0:00:02 > 0:00:06Across the country, empty buildings that could be homes
0:00:06 > 0:00:10are just waiting to be brought back into use.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14I'll be finding out what you need to do to rescue a house for yourself.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19And I'll be finding out about our housing stock, our heritage
0:00:19 > 0:00:23and why we should be both reinventing and preserving
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Britain's empty homes.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Across Britain there are thousands of empty properties.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39But it doesn't have to be the case.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Empty properties can put off potential buyers,
0:00:42 > 0:00:45seeming too derelict and a bit daunting.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50But where many see a lost cause, others see a great opportunity,
0:00:50 > 0:00:54and it's those people who are leading the battle
0:00:54 > 0:00:58to breathe new life back into our old buildings.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Today, the newlyweds who fell in love with an empty house,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06but have fallen out of love with the renovation project.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09You've had problems with the builder?
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Unfortunately, yes, it's not gone smoothly in here.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16We'll meet an author and his wife
0:01:16 > 0:01:19who have created a fantastic family home.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Every window came out, every door frame.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26And we meet the property detectives who track down the owners,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30to breathe new life into blighted neighbourhoods.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34There's been a host of problems - anti-social behaviour,
0:01:34 > 0:01:36squatters having to be removed.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Newlyweds Andrew and Catherine Ingram recently bought
0:01:43 > 0:01:47this early 1900s house in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51The house was empty for almost a year, practically untouched.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56When they clapped eyes on it, it was love at first sight.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59We pulled up outside and walked up the driveway,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03and I just knew it was the right property.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07In this sought-after location, prices can run into the millions.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11A&E crew member Andrew and staff nurse Catherine
0:02:11 > 0:02:14snapped it up for £425,000.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16It had been on at 465,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20but luckily we could get it at that price,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23which we thought was a bargain - it IS a bargain.
0:02:23 > 0:02:29They want to update the interior whilst maintaining its original character.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34If we keep the mix between the authentic, with the twist of modern,
0:02:34 > 0:02:39it's going to be an amazing house, and do it justice.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Andrew and Catherine have a tight renovation budget of £70,000.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46After a fall-out with one builder,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48they're determined to keep costs down.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54It'll be re-roofed, re-plumbed, re-electricked.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59The garden will eventually be done, that's the last thing on our list.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- We're hoping to move in in six months.- If all goes well.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08'I'm meeting up with the couple to find out more.'
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- My wife, Catherine.- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- Right...- Yes, exactly! This is it! - Yes! This was the third house we saw,
0:03:15 > 0:03:20and I just fell in love with it - we went inside, and it was amazing.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- We should go and have a look. Lead the way.- Thank you.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32Wow! So, this is a lovely, big room. This is your main reception room?
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Yes. I presume it was a dining room come front room at one stage.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- Fantastic.- Yes, it's triple aspect, going round to the side there.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46- And the proper old beams really stand out.- Yes, they are superb.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- Are these things you want to bring out?- Oh, totally.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53I want to enhance the existing woodwork, not over-modernise it
0:03:53 > 0:03:59but keep a blend between the authentic arts and crafts of the period
0:03:59 > 0:04:03with obviously modern fixtures and fittings.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06How much are you planning to do yourselves?
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Do you both want to get stuck in, with your full-time jobs?
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- You've been awake all night as a staff nurse...- That's right.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- How much can you do yourselves? - Within reason, you know,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21lumping and lifting of stuff, clearing of rubble.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24But the electricians, plumbers etc, we let them get on.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Will you project manage it yourself?
0:04:27 > 0:04:30It can seem a lot of money to get someone to manage it,
0:04:30 > 0:04:34but in terms of keeping it on schedule and on track
0:04:34 > 0:04:38and on budget, it can be money well-spent - have you considered it?
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Yes and no. I am very fussy,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43and would like to check every detail myself,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- so, within reason, we might as well do it ourselves.- Right.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53I'm keen to see what building work has been done in the house so far.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- The kitchen is more of a building site...- It looks like that, sure.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00'After a fall-out with their builder,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03'things have ground to a halt.'
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- We were too keen, we wanted to get on and see something happen.- Yeah.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09But it's not gone smoothly in here.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13We take a look round the rest of the property.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Wow! This...is huge!
0:05:17 > 0:05:20That's a massive bedroom.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Huge bedroom.- Then we come out into... What is this exactly?
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- This is the en-suite sun room. - The en-suite sun room!
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Another quirky feature of such a characterful house.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- My yoga spot.- Yoga spot. So, this will be the master bedroom.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40- Yes.- With a great fireplace. And overall, your main worries,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42will it come down to money?
0:05:42 > 0:05:47Ultimately everything boils down to money, that's the biggest constraint
0:05:47 > 0:05:51on any desire or vision you have for anything, really.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Yes, money - and also, as you said, getting the right builder.- Mmm.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- I'm glad you're worried about it as well!- I hide it!
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I think it would be useful to meet a couple who have been through this.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08They've been through the stress, come out with a completed property,
0:06:08 > 0:06:13and I think they'll have loads of advice for you on what lies ahead.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- OK.- How does that sound? - That sounds good.- Definitely.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- Up for it?- Yep.- Yeah, definitely. - Great. Let's go.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Well, what an exciting house -
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Andrew and Catherine are clearly smitten with it.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29For me, the budget seems a bit tight.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Also, they both have very busy jobs,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36they're healthcare professionals, working shifts and nights -
0:06:36 > 0:06:40will they be around enough to project-manage this?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43They've had one setback with a builder,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45they can't afford any more,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48so fingers crossed on that front.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53But they'll be meeting a couple who have overcome similar challenges,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56all to create their dream home.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04Not every empty home has someone prepared to come to the rescue.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09That job often lies with our empty property officers.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Jason Hall's beat is Richmond-upon-Thames.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Richmond is an affluent area,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19where houses tend to fetch between £500,000 and £10 million -
0:07:19 > 0:07:24not a place where you might expect many vacant properties.
0:07:24 > 0:07:30But at present, Jason has over 150 empties on his books.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33It seems crazy that people would leave them empty,
0:07:33 > 0:07:38with the risk of squatters breaking in, damage done, and loss of value.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41It never ceases to amaze me.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Jason has been campaigning to save this building for three years.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Built in the late 1800s, this huge house and industrial unit
0:07:49 > 0:07:52had been empty for over 20 years.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57The plot itself is potentially worth as much as £1 million.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02The previous owner kept it mainly to house two classic cars.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06He had let it get into a really poor condition.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11Due to all the problems we'd found, we were looking to take possession.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16Jason struggled for a long time to find the owner, and inevitably,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19the building became of concern to the community.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24In recent years, it's quite serious, we've had squatters several times.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Basically, you know, it was just overrun and wild.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33After much pressure from Jason, the place was sold to a local developer,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36who is now converting it into two large homes.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41Jason's here to meet the developer and the council planning officer
0:08:41 > 0:08:45to see how the work is progressing.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49We're going to retain the original house, which is this part here.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53The extension, added much later, will bring the roof across
0:08:53 > 0:08:57and create a completely separate three-bedroom house.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02We will preserve the character of the old house on the front facade.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07At the rear we'll change it somewhat to meet today's requirements.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- So it will be a modern, contemporary house on the inside...- Yep.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15..but the original features on the outside.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19The building was not listed, but it is in a landmark protection area,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23and the council were keen to retain its original character.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27It looks like one house, as opposed to two, like the original,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31whereas the printworks at the moment looks kind of like an addition.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Preserving the features, the wooden windows and the railings outside,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- it's going to look a stunning building.- Really impressive.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42This is the end of a long campaign by Jason
0:09:42 > 0:09:48to get this building back into use, and it looks like it's paid off.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Without Jason chasing around these properties,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54they would sit and decline for years and years.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57It's not for lack of people trying to track down the owners,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00it's their reluctance to actually sell.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05It's fantastic to see the property that's been empty for 20 years, and was mainly used as car storage,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08it's great to see that it's going to be restored to two family homes.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13It's really easy to get excited about tackling an empty home,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16but it's never wise to just rush in.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19The more ambitious the work is, the more important it is
0:10:19 > 0:10:23to thoroughly research everything, from surveyors to sofas.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30In Bath, author Joe Abercrombie and his photographer wife Lou
0:10:30 > 0:10:34bought this unusual art deco-style property for £400,000.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37We were looking for somewhere that we could do some work to,
0:10:37 > 0:10:39maybe not as much work as we ended up doing,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42but we were looking for a bit of a project.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46The house stood empty for nine months after the previous owner passed away,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50and the whole building was in need of a full renovation.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54It has very old wiring, it had all the lead plumbing still in there,
0:10:54 > 0:11:00- so we knew straight away that it would need ripping back to... - To scratch, yeah.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Every window came out, every door frame, every door, they took up all the floors.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08After a year-and-a-half-long building project,
0:11:08 > 0:11:13Joe and Lou have transformed it into a strikingly modern family home.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23However, the initial renovation budget quickly spiralled.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25We started with a ludicrous budget of 150.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31By the time we started the build, it had mushroomed to about 420,
0:11:31 > 0:11:36and then it did go a bit further, so we probably spent 450, 460.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38But we don't know whether we've recouped it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- We don't know what it's worth. - We don't know. - I'd rather not know, in a way!
0:11:41 > 0:11:44And throughout this spectacular renovation,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Joe and Lou took on many design challenges together.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54We wanted a very modern, contemporary kind of look.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57It was really nice to come to a house that was really light.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01We could have some real modern touches, but then sort of keep
0:12:01 > 0:12:05some of the more art deco features that the house already had.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10There's some interesting materials which are very modern in contrast to the Bath stone.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13The circular extension's been clad in wood,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15and the stainless steel roof
0:12:15 > 0:12:18makes it more than just a stone house
0:12:18 > 0:12:21which there's a lot of them around here.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25The Abercrombies have breathed new life into an empty house,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29and now have an amazing family home.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36One of the most important design aspects was to be able to entertain,
0:12:36 > 0:12:40with the kitchen sitting out looking over this big semi-circular patio.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44We have had a few parties and it fitted perfectly.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Everyone was sat out on the lawn, on the patio, milling around in the kitchen.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51It's the perfect space for it.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01Now, we've witnessed the potential that can be unlocked by renovating an empty property,
0:13:01 > 0:13:05but of course restoration can also happen on a much larger scale.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I've come to the Heyford Park in Oxfordshire,
0:13:08 > 0:13:14where a whole town is being moulded out of the remains of this disused airbase.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18There's been an air strip here since 1916,
0:13:18 > 0:13:22and Upper Heyford played a vital role during the two World Wars
0:13:22 > 0:13:26as a training base. Following the Second World War,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29the site was handed over to the American air force.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Over the years, around 15,000 American servicemen lived and worked
0:13:33 > 0:13:36on this 1250 acre site.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40But, with the end of the Cold War, the site was decommissioned,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43leaving behind hundreds of empty bungalows.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Like many regions of the UK, Oxfordshire desperately needs affordable new homes,
0:13:47 > 0:13:51and a developer plans to regenerate this abandoned air base,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54creating around a thousand new houses.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58I'm meeting the developer, Paul Silver, to find out more.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03We've got 315 houses on the estate which are let.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05We want to do a phased refurbishment programme.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09We have consent to build 800 new houses that fits in amongst it.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13When it's all finished, how many homes will there be here?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Overall there will be 1,100 homes on site.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Such a unique chance to take on these buildings, use them,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23not knock them down but bring them back to life.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27We've had to take on board the legacy of the place and make sure we do it right.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Whatever we leave here will last for future generations.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- I'd love to have a look in one, can we?- Yes, please, come through.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Please, come through.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42It's quite big, isn't it? Is the main living space?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Yes, it's lovely open area.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46There's a lot of American, '50s facets to it,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50the wooden doors between the kitchen and dining area.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53You get a back garden with these as well, don't you?
0:14:53 > 0:14:55That's the key thing, actually.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59A lot of the locals really love the space standards and private amenity space.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05The bungalows originally had two or three bedrooms and spacious family bathrooms.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I'm keen to see how they look when redeveloped.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Wow!
0:15:16 > 0:15:20That's incredible! What a transformation.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23It's certainly a bit different from the one we've just come from.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26It shows what a little bit of imagination can do.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Yes, and it feels so big and airy and light.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35The former airmen's family quarters have been transformed into modern, family homes
0:15:35 > 0:15:40and current planning laws would make it almost impossible to build this many of them
0:15:40 > 0:15:42in the Oxfordshire countryside.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46How sure can you be that this collection of buildings will actually form
0:15:46 > 0:15:47a warm and friendly community?
0:15:47 > 0:15:53I think the key thing is the space they have, the living areas, the light impression they have
0:15:53 > 0:15:56in their living environment, and communities are a formation of people,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59not a formation of buildings, at the end of the day.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03It just takes a bit of vision on how you can go about those things.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08When this base was built, it played a key role in ongoing international tensions.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Now, with Britain in relative peace time, it's playing a key role
0:16:12 > 0:16:17in a domestic crisis, providing much-needed housing.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21And, with hundreds of former airbases lying empty across the UK,
0:16:21 > 0:16:27the work here at Heyford can be held up as an example to local councils and developers,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31not just in how to remember these Cold War relics in peace time,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35but also how to provide homes for our future.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Earlier in West Sussex I met up with Andrew and Catherine Ingram,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45who've started renovations on this unusual house.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50After a fallout with one builder, Andrew and Catherine are anxious
0:16:50 > 0:16:53about how best to manage this complex renovation.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59Now, I'm taking them to meet a couple who've tackled a similar project to give them some guidance.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Right, guys, here we are. This is the house.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06It's a little bit older than yours, it's 1920s.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10It was empty the best part of two years before Matt and Clare took it on.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Both, I hope, can offer some good advice.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- So, shall we go and say hello? - Certainly.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Clare Pascoe, an interior designer
0:17:20 > 0:17:25and her husband Matt, an electrician, live with their young family in Oving, West Sussex.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30In 2009, the Pascoes bought this dilapidated, vacant,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34three-bedroom house for £435,000.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38The reason the house appealed to us was that it would have been out of our league
0:17:38 > 0:17:42had it been fully renovated already.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45It was quite dated and run down.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49It was very tired, but you could clearly see it was spacious
0:17:49 > 0:17:52and could be fantastic.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Clare and Matt were able to draw on their own skills
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and experience to complete the build.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Even so, they struggled through a harsh winter
0:17:59 > 0:18:03and the birth of their second child to complete the project.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08We weren't nervous about doing it, we were quite excited about it.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10It was definitely more stressful as time went on
0:18:10 > 0:18:15and more of the money got spent, with still plenty of work to do.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Even as an interior designer with 12 years experience,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23I still felt the pressure to get in before Christmas.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Normally I'd be advising clients to relax, these are the lead times,
0:18:27 > 0:18:32these are the processes and don't try and push the team. I didn't follow my own advice at all!
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Despite the pressures of managing their own build, the Pascoes have transformed and extended
0:18:37 > 0:18:42this once empty house into a spacious and spectacular home.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46All this work was done for under 70 grand.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48We've certainly added value to the property.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52That wasn't the motive for setting out to refurbish the house.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56It was to make a family home that we could bring our children up in,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00a lovely garden, village location. It was the whole package.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Hello, Matt, Claire. Hi.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- Can we come in and have a look? - Yes, come on in.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09This renovation may have held different challenges
0:19:09 > 0:19:13but it's a similar scale to Andrew and Catherine's place.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- The master bedroom. - Beautiful.- Nice colours.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22I feel Andrew and Catherine can glean a lot from seeing how two renovation specialists
0:19:22 > 0:19:26managed their big construction project.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Wow, look at this, it just opens up as soon as you come around.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33What state was this in when you took on the property?
0:19:33 > 0:19:36This room didn't exist. This is all extension that we did.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- This was an exterior wall, was it?- It was.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- All extension, going that way?- Yes.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43This was the old kitchen/diner and that was the living room
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and this would of been outside with a very tumbledown conservatory.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50How much of this work did you do yourself?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53With me, with some friends of mine that work in the industry,
0:19:53 > 0:19:58we did all of it, really. I did all the carpentry, the electrics
0:19:58 > 0:20:00and kitchen fitting.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03We brought in some plasterers and decorators.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07From your point of view, how would you advise these guys?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10They're both health professionals, not contractors or builders.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14How did you go about finding the right people that you trust?
0:20:14 > 0:20:15Word of mouth, if you can.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Try and get some recommendations, maybe see some of their work
0:20:19 > 0:20:23and try and get somebody you can get on with. It's going to take a while.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27It's a long haul and they're under your feet the whole time.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Yes, communication's important. - You've got to get on with them.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Get the right balance. - Being able to talk.- Sure.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38That's one of my concerns for you two, you're both busy and have full-time jobs
0:20:38 > 0:20:40and it's about being there enough.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44How important is it to be around if you're a project manager, or, if not
0:20:44 > 0:20:45to try and employ someone who can?
0:20:45 > 0:20:50It's nice to get involved and know what's happening, to be involved in decisions.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52The builders on site will need a quick turnaround.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55If there's a problem, they need to move the sink,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57if they need to know how far or change something.
0:20:57 > 0:21:03- To keep momentum and keep morale, you need to have a quick dialogue, as well.- That's interesting,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06you do need to be around to make those quick decisions?
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- Accessible on the phone, at least, really.- Yeah.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12Or have someone who trust to make certain decisions for you.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15I don't know if you have an architect or designer working with you,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19but it's quite an administrative feat as well. One of you really needs to be on the ball.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Sometimes when you're in the middle of a building project, the floors are up
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and the plaster's down, it's difficult to see the way forward.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30How useful is it seeing a stage forward? You're dealing with exposed concrete floors,
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- and to see a finished project, is lovely.- It's amazing.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37It gives you clarity and forward vision to look around at the space,
0:21:37 > 0:21:42they've got balance between living, dining and preparation.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Yes, it's encouraging.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- And it would fit with yours, it's exactly what you're looking for.- I know.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- It is hopeful, there is light at the end of the tunnel.- Good, good.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Guys, thank you for that.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Sharing your house, opening it up to us to have a look around.- Pleasure.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04In Richmond-upon-Thames, empty property officer Jason Hall
0:22:04 > 0:22:08devotes his working life to saving abandoned homes.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Today Jason's on his way to see a house which has been
0:22:11 > 0:22:15rescued from ruin, thanks to a council grant.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20This spacious property was rented long-term by an elderly lady who passed away three years ago.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25During this period, the house fell into serious disrepair.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29The owner wanted to renovate the building and turn it into three flats
0:22:29 > 0:22:34and was able to do this with the help of a £75,000 council grant.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39It's the first time I'd been back to this property since the completion of the grant works.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43I'm here to have a good look around in and out of the flats,
0:22:43 > 0:22:47check all the works were carried out as per schedule and we can sign this one off the books.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Hello, how are you?- Good to see you.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51I'm looking forward to seeing this.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Come on in.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00This is the ground floor flat, we've got a studio flat on the top,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04a two-bed flat on the middle floor and then this is the ground floor.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07It's a one-bed flat and it's turned out rather nicely.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- It certainly looks a lot different to the last time I came.- Yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:16Is nice to see the build hasn't lost any of the original features with all the roof detail.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20Yes, that's right, we tried to keep as much as we could
0:23:20 > 0:23:24because there's some beautiful little features in the property.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- The kitchen.- Completely new room.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29It is, completely new room.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- The old kitchen used to finish kind of here.- I remember.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34And there was a lean-to at the back.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38We took the lean-to down and extended the kitchen out.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41This is obviously a key room where some of our money was spent
0:23:41 > 0:23:47- with the central heating system, kitchen...- Absolutely.- Fantastic.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Here's the studio.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53We've created a little kitchen over here.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58This is now the front room and the tenant is using the back room as his bedroom.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03We've got a little bathroom in there. So it's created a fantastic little studio.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08- Obviously, they're tenants that are off the council waiting list. - They are.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12The standard of property we're offering them is fantastic, in my opinion,
0:24:12 > 0:24:16and it's good to see they're being looked after. It's really good. Excellent. OK.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22I think it's fantastic that the council's investing in empty properties like this
0:24:22 > 0:24:23so they can put council tenants in them.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28I mean, the three tenants in this building were struggling to find accommodation.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31The council has enabled this project to be carried out
0:24:31 > 0:24:34and made it possible for them to be housed, which is fantastic.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Thanks, mate.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41I'm impressed with the property and pleased with the way it's gone
0:24:41 > 0:24:44and it's good to see tenants in there and it's all fine.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- I hope to work with you again. - Brilliant.- Take care. - Thanks, Jason. See you.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52It's not just my job to deal with empty properties, it's also to bring them back into use.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55This has been a good example of bringing a wasted resource back into use
0:24:55 > 0:24:58and bringing people off the council housing waiting list.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I think it's fantastic to see it.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09Earlier I met Andrew and Catherine Ingram who bought an empty house
0:25:09 > 0:25:14in Bognor Regis, but are struggling to find the right builder to do it up.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19I took Andrew and Catherine to meet a couple who undertook a similar project with great success.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23How do they feel about their renovation now?
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Having had a look around, having met Matt and Clare,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30what do you think about this place and your own project?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It's really encouraging to see such a fine, finished job.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- It's given me some encouragement. - Me, too. It's lovely to see a finished product.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43To go through some of that advice, first of all, project management.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46They were very keen that you should have someone available
0:25:46 > 0:25:49to answer calls or be around to make decisions.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- That's something you'll remember? - Definitely, to a certain extent
0:25:53 > 0:25:56and, obviously, communications with the builders concerned.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00A combination of being on site as much as possible
0:26:00 > 0:26:01and finding the right builder.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Finally, your energy, are you up for this?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06It is going to be a bit of a slog.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Seeing that, does it inspire you, does it energise you?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Yes, it's commitment all round.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17It's a symbol, basically, of my overall commitment to Catherine.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20The commitment to the house and our dream together. Yes, sure.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Nice, having a finished picture in your head when you're struggling.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- Fantastic, and to listen to Clare and to get that hope.- Mmm.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36Clearly, having the vision to see past dereliction is a prerequisite when tackling an empty home.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40It seems like Andrew and Catherine have that vision.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Of course, planning and preparation are the key foundation to success,
0:26:43 > 0:26:48so hopefully today, they've gleaned enough help and advice to get them on the way.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51There will, of course, be challenges ahead
0:26:51 > 0:26:55but I've got every confidence that they'll manage to turn the potential of their place
0:26:55 > 0:26:57into a dream home.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd