Channel 4 viewers expressed outrage after a 'picky' woman on the popular property programme Location, Location, Location failed to be won over by any of the houses she was shown, despite having spent three years searching for the 'perfect' place and viewing 'over 100 homes'.
Maternity Nurse Jane's Demanding Search
Taking to social media, many criticised private maternity nurse Jane, who appeared on Wednesday night's episode searching for a home in Farnham, Surrey, for 'wasting their time'. Presenters Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp showed her four 'lovely' properties that met her highly specific, and at times contradictory, demands, all generally within a £500,000 budget.
However, despite Jane claiming she was willing to 'compromise', none of the homes she viewed were the right fit. Jane had previously made five offers but backed out after surveys revealed 'daunting' extra work prospects.
Conflicting Desires
Jane told the show she was torn between a 'bachelorette pad' and a 'cozy cottage', wanting 'character features' but also a 'modern' aesthetic. Having spent the last 30 years travelling, she also wanted to be close to central Farnham with enough space to entertain friends and family.
Phil first showed her an off-market two-bedroom cottage, an 18th-century listed terraced house with a £495,000 guide price, just an eight-minute walk from the town centre. Despite its rustic charm and location, Jane felt the 'social space is too small', even after Phil pointed out an extension.
A second property, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom ground floor apartment with communal gardens and a small kitchen, was well under budget at £400,000. But Jane bluntly remarked: 'If I was 30 years older and wanted to live in an OAP complex, this would have been absolutely fabulous... I'm sorry to be blunt!' She admitted she didn't even want to look inside because she knew the neighbours were probably over 70 or 80, which wasn't in her search criteria. 'This is too modern,' she continued. 'If you give me modern give me cool, quirky... I would much prefer a characterful, beautiful place than spacious.'
Further Rejections
A third charming house, a three-bed Grade II listed cottage with a cozy front room, extensive kitchen, and walled courtyard, was slightly over budget at between £525,000 and £600,000. Jane said she 'would have expected it to be less price wise because it's out of the town centre' and featured an extra bedroom she didn't need. 'I think if this was £50,000 less and had two bedrooms I would be bouncing up and down,' she added.
Phil then showed her a new-build ground floor flat for £325,000, well under budget and spacious. However, Jane felt that 'having a comfortable place for her friend to stay is worth an extra £100,000', ruling out one-bedroom properties.
A Happy Ending
The episode did see a happy ending for Jane, but not through any of the viewings. She asked Phil to help negotiate an old offer that had fallen through on a semi-detached two-bed with an open living and dining room space, driveway, and private courtyard. Originally listed at £500,000, Jane had offered £490,000, which was accepted, but a survey flagged roof work. With Phil's help, they settled on £495,000 with the seller covering the roof. 'There's been many houses over the years,' Jane said. 'Maybe it was all to lead me to this fabulous property.'
Viewer Frustration
But viewers were frustrated, feeling Jane was never serious about the viewings. One social media user wrote: 'Asking Phil for help on a place she loved and lost and wants him to do the negotiating... Sounds like what she came on here for.' Another added: 'I get the impression she's p***ed off all the estate agents in the area.' A third complained: 'Why did we just waste 45 minutes looking at houses if she had already found one then.' Others admitted they were 'pitying Phil' as Jane was 'far too picky'.
