Martin Roberts, the host of Homes Under The Hammer, has lifted the lid on a significant issue with a property that's easy to overlook.
Dion Dublin scoped out a semi-detached house in Hall Green, Birmingham, a mere five miles from the city centre, making it an attractive spot. Despite needing extensive refurbishment, the structure was solid.
Upon entering, Dion remarked: "The front garden needs a bit of attention... but inside, it does feel a bit dark in there. Even though you've got those two glass panels there. I think it's down to the red old-fashioned wallpaper, but this is quite a nice space."
While inspecting the living room, he noted: "Can't smell any damp, can't see any damp. We've got a gas fire so I can't see any central heating. The windows are single-glazed; they need changing."
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Martin chimed in with a voiceover, suggesting the potential for a more open-plan ground floor but pointed out that the second living room required new doors to open up to the garden and take advantage of the expansive green area, reports Wales Online.
Dion then ventured upstairs, telling viewers: "Upstairs, we have got three bedrooms and a family bathroom. There's a few quid to be spent here." Try and find some space for a combi boiler and you have a bit more space in here. It's doable, everything's doable," he initially remarked, before pointing out a flaw: "This is the first bit of negative news I'm bringing you. Bit of mould, bit of damp. It's not worrying me too much. It's a good solid house."
Yet, it was Martin who unveiled the most serious concern - a hidden issue with the property that wouldn't be noticed during a viewing.
He declared: "Although, there is one piece of negative news. The house is leasehold and has a short lease of just 32 years left on it. This will probably be an issue for most mortgage lenders, so this property is likely to appeal to mainly cash buyers. The new purchaser will need to look at extending the lease or buying the freehold, and the costs will need to be factored in."
*Homes Under The Hammer airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
