An ‘upside down’ house, an eco cottage, a colourful terraced dwelling and a new build are all in the running to take the title of Northern Ireland’s House of the Year in a new BBC NI series.

Design expert Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen returns to screens this January, leading the search to find Northern Ireland’s next House Of The Year.

In this six-part series 15 homes are competing for one of five places in the grand final where they could be crowned House Of Year.

Laurence is once again joined by a team of expert judges - award-winning architect Jane Larmour, interior designer James Fairley, and interiors business owner Patricia McGinnis - who are tasked with deciding which five homes make the final shortlist.

The House Of The Year Team - Jane Larmour, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Patricia McGinnis and James Fairley (Image Credit: Press Eye)

placeholder image — The House Of The Year Team - Jane Larmour, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Patricia McGinnis and James Fairley (Image Credit: Press Eye)

In episode one the judges must choose between a 1970s bungalow given a dramatic new lease of life, a semi-detached home reimagined with flair for a young family, and a penthouse apartment overlooking a golf course, which has been tailored to meet the needs of its owners.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: Stunning home overlooking Whitepark Bay

From Belfast to rural county Tyrone and the coastal Ballycastle, Laurence and the judges visit a variety of properties, including carefully crafted new builds, a terraced home bursting with colour, a cottage built using traditional craftmanship, an ‘upside-down’ property designed around spectacular sea views and an ‘eco’ house.

House Of The Year starts Monday, January 5, 2026, on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer. The first five episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer after episode one airs on Monday, January 5.

The grand final will broadcast Monday, February 9, 2026, on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.