Property Brothers Age and Career Timeline Explained
Drew and Jonathan Scott, the globally recognized faces behind the HGTV hit franchise Property Brothers, were born on April 28, 1978. As of 2026, the identical twin brothers are 48 years old, with Jonathan arriving four minutes before Drew in Vancouver, British Columbia. Far from stumbling into television overnight, the duo spent decades building an enterprise that spans real estate development, contracting, entertainment production, and home furnishing lines.
Understanding their trajectory requires looking past the polished on-screen personas to see how early business ventures, youthful ambitions in the performing arts, and strategic real estate investments shaped their path to network dominance.
Early Life and First Business Ventures
Growing up in Vancouver and later on a horse farm in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, the brothers learned the value of labor early. Their father, Jim Scott, involved them in construction tasks around the property, teaching them how to repair fences and build decks before they reached their teens.
Long before they flipped houses for television, the twins launched an entrepreneurial venture at just seven years old. They created decorative nylon-wrapped coat hangers and sold them door-to-door, eventually catching the eye of an American businesswoman who ordered thousands of units to distribute overseas. By the time they finished high school, they had amassed a modest nest egg through sheer persistence and a strong savings ethic.
The Pursuit of Acting and Early Real Estate Deals
Despite their early exposure to building, the brothers didn't initially plan to enter the real estate industry. Instead, they chased passions in the creative arts—Jonathan gravitated toward magic and illusions, while Drew pursued acting and sketch comedy. They even worked as apprentice clowns for local festivals during their youth.
To fund their creative pursuits without taking on standard debt, they turned to real estate investment after studying late-night infomercials. During their university years, they bought a seven-bedroom fixer-upper near campus with a minuscule deposit of $250 using a vendor take-back mortgage. They rented the rooms to fellow students, managed the property themselves, and sold it a year later for a significant profit. This early success proved they could spot undervalued assets and turn them around.
The Birth of Property Brothers on HGTV
After years of balancing independent real estate projects with auditioning for television and film roles—including minor appearances in Canadian productions—Drew decided to pursue a full-time career in television production and hosting. In 2009, a production company approached him for a real estate show concept.
Producers soon realized that pairing Drew, a licensed real estate agent, with Jonathan, a licensed contractor, created a dynamic, highly complementary format. The show officially premiered on Canada's W Network before being picked up by HGTV in 2011. The premise resonated immediately: Drew scouts neglected, outdated houses and convinces buyers of their potential, while Jonathan executes sweeping, high-end renovations on strict timelines and budgets.
Expanding the Brand: Spinoffs and Enterprise
Following the explosive success of the flagship series, the brothers expanded their television footprint across the network. They launched numerous successful spinoffs, including:
- Buying and Selling: Helping homeowners renovate their current property to maximize profit before buying a new one.
- Brother vs. Brother: A competitive real estate and renovation showdown where the twins coach opposing teams.
- Property Brothers: Forever Home: Focusing on families looking to overhaul their existing houses for long-term comfort.
- Celebrity IOU: A heartwarming series where Hollywood stars give back to important people in their lives through surprise home renovations.
Beyond television, the brothers established Scott Brothers Global, an umbrella company housing media production, digital content, and retail lines. Their home furnishings brand, Scott Living, generates hundreds of millions of dollars in retail sales nationwide, bringing their signature aesthetic directly to consumers through major retail partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Drew and Jonathan Scott identical twins?
Yes, they are identical twin brothers, though Jonathan is older by four minutes. They also have an older brother named J.D. Scott, who has occasionally appeared on their television programs.
Do the brothers actually do the construction work themselves?
While Jonathan is a fully licensed contractor and possesses hands-on building experience from his youth, union regulations, insurance restrictions, and tight shooting schedules mean local licensed subcontractors perform the heavy lifting on camera. Jonathan serves as the lead designer and general contractor managing the projects.
What are their heights?
Both brothers are notably tall, standing at approximately 6 feet 4 inches.
Are Drew and Jonathan married?
Drew married graphic novelist Linda Phan in 2018, and the couple has two children. Jonathan is in a long-term relationship with actress and musician Zooey Deschanel, whom he met while filming an episode of Carpool Karaoke.
