0:00:02 > 0:00:05Across the country, empty properties that could be homes are just
0:00:05 > 0:00:07waiting to be brought back into use.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08I'll be finding out why
0:00:08 > 0:00:11and what you need to do to rescue a house for yourself.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14And along the way we'll be following property detectives
0:00:14 > 0:00:17who track down the owners of these forgotten houses
0:00:17 > 0:00:21and help breathe new life into the communities blighted by them.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24And I'll be doing some digging of my own to find out
0:00:24 > 0:00:27more about housing stock, our heritage and why
0:00:27 > 0:00:30we should both be preserving and reinventing Britain's empty homes.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43At first sight, an empty property might not seem too appealing.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46It might look like its best days are behind it.
0:00:46 > 0:00:52Remember, in many cases, it was once a loved home and could be again.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54That's why there's a growing number of people spotting
0:00:54 > 0:00:56the potential in these vacant building
0:00:56 > 0:01:00and transforming them to create their ideal home.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05On today's show, I'll be meeting a woman who's bought a large abandoned
0:01:05 > 0:01:09house and is in need of inspiration when it comes to renovating it.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12On this scale, I've never done anything this size before.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15We haven't got a second chance at this.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17I'll be finding out how you can finance
0:01:17 > 0:01:19the purchase of a disused house.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22It's possible to get a mortgage from a number of lenders
0:01:22 > 0:01:25for properties in whatever state of disrepair they might be.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28And we'll be following one of Britain's empty property
0:01:28 > 0:01:32officers as they work to bring derelict places back into use.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36We're going to rehouse six homeless people and that's a fantastic result.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42Last year, Tatiana McCabe bought this imposing but run-down six-bedroom
0:01:42 > 0:01:47Edwardian house in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
0:01:47 > 0:01:49for a bargain £220,000 at auction.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50On the open day, I thought,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54"There's a lot of work for anyone who buys this property."
0:01:54 > 0:01:57There are quite a few cracks, sloping floors.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02I thought, "Whoever takes this on is going to have a job
0:02:02 > 0:02:04"and a half on their hands."
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Having previously lived in modern properties, Tatiana was won over by
0:02:07 > 0:02:10this period place which she plans to turn
0:02:10 > 0:02:13into a stunning home for herself and her sons.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17The great appeal of this property were the original features.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Like the cornices, the marble fireplaces,
0:02:20 > 0:02:22the stained glass windows, the ceiling rose.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27You just thought, "What a fabulous property it could be!"
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Tatiana has a budget of £100,000,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34but she's never attempted a restoration project of this size.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37We've never restored a house before,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41so we've got some financial concerns that I get it right.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44It's going to be a family home,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48but I don't want to risk all our savings.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51'Tatiana's project sounds ambitious and she'll need all
0:02:51 > 0:02:56'the assistance she can get so I'm meeting her to hear her plans.'
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- Nice to meet you. How are you? - Fine, thank you.- Good.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- Look at this pile of bricks. This is yours, I believe.- It is.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07I bought it at auction last year and I was walking past
0:03:07 > 0:03:10when I saw the auction sign.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13I decided to call in and have a look.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- I ended up buying the place. - My goodness.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17You just fell in love with it straight away.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- I'm dying to have a look around. Are you willing to show me around?- I am.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Brilliant. Lead the way and we'll do it.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28When Tatiana bought the house, it was laid out as two flats.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30One of which had been empty for a year.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33She's planning to turn it back into one big family home.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Right, this is huge.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39The cornicing and everything is in really good condition.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Are these the features that attracted you to it
0:03:41 > 0:03:43when you looked round?
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Without a doubt. When I came in and saw those cornices, the ceiling rose,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50the height of the ceilings and the Art Deco windows.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- Yeah.- You don't get features like this is a modern house.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56- Not at all, do you?- No.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59We've knocked through here and started stripping the room
0:03:59 > 0:04:03and this is the end result so far.
0:04:03 > 0:04:04- Yes, you're stripping it back yourself?- Yes.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06We're gutting the whole house ourselves.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10As much labour as we can to keep the costs down.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14We need to get skilled people in for everything else.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Let's talk about the front elevation. I noticed a scaffolding at the moment.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21What's the problem with it? What's gone wrong?
0:04:21 > 0:04:22Quite a few years ago.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24It must be 40 or 50 years ago,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27there was some settlement with the property
0:04:27 > 0:04:31and that caused some cracks and the front elevation to move to one side.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35The whole thing has shifted. It's sunk slightly.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Luckily, I did have a structural report done before we went to
0:04:40 > 0:04:43auction because we needed to know what we were getting into.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47We need to strap in the walls.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49That holds the whole of the house together.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Once it's like that, what do you do to the front elevation?
0:04:52 > 0:04:56We take down the front elevation, brick by brick, number it
0:04:56 > 0:05:00and put it back like a big jigsaw puzzle, but put it back straight.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Isn't that amazing? You have done everything you possibly can do at this point
0:05:04 > 0:05:07to investigate it and find out what needs doing.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- Oh, yes. Definitely. - Shall we pop next door?- Yeah.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Tatiana's a brave woman and seems confident about her project,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20but I want to know what aspects of it she needs help with.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- Look at this. This is the front room.- It is.- Lovely big windows.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30What is it you feel you need more help and advice with?
0:05:30 > 0:05:36To make sure I'm getting value for every penny we spend on the budget.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41To help find craftsmen to finish the interior to the standard
0:05:41 > 0:05:48and look that we require, to make sure we get it absolutely right.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50And I suppose it's also blending. You've got so many features
0:05:50 > 0:05:52and you want it to be a contemporary home.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54How you achieve that,
0:05:54 > 0:05:58there's going to be different ideas as to how you bring that about.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03It seems easy when you say it, but I think the reality is different.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08We don't want to go for that look and find it doesn't quite go.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10OK, so how to blend those styles,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14how to get craftsmen who can do what you've got, the stained glass,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17the proper Edwardian staircase, all those kind of things.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19And obviously making your money go as far as possible.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23That's correct cos we haven't got a second chance on this.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26And project management, any tips of that, I suppose?
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Yes, that would be a great help because, on this scale,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33I've never done anything this size before.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37As we all know in teaching that you can always learn something.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Absolutely. Look, later, we'll go
0:06:39 > 0:06:43and see another period property that has had a complete renovation.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I think it will be useful because the guys involved did a lot of the
0:06:46 > 0:06:49work themselves so they can give you lots of tips on project management.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Also keep your eyes open when we're there.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54See how they've blended contemporary features
0:06:54 > 0:06:58and you may come away with good ideas. Does that sound like a good plan?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00It does. Looking forward to it.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01Brilliant.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08What an incredible building this is.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12I'm so pleased that Tatiana's taking it on and bringing it back to life.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16It is huge, though and Tatiana has project managed on this scale before.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21With any project like this, you can't get enough help and advice.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24It's going to be good for her to meet a couple who have been through
0:07:24 > 0:07:29this and they'll be great for further inspiration and guidance.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Homes can become unoccupied for many different reasons
0:07:33 > 0:07:35and blight a neighbourhood.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40Fortunately, local councils employ property officers who work to
0:07:40 > 0:07:43breathe life back into these disused dwellings.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47In Corby, Paul Palmer's the man charged with getting
0:07:47 > 0:07:48abandoned buildings lived in.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50After 20 years in the job,
0:07:50 > 0:07:55he's successfully brought more than 800 properties back from the brink.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Today, he's heading to a house that's fallen into a terrible
0:07:59 > 0:08:01state of disrepair.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05The owner is now working hard to get it back into shape and rented out.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07The property I'm seeing now is one of our classic empties,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10bought as an investment by a gentleman.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11We put him in touch with a local developer.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14He's going to turn the property into a house of multiple occupation.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18I'm going in from day one to make sure all the standards are met correctly.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23Paul's on his way to meet the contractor who's been
0:08:23 > 0:08:26appointed by the owner to carry out the renovation work.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- Hi, Jonathan. Good to see you. Are you well?- I'm really good, thanks. - Lovely.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Paul wants to discuss the strict guidelines governing houses
0:08:36 > 0:08:41of multiple occupation, particularly when they're over many floors like this one.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Jonathan, I have to reassure myself it will meet standards.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48I know we're planning to do a house with multiple occupation here.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51However, with three storeys here, it'll need to be licensed.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54How you're going to meet that standard, please?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57The first thing that we do is look at the fire precautions.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02In this one, as it's over three storeys, we have to put in a sophisticated alarm system.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07Each of the bedrooms will have a smoke detector sounder in it.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11The hallways will have sounders and smoke detectors, with emergency lighting as well.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12Fantastic, Jonathan.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- I'll look forward to that. Can I see the rest now?- Absolutely.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18The size of this property means it will eventually provide
0:09:18 > 0:09:20accommodation for six homeless people.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24As a house of multiple occupation, Paul needs to ensure
0:09:24 > 0:09:28the developer is taking this into account when planning the layout.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Bathroom - to my mind, it looks a little impractical
0:09:30 > 0:09:34for a house of multiple occupation so what plans have you got for this?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37We need to be aware of the sanitary requirements for the tenants
0:09:37 > 0:09:41so we're putting in two full bathrooms.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44We'll rip out this corner bath and put in shower which is a lot
0:09:44 > 0:09:47better for water consumption and electricity use etc.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51We'll split off the toilet and create an extra room.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Outside, we'll put another door in. Can you picture it?
0:09:53 > 0:09:58We'll have a wall down the middle, separate toilet on the right a shower room on the left.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03Brilliant. People can use the toilet when the bathroom's being used. I look forward to seeing that.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Jonathan, what are we going to do with this kitchen?
0:10:10 > 0:10:14We're not going to rip it all out and cause unnecessary expense for the owner.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16We'll tidy it all up and add some more units
0:10:16 > 0:10:19so there's plenty of space for our tenants.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Over here, we'll put in some under-counter washing machine,
0:10:23 > 0:10:27fridge freezer, and we'll get rid of this hideous green paint.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- Bring it back to a nice neutral colour.- Lovely.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Once all the building work has been completed,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38the council will carry out a health and safety housing rating assessment.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Very happy with that meeting today on the site.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Obviously, very worried at first. It needs a lot of work.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48We are going to turn it into a house of multiple occupation.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50There's fire standards to think about, there's occupancy
0:10:50 > 0:10:54standards and there's the finish and management of the property.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57However, having met Jonathan, I'm very reassured everything's
0:10:57 > 0:10:59going to be done to standard and on time.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's only going to be a short turnaround
0:11:01 > 0:11:02and the works will be finished.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07We'll rehouse six homeless people and that's a fantastic result.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Taking on an empty building can be the best
0:11:13 > 0:11:16way of making as property truly yours.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Yes, it'll be a challenging journey, but, all the time, you've got that
0:11:19 > 0:11:23motivation that you're well on your way to creating your perfect home.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Motivation was something that Adrian
0:11:26 > 0:11:30and Glenda Grazia needed in spades when they took on this tired
0:11:30 > 0:11:33detached house in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales in 2009.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38We were looking for a property, whether it be empty,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41but definitely run down so that we would be able to buy
0:11:41 > 0:11:45it at a price that was affordable and we would be left with
0:11:45 > 0:11:47a hefty budget to do what we wanted to do to it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51We wanted a blank canvas and to start from there.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55It was in a dreadful condition but it suited us
0:11:55 > 0:11:57because it was going to be ripped apart anyway.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01And redesigned to suit our needs.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06As an architect, Adrian was able to let his imagination run wild
0:12:06 > 0:12:11and create a home to his exact specification and vision.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15I designed the property as open plan as I can.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20When you open the door, you immediately are able to look through to the rear garden.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Nothing is cut off in this house. Everything is open.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27The views are open.
0:12:27 > 0:12:33We wanted to capture that feeling and have that wow factor.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Our bedroom is a delight to wake up in the morning.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39We've got one wall which is all glass
0:12:39 > 0:12:43opening onto a beautiful veranda.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46To wake up, open the blinds and it is fantastic.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Having bought the house for £355,000,
0:12:51 > 0:12:57the Grazias spent a further £350,000 on the contemporary renovation.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01We brought it in on budget and we had a recent valuation
0:13:01 > 0:13:05and even in this economic climate, it's worth 950,000.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10Taking on an abandoned building has certainly paid off for Adrian and Glenda.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13And allowed the free rein to achieve this stunning home.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17I can't see us ever wanting to move from here
0:13:17 > 0:13:22because it's perfection and we love every minute of living here.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26It's our house, our for ever home and we're going to stay here.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32With the amazing potential in abandoned buildings,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36they're a tempting proposition when it comes to your dream home,
0:13:36 > 0:13:38but they're not without their problems.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Finance is one of the biggest challenges an empty home buyer will have to face.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Unless you've got considerable savings,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47the chances are you'll need a mortgage to see yourself through.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51In tough economic times, a normal mortgage can be tricky enough.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54One on a vacant property can be particularly daunting.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Today, I've come to a visitor centre which offers advice to people
0:14:00 > 0:14:04who are renovating refurbishing or building a house from scratch.
0:14:04 > 0:14:10Meeting me is David Murphy a finance expert and general manager of the centre.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13A lot of people think mortgages are tricky anyway but,
0:14:13 > 0:14:17when it comes to an empty property, and here
0:14:17 > 0:14:20we are in front of this derelict model house, how difficult is it?
0:14:20 > 0:14:23It is fair to say that lenders have tightened criteria,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27but it's possible to get a mortgage from a number of lenders
0:14:27 > 0:14:30for properties in whatever state of disrepair they might be.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35I'm intrigued by this. Shall we have a look around.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36Great stuff.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- Inside, what do we have? It's quite a dated kitchen.- It is.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It's in complete disrepair.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53We can see things in terms of plumbing and electrics.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57What would lenders look for when they're valuing the property?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00The lender will rely on the opinion of their valuer as to
0:15:00 > 0:15:04the relative habitability and saleability of the property.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08A situation like this has got to have a working kitchen,
0:15:08 > 0:15:09a toilet, washing facilities.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13If the valuer deems the property unsaleable or uninhabitable,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15or needing substantial works,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18the lender probably won't either lend on the property or, if they will.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Will hold a substantial amount of the mortgage money back until you've
0:15:21 > 0:15:24done the work to bring it up to the level recommended by the valuer.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Getting a mortgage in place with a kitchen and bathroom like this
0:15:28 > 0:15:32is one thing, but when the house is derelict, it's quite another.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35When it comes to taking on a major renovation project.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39You're not going to go to a high street lender. What do you do?
0:15:39 > 0:15:42You're looking for a specialist renovation mortgage lender who
0:15:42 > 0:15:45understand the market for you and your project.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48That will release the funds on day one to buy the property
0:15:48 > 0:15:51and in stages through the course of the build.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55You have to pay with each stage with your renovation pot,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57the lender reimburses you.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59A cash flow issue there.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Yeah, there is a product on the market called
0:16:01 > 0:16:06and accelerator mortgage which does advance the funds up front so you
0:16:06 > 0:16:10have access to the mortgage money to pay for the work that you require.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14With this other mortgage, the lender pay up front which means more
0:16:14 > 0:16:17risk for them so surely it would cost you more.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22The way it works is that an indemnity policy gets set up to protect the lender's position.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25In common terms, that's an insurance against their risk.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27There's an extra fee for indemnity.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Some very encouraging finance option there
0:16:30 > 0:16:34and great to see you round the model of a renovation so thank you.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40When buying an empty property, it's important to do your own research.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Rarely is anything simple when it comes to buying and renovating an empty home.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48It's always going to be a challenge. That said, it's good to know that when it comes to getting
0:16:48 > 0:16:51a mortgage, it may not be as impossible as you'd think.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Before you write off an empty property,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55speak to a mortgage broker.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57You may be surprised by your options.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03I'm in West Yorkshire with Tatiana McCabe who's bought a disused
0:17:03 > 0:17:05house and is planning a major renovation,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08but she wants to keep the period details intact.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I want her to meet a couple who've done a similar project
0:17:11 > 0:17:15and who'll have some pearls of wisdom to offer.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Right, Tatiana, this is the place I want you to see.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21We're here in Batley. This place is huge like yours.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24It's been empty for three years, in that time,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27it had fallen into a bad state of disrepair.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Vandals had broken in and done quite a bit of damage.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Jo and James took it on and gave it a complete renovation.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Loads of interesting stuff inside
0:17:34 > 0:17:36so I think this'll be really good for you.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Shall we go and say hello? - Yeah, that'd be great.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Over three years ago,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45James and Joanna Clark made the brave decision to buy a run-down
0:17:45 > 0:17:51former mill owner's residence in West Yorkshire for £325,000.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54The property was in a really poor state when we bought it.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58It's been ransacked by thieves.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02They'd ripped out piping and fireplaces,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05fires and it was pretty badly vandalised.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07We saw the opportunity.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Nothing was too great and things could be put back
0:18:09 > 0:18:14to their original state with a bit of help, with a bit of TLC.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17And some expect advice.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Between Jo, James and his dad Michael,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23they managed to do more that 75% of the work themselves with James
0:18:23 > 0:18:26and Jo doing all the demolition and redecorating.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30We were very lucky that we had a lot of project management
0:18:30 > 0:18:33help from James's dad who was newly retired
0:18:33 > 0:18:38and he liked the idea of a project and we needed a project manager.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41He was here on site most days and was helping to
0:18:41 > 0:18:45manage our suppliers who were coming in to work on the house.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48The transformation is nearly complete
0:18:48 > 0:18:52and three years down the line, after hard work and dedication,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55they now live in a house that's exactly how they want it.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00You've got to have an eye for detail and you've got to be confident about what you're doing.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02If you're not confident in decision making,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05then a project like this would never be done.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07It would always be rumbling on.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11With a property very similar to Tatiana's, James and Jo
0:19:11 > 0:19:15should have some excellent tips to help her with her renovation.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21Wow, look at this. Wood panelling all along.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- This is your dining room, obviously.- Yup.
0:19:24 > 0:19:31- What state was this in when you bought it?- It was pretty empty.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34It had been empty for three years.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38The dining room had been ripped to pieces so pretty dreadful.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39What was your vision?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42What did you fall in love with or why did you want it?
0:19:42 > 0:19:46I think it was the original features that we really loved
0:19:46 > 0:19:50and we felt compelled to breathe life back into it.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55Is this stuff you've made and put back in or was it here when you came here?
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- It was here but it took TLC to brink it back to life.- That's interesting.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- So you've got a huge wealth of original features here?- Absolutely.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- That's what your place has got, hasn't it?- It's stunning.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Absolutely stunning.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13The wood panelling and the shutters on the windows. Really lovely.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- I'm very keen to see some more. Shall we continue?- Yeah.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21James and Jo have kept many original features along with more
0:20:21 > 0:20:24modern design touches, something I hope which will inspire Tatiana.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31Tell me about this room. What state was it in when you first discovered it?
0:20:31 > 0:20:32This was in a pretty poor state.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37The fireplace had been completely ripped out and the fire had gone.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40We had broken windows so it was pretty poor.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43What I find interesting in here,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46a bit like what we were talking about earlier, is a mix of styles.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- The fireplace is 1930s.- Yes.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53And you've got the original features round the edges. Are you OK with that?
0:20:53 > 0:21:00- You weren't tempted to put back in a Victorian fireplace. - That's the beauty of the house.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04This a house that's been lived in since 1840
0:21:04 > 0:21:06so we liked the style that was here already.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09It was Art Deco with a bit of Victoriana.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Would this give you confidence, when you look around this room?
0:21:13 > 0:21:18Certainly. Especially, when I see the beautiful chair there.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21My son's got one of those that used to belong to me.
0:21:21 > 0:21:28I can see it back now in our new house. It's really interesting mix.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30It seems to work.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Good. A big part of your project is going on be project managing.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- You're quite keen to do that, aren't you?- Yes.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41Tatiana, you're going to be onsite and you're happy to make decisions.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Is that what you found was needed from a project manager or was
0:21:45 > 0:21:47there more to it?
0:21:47 > 0:21:52I think being onsite is important. The other thing is knowing how to manage tradespeople.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55There's a skill to it and if you understand how they operate,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58that makes managing them easier.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01It's interesting that part of that is being able to get on with
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- the people. - You need to know that,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07if you've got a plasterer coming in two weeks, that all
0:22:07 > 0:22:11the electrics are done and the wires are channelled into the walls so
0:22:11 > 0:22:17that you're not having to push back or cause other unnecessary delays.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20It's been lovely to see your house. It really is quite something so thank you for showing us
0:22:20 > 0:22:22round and thanks for your advice.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25You're welcome.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31In Corby, in Northamptonshire, empty property officer Paul Palmer
0:22:31 > 0:22:33is heading to a place that he's helped bring back into use -
0:22:33 > 0:22:36a house that's recently undergone renovation.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Today I'm visiting a property. It used to be rented out.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43It was empty for about a year. Fairly run-down condition.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46We've got a new owner. She's completely refurbished it.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47The tenants are in there.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Today, I'm going to check it's occupied, the quality of the
0:22:50 > 0:22:53finish and just have a look around and see the success of the project.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56When it comes to bringing abandoned buildings back into use,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59the council can't always offer grants to get places renovated.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Today Paul's meeting Ellie Andrews the owner of the house who
0:23:02 > 0:23:05did all the work on it without council funding.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Hello, Ellie.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Although council money wasn't involved, it's part of Paul's job to make sure it's been done up
0:23:11 > 0:23:15to habitable standards and is going to be lived in again.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21You've got a brand new kitchen here. Very different from the old one. What have you out in?
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Absolutely everything.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26All the integrated systems, the oven, hob and extractor.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30All came with the kitchen. The new boiler went in as well.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33The integrated washing machine and all the white goods.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38A fridge freezer to accommodate everybody who lives in the property.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43New cupboards, all the tiles brand new.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46It was a case of strip everything out and start from scratch again.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48The results are well worth it.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of it. - Come on through to the lounge.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Places like these are really valuable,
0:23:54 > 0:23:58helping to get people off the council's hosing waiting list.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00This is an impressive room.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02The reason I'm here is to check the finish of the works.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I saw it at the beginning of the project.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08You've done it using your own contractors.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13We need to come back and make sure everything's up to standard. What we're looking for in a property.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18Looking around, this room looks lovely again. You've got some nice lighting.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Particularly pleased you've put the safety locks on the window.
0:24:21 > 0:24:27We have to be aware these open out. The finish is nice.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Did you put the curtains up yourself?- Yeah, we did. We redecorated, refloored.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35I did the curtains, lampshades and the fire surround.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Let's see the rest.- OK.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42There are strict guidelines for tenanted
0:24:42 > 0:24:44properties on the safety of gas and electricity.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Paul wants to see that these have been inspected and signed off.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Lovely. All nice and new. Working well.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Fantastic. Thanks very much.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Thanks.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Ellie, again, thanks for showing me around.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01It was really nice to come and see the finished product.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03You've done a fantastic job here.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06I was very pleased with the standard of workmanship.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- Thanks very much indeed.- Thank, Paul. Thanks for coming out again. - Bye-bye.- Bye.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Very happy to meet Ellie the owner of the property again
0:25:14 > 0:25:18and to see the standard of finish very professional.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Everything up to standard which is what we like to see.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Overall, a wonderful project.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28I've been helping Tatiana who's been getting advice from a couple
0:25:28 > 0:25:30who've done a renovation,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34much like the one she's planning on her own empty house.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37A huge amount of similarities between your house
0:25:37 > 0:25:41and this renovation, seeing quite a mix of styles and features,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43like you've got at home.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Hopefully, it shows you it can work.
0:25:45 > 0:25:52That was the hardest to visualise having a contemporary kitchen with my Art Deco windows,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56but with the cornices and ceiling roses. As we've seen, it works well,
0:25:56 > 0:26:02the Art Deco '30s style with the Victorian features so it fills me with hope.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05When it comes to project managing, it might be useful to delegate.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07It's something to bear in mind.
0:26:07 > 0:26:14- I think that was really good advice because I do work long hours.- Great.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Lots of inspiration, food for thought.
0:26:17 > 0:26:18It's an incredible place you've got.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23I'm so pleased you're working on it cos it's going to be marvellous.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Good luck and I hope it all goes to plan.- Thanks very much.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Today has been incredibly useful for Tatiana.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35You can't underestimate how helpful it is to see
0:26:35 > 0:26:39a project on a similar scale from a similar period to help you
0:26:39 > 0:26:42visualise what can be done with your home.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46I hope this has given her the confidence to go forward
0:26:46 > 0:26:50particularly with the interior design, be brave, bold.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51Follow her instincts
0:26:51 > 0:26:56and turn that magnificent house into a wonderful family home once again.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd