Sharing home truths

Brother and sister property gurus Stuart and Scarlette Douglas go head to head to renovate homes that must be sold in their brand new series

- WORDS: LAURA CARRENO-MÜLLER

Property development duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas advise homeowners in unsellable houses in their newest show, Can't Sell, Must Sell. But not many of them were receptive to the pair's feedback.

"At the beginning, people can be sensitive to hearing comments about their home," Scarlette says, "But the property isn't the only thing going through a transformation, so are they."

Known for their teamwork on Channel 4's Worst House On The Street, Scarlette, 38, and Stuart, 47, are now taking on a new challenge - splitting up to help desperate sellers fix up homes that just won't budge on the market.

In each of the six episodes, the siblings are both handed a property that requires major renovation. With the help of a skilled team of carpenters and designers, they work to make each house as sellable as possible.

The show stands out for its emotional element.

"If someone you don't know criticises your house, you're going to feel offended," Stuart says, "Prospective buyers don't know the owner. We have to explain to the homeowners, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it is, that it's going to be beneficial. It is constructive. All we care about is making your home more attractive to potential buyers."