Homes Under The Hammer’s Martin Roberts was left utterly speechless during a recent visit to what he described as the smallest property ever showcased on the popular BBC daytime property television programme. Known for his chatty commentary, Martin was taken aback by the tiny ‘dolls house’ located along the main street in Pontycymer, a village in the Garw Valley north of Bridgend, Wales. The property was so petite that Martin initially walked past it, exclaiming, “You are having a laugh, wow, blink and you’ll miss it!”
The single-room property, previously used as a commercial unit but with change of use permission to residential, prompted Martin to explore further. A set of narrow stairs led to a lower floor with another single room where someone had started a small renovation project. However, dampness issues were already present, dampening the potential of the cozy space.
Despite the challenges, the ‘dolls house’ went to online auction and was snapped up for £43,500 by Carol, a postie and part-time property developer from Malvern, who made the impulsive purchase after just 68 seconds of deliberation. Admitting to breaking Homes Under The Hammer’s golden auction rules of thorough research, Carol embarked on a renovation journey with her partner, Steve, on a budget of around £10,000.
After significant efforts, including addressing damp problems, redesigning the bedroom space, and installing a new staircase, the property underwent a remarkable transformation. Though the total spend exceeded initial estimates, Carol and Steve found a silver lining in renting out the property and generating income. Despite the challenges, they embraced the experience, with Carol noting the fun they had outweighed the financial loss incurred.
The story of the smallest Homes Under The Hammer property showcased the resilience and creativity of the couple in the face of unexpected hurdles. The transformation exemplified the potential for growth and opportunity even in the most diminutive spaces.