Credit: UnknownA WOMAN’S dream home find on TV has turned into a living nightmare after she was slapped with a jaw-dropping £36,000 bill just three years later.
Ellen Jones, 27, appearing on Location, Location, Location said, “I might just go and weep, I’m going to be so happy,” when presenter Phil Spencer told that her offer for the property in Margate was accepted.
Ellen used inheritance money from her grandmother to save up for the £40,000 deposit to buy the flatCredit: Unknown
In November 2022, the fan of Kirstie Allsop and Phil Spencer’s Location, Location, Location got in touch with them to help her buy her first homeCredit: Unknown
Three years after getting the keys to the one-bed flat in Kent on the popular Channel 4 show, her dream was shattered.
This was after Thanet Council told her that she had to pay £36,000 to replace the windows and roof to the coastal abode.
Ellen told The Times : “I absolutely can’t pay this, I don’t think any young person who has just bought their first flat could.
“It would amount to a year’s income for me, upfront, it’s ridiculous.”
Ellen used inheritance money from her grandmother to save up for the £40,000 deposit to buy the flat.
It was then, in November 2022, the fan of Kirstie Allsop and Phil Spencer’s Location, Location, Location got in touch with them to help her buy her first home.
She grew up watching the show, and was delighted her application to be chosen as one of two home buyers looking in Kent was accepted.
Ellen said: “My mum had full faith that Phil would not have found me anything that he wasn’t confident in.
“And he wouldn’t have, I can say that confidently.”
After being shown four properties, two in Margate, one in Ramsgate and one in Westgate, she opted for the one-bed flat that she now lives in.
Surveys were completed without any problems reported.
The council also provided her with written confirmation that no works were planned for at least two years.
And for three years, there were no serious problems.
Ellen even appeared on Location, Location, Location’s 25-year commemorative programme in April and she said she was happy with her decision.
“It’s only the last five months that it has become a nightmare,” she said.
In May she was told by a neighbour about a public notice of major works on the property.
For three years, there were no serious problemsCredit: Unknown
“It made me feel unwell. I emailed the council, saying I’m disabled, I need to know what the plan is,” said Ellen, who is autistic and has chronic pain, which can affect her mobility.
In September her worst fears were confirmed.
After spending time with her mum, who had been hospitalised following a severe infection, she returned home to find two council surveyors.
They confirmed the estimated costs of the work were £160,000 and that her bill would be £36,000.
“I nearly had a heart attack; this is a completely unfathomable bill.
“My nerves were already shot because my mum had been dangerously unwell with sepsis earlier that week. It was a terrible week.”
Ellen lays no blame on Location, Location, Location and said she would go on the programme again if she had the chance.
“I still think it was one of the best things I ever did, and none of this is the fault of the show in any way,” she said.
She is one of thousands of leaseholders in council-owned buildings who have been hit by what have become known as “wipeout bills”.
These bills, usually for big structural or roof repairs, can run into the tens of thousands of pounds.
Sebastian O’Kelly from the campaign group Leasehold Knowledge Partnership said: “It’s a huge issue. I am getting two to three calls from leaseholders about this every week.
“Buying ex-council flats is great because they’re cheap, but occupants can get huge bills out of the blue, while councils are absolutely useless at controlling costs.”
Under leasehold law, owners have to pay these costs and, in extreme cases, non-payment could result in the forfeiture of the lease and the loss of their property.
Thanet district council said: “While we cannot comment on this specific case, the building in question is in need of substantial and costly repairs.
“We understand that facing a large bill for building maintenance can be stressful for our leaseholders and will always do what we can to support them through the process.
“The amount that leaseholders are charged is calculated on their individual lease. It would be unlawful and unfair to charge leaseholders different amounts.
“We take our responsibilities under the public sector equality duty seriously.
“We always consider making reasonable adjustments to our processes and communications where these are possible, proportionate and do not discriminate against other people with protected characteristics.”
The Sun has approached Channel 4 for comment.
Ellen lays no blame on Location, Location, LocationCredit: Unknown
These bills, usually for big structural or roof repairs, can run into the tens of thousands of poundsCredit: Unknown
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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