0:00:02 > 0:00:04There are nearly a million homes lying abandoned in the UK
0:00:04 > 0:00:08waiting for someone to breathe life back into them.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Whether it's a tired semi or a rambling mansion,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13we're on the search for Britain's empty homes.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25We're on a mission to unlock the potential
0:00:25 > 0:00:28of Britain's forgotten houses and show you how one of them
0:00:28 > 0:00:29could become your new home.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35I'll be showing two house-hunters around two vacant places, hopeing to find them a home.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39So much outside space. It's amazing.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45We find out why some buildings are abandoned and meet the people getting them lived in again.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Bringing properties back into use is quite fulfilling.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51And we'll be seeing how once disused dwellings
0:00:51 > 0:00:53have become amazing abodes.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59A house in need of rescue may not be at the top of everyone's list,
0:00:59 > 0:01:04but find one that's in a bad state but on a good road and you could be holding the key to a bargain.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Samantha Chitty and James Elston have been living with Sam's parents
0:01:09 > 0:01:12in Putney in south-west London for the last year,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15while they save to buy their first home together.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Every day we spend here is better, because obviously the more money we're saving,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- the better the house we'll get in the end.- Yes.- Look at it like that...
0:01:23 > 0:01:28but then it could be five years' time and we say we're still saving and now we can afford...
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- No, we are moving out.- Of course.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33James works as a tennis coach in nearby Roehampton
0:01:33 > 0:01:35and wants a short commute,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39while Sam's a PA in central London, so needs to be close to the Tube.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44I'd compromise if we found something a bit further away from where we really wanted to be...
0:01:44 > 0:01:47I would, but if it was a nice area as well...
0:01:47 > 0:01:51...A nice area, then that extra kind of 10 minutes to work, or whatever, I'd be like...
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Yes. That wouldn't bother me as well.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58Fortunately Sam and James aren't shy of taking on a renovation and are looking forward to the challenge.
0:01:58 > 0:02:05It would be so fun to just have that and so that once we move in, it's completely our own place.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09We've designed it with whatever quirky features we want.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12As first time buyers, their mortgage limit is £300,000
0:02:12 > 0:02:15with an extra 60 grand help from family.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17But even that will be a stretch in pricey London.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20So, an empty place could make their money go further
0:02:20 > 0:02:23and get them on the first rung of the property ladder.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- Well, hi, guys.- Hi. - What are we after?
0:02:26 > 0:02:30We want two bedrooms, to rent the other one out.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- We'd love outside space, but obviously that is tricky.- Yes.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36And a period building.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37Now, where, ideally, would it be?
0:02:37 > 0:02:42Clapham, Battersea, Stockwell, Brixton, Balham...
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- Yes.- Basically south-west.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Let's have a think about the budget.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Um, well...- £300,000, yes. - 300 is probably the max.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53OK. £300,000, yes. How handy are you?
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- Um...- Not...- I wouldn't say great! It's not my number one skill.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01But my mum's an interior designer, so it would be a project for her
0:03:01 > 0:03:04and she's got a really good team of builders - quite cheap.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- So, you've got some good back-up, then?- Yes.- Lots of free advice.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Just give me an idea of what your ideal property
0:03:10 > 0:03:12would look like inside.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16For me, a huge, well, a bigger kitchen-reception room
0:03:16 > 0:03:18and open plan would be ideal.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Open plan is very much of the moment.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26The key thing is getting you into places where you can see the potential to create what you want.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30It'll be quite tough this one, but who knows? Let's see what we can find you.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35So, they're looking for a period conversion flat with two bedrooms,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38some outside space, close to transport links
0:03:38 > 0:03:41and ideally in south-west London.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Even with £300,000 to buy
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and £60,000 to spend on renovating,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49it's not a lot for a two-bed flat in London.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55First up, we're at a place in Peckham in south east London.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Slightly further out than they were hoping for,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01but it's on a good street and represents great value for money.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Although it would mean a longer commute for James,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07they are excellent rail links into town for Sam.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09No one has been living in this Victorian
0:04:09 > 0:04:12three-bedroom conversion for months.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17It's on the market for £215,000, leaving Sam and James
0:04:17 > 0:04:20more than enough to spare from their £300,000 budget
0:04:20 > 0:04:22to get their perfect first home together.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26There we are. You wanted something kind of period.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Yes.- Classic London terrace.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31I imagine you've looked at a lot of this sort of thing.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Yes. Pretty much everything's been like this. Yes, it's nice.
0:04:34 > 0:04:40We're in an area which is slightly outside the zone that you were thinking about.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Nunhead, near Peckham.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- How do you feel about that?- Yes...
0:04:44 > 0:04:46it's quite far for James for work and things.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- Yes. To go all the way back across London.- But...
0:04:49 > 0:04:51We were looking more south-west.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- But we're open-minded. - Well, the trick is
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- to try and get you as much value for money as possible.- Sure.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02Currently on the market for £215,000.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- Wow!- For three beds.- That's incredible.- That's amazing.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Good, right then. Let's see what we can do on the inside.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Come and have a look.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Having rented the flat out, the owner of this place is selling it
0:05:14 > 0:05:16and it's been vacant for two months.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20There is a small amount of outside space
0:05:20 > 0:05:24and inside are three bedrooms, all in need of updating.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Right. Let's see what you think of this.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Long and thin is the thing to kind of bear in mind.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- Yes.- Currently a bedroom in there. - I like these doors.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And this is what is... It's quite nice and big.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39It's set up as the living space.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- OK.- Mmm. Not bad at all.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Yes. It's in a nice...it's not in a run-down state at all.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- You don't think so? - No.- What have you been looking at!?
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- We've got...- This isn't probably as big as the living space as
0:05:53 > 0:05:58we'd...only because we'd want it combined with the kitchen, ideally.
0:05:58 > 0:05:59That's the thought that we've got,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02because you're thinking of having two bedrooms,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06one of which you might rent out to help pay for the whole thing.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09This is currently living space, but if this were a bedroom
0:06:09 > 0:06:14and if we gave you a master suite at the other end of the building,
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- you and your tenant as it were, would be nicely separated.- Sure.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Yes. Yeah, that would be a good idea.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Yeah. And you get the quieter end at the back.- Yes.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30Well, go in there, because that bedroom would make a great living space. Have a look in there.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Now if you'd give that living room up next door to a bedroom,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37this was our idea of living space.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40At the moment, it looks out on to the yard there
0:06:40 > 0:06:43and it's a bit wasted, really, as a bedroom,
0:06:43 > 0:06:49I would suggest. So, this wall, which is just stud, could go.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54So that you literally walk into the living space. I quite like that.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57The whole thing would sweep through to the proposed new kitchen area
0:06:57 > 0:06:59down through the back of the flat.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- But the key would be to get rid of this wall.- Yeah,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04because that's wasted space through there.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Yeah, it's just creating a corridor which you don't need.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09Go for that open plan thing.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14Now, in here is currently the bathroom, as you can see.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15You'd want to lose that.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20The idea is, if you open that all up through there, all this could come out as well,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23so that would effectively become a kind of galley kitchen,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27quite open plan, and then this could be the bathroom.
0:07:28 > 0:07:34- Okay, yeah.- Yeah.- So, would you walk into the living room,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36open plan kitchen?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Exactly.- Yeah, I like that.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Beyond the kitchen are two small bedrooms which I reckon could be
0:07:42 > 0:07:47knocked through to create one fantastic master with an en suite.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- What do you think?- I like it, it's got some of potential, definitely.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54And, because it's so cheap, you have got the money to go all out.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58The scope to create the contemporary,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00open plan space they want
0:08:00 > 0:08:03has got Sam and James intrigued, but it'll take some work.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06And, as with any renovation, you need to take proper advice.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11So, we got a local architect to have a look at changing the layout of the flat -
0:08:11 > 0:08:14knocking down walls, swapping the kitchen and bathroom around
0:08:14 > 0:08:16and to give us an idea of cost.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19He's saying, sort of, £50,000 - £60,000.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Add that to your 215...
0:08:21 > 0:08:23It's still under budget.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26So, a bit of a contender, do you think?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28This is the ideal kind of property we want.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33If it was 10 miles west, it probably would have been perfect.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Let's see if we can find you something 10 miles west then.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37Come on.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43The rewards of bringing a house back from the brink can be immense,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45for both the heart and the purse strings,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47but it often needs great dedication,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50which is something James Nye and Lucy Collings had
0:08:50 > 0:08:53when they bought this five-bedroom Victorian villa
0:08:53 > 0:08:55in south-east London in 1999.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58The way we found the house was by sending out a mailshot,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00to more than 150 agents one morning,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04and getting back lots of inappropriate houses that we didn't want to see.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07But one agent understood and told us about this house.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10We looked at it late one Sunday night in the dark
0:09:10 > 0:09:13and felt, "well, that's intriguing".
0:09:13 > 0:09:16I think it was lovely because it was so simple.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20There was no warren of small rooms that you had to think hard about
0:09:20 > 0:09:21what you would do with them.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24It was a great big, solid, square,
0:09:24 > 0:09:29chunky house that you knew you could add something on the back.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32After six months working on the design and planning
0:09:32 > 0:09:36with an architect, the year-long renovation of the former squat began.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41We liked the idea of retaining the classic Victorian front,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44but then having the great surprise of coming into a house
0:09:44 > 0:09:48that we'd modernised quite amazingly.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Lucy and James wanted to create a unique family home
0:09:52 > 0:09:54they could grow into.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56One of the important things about this house was,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00not only to be bullet-proof for living with small children,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03but we wanted somewhere we could display our paintings
0:10:03 > 0:10:06and where I could keep a clock collection.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10And, again, having the blank canvas of a space
0:10:10 > 0:10:15meant we could design the rooms or walls to be exactly as we wanted.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18It's a very easy house to live in.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21It works very well. It's comfortable, it's fun.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24I love the colour, we never get bored with the colour.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27With freshly renovated houses of this type
0:10:27 > 0:10:29going for £800,000 at the time,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Lucy and James bagged a bargain
0:10:31 > 0:10:33when they snapped up this dishevelled dwelling.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Well, we bought the house in 1999 for £440,000.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40The property market obviously went up,
0:10:40 > 0:10:42but I would say, at the height of the property market,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45conceivably it could have been worth £2 million.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48And, it's whetted their appetite for more.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Having done such a big renovation,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54the only thing we'd want to do after this would be a new-build.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57To do the whole thing from scratch.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04For every empty property lying abandoned in your neighbourhood,
0:11:04 > 0:11:08the chances are there's an Empty Property Officer, who's searching for clues
0:11:08 > 0:11:12as to who owns it, why it's been abandoned, and what can be done about it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Matthew Smith heads up a team at Birmingham City Council
0:11:17 > 0:11:21dealing with more than 2,000 cases at any one time.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25With new ones added to his roster at a rate of 70 a month,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29it's a constant battle, turning unloved buildings back into homes.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34Every day is a different story. Behind every empty door, if you like, there's a new case, a new beginning.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38The idea of bringing empty properties back into use is quite fulfilling.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43Today, Matthew's in the west of the city, following up on one of his ongoing cases.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47The owners of this house have left it empty for six years
0:11:47 > 0:11:51and it's now a real eyesore in this quiet residential street.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Matthew's job today is to serve an enforcement notice on it.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00Legally, we need to attach the notice to the property to say it's formally served.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03We need to start getting real with this one, now.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Having tried and failed to get the owners of this semi
0:12:07 > 0:12:12to improve its appearance, Matthew's now taking a more hard line approach.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14It's actually 10 times worse than the last time.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17It's quite a sorry state today, yes.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Basically, if the work isn't carried out,
0:12:24 > 0:12:26we'll carry out the work in default
0:12:26 > 0:12:30and hopefully that will be the end to the problems for the neighbourhood.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32After serving the notice,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Matthew has a chat with a concerned neighbour.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37But what if they don't see the notices on the door?
0:12:37 > 0:12:41As long as we can prove that we've tried to locate them, to track them down...
0:12:41 > 0:12:45So you can go ahead with what you intend to do without locating them?
0:12:45 > 0:12:49The law is on our side. Ideally, we want the owners to do the work themselves.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Hopefully, this will bring them out of the woods, but, ultimately,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56it may mean that we have to compulsory purchase the house,
0:12:56 > 0:12:57which is always the last resort,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00but sometimes you have to do this to get the end result.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04The next target in Matthew's sights today is a house in north Birmingham,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08which has been brought to his attention by the local police.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Today we're going to get a view
0:13:10 > 0:13:14on what's happening at this house - how bad is it? Are people getting into it?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Basically, the start of any investigation
0:13:16 > 0:13:21is getting an initial picture of what the property's about
0:13:21 > 0:13:24and that's even before we locate the owner.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Matthew works closely with the police,
0:13:26 > 0:13:28as do all Empty Property Officers.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Meeting him today is Crime Prevention Adviser Keith Doyle.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36It has been flagged up by one of our PCSOs, the condition of this place.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39It's been empty for some time, by all accounts.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41It's going to cause us some potential problems
0:13:41 > 0:13:43if we don't get on to it now.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45So, it's secure, or are you not sure?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Let's have a look.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Work our way through the growth. - Yeah.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Matthew's six years' experience is needed
0:13:53 > 0:13:55when it comes to detective work.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Unless they've gone on holiday, the buildup of post is a classic,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01classic sign of a house being empty, isn't it?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04There's bills on the window sill, we might be able to get names.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07That's always a help, isn't it?
0:14:08 > 0:14:10That's good, well spotted.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15Round the back there are signs that someone may have started to renovate the house.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- It looks like they started work. - Like they're trying to refurb the kitchen.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Not much fun living next door to this, I wouldn't have thought.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24This is where the fun starts, now -
0:14:24 > 0:14:28get hold of the owner, sit down, talk with them, see what plans they have.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31At the end of the day, we want them to bring the property back into use.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- Keith, as ever, cheers, buddy. - Any problems, give me a ring. - See you soon.- Cheers.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41So we're going to do a Land Registry search, find the owner, see what plans they have.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46And if you think you've spotted something lying empty near you
0:14:46 > 0:14:48and you're worried about it,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50you can always contact your local council
0:14:50 > 0:14:53who will get their Empty Property Officer on the case.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00First-time buyers, Sam Chitty and James Elston,
0:15:00 > 0:15:02are living with Sam's parents
0:15:02 > 0:15:05while they save up to buy a flat together in south-west London.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09With £360,000 to spend, I think an empty home
0:15:09 > 0:15:12is their best bet for finding what they want within budget.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17The first flat I showed them is excellent value for money at £215,000,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20leaving them ample cash left over to get it just how they want it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25Even though it was outside their ideal area of London, Sam saw its potential.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Because it's so cheap, you have got the money to go all out.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33A property in need, in a good area,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36is just what I found them a little further west.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39It may be Edwardian, but even back then people lived in flats
0:15:39 > 0:15:43and this purpose-built maisonette is in that the very popular area
0:15:43 > 0:15:45of Balham in south-west London.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Having been let to tenants, it's not been lived in for two months,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50since the owner decided to sell it.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55Well, as promised, we have come a few miles further west - Balham.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58I know this is an area that you have thought about.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Yes, definitely. - So, what have we got for you?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03We've got you the ground floor of this,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06well, it was designed as a couple of maisonettes.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07That's exactly what it still is,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09that's why you've got the two doors there.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13A ground floor, shared garden, um...
0:16:13 > 0:16:14- currently two-bed...- OK.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..but it does all come at a premium, because of where we are.- OK.
0:16:17 > 0:16:23This is on the market for £300,000.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26OK, that is the budget.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31How far could you stretch above that for any renovations?
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Well, we'd be happy to do it over time,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36as long as you could live there and maybe do a bathroom
0:16:36 > 0:16:38and later on do the kitchen, or whatever.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43The thing I love about this is that you can do as much or as little as you want,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and you'll see what I mean when we get in there.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Shall we? Come on.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54There's a reception room at the front,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56with two bedrooms behind.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Then, at the back, is the kitchen and bathroom,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01while outside, there's a shared garden.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04OK, let's start in here.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- BOTH: Wow.- Yeah?
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I like it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Yes, what do you like? - It's a nice size.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Good size, very light, huge window.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18It feels like a converted flat, but this is a purpose-built maisonette of its period.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20So, turn of the century, I'd have thought.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24One or two features have gone, there would have been a fireplace in here,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27that's what the vent's doing, you could open it up again.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- The boards are good, they're original.- Yeah, these are amazing.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Sanded, they would come up really well.- Yes.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36It's had a lick of paint just to present it to sell,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38but, as you can see, the sky's the limit.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42You could, effectively occupy this almost as it is,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46with a few little tweaks. Come with me, you'll see what I mean.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Next door is a spacious main bedroom,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52and a separate loo.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56There's a second, smaller bedroom which is where
0:17:56 > 0:17:58I think they could gain the space to give them
0:17:58 > 0:18:01the large kitchen-living area they're after.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03I would cut this in half,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07lose the window, and go for a shower room.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10What I want to do is to give you the other half as extra space
0:18:10 > 0:18:13in the kitchen, which would mean taking out that wall there.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17You do want a nice, big living space and that's through here.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- So...- Hmm.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28the idea is that that all would come out, and go back at least a metre.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- That'd be good.- It could go back to where the door frame is.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36Exactly, that's pretty much where it would end up. It's as big as you're going to get it.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39And now, it's out to the garden.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Oh, wow.- Yes.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- This is big, for London. - Yeah, it is big,
0:18:44 > 0:18:48it's shared, of course, with upstairs. Um,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- but...- That's all right. - Yes.- ..it's not bad.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55It's a nice little bonus in central London to have...
0:18:55 > 0:18:58So much outside space is amazing.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59Treat it as a bonus,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02because the main thing is what you do with the space in there.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Yeah, it's exciting, definitely.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Good, keep being excited. Come on.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12To give an idea of the cash needed to realise the potential,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15we asked a local architect round to give us an estimate
0:19:15 > 0:19:16for moving the bathroom,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18allowing Sam and James to create the large,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21open-plan living space they're after.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Now, they're saying somewhere in the order of £50,000 - £60,000.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29Now, at that on top of your £300,000 spent on buying this place,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31and it'll probably go for that,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34because of where it is, suddenly you really are challenging the budget.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37I really like it, actually. What do you think?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I really like it, it's one of the best ones we've seen.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Really?- Yeah, without a doubt.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44For the price, definitely.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48OK. Well, we've given you a few ideas, lots to think about.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- Lots to think about.- OK, good.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Sam and James have seen two flats -
0:19:52 > 0:19:56one is great value for money, but not quite in the right location,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00the other is in the right area, but stretches their budget to its limit.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04We'll find out later if they're up for taking on one of these disused dwellings.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Back in Birmingham, Empty Property Officer, Matthew Smith,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14is continuing his mission to get vacant houses lived in again.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18Today, he's checking up on the owner of two run-down dwellings,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20who's having problems with their renovation.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24I think he's overstretched himself. One is still in a bad condition,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27which I need to have a serious word with him about -
0:20:27 > 0:20:29I think some of the windows have been broken -
0:20:29 > 0:20:32and another one that's nearing completion.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Stan Hodges bought this property as an investment
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and had only just started renovating it,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40when another house in the same street came up for sale.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41Stan bought it too,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44but he's not been able to get the cash to finish work on it.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49Still lying empty, it's attracting anti-social behaviour.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Hello?- Hello.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Matthew's concerned about how long it's taking Stan
0:20:55 > 0:20:57to complete the renovation.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59How's it going then? What are you up to?
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Well, it's a bit of a struggle at the moment, Matthew.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Finances are bit tight because of the credit crunch - value's gone.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- You've done a lot already.- There's a fair bit of work being done on it.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12We've just got to try and give you that final push.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14The less you can make people think it's empty
0:21:14 > 0:21:17while you're working on it, that's ideal, isn't it?
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- Yes, I agree.- OK.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Although the work on both houses has taken longer than he anticipated,
0:21:24 > 0:21:28Matthew's patience with Stan has paid off.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31And today they're meeting charity worker Emma Burke,
0:21:31 > 0:21:35who is interested in renting the house to a charitable organisation.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Wow, this is different. This is different from before.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45This is very nice.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- You've done a lot of work, Stan. - Yes.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51It looks really, really good.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53Emma's keen to check that the house
0:21:53 > 0:21:56meets the requirements of her clients.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58In terms of access from the back door...
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Yes, it would be level access.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03It would all sweep through, once the doors are open.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06That's grand. They'll love to come and sit out in the garden.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Once chap, particularly, would want a swing seat.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12I could just see him sat in the garden with his swing seat.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Yeah, absolutely.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- Here's your bathroom.- This is great. It's a decent size, as well.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Tell you what, you've done a superb job, absolutely brilliant.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28It's been a success all round.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Stan's nearly finished this house,
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Matthew's got one more off his books,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36and the charity has found a comfortable home for people in need.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful. You've worked so hard.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42It's very, very good. I'm quite excited now.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47It's been the best success story we've had over the last few years.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50We've just about got there with this one,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53as long as we keep an eye on the other property, it'll be fine.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01When it comes to taking on a vacant building,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03it's not just private buyers
0:23:03 > 0:23:06who are keen to restore them to their former glory.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10The Landmark Trust is a charity that rescues some of the country's
0:23:10 > 0:23:13most historic buildings at risk of being lost for ever.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19One such place is this 19th century keeper's cottage,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22built on the Shuttleworth Estate in Bedfordshire.
0:23:22 > 0:23:28It was lived in by the gamekeeper at the time, called Richard Aireton, and we know from records
0:23:28 > 0:23:33that he lived here with his wife and possibly up to seven children.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36When we first saw this building, the surrounding woodland
0:23:36 > 0:23:38was basically beginning to engulf the building.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40There were a huge holes in the roof,
0:23:40 > 0:23:44the timbers were all beginning to rot, all the panes of glass
0:23:44 > 0:23:48had been broken, and the building was really deteriorating fast.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54We're very lucky that there's a lot of records attached to this building.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58We were actually able to piece together a lot of how the building would have looked
0:23:58 > 0:24:03and to restore the building using as much of the original structure as possible.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05It took a year to complete the work
0:24:05 > 0:24:10and the price of this authenticity was more than £400,000.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13But, Keeper's Cottage now has a bright future.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15We make it available for holidays, and, staying here,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19you can really picture the life of a late 19th century gamekeeper,
0:24:19 > 0:24:23and hopefully people can put themselves into the past
0:24:23 > 0:24:26and the past way of life of our ancestors.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Being able to turn up at the building
0:24:30 > 0:24:32once the last lick of paint has been put on,
0:24:32 > 0:24:36and the keys have been just about handed over to the first people staying there
0:24:36 > 0:24:38gives you a great sense of satisfaction
0:24:38 > 0:24:42that you know that building has been saved and given a new future.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49And, if you fancy making an empty property your next home,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51here's how you can go about it.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Some forgotten homes are easier to spot than others.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56Look out for signs of neglect,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59like an untidy garden and shabby paintwork.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02If you find a place, your local Empty Property Officer
0:25:02 > 0:25:06may investigate it further for you and track down the owner.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08And don't just consider abandoned houses -
0:25:08 > 0:25:10subject to planning approval,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13disused schools and pubs can make interesting homes, too.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19I've been showing first-time buyers Sam and James some options
0:25:19 > 0:25:21that could make an ideal home for them.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24They want a two-bedroom flat with a large kitchen-living space,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27close to transport links in south-west London.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29I've taken them round two different places,
0:25:29 > 0:25:34but have I convinced them that a vacant home could be for them?
0:25:34 > 0:25:37So, how have you found today?
0:25:37 > 0:25:38Very interesting.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- I've enjoyed it.- Yeah, it was good.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43It all started over in Peckham.
0:25:43 > 0:25:50£215,000 for that ground-floor, in theory three-bed property.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51It was a great property.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56Yeah, the one in Peckham has surprised me with what you can get for your money.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01As we said, if we could find something like that...somewhere else
0:26:01 > 0:26:03that would be perfect, but it's just a bit far out.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05We then took you to Balham,
0:26:05 > 0:26:09where the prices were very different - £300,000.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- But what did you think of it? - It's the first property we've seen in Balham...
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Big bedrooms and potential for a big kitchen-living area.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22It's a place at you can adapt in a number of ways to suit your budget.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Given that that was £300,000,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28very much at the top end of what you were hoping to spend...
0:26:28 > 0:26:32We'd definitely consider it. And we'd look at others with that in mind
0:26:32 > 0:26:34and see what to compare it to, basically.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36So, it's a good benchmark?
0:26:36 > 0:26:41- Absolutely.- And you're still convinced that the idea of taking on an empty building is the way to go?
0:26:41 > 0:26:43- Absolutely, yeah.- Definitely.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Well guys, best of luck, and let us know how you get on.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48BOTH: Thanks very much.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Searching for that empty property that's going to be
0:26:51 > 0:26:53just right for you, can take some time,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56but it is worth all the trouble and the research,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58because once you've found it,
0:26:58 > 0:27:03you'll know that you're on your way to the house of your dreams.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Sam and James put in an offer on the second flat
0:27:05 > 0:27:09as they liked it so much, but, sadly, they were outbid.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11What we've shown them, though, has got them fired up
0:27:11 > 0:27:14to find a vacant place they can call home.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:30 > 0:27:34E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk