This is lovely for aspiring landlords with access to finance, but destroys communities, inflates prices, and, in fact, doesn't enhance society at all.

I'd really like to see the presenters of 'Location Location Location' have a budget of £30k to find a decent home with. How about a renovation programme that isn't about cashing in, resulting in a property for the top sector of purchasers, but about regenerating a viable community instead? Or one that doesn't focus on exploiting the market in order to make a million, but is about providing decent, truly affordable homes that poor people can have a chance at? I used to like 'Grand Designs', but I've watched too many where people so easily slip £150k over budget without breaking sweat.

The reality is that many people are not on anything like £50k a year and don't have access to finance, yet they are ignored in all these programmes. A notable exception was an episode of 'Grand Designs', featuring Ben Law's house in the woods, which he built for £28k (though he already owned the land). Now that's inspiring. I've not seen any others like that.

I've never seen 'Build A New Life'; does it face this reality? Or is it another run-of-the-mill one about exploiting a warped housing market that inevitably exacerbates the problem?

[ina]

Stew, as usual you've hit the nail on the head...

As a single person with a way below national average income there's no chance in hell to ever afford even a rundown property. So, I'm afraid, my "inspirational journey" can only begin after I've won the jackpot. Unfortunately, I can't really afford to waste money on lottery tickets, either...

Maybe you should make a programme instead on how to find the finance for that kind of venture?

Ina

[Andy Hamilton]

You know most of these tv people contace myself or Dave before they stick something on here. They can't even be bothered to do that! Most Tv companies have to pay for adverts in Papers to get people to sign up. Blooming reality TV want free advetising space (Moan, moan)

They do wind me these programs as well, I have always thought of doing up an old barn or something on a nice bit of land. No chance in this country, even delapidated buildings are being kept hold of as an investment.

So what happens? Loads of people start buying abroad and inflating their housing markets.

There is an ever increasing divide between the home owners and the rest in this country and I for one hope the bubble bursts soon, so I can get a house. Its not too much to ask for is it?

[diver]

I was approached by this programme ( or at least I think it was this one...I don't really know as I don't watch telly) ..my partner and I were on the train chatting to each other and someone came up to us and asked if we would be on the programme ...BUT.. the house was abroad and they owned it and we, and a group of others would do it up...needless to say we said no!
Andy have you contacted them directly and told them what you think...you should complain!!!

[Andy Hamilton]

Right then not to be one to act on the spur of the moment at a small comment....... Well I lie, heres what I have sent them, will keep you informed if there is any response.

Hello Elizabeth

I notice that you have recently posted what is essentially an advert looking for people for your television show on our website forum. If you had taken any time to look around the site you would have noticed that is not the way things are done.

We get many TV companies contact us looking for people. They have the common decency to talk to us first before just posting on the forum. We always then write a post to our members. Most TV companies will pay to advertise to look for people in specific magazines etc, so we are doing them a favour.

--
Andy Hamilton
http://www.selfsufficientish.com
The Urban Guide to Almost Self Sufficiency

[Chickenlady]

Good for you Andy. This is always happening on another site I post on too. These researchers should know by now that this way of approaching people is not generally welcomed.

[diver]

Good for you Andy...let us know if you get a reply