MoneyMagpie’s Vicky Parry spoke to finance expert Jasmine Birtles about what really happens behind the scenes of TV property deals – and why auctions aren’t always the win they seem
We’ve all watched Homes Under the Hammer and thought the same thing: how hard can it be?
A run-down property sells for a low price, a buyer takes a chance, does a bit of work – and suddenly it’s worth thousands more. It looks like easy money.
But according to Jasmine Birtles, who has worked behind the scenes on the show, that idea could end up costing buyers far more than they expect.
‘You’re not seeing the full picture’
“The deals are real,” Jasmine tells me. “But what you don’t see are the problems that come with them.”
Having worked on Homes Under the Hammer , she’s seen first-hand what gets left out – and it’s often the most expensive parts.
“Weeks of research, unexpected structural issues, budgets going over – that’s all very real,” she says.
“And not every project ends in profit.”
It’s something we’ve seen time and again when looking at the true cost of home improvements , where renovation budgets can quickly spiral beyond initial estimates.
Why ‘cheap’ homes aren’t always a bargain
It’s easy to be drawn in by a low price tag, especially at auction. But Jasmine says there’s usually a reason those properties didn’t sell the traditional way.
“They might have structural problems, legal complications, or be unmortgageable,” she explains.
That “bargain” price can quickly be offset by expensive repairs or limitations on what you can actually do with the property.
For buyers already stretched, it’s a risk that can tip finances the wrong way – particularly at a time when many households are already dealing with rising bills and higher living costs , and trying to make smarter decisions about their money.
Auctions can catch buyers out
Auctions move quickly – and that’s where many people come unstuck. “Once the hammer falls, you’re committed,” Jasmine says. “There’s no cooling-off period.”
That means doing all your research upfront, checking legal packs carefully, and making sure your finances are in place before bidding.
It also helps to understand how to budget properly before a big financial decision , something many first-time buyers underestimate.
But even then, the pressure of the room can lead to people overbidding. “It’s very easy to get carried away,” she adds. And if you do, it can become a costly mistake.
The reality behind property ‘flips’
TV often shows quick turnarounds and tidy profits. In reality, it’s rarely that straightforward.
From what Jasmine has seen, renovation costs can rise, timelines can drag, and final sale prices don’t always meet expectations.
It’s why many experts now warn against assuming property is a guaranteed win – especially for first-time investors.
Anyone considering it should first understand the basics of investing and risk , rather than treating property as a shortcut to quick cash.
Are there still good deals in 2026?
There are – but they’re harder to find. The market is more competitive, and most obvious bargains are quickly snapped up.
“The best deals now are about adding value over time,” Jasmine says. “Not quick wins.”
That could mean improving a property, choosing an area with long-term growth potential, or even comparing whether property is the right route versus other options like stocks , funds or ISAs .
A simple warning for buyers
For anyone thinking about heading to auction, Jasmine’s advice is clear. “Don’t get swept up in the idea of a bargain,” she says.
Instead, ask yourself:
- Can I afford it if something goes wrong?
- Do I understand the risks?
- Am I making a sensible decision – or chasing a deal?
Because those decisions can have long-term financial consequences.
The bottom line
After speaking to someone who’s seen the reality behind Homes Under the Hammer , one thing is clear: the TV version of property investing doesn’t tell the whole story.
As Jasmine puts it: “The real cost isn’t what you pay at auction – it’s everything that comes after.”
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