Program looking to give Canberra couples a dose of reality

Love It or List It hosts interior designer Neale Whitaker and real estate agent Andrew Winter. Photos: Supplied.

A reality television program is on the hunt for Canberra couples to be cast in a show that asks a question many homeowners face – should you renovate or just vacate?

Called Love It or List It, the program follows homeowners across the country who are struggling whether to renovate and love the home they are in, or sell up and find a new dream home somewhere else.

Currently screening its third season on Foxtel, Love It or List It is hosted by real estate agent Andrew Winter and interior designer Neale Whitaker.

They reckon Canberra could be home to next season’s reality TV couple for season four.

Casting producer Hannah Buck from Beyond International said they are looking for couples with personality, but who also have a problem area in their home.

“If the work is to be done inside the home within the existing space and you would like to submit an application, we would love to hear from you,” Ms Buck said.

“The casting process is a lengthy one, but it all starts here.

“We are looking for personality, a problem area within your home and a passion for your side, whether you’re team Love It or team List It.”

The show consists of Andrew finding mostly negative things to say about the residence, while Neale is convinced that he can work magic with whatever plans he is given.

Couples must choose to either Love It, meaning that they will continue to live in their current home with the renovations, or to List It, meaning that they will buy one of the homes Andrew showed them and sell their current home. After they reveal their decision, the homeowners explain their reasoning.

When applying, couples must also bear in mind that the producers steer clear of properties that require a development application for building works, unless one is already in place.

“The renovations are financed by the couples themselves and in turn, they’ll be project managed by our quality build and design team and have their renovation completed in record time,” Ms Buck said.

The shooting schedule in which the renovations are completed is usually six to nine weeks.

“We also do not complete major works, additional stories to a property, nor do we complete works outside the home.”

The program follows homeowners struggling whether to renovate, or sell up and find a new dream home somewhere else.

Team Love It mentor Neale Whitaker is a former editor in chief at Belle and Vogue Living magazines.

He said his ulterior motive to interior design is about improving people’s lives.

“What I love about this show (other than the opportunity to work alongside the award-winning Andrew Winter), is helping solve the homeowners’ problems and get to have some fun along the way,” Mr Whitaker said.

“From team Love It’s perspective, the perfect couple includes someone who’s determined to stay and someone who can be persuaded!

“Andrew has a lot of cunning tricks up his sleeve including the most powerful of all – money – so it’s up to me to find strong emotional reasons to rekindle the love.”

So if you’re in a genuine pickle about renovating or selling up, apply by emailing lioli_casting@beyond.com.au. They will send you an application form. The couple will also need to upload a 60-90 second explaining why one wants to stay and one wants to go. How is it affecting your relationship? How do you think the show can fix your problems? Why would you like to be on the show?

“The homeowners need open minds, trust in the process, a dash of vision, a sense of humour and the ability to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Mr Whitaker.

“At the end of the day, they’re going to have a beautiful new home, regardless of whether they stay or go, so what’s not to enjoy?”