In the Daily Mail: Is This London's Ugliest Home?
We're delighted to share that Empty Property Hunters has featured again in the Daily Mail, with our founder Simon taking centre stage in the fascinating story of what may be London's most extraordinary empty home.
The property on Charlemont Road in East Ham has long been a source of bafflement for locals — a fortress-like building ringed by rusting steel and razor wire, its bricked-up front and brutal appearance earning comparisons to Alcatraz prison. Neighbour Donna Bull summed up local feeling simply:
"My mum said it must be London's ugliest house."
But behind the grim exterior lies a remarkable story. The home was once a thriving recording studio, bricked up in 1979 and converted by its owner Morris Ammar, a musician who lived above his studio for decades and was fondly remembered by neighbours as a warm and colourful character. Residents recall celebrities arriving in limousines, and one neighbour still has a copy of his record, Lovers Rock. The last music was heard from the property around 1995, and when Morris passed away in December 2024, the house fell silent for good.
That's where Empty Property Hunters stepped in. Simon tracked down Morris's brother, completed the transaction in the summer, and work began within five days of completion. The plan is to transform the property into a four or five bedroom family home, starting with removing the infamous brick wall at the front.
Simon said:
"We think the council will be throwing a party and cheering into the air when we say we're going to lose the Alcatraz look."
It's a vivid example of what we do every day — uncovering the hidden histories behind abandoned homes and giving them a future. If you spot an empty property, a quick photo and a note of the address could earn you £20, with 1% of the purchase price as a finder's fee if we go on to buy it.
