A PLACE in the Sun host Jean Johansson was left speechless as one couple left her with a challenge on her hands to find their dream property with the lowest budget in the show’s history.
It came as the Channel 4 host attempted to help retired couple Linda and Peter from Yorkshire find their dream home in Abruzzo, Italy.
Host Jean Johansson realises how little budget she has to work with
Linda and Paul only had £60,000 to work with to find their dream Italian property
The couple confessed they only had a maximum budget of £60,000 to work with but explained to Jean that they were ‘open-minded’ about the property they were looking for.
Before the hunt begin, Jean told the house hunters that in her time on the show, she had never worked with such a low budget before.
“We are just wondering what you’re going to come up with because our budget isn’t a very big one,” Linda said.
Jean replied: “I am glad you’ve brought that up, Linda,
“I mean I have to say, I’ve never worked with a budget of £60,000, so it’s going to be a challenge for me.”
The couple said they had some wiggle room, up to 70k, even pushing 80k, but Jean said: “For that budget, properties may need a lick of paint.”
Retired painter Peter said: “I am a retired decorator, I might struggle with the roof!”
The first property that Jean found was a traditional townhouse priced at £63,000.
The home had three balconies and a large roof terrace with panoramic views.
Before stepping into the property, Peter praised Jean’s search: “You’ve done a good job.”
The couple were blown away when they inspected the townhouse further, as Linda couldn’t believe how much space they were able to get for their budget.
By this stage, Jean admitted she had a challenge on her hands trying to find matches to beat the first viewings.
The second home came in at £78,000 on the top end of their budget, and was a two-bed, semi-detached home with a garden and a vegetable patch.
However, the couple were failed to be impressed, saying the house “lacked character.”
The third property Jean took them to was a fabulous two-bed home that came with an open-plan kitchen, a vegetable patch and a wrap-around courtyard.
However, the couple didn’t like it, and said it felt ‘cold’ – even at a budget-busting £62,000.
This was followed up by a restored hillside stone cottage priced at just £58,000.
Despite coming in below budget, Peter noted the kitchen was in dire need of a refit and that it might be too small for them.
The last property was the most expensive at £89,000 but came with three acres of land.
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Despite loving the property, when it came to it, Peter and Linda loved the first property so much they put in an offer of £57,000 which was declined.
They came back with a counteroffer that was accepted in the end.
A Place in the Sun shows on weekdays at 3pm on Channel 4.
