Property Snakes and Ladders

Broadstairs & Thetford (1x5)

: 07, 2009

For the last eight years, Sarah Beeny has been guiding budding property developers through the renovation game. Many failed to listen to her advice but often their bad decisions were saved by a rising property market. But now with the housing market downturn, and lending still in crisis, a stable property market a dim and distant memory, there's never been a harder time to develop. This week two would-be developers take on two very unusual properties in an attempt to beat the biggest fall in the market in 10 years. In Broadstairs, Kent, Neil Hornsey and Alison Gurr think that a lock-up down a dodgy alley next to a pub and a fishmonger holds the key to their fortune. Meanwhile Sue Ward in Thetford takes on a former jail house complete with its own dungeon and in need of total renovation. Sarah thinks they are both making mistakes with their layouts but will her advice fall on deaf ears? And can they complete their developments before the market comes crashing down round them?