Just over two weeks ago, the founder of SpareRoom.co.uk, Rupert Hunt, sent out a video message, calling for two tenants to come and live with him at his home in Spitalfields, London.
Since then, he has received more than 7,250 applications from hopeful tenants who wish to live in his Grade II listed property.
So why do so many people want to live there? It may have something to do with the fact that Hunt, 41, is offering the rooms for a rent that the tenant can afford – anything from £1 to £1,000.
Hunt is hoping to find housemates that “enrich” his life. But will these 7,250 applicants do that?
Some of the prospective tenants have applied via video message, with Hunt and his PA going through the submissions.
Some have played the piano, rapped, told jokes and even begged for a spot in his home – you can see a selection here, here and here.
While Hunt’s considering who to pick out of the heap of applications, the interesting process and entertaining videos prove to be good publicity for the property portal.
Hunt’s original advert received tonnes more applications than the second most responded to ad on SpareRoom in January – a room in Finsbury Park, which had 472 applicants.
The group hoping to share with Hunt is a diverse bunch, aged between 17 and 68, including three former contestants of The Apprentice 2015 and Alan Sugar’s cousin.
Additionally, Hunt may soon be sharing his house with a former Miss Universe, three well-known YouTubers and the Guinness World Record holder for the most jokes told in an hour.
Of the applications, 320 were videos in response to Hunt’s own video message, while others wrote songs and poems, and three even showed up at Hunt’s house. One had travelled from Cardiff and the other two bought home-baked gifts.
The process now goes to the interview stage, with Hunt documenting the developments on YouTube.
We’ll keep you updated with who he chooses. But would you apply for housemates in this way?