Episode Information Property Ladder: Streatham

Date Published:

13/06/2008

For many people property development is a lot more than a straight commercial venture - it's a one off shot at a whole new existence.

The Streatham Developers

In Streatham, South London, dog sitters Jodie and Matt want a lot more out of life, and they're about to get it. They're taking on a worn out Edwardian house, while living on site and looking after up to ten animals at a time. They're hoping the three bedroom property is the answer. It needs a major overhaul, but the building is handsomely proportioned and has bags of potential.

Matt and Jodie have big plans for this large property. At the top of the house they intend to convert the loft into a master suite - a good move for the family market and guaranteed to be a real selling point. On the first floor there are three bedrooms and a bathroom that are in for a total revamp. On the ground floor there's a reception room to the front, a kitchen next door in an odd central location and a dining room to the rear with a utility, lean to and WC. Will these inexperienced dog lovers be able to squeeze a profit from this ambitious development?

Meet the Developers: We interview Jodie & Matt >>

The Aldershot Developers

Factory manager Clive Jacobs has been married to his wife Deborah for five years, but for all of that time they've been lodging with a relative. They're now at crisis point, but are hoping this ex-council house in Aldershot will finally finance a place of their own. The difficulty is this is an uninspiring property on a busy road that's totally outdated on the inside.

Clive and Deborah will have to work very hard on this layout to make any kind of profit. Upstairs there are 3 double bedrooms - they're adding an upstairs bathroom which is essential in a modern home. Downstairs there's a lounge, a small second reception, kitchen and bathroom. They want to steal space from both the reception and the bathroom to create an awkwardly shaped kitchen diner. But it's a plan which fails to take advantage of the property's one selling point – a large rear garden.