Homes Under The Hammer slammed for 'joy sucking'

Homes Under The Hammer, a staple on BBC One since its debut in 2003, is now facing significant backlash from viewers. Many audience members claim the show is 'sucking the joy out of Britain' due to its perceived uncritical celebration of the buy-to-let market and its increasingly uninspired home makeovers. Viewers have taken to online forums to express their dissatisfaction, with one commenter stating that renovations often involve only a lick of paint or energy-saving light bulbs, representing the 'bare minimum'.

Further criticism targets the show's homogenization of home aesthetics, with many renovations described as turning distinctive family homes into bland, 'plain white' or 'grey' spaces. Some argue that the show's promotion of property investment contributes to the current housing affordability crisis, making it harder for individuals under 40 to purchase their own homes. These sentiments highlight a growing disillusionment with the program's format and its broader societal implications.

The show, which originally featured Martin Roberts and Lucy Alexander, has seen shifts in its presenting team, with Alexander departing in 2016, while Roberts continues as a host. Despite the controversy, some viewers still find enjoyment in seeing derelict properties transformed into liveable spaces, even if the final results appear similar.

In a particularly striking example, a couple who bought a property in Wales for £14,500 shared their challenging experience. What began as a £8,000 auction price for a one-bedroom cottage with unstable stairs and no indoor bathroom escalated significantly. Unexpected archaeological surveys and extended renovation timelines dramatically increased their budget, ultimately costing them around £90,000. The property's final valuation of £55,000 to £60,000 left host Martin Roberts reportedly 'devastated' that their portfolio dreams were 'ruined'.