0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Estate agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07- This is no ordinary house.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- We rely on them.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- Oh, wow! Fantastic.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- In this series, we meet some - of the industry's big characters.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- Talk business, houses and money.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- We see what it takes - to be an agent.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23- I'll have a nose.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- We experience the highs...
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- Accepted, 245. Fantastic.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30- ..and the challenges...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- Move the door.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- ..of putting your house up for sale.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- Subtitles
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- Property prices can vary - in different parts of Wales.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- Sometimes, a house comes on the - market which makes everyone smile.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- This is one such day - for Iestyn Leyshon...
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- ..from Lloyd Herbert & Jones, - Aberystwyth.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- Iestyn is in a special house - on the outskirts of Aberystwyth...
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- ..to measure up - before he puts it on the market.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- Wow! Aberystwyth in all its glory.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- With breathtaking views - of Cardigan Bay...
0:01:26 > 0:01:31- ..this six bedroom house has been - renovated to a very high standard.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- Iestyn valued it - at nearly 900,000...
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- ..making it one of the most - expensive houses on his books.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- This is the Beverley Hills - of Aberystwyth.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- Mr and Mrs Morgan - bought the house seven years ago.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53- They've built an extension which - includes the lounge, the kitchen...
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- ..and the mezzanine.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- The original house - had four bedrooms.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- There's also an annexe - giving you another two bedrooms...
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- ..a lounge, a kitchen - and a shower room...
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- ..plus it comes - with six acres of land.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- The roof - is split between two floors.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- The windows in the roof - let in lots of light.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- I like to count how many people - you could get around a table.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- You'd get - around 12 people around it.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- This slate floor is lovely.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- This new extension - has underfloor heating.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- It's a very sociable space.
0:02:38 > 0:02:39- I love this.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- I'll enjoy having this on the books - and you need a jewel in the crown.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- People will want to see the details - although they won't buy it.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- Let's buy lottery tickets and - maybe stand a chance of buying it.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- Let's hope Iestyn can attract - a jackpot winner to this house...
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- ..or any sort of buyer, - come to that.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- I'd expect it to sell to someone - who's moved away from the area...
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- ..and wants come home - to retire in Aberystwyth.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- Someone who's sold their - semi-detached house in London...
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- ..for more than 900,000...
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- ..and who want this wonderful house.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28- The university and the hospital - also attract top professionals.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- Maybe a surgeon who moves - to the area will want this house.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- It's a pleasure to sell a house in - the Beverley Hills of Aberystwyth.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Now I've got to find a film star - to buy it!
0:03:50 > 0:03:56- In Llangefni, Ruth Tottey has worked - for Dafydd Hardy for over 20 years.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- Let's pop upstairs - to have a look at those figures.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- That period is coming to an end - because Ruth about to retire.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- Having spent years working as the - manager of the Llangefni office...
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- ..it's time to hand over the reins - to the new manager, Iwan Jones.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- You've gone through - the appraisals and the instructions.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- Iwan's been with us for a few months - as we carry out a handover.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- He's getting a feel for the office - and the way it operates.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- Sales look pretty good.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- We need three more this week.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- Easy.
0:04:45 > 0:04:46- Easy.- - No pressure!
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- How does Ruth feel - about the next period of her life?
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- The biggest thing for me is - having to leave this amazing team.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- These girls are like family to me.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- But I know Iwan will do - a fantastic job in Llangefni.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- The office doesn't worry me. - I worry more about me!
0:05:07 > 0:05:08- So you're happy.
0:05:08 > 0:05:09- So you're happy.- - Yes.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10- High five. All the best.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11- High five. All the best.- - Thank you.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- Ruth has one more thing to look - forward to with her work family.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- I'm really excited because we're - going to Chester Races for the day.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- A busload of us will go and - the Prosecco will flow like a river.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- The Dafydd Hardy family - knows how to party...
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- ..so I can't wait.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- In Ruthin, - Glyn Owens from Clough & Co...
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- ..sells houses and farms - in the auction room.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- Today, Glyn is at Bron Parc, - a 300 acre farm near Ruthin.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- He wants to view it before it goes - under the hammer in a few weeks.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- The late - Miss Bronwen Jones lived here.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- Very sadly, Miss Bronwen Jones - passed away late last year...
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- ..and it's the family's wish - for us to sell Bron Parc at auction.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- I'm here today - to prepare the particulars.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- An empty house like this - is always a sad sight.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- The owner - had farmed here for many years.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- I've worked here since 1986...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- ..and the family had dealings - with the company long before then.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- There's been a connection - for many years...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..and it makes this - more personal for us.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- We do our best for everyone...
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- ..but we want to do even better - for the late Miss Bronwen Jones.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- This room was cosy, - thanks to this Rayburn.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- It was also used for cooking...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- ..and to get that kettle boiling.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- Years ago, I'm sure - those bars were used to hang meat.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- It's good to see them intact.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- You can see - the whole town from here.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- Beyond that, you can see - the glorious Clwydian Range.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27- That's Moel Famau.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- It's a wonderful location.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Whoever purchases this house - may renovate this room...
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- ..but I'd expect them to keep - that very attractive fireplace.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- This old farmhouse - is in need of modernization...
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- ..so does Glyn expect it - to attract a buyer at the auction?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- If so, for how much money?
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- The guide price for this house...
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- ..will be 320,000 - 370,000.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- I expect it to attract - huge interest due to its location.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Farms like this - rarely come on the market...
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- ..and I strongly believe Bron Parc - will attract many bidders.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- With a guide price of over 300,000 - and in need of renovation...
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- ..will someone be willing - to breathe new life into Bron Parc?
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- As one of Lloyd Herbert & Jones - office managers...
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- ..there's no doubt Iestyn - treats his staff really well.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Are you doing any work today? - Sell, sell, sell!
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Have we received any offers? - Does someone want to buy a house?
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- One of them is his daughter - who has a summer job in the office.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- I can say anything I like to her.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- She never listens though!
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- When Iestyn isn't being ignored - by his daughter at work...
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- ..he likes nothing more - than spending time with his son.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- This is Trystan Leyshon, my son.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- We've been away this weekend - doing some racing, haven't we?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Yes - motocross.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- It doesn't take long for Iestyn - to revert back to estate agent mode.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- We converted this van to carry - two bikes and all the kit we need.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- There's a double bed - over the bike stand...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- ..plus I have a kitchen - and a lounge area.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- Come and take a look.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- It's like - I'm trying to sell you a house!
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- This is the living area and this - seat turns into a single bed for me.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- He gets the double bed on top.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- There's a toilet here.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58- Let me tell you about this.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01- This is my kitchen unit.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- When we cross the Severn Bridge...
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- ..we'd normally have to pay - the commercial rate for this van...
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- ..but not if it contains a kitchen - and you've converted it.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- This is my kitchen.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- There's a sink and a hob in here.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- I hope I get away with the same - charge as a car to cross the bridge.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- I'm a miser!
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- It was cheaper to add a kitchen than - pay the commercial vehicle rate.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Selling is in Iestyn's blood...
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- ..even on his day off.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40- .
0:10:45 > 0:10:45- Subtitles
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:49 > 0:10:50- Being an estate agent...
0:10:51 > 0:10:57- ..can mean being part of - an exciting, money-spinning project.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- One man who loves ambitious projects - is Dafydd Hardy.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Bryn Mel was built in 1889 - by the owners of the Titanic.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- This 39 bedroom manor home - was bought by a businessman...
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- ..and work is underway - to convert it into apartments.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- Dafydd is keen to start marketing - the new Bryn Mel properties.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- This old building, - last used as a care home...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..is being converted - into ten apartments.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- It's in a lovely location, - above the Menai Strait...
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- ..with views of Snowdonia.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- This is an important instruction for - us because we have an office nearby.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- We can take care of what will be - a very popular development.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- What we have here is a bedroom - with an en suite.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- There's a bathroom here too.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- The carpentry - is of a very high standard.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Coming through here, - we have another bedroom.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- This is a very luxurious lounge.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- I really like this Velux balcony.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- It opens - to let you enjoy a perfect view...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- ..of the bridge - out there, in the distance.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- The bottom opens - to create a balcony.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40- It's brilliant.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- I think it would make - a great bachelor pad.
0:12:45 > 0:12:51- The owner is converting - this property with real empathy.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- He has a feel for the building.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- He's kept a lot of the - original features on the exterior...
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- ..and yet, - he's modernized the interior.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07- There's a contemporary feel to it - and that's what people want today.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- People want to live in - an old building but in a modern way.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- The Bryn Mel project - promises to be popular.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- What are Dafydd's plans for it?
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- Well start to market it - in the Spring of 2017...
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- ..and I'm confident we'll sell - them all by the end of the year.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- That's my hope for this development.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- We'll also work with out client - to find a new project for him...
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- ..once this is finished.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- I don't know - where he gets his energy.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- It's auction day in Ruthin and - the time has come to sell Bron Parc.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- The auction room is jam-packed.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Bron Parc, - a 300 acre farm near Ruthin...
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- ..is an ideal place - for a young family.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- If I may have your attention.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- Bron Parc, Llanfwrog, Ruthin, - is in a wonderful location...
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- ..with views of the town - and the glorious Clwydian Range.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- Any offers for Lot One - Bron Parc?
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- 200. Yes.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26- 200,000 I'm bid.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- Glyn has started - below the guide price of 320,000...
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- ..but it soon rises.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39- 310,000 I'm bid.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- As the price creeps towards - the guide price, the bids slow down.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- 320. 330?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- 340. Do I hear 350 quickly?
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- Glyn's perseverance pays off - as the bids exceed the guide price.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- 385. New bidder in. 390. 400.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- The bids climb - 30,000 above the guide price.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- Can Glyn push the price even higher?
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- 495. 500,000 I'm bid.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- Bidding stands at 130,000 higher - than the guide price...
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- ..and the price keeps on rising.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- 595. 600. 600 for lot number one.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Will the bids exceed 600,000?
0:15:36 > 0:15:37- 635,000.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- 635,000 for the first time.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- 635,000 for the second time.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- 635,000 - for the third and last time.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- Thank you, Mr Jones. 635,000.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- We're happy - and the family will be happy too.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Having said that, it's a great farm.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- I'm delighted to say - it was bought by a young family.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- Let's hope the family - can move in very soon...
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- ..and enjoy Bron Parc, - as did its previous owners.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- It's the day - of Ruth's retirement party.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Where better to celebrate - than Chester Races?
0:16:27 > 0:16:32- Dafydd Hardy is determined - to give Ruth a great send-off...
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- ..and he has booked a private box - for Ruth and her colleagues.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- Ruth, the star of the show, is given - a warm welcome upon her arrival.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- We've all come together - and we're celebrating.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- These people are amazing.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- They know how to throw a party.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Ruth is leaving - and I'm gutted actually.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Iwan has a difficult job, - taking over from her...
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- ..because Ruth has been a real - mother hen through everything.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- She takes the girls under her wing - and she teaches us.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- She started at the bottom - and worked her way to the top...
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- ..and she likes bringing people - through the ranks, which is lovely.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- She knows what it's like - and that's fantastic.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- They're celebrating - more than Ruth's retirement.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Here we are at the races!
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- The crew hopes to strike it lucky - with the horses...
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- ..no-one more so than Sophie.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- I'm going to put a bet down - on Baker Street and hope it wins...
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- ..to pay for tomorrow's food shop.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- I need to win money.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02- Joke!
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- Joke or not, Sophie's clearly hoping - her luck's in today.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- Unfortunately, - Sophie's horse didn't finish first.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Oh, well. - Better luck next time, Sophie.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- In Ruthin, after Bron Parc sold at - auction for a remarkable 635,000...
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- ..Glyn has the pleasure of handing - over the keys to the new owners.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- The big day has arrived. - Are you looking forward to it?
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- Yes.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01- What's the first step?
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- An architect - will take a look at it tomorrow...
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- ..and we'll take it from there.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I'm glad you bought it, - as a young Welsh-speaking family.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- Good luck in your new venture.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Thank you very much.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- I can't wait to call by - when you've finished it...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- ..to have a cup of tea - or an orange juice.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- You'll be very welcome.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- All the best.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30- All the best.- - Ta-ta.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Ta-ta, children.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- We travelled to Ruthin every day - and we looked across at this place.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- We said if it ever came - on the market, we'd like to buy it.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- It's the ideal place - for us to start, as a family.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- We always act - on the vendor's behalf...
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- ..but it's lovely to see - a local, young family here.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- The late Bronwen Jones - would have been delighted...
0:20:02 > 0:20:03- ..to see a family here too.
0:20:05 > 0:20:06- Job's a good 'un.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- In Chester, Dafydd wants to - bid farewell to Ruth in style.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- We're here today to celebrate Ruth.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- What a fantastic, glamorous lady.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- She's clever - and fantastic with her staff.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Please stand - and let's drink to Ruth.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41- Ruth.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45- Hip-hip.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46- Hip-hip.- - Hooray!
0:20:47 > 0:20:48- Hip-hip.
0:20:48 > 0:20:49- Hip-hip.- - Hooray!
0:20:49 > 0:20:50- Hip-hip.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51- Hip-hip.- - Hooray!
0:20:52 > 0:20:53- Oggy.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54- Oggy.- - Oi!
0:20:54 > 0:20:55- Oggy, oggy, oggy.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Oggy, oggy, oggy.- - Oi, oi, oi!
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- They're the best people - in the world.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Do you see this little heart?
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- The Dafydd Hardy family - fills my heart.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11- They're incredible.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Ruth has been with us - for 20 years...
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- ..and she's a key member - of the company.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- She will be sorely missed, - without a doubt.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- I feel quite sad to be - leaving this family to be honest...
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- ..but I do feel - it may be time for me to slow down.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- It's the end of an era for Ruth, - as an estate agent...
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- ..but she'll always be a member - of the Dafydd Hardy family.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- While there's a housing market, - there will be estate agents.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- What are our estate agents' hopes - for the future?
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- We're looking at different areas.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- We cover Swansea and Llanelli.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- We've gone into - Carmarthen and Cardiff.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- We'll keep doing what we're doing.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31- We've got to look at technology - and possibly create virtual offices.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- With a virtual office, - you have people out in the field...
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- ..but they're not necessarily - working from an office.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- I love my job, - so I want to carry on.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- My hopes for the future is - for Clough to continue to thrive.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- We have young men - within the company...
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- ..and I hope they can - take the company forward.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- I've only been there since February - and I learn ten things a day.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02- It's a lot to take in.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- It's a lot - but I'm getting there I think.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08- You've got to carry on.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- You may sell ten houses one day...
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- ..but you've got to - do the same thing again tomorrow.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- This business never stops.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:23:31 > 0:23:32- .