A NEW reality/lifestyle makeover show, The Block, is heading for our screens and the programme-makers, RDF Media, are scouring the South East for the perfect property.

The programme, which is a massive hit Down Under, will feature four couples who will compete against each other to make over four identical flats/houses.

Each couple is given 11 weeks and £15,000 to convert the properties, which are then put up for auction. The couple whose flat sells for the most money wins the big cash prize.

RDF Media is looking to buy four structurally sound adjoining properties before the end of the year for filming in spring 2004. These would include four flats in the same building with no other properties, a row of four terraced houses, two sets of maisonettes next door to each other or a four-storey period conversion. The budget is up to £300,000 per flat. If you’re interested, e-mail joanne.timoney@rdfmedia.com or carrie.preston@rdfmedia.com or telephone 020 7013 4380.

HOUSEBUILDER Barratt has reported record results and says the reason for its success is strong demand for new homes which has continued to boost its sales. During the 12 months to June 30, Barratt sold 13,304 new homes in the UK, which is an increase of nine per cent on the previous year.

Group chief executive David Pretty said: “We have seen a return to a more normal and stable market, which we welcome. The market is now much more sustainable going forward and is underpinned by low interest rates, good affordability and high employment levels. For details, call 0208 669 6666.

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FIRST-TIME buyers might like to put March, 2004 in their diary when The Homebuyer Show is on at ExCeL, London’s Exhibition Centre.

For more information, visit www.homebuyer.co.uk