Janet and Trevor Smith Britain's Empty Homes

Across the country, empty buildings that could be homes are just waiting to be brought back into use.

I'll be finding out why and what you need to do to rescue a house for yourself.

Along the way, I'll do some digging to find out more about our housing stock and why we should be

reinventing and preserving Britain's empty homes.

Finding your ideal home isn't an easy task. You can look through hundreds of properties

and not find anything quite right,

but if you go the extra mile and take a leap of faith,

rescuing one of Britain's empty homes could help you realise your dreams.

'Today I'll be meeting a couple with big ambitions for a little bungalow,

-'who may find it's more than just their accounts that are frozen.' Camp out?

-Yes, camp out.

-You'll be living here?

-We will.

-We've got to get on with it.

'We'll meet people who took some big risks to renovate a derelict house.'

Should we put the property back on the market or should we bite the bullet and proceed?

'And we follow the property detectives who help breathe new life into empty houses.'

When I come across an empty house, I don't see just bricks and mortar.

I see a potential family house.

Carpenders Park, Hertfordshire, and Janet and Trevor Smith have just bought a three-bedroom bungalow.

Everything is in complete disarray and I couldn't be happier.

They married last year and this is their first renovation together.

Janet's tackled some large projects before, but Trevor is a novice.

I've never done anything like this before, so it's a challenge.

And I'm looking forward to it!

Lots of painting, lots of sanding down, decorating and knocking things down.

-The bungalow stood empty for six months after the owner passed away.

-You can walk in somewhere

and still have that feeling that you can make it a home.

They bought this place because they want more space for them and their dog, Alfie.

They plan to increase the size of their new home by adding a second storey and extending to the rear.

I won't be here during the days. I'll be at work, so Jan will have to take it on her broad shoulders.

The bungalow cost £245,000 and they have a renovation budget of up to £60,000.

Hi, guys, nice to meet you. I'm Joe. 'I'm meeting them to find out more.'

-What attracted you to the bungalow?

-There's loads and loads of potential.

We can get our own stamp on it.

It has been empty for a while. Is that an opportunity to go in and wreak havoc?

Yes, an opportunity. When you walk in and it looks absolutely fab,

you don't want to do anything to it. But when it's the way it is, a little bit unloved

and uncared for, you want to rip everything out and start again.

-And you're excited about doing that?

-Yes, really... Well, I'm very excited!

I've identified the Project Manager already!

-Shall we go and have a look inside?

-Yeah, sure.

-Lead the way.

-Mind the step.

-OK.

-Hello, my darling. Hello.

'As soon as you walk in, it's clear why Janet and Trevor, and Alfie,

'need a bit more space.

'Squeezed in are a living room, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen/diner.'

-Right.

-Where we're standing here will be, hopefully, the staircase,

leading to the room that will be built upstairs. The loft extension.

-You do know you've bought a bungalow?

-Yes! Not for much longer. That door will be blocked,

the wall will stay as a partition wall which will separate the kitchen and dining area.

And the whole of the back will open up onto the garden.

As you walk in the front door, you'll see the garden.

'They want to get started straight away, but that means doing all the major work in winter.'

-You have to be aware that things will be a bit tough. We'll camp out for a few months.

-Camp out?

-Yes.

-So you'll be living here?

-We'll be here, yes, while we take the roof off.

-Rather draughty!

Yeah. How do you feel about this, Trevor, as a novice to the renovation side of things?

A little bit of trepidation, but we've got to get on with it.

'Being on a building site in winter with no roof will be hard enough, but as we move to the kitchen

'I learn about their plans to take the back off the house as well.'

-Right, so kitchen/dining area.

-As it stands at the moment, yes.

-What's the plan?

This will be pushed through, extended through.

-Three metres-ish we're aiming for.

-You're pushing out as well as pushing up.

-So it's about how to divide that £60,000...

-Yes.

'The projected budget feels very tight for these two ambitious extensions.'

-Are you going to do a lot of the work yourself?

-Oh, yes.

Labouring, essentially, will be done by us.

That's where the money drains away. You have to be sensible.

'Well, I'm keen to see what they're planning with the extension out the back.'

This is a good view. You can clearly see what you're talking about. Next door have pushed out and up.

-This is very much in the style that you're thinking about.

-Yes.

Exactly.

Janet and Trevor have very exciting plans. Just a couple of concerns have popped up in my mind.

One is the budget. They've got £60,000 to spend.

I could easily see them getting through double that on this.

The second is that they'll do the main work in the winter. Of course that is possible,

but it's also pretty grim. Later I'll take them to meet somebody who can give some useful tips

and also a reality check of what's in store for the months ahead.

Empty homes don't always get into the hands of owners like them.

Across the country, councils' Empty Property Officers try to change the fortunes of abandoned houses.

Dave Carter is one of Enfield Council's most senior Empty Property Officers.

When I come across an empty house, I don't see just bricks and mortar.

I see a potential family house.

Today Dave is on his way to investigate claims of squatters moving into a disused house.

This morning we're going to visit a house that the council have recently had to take possession of.

We realised it maybe has been squatted and I need to confirm that

so that I can inform my legal team in order to start the eviction process.

In recent years, Dave and his team have been dealing with an increasing number of squats in Enfield.

The legal process for evictions relies on Dave getting a possession order and then serving notice

within 24 hours. Once notice is served,

any illegal occupants have two days to vacate.

After this period, the bailiffs are usually sent in.

But before the council can act, Dave needs to check the situation with the neighbours.

I'm Dave Carter from Enfield Council. I'm trying to find out about the house a few doors along,

-whether anyone's living there.

-I've seen some people coming in.

-You've seen that recently?

-Recently. At night.

-Do you see a light on?

-Yeah.

-All right.

There's definitely somebody living there. Thank you very much. Bye.

'What I'm going to do is knock on the door and see if there's anyone'

prepared to come and talk to me and confirm that they live there.

I'll warn them that the council are taking proceedings to evict them and they need somewhere else.

With confirmation that someone's living in the house, Dave decides to see if anyone will answer the door.

There doesn't seem to be anybody in. I'll knock again.

There are clear signs of life inside, but no response.

DOG BARKS

There is a dog in the house barking away. There's no build up of post. I had a look through the windows.

I'm satisfied that the squatters are still here, so I'll nip back to the office

and speak to our legal team.

Dave is left with no choice but to push forward with the possession order and serve notice.

Taking on an empty home isn't for the faint-hearted. Let's be very clear about that.

But once you cross the threshold of an abandoned property,

the potential for it to once again become a warm home full of character really does come alive.

If you're the sort of person who can see past peeling paintwork and a dated decor,

then with hard graft and determination, you really can create the home you've always dreamt of.

Ten years ago, Ogilvie and Flora Dixon fell in love with this coachman's cottage

in the small town of Melrose in the Scottish borders.

The house included a coach shed, a hay barn and stables.

Even though it had been empty for over two years and was derelict,

they felt compelled to buy the place, but there was one big hurdle. It was offered under sealed bids.

The agent placed the property on the market at offers over £58,000.

We thought long and hard, discussed it with our lawyer,

and eventually placed an offer for £150,000.

We reckon we went £30,000 over the highest offer,

but nevertheless we were fortunate in obtaining the property and we have no regrets.

But there was definitely uncertainty when their offer was accepted.

We just hadn't time to establish the final cost of conversion,

so when we got the quotations, we said should we put the property back on the market

or should we bite the bullet and proceed?

Well, after two sleepless nights, we made the historical decision to proceed.

So proceed they did, but this was a year-long renovation project

-and during that time the house was totally uninhabitable.

-It was undeveloped for a number of years.

So it was a bit of a shambles and certainly a huge challenge.

For Ogilvie, having 20 years' experience in the construction industry had its benefits.

The most important part was to gather around one a good team of builders, joiners

and electricians. Above all, tradesmen that you could trust.

This entire renovation cost Ogilvie and Flora around £275,000

and they only went £1,500 over budget in total.

We kept a very close eye on the entire contract and enjoyed it.

It was rather nice to think that we were sorry to see our builder leave at the end of the contract.

Ogilvie and Flora now have a beautiful four-bedroom house with three bathrooms,

a large garden and a spacious garage.

There's a certain warmth and pleasure just looking out

onto these craftsmen-built walls.

Not only did they get a spectacular home in one of the most desirable locations in the area,

they also saved a derelict building from falling into total ruin.

It was fun, a challenge, oh, yes, a worry,

but I'm glad to say that it's all paid for

and we can relax now and enjoy living in it.

Many buildings that lie empty are not listed,

but can still be hiding links to our past.

Often these properties don't draw attention to themselves,

so they're reduced to rubble to make way for new developments taking with them their own unique history.

'In Whitechapel, East London, these Georgian houses had been derelict and uninhabited

'for almost two decades.

'The buildings had been given to the London Development Agency by the former owner, Queen Mary's Hospital,

'and were due to be demolished for redevelopment. These historic homes were nearly lost for ever,

'but thanks to a campaign by a local trust, they have been rescued.

'The Spitalfields Trust is passionate about saving historic buildings.

'I'm here to meet resident Robin Forster to find out more.'

Robin, tell me about the plan for demolition. All these were earmarked to be pulled down.

These properties were going to be demolished to make way for a new build for Queen Mary College

and they would have sat right where we stand.

They were saved at the 11th hour, this land had been handed over?

The plans had been drawn up for this new facility

and we were just hanging in there, trying to change their mind.

'The Spitalfields Trust eventually negotiated a redevelopment site exchange with Queen Mary's

'by offering them a less architecturally significant site locally.'

What was it the Spitalfields Trust saw in these buildings?

-They weren't listed, were they?

-No.

I think what they saw in it was it was quite unique that there was actually ten houses all together

in very similar condition

and because they were vacant for between 15 and 20 years, they had kind of been stuck in time.

'The agreement stipulated that new owners would have to preserve key features of these Georgian houses.'

All of them are slightly different.

There are tweaks and subtleties and the buildings stand out from one another.

How does that happen? People have flexibility within the extensions?

The great way Spitalfields went abou it was to give people enough scope t influence the design of their house,

-but still fit it within the masterplan.

-What about inside?

Was there any dictum on how the interior was designed?

No, there was no dictate at all as to what you did on the inside,

but the people involved, their wish was to restore a Georgian house.

'The Spitalfields Trust employed artisans who had the skills to replicate the Georgian era -

'wood panelling, lime mortar and traditional-looking plaster finishes.

'They also used low-grade greenhouse glass to give an authentic look to the windows.'

This isn't complete, but this is a Georgian structure,

it has been brought back to how it would have looked, but it has to be liveable in.

To take a building like this or a series of buildings like this

and make them great again and make them acceptable for modern living is fantastic.

Restoration projects like this show that buildings condemned and earmarked for demolition

can be brought back to life.

We can't just remain stuck in the past.

There is a time and a place for new building projects, including just up this street here,

but when we can save buildings like this, retaining their historical identity,

fusing it with a contemporary living space, not only is it good for the people that live here,

but it benefits the whole community and it safeguards an important piece of our heritage.

'Earlier, I met Janet and Trevor Smith who had just bought this 1930s bungalow in Hertfordshire.

'They're planning a double extension up and out at the back for just £60,000.

'I'm taking them to meet a couple who have completed a similar renovation project.

'Richard and Alice Cann bought this 1930s three-bedroom semi in Harrow

'for £305,000 back in 2009.'

We'd been looking for various other houses

that weren't working out, so when you found this property in Harrow and we came to see it

and fell in love with it, it was really the kind of thing we were looking for,

apart from the fact that it needed all this work on it.

'Just like Janet and Trevor plan to, the Canns have built a large rear extension.

'But the Canns had a higher build budget of £125,000.

'And they opted not to live in a building site with their young baby Arthur

'during the cold winter months.'

It soon became clear that really we wouldn't be able to live here all the time.

We were really lucky to have my parents to go and stay with.

'Two years later, the Canns haven't fully done up the front rooms yet,

'but they now have a large and comfortable family home

'with a spectacular kitchen-diner extension.'

Right, guys, here it is.

It is a property of a similar period to yours.

I want you to see this place because as a project, it's where you might be in half a year's time.

I think it will answer a lot of your questions.

-Shall we go and have a look?

-Absolutely.

'This project is on a bigger scale to Janet and Trevor's, but it does have some interesting parallels

'and I think the feature they'll be very keen to see is the large extension.'

In terms of what you were telling me earlier, your inspiration of having glass at the back of a property

and the sight line through to the garden, isn't that great?

-It is.

-That's great.

-It's beautiful.

-Very open.

-Hmm.

-Yeah.

-Exactly, actually. Only flipped around.

-Exactly with the sink, the window.

-Plenty of light.

-It's beautiful.

Step over here because I know Richard is fairly keen on his doors here.

I am because we don't like conservatories. I don't understand the purpose of them.

This seemed like the next best thing, really, to have the garden pretty much in your living room.

-Tri-fold doors.

-Tri-fold doors, yeah

That is clever.

-And so weird to suddenly see this one big rectangle.

-That's what we were talking about.

-Of light and green...

-That's the photograph that you want.

I haven't asked you how this property was when you got here.

Presumably, the building stopped here?

Yeah, by that divide. You can see where the old kitchen was and that was a rear reception room.

-Both quite small rooms compared to the feel of what you have now?

-Sure.

-And that's what you've got.

-Yes.

-Your bungalow is divided up into quite small compartments.

-Yes.

'With this open-plan kitchen-diner, Richard and Alice really have maximised the space,

'but there was one big decision they made which I want Janet and Trevor to take on board.'

It was one of the coldest winters in my memory.

There wasn't a back to the house. This was open. You could feel the wind coming through the house.

This was one extension on the back of the house.

-You were talking about one on the back of the house and on top.

-Yes.

'Currently, Janet and Trevor are planning to live on site over winter during their building works.'

The other thing if you're living on site is to maybe think about it from the builder's perspective.

Yes, that has passed through my mind.

It does become more difficult for them to be sidestepping around you, what you're doing.

'Janet and Trevor have a total budget of £60,000 for two extensions - roof and rear.

'The Canns started off with a build budget of 90,000, but as so often happens, they went over budget.'

The full project came to about 125

and that's just from extras that aren't included with the builder, such as these doors.

Was that an absolute maximum for you? You knew you could just about go to that, but no more?

You can see the front of the house isn't finished. It was all meant to be finished.

'Richard shows us the hallway and front room

'to give Janet and Trevor a sense of what stage his renovations are at.'

We've seen the hallway and this room. I've just run out of money. I'll just have to wait.

That's interesting that you get to your limits as well.

You've done the structural work, so you can save that for another year or two.

'I'm hoping this visit will help Janet and Trevor consider the scale of what they're taking on.

'Later, I'll find out what conclusions they've drawn after seeing this place.

'First, back to Enfield where Empty Property Officer Dave Carter

'has been investigating the possibility of squatters.

'Despite no answer, Dave was happy with the evidence that squatters were living at the abandoned house.'

I'm satisfied that the squatters are still here,

so I'll nip back to the office and speak to our legal team.

'Since then, Dave and his team have evicted the unwelcome house guests and secured the building.

'Dave is now on his way to meet local auctioneer Brian Grant,

'but before Dave and Brian can put the house up for auction,

'they need to see what condition the place has been left in.'

-Good afternoon, Brian.

-Hi, Dave. How are you?

-Nice to see you at last.

-And you.

-So this is the house.

-OK.

We've had squatters in there, so it's in a bit of a tip, but you're probably used to that.

Yeah, absolutely. We see all sorts in our business, so it won't be too much of a surprise to us.

-Shall I show you around?

-Yeah, after you.

'It doesn't take long to spot the damage.'

-So as you can see, it's in a bit of a state.

-Yes, I can see that.

It's got a long history of being squatted.

-OK.

-Obviously, we just want to get shot of it as soon as possible.

-No problem.

-Which is where you come in.

We'll be able to turn this around quite quickly.

'Upstairs hasn't been left in a much better state either.'

There's the loft.

-Yeah. I doubt there's much insulatio up there.

-No.

It's very sad, really, looking around because clearly it used to be someone's well-loved home.

You can see the possessions that are still around here, despite the squatters wrecking the house.

So I'd like to see that we can get i to someone that is going to bring it back up to modern standards

and maybe get a good family in here.

From the point of view of auctions, it's likely a developer or builder, maybe an investor will take on this,

but we do get quite ambitious owner-occupiers prepared to take on quite heavy projects

for the purpose of a family home.

'With Brian on board, Dave is confident this house will be saved from falling into further decline.'

-Right, good luck.

-Thank you.

-I hope the viewings go well.

-I'm sur they will.

-There's the keys.

-Thank you.

-Let me know how things go.

-I will do.

-Thanks a lot.

-Thanks for your time.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye-bye.

It's fairly typical in condition with a standard auction property.

It needs refurbishment. It's exactly what we're looking for to get into the catalogue.

It will go very well at auction.

I was very pleased. The auctioneer said this is just the sort of property developers are looking for.

He's positive it will sell. We'll just go back to the office and work out a reserve price,

then hopefully, it will be sold and renovated within a couple of months.

'In Harrow, Janet and Trevor Smith visited this stunning home

'to get inspiration for the planned extensions to their new bungalow.'

How are you feeling about your project after what you've just seen?

Enthusiastic still. You've got to be positive.

I'm not looking forward to the dust and the grime and we may rethink the idea of living in.

Yes, because he was very against it. He didn't think it was a good idea. He talked his wife out of it.

They came back for the final two weeks and even that was quite grim.

-So we could potentially rethink our plans.

-Definitely.

For the sake of living out for, I don't know, maybe four months even

-Yeah.

-Especially in the winter.

-Yes, so that is something that we have definitely learned.

And hearing that they spent more than your total budget on just one extension, not two,

does that give you cause for concern?

-That was a big reality check.

-It was

-More than double our budget.

If push comes to shove, we will just do the extension.

We'll forget lifting for the time being. We'll just do the extension.

-I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure you'll make a great job of it.

-Thank you.

I'm so pleased we could show Janet and Trevor this property today.

It has come at just the right time in their renovation.

I have no doubt they'll take away loads of insight, inspiration and plenty of tips.

I'm sure they can create a home together, their first home together, that they can be really proud of.

Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2012

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