0:00:01 > 0:00:04Bidding at auction may seem an odd way of buying something
0:00:04 > 0:00:06as important as property,
0:00:06 > 0:00:07but lots of people do it.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11It's quick, it's easy, and it could be just right for you.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Stay with us, and find out how three properties went under the hammer on today's show.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46Buying at auction should be a very simple and straightforward thing.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49So, we're here to demystify the process.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53That's just the beginning, because when the hammer comes down,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55you've got to make the property habitable
0:00:55 > 0:00:57and that can be quite tiresome.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01So let's see what inspired the buyers on today's show.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07I find the perfect combination of location and property in Devon.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09However...
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Straightaway I'm thinking, work to be done!
0:01:12 > 0:01:16There's a plot in Kent for just 18,000,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18but before you get too excited...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21No bargain houses for that sum, I'm afraid. It's land.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26And just when you thought it was safe to go to the auction...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29It really is a Hammer house of horror.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32..There's this house in Manchester.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36All these properties went to auction
0:01:36 > 0:01:38and we'll find out who bought them,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42and what they paid for them, when they went under the hammer.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Teignmouth in Devon is a beautiful seaside town,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51which was originally a fishing port,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55but became a popular holiday resort in Victorian times.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Today you'll find an unspoilt sandy beach,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00with clear waves lapping the shore,
0:02:00 > 0:02:05as well as a climate reportedly several degrees warmer than inland.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Well, a few miles and a few hill starts out of the centre,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11you find yourself in Hazel Down Road,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14in the very desirable east side of town.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17So, what have we got? Well, that very rare breed.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19It's a bungalow,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23it's got two bedrooms and a guide price of 150,000 quid.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28It would be a major work out to walk from the beach,
0:02:28 > 0:02:30but as it's in such an elevated position,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33it would be well worth the effort on a lovely day like this.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36The road is pleasantly lined with similar bungalows
0:02:36 > 0:02:39and at the crest of the hill,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42it feels like being on top of the world.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Let's see if the property hits such a high note.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49OK, straight into this lean-to area.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Now, this is the front door of the property.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57But, there's something kind of strange going on this way.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Because, the lean-to continues.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05It's outside the kitchen window, and it carries on round.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08All the way round to the back door.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10This just doesn't feel right.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12It's been tacked on at some stage.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15It's dirty, it's... I don't know, it's something.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19You come into the kitchen, and likewise it's tired, it's dated.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Without doubt, it needs updating.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23Not a bad sized space,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26but that's the biggest issue as far as I'm concerned.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Straightaway, I'm thinking, work to be done!
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Unless you want to do laps around the inside of your own home,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35this inadequate extension serves little purpose.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38I'd like to see it taken down straightaway,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42or perhaps you could incorporate it into the main body of the house.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45So two bedrooms, one at the back, fairly small
0:03:45 > 0:03:50and then this is your master. And some rather dated wardrobes.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54You remember this material? A big hit in the '70s I think.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55You might be forgiven
0:03:55 > 0:03:59for thinking that this is yet another cupboard, but no...
0:03:59 > 0:04:03It's actually an en-suite bathroom.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Well, again, nice to have, but just look at the ceiling height,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09it's kind of been tacked-on,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13the whole house is a bit ad hoc hotchpotch.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15It needs to be sorted.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18This hotchpotch has created rooms of vastly different sizes
0:04:18 > 0:04:23from the enormous lounge, to the small bathroom and second bedroom.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28And with a hidden, dated en-suite, and galley-style kitchen,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31the sense of balance and proportion all feels wrong.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33If adding bits and pieces here were meant to jazz it up,
0:04:33 > 0:04:37then this free-form jazz number hits the wrong note with me.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40In a nutshell, what we've got is a tired bungalow
0:04:40 > 0:04:42that's a bit of a mish-mash.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45You know what? I've saved the best bit till last.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50Because what sets this bungalow apart is the view from the back.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Absolutely spectacular, looking out over the sea,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55and the estuary of the river. Fantastic.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Now, there's this conservatory on the back of the bungalow.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01I don't think it makes the most of that view.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04I'd want to see this expanded, maybe decking,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07maybe some steps out down to the garden, whatever you do,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11because that view puts this bungalow into a completely different league.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13From the garden level,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17this view is more of rooftops and shrubs than endless sea.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20But from the bungalow windows, it's a very different vista -
0:05:20 > 0:05:25miles and miles of ocean, cliffs and boats.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29That's what you really want to see and what people want to buy.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Well, in a Devon seaside town like this,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34you probably think that bungalows attract a premium.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37You'd be right, particularly from people looking to retire here.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39But I think this would make a wonderful family home.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42You just need to be creative about how you expand it.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45You've got all these corridors and things that don't quite work.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Maybe, do something better with the garage.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Expand out this way, anything to make most of the view this way.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54You could always go up into a dormer,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56subject to planning.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57That would be spectacular.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Can you imagine the view from up there?
0:05:59 > 0:06:04I think it would be uninterrupted all the way to France.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06However, this is one tired bungalow
0:06:06 > 0:06:09that has potential written all over it.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13Let's see if a local estate agent is just as uplifted,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15or will she bring me crashing back to earth?
0:06:19 > 0:06:23There's a little bit of work with garage and bathrooms and extensions,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26with the right planning and layout you could extend the property,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29put a third bedroom on, perchance go up in the loft as well.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33That should add value. But how much?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35If you were to have it as it was, in terms of value,
0:06:35 > 0:06:40I'd say the property is worth around £175,000, possibly get a little more,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42but general price.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46If you were to renovate the property, extend, put a third bedroom on,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50I would see the property value looking at around £250,000.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54That's with obviously kitchens, bathrooms, and redecoration through.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57In terms of rental, there is a possibility.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I would say value-wise,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03you would make around £600 to £625 per calendar month.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07It might not just be a quick turnaround project to maximise this bungalow.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10You're probably going to need planning permission
0:07:10 > 0:07:11and to do a lot of work.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13But if you take the long view,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15it should be a rock-solid investment.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19Well, a lot of work to do
0:07:19 > 0:07:22to get this tired little bungalow up to scratch.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25But the location, well, it definitely deserves it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28But you are going to need deep pockets.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Not necessarily a money spinner, but I think still it's a great catch.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Let's see who agreed at the auction.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Number 30.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Teignmouth, spacious two double bedroom detached bungalow,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44needs a right good seeing-to.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49Who gives 150 straight in? 150 straight in, nice and simple? 150? That's the way to do business.
0:07:49 > 0:07:50150 we've got, at 150.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52At 150, 152, the lady here.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57152, 154, 156?
0:07:57 > 0:07:59156. 158.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00160 I've got.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01160?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04162, 164.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05164, have a think.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08164, we've got the lady here. 164.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Looking around the room, 164 I've got. 166?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13168, 168?
0:08:13 > 0:08:15At 168.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19170, 172, 172?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21172, shame to miss it.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25174. At 174. A little one?
0:08:25 > 0:08:26175?
0:08:26 > 0:08:31Treat you exactly the same, sir. Single if it'll help. At 175?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Six. 176, an even littler one?
0:08:34 > 0:08:38176 and a half? 176 and a half.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40176 and a half, I'll glance back.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44177, 177. Ooh.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47At 177 on my right, at 177.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52At 177 once, twice...
0:08:52 > 0:08:55178, madam? Thank you.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56178. 178.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58At 178. At 178?
0:08:58 > 0:09:02At 178. Here it is, at 178 together,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05once, twice, third and last time.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08178 and done.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Well done.
0:09:12 > 0:09:18For 178,000, the winning bidders were engaged couple John and Zoe.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22John is a pilot, while Zoe works for the local coastguard,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25co-ordinating search and rescue in the area.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30I was intrigued to know how they were gonna rescue this little bungalow.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32# Rescue me
0:09:32 > 0:09:33# Oh, take me in your arms
0:09:33 > 0:09:36# Rescue me... #
0:09:36 > 0:09:41Zoe, John, nice to meet you both. You both look terribly cheerful.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- Yeah!- Obviously happy with your purchase.- Yeah!- Great!
0:09:44 > 0:09:47So, the idea was to buy it, why? For what?
0:09:47 > 0:09:49To move in. To live.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52We live on the other side of town at the moment,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54and it's closer to our families.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58When I go away with work, she's a few minutes closer.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00You say you go away, what do you do?
0:10:00 > 0:10:01I'm in the Navy,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04so I'm deploying to Afghanistan a couple of times a year.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Right. I thought Afghanistan was landlocked?
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- Yes, it is.- Right. So, where does the Navy come in?
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- I fly helicopters.- OK.- We're flying the guys around in theatre.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16You all right? Is it scary?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I've only been shot at a couple of times.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23OK, that's all right then. How is it when he goes away?
0:10:23 > 0:10:26The house stays tidier! I get to buy...
0:10:26 > 0:10:28I buy new handbags whilst he's not about.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30That's all right then.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33It can't be easy though, when you wave goodbye.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35There's always that vague risk, isn't there?
0:10:35 > 0:10:38It's not great but, you know, it's what he signed up for.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42That's what I signed up for, when I said I'd marry him. Yep.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47- And she keeps herself occupied by going to auctions and buying houses. - 178 and done.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50You weren't at the actual auction, were you?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I got an e-mail in theatre saying, "You've just bought a house."
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Tell me more, you say in theatre, that's war?- In Afghanistan.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00So you were at war, in Afghanistan, helicopter flying,
0:11:00 > 0:11:01bullets flying around,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04you get an e-mail saying, "We've just bought a house."
0:11:04 > 0:11:07That has got to be one of the most surreal scenarios ever.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11But you did get to see it before you went away, once.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14She showed me round, introduced me to the smell,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18and sort of said, the auction is on the 17th or whatever it was.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20I got back from flying one day, checked my e-mails
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- and found I'd bought a house. It was amazing.- Wow!
0:11:22 > 0:11:25So, as John battled it out in Afghanistan,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Zoe was doing battle in the auction room
0:11:28 > 0:11:30and not just with the other bidders.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35It was in fact her mum who ignored their set limit of 177,000.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40She took it into her own hands and made that winning bid of 178,000
0:11:40 > 0:11:41which clinched the deal.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Let's move on to how you're going to transform this place.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47What are you going to do?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Not one room is going to stay in the same place, really.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Couple of walls, that's about it that's staying.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55I don't know what the deal is, you probably wouldn't get it,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58but you didn't think about trying to make a dormer or something?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- That's a later plan.- Is it? - The current plans...
0:12:00 > 0:12:03What do you mean no? You're saying no, he's saying yes.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06There's not enough height in it to go up there properly.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09John is going to have a room. He's having some Veluxes put up there.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12The plans would allow for a couple of windows into the attic.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Oh, great.- I'm going to at least get some flooring up there,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19and then, we've got the view, which is even better than this one.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- Yeah.- Then, at a later date,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25if we've got the money, I can convert it into something.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Cinema room or something? - Yeah.- Golly.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Why such dramatic changes inside?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- We need a challenge.- A challenge?
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- We had the funding and... - We haven't got the funding!
0:12:36 > 0:12:39We thought we might as well make it the dream house.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41You're going to tailor it to exactly what you want?
0:12:41 > 0:12:43John owns a place in Cornwall,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46and the couple live in Zoe's house in Teignmouth.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48So they have two properties to sell.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51The proceeds from those would fund them to buy this
0:12:51 > 0:12:56and turn it into their dream home. They're not hanging around either,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59as they've already got plans drawn up to submit for approval.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Talk me through these incredible plans that you have.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Yeah, well... Where we're stood at the moment
0:13:05 > 0:13:08is going to be decking off the conservatory,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10and off what will be the lounge.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- So quite elevated?- Yep.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15We've knocked down the garage that's there at the moment
0:13:15 > 0:13:20and brought the walls in line with the house that's there at the moment,
0:13:20 > 0:13:23making that an en-suite walk-in wardrobe.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25With the bathroom, we've moved both the walls,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28actually all the walls in the bathroom.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30The third bedroom,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33we've come out as far as where the lean-to is at the moment.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35We've made enough space for a lobby,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39hopefully we'll have a cupboard there for our coats and things like that.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Where the lounge is at the moment, we've made that into a kitchen diner.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- It'll actually have doors out into the conservatory.- Fantastic plans.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- What about John's idea of the upper floor, where's that?- He's dreaming.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55# In my dreams
0:13:55 > 0:13:59# It's never quite as it seems
0:13:59 > 0:14:02# Cos you're a dream to me... #
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Well, it's always good to dream,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06but even without that upper floor,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08this is certainly a comprehensive renovation
0:14:08 > 0:14:11and it's not likely to be cheap.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14What kind of budget have you set aside for this?
0:14:15 > 0:14:1770,000.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- OK. Wow! So a really healthy budget.- Yeah.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- Quite a lot to do for the budget. - Any idea of timescales?
0:14:23 > 0:14:26We're looking at starting work two months from now,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29and it should be about three months to finish the work.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32And in the meantime you'll be living where you're still living?
0:14:32 > 0:14:33Well, where we live at the moment.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36But if we sell where we're living at the moment,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- we're gonna have to move in with my parents.- Every man's ideal dream!
0:14:40 > 0:14:44But John's going away for three months, so it won't matter.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Suddenly Afghanistan looks quite appealing!- Yeah!
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- Are you off again then? - Yes, back out in three months.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55So you will be leaving in the middle of the works?
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- How long's your tour of duty? - Three months.- Right, OK.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- So just walk away at a convenient time once again, really.- Absolutely.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05And come back to a finished house. How marvellous is that?
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Well, I really like John and Zoe's plans
0:15:11 > 0:15:14and I think they're going to create a spectacular place to live.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17The only big question is what will it be like
0:15:17 > 0:15:21when John returns from Afghanistan and will he get his boys' room?
0:15:21 > 0:15:23You can find out later in the show.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33Situated on the River Medway, Rainham in Kent has views out over the water
0:15:33 > 0:15:38or inland to the fertile fields famous for fruit and hop growing.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Just one mile from all that Rainham has to offer and I'm here on Pump Lane.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46It's a popular residential area in a semi-rural location.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50I'm here to see a lot with a £18,000 to £22,000 guide price.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54No bargain houses for that sum, I'm afraid. It's land,
0:15:54 > 0:16:00but land with the potential to develop, and that's what gives it its price tag.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04So what might 18,000 to 22,000 get you?
0:16:04 > 0:16:08It's a good sized plot and although it isn't level, it does have access.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12That's extremely important when you plan to develop on land.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Unfortunately, though, there's something else.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17The auction catalogue does hint at development
0:16:17 > 0:16:21but it also tells me that water drains run through the site.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Drains of any sort are going to cause problems
0:16:24 > 0:16:28to a developer, especially if they are serving an entire community.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Moving them could cost thousands.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Or it might even be impossible.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38Anybody interested in this plot has to make a thorough inquiry before bidding.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43Fail to research this and you could be left eating a lot of blackberry crumble.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46# Goodbye, blackberry way... #
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Although I love the idea of living the good life,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57I don't think I would pay over 20 grand just to grow some spuds and carrots.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01And it's not just the drains that could have you running from the site.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05There's a railway line at the back and a house very close by as well.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10I can't imagine the neighbours would be too pleased if a development goes up.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16What does the local estate agent make of this parcel of land?
0:17:16 > 0:17:18It's an unusual plot of land.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21It's restricted as to who's going to buy this.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25I would imagine it would be very difficult to get a property on here.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31It may well be that somebody might use it as a yard or something simple
0:17:31 > 0:17:37for storage but I cannot see a detached property being built here so close to the railway.
0:17:37 > 0:17:43Because of that it's probably worth no more than about £15,000, even once it's cleared.
0:17:43 > 0:17:49However, if a developer looked into planning, they would have to be wary of those drains,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53otherwise they could be bogged down by costs which would flood their finances
0:17:53 > 0:17:58and leave this land as unlikely to be built on as the nearby marshes.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02This lot has a serious question mark over it.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07There are series of water drains running underneath and that could scupper a developer's plans.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Get over that problem and you have got neighbours to consider.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16They may object to any plans at all for the simple reason of just being overlooked.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22There's an awful lot to consider here, but somebody wanted it. Let's go to auction.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30Lot 41, the land adjoining 185 Pump Lane in Rainham.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33It's a 0.11 acre plot.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36£20,000 to start me? 15, then,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39£15,000 I'm bid.
0:18:39 > 0:18:4316, 17, 18, 19, 20,
0:18:43 > 0:18:4720 on my left, 21?
0:18:47 > 0:18:5220,000 on my left. At 20,000. 21, do I see?
0:18:52 > 0:18:5421 I have, 22,
0:18:54 > 0:18:5722 is bid, 23?
0:18:57 > 0:19:01That was short and sweet, wasn't it? One bid, finished, end of story.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04£22,000 I'm bid, 23 for anyone else?
0:19:04 > 0:19:10At £22,000 in the room, being sold at 22,000, 23 do I see?
0:19:10 > 0:19:14For the first time at 22,000, the gentleman on the left-hand side,
0:19:14 > 0:19:19white T-shirt, at 22,000 for the second time,
0:19:19 > 0:19:2322,000 the third and final time - are you all done?
0:19:23 > 0:19:24Sold at 22,000.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26And your bidder's number, sir?
0:19:29 > 0:19:33For 22,000, the new owners are Pat and Paul,
0:19:33 > 0:19:39along with their three children, Shannon, Katy and James.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44The reason they wanted this land so much is because they live right next door.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50Guys, hello there!
0:19:50 > 0:19:51- Pat, Paul?- Nice to meet you.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55What a fantastic story.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56You must be so pleased.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- We are very happy.- Pat, how did you feel on auction day?
0:20:00 > 0:20:03I was extremely nervous.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08We had to sit through quite a lot of other things,
0:20:08 > 0:20:13so by the time it got to that I was very, very nervous. Over the moon when we got it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- You nearly fainted, didn't you? - I'm surprised I didn't.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Nearly passed out when the hammer went down.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Had to grab hold of him. We were so worried about not getting it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- Out of 10, how much did you want this plot of land?- 20!
0:20:27 > 0:20:31It's freezing cold today. I know you've got a lovely, warm house just there.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Shall we go inside? - I'll make a cup of tea.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35You've won me over.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45So with a reviving cup of tea in hand, it was time to find out more
0:20:45 > 0:20:47about the couple's plans for their purchase.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51This is better, isn't it? Much more cosy.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- A bit warmer, yes. - Now you've got the land, what are you going to do with it?
0:20:55 > 0:20:59We haven't really thought about that, actually.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01You just spent 22,000!
0:21:01 > 0:21:05It was more to get it because it was the opportunity to buy it.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10It was more peace of mind for us that we actually own it now.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12I just didn't want anyone
0:21:12 > 0:21:18being there overlooking us. We have recently moved from London, we were in the middle of a council estate.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21That was one of the big selling points for us for this house,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24that it wasn't overlooked, so obviously that would have gone.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Bus driver Paul and teaching assistant Pat have been together
0:21:29 > 0:21:33for 15 years but only got married eight months ago.
0:21:33 > 0:21:39They moved to Rainham two years ago to get a better quality of life with more space for the children.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43When you bought this house two years ago, did you know anything about that plot of land?
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Did you think about the plot of land next door?
0:21:46 > 0:21:50We initially looked into buying it.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53we found out it was owned by the council. They said it's not for sale.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55The next thing we know, the auction board goes up,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58someone's up there looking at it, saying it's up for auction.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02That was when panic set in for me, wasn't it?
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Because we live next door, every time somebody went to look at it,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09we could see and I found that really difficult
0:22:09 > 0:22:12because then you know more people are interested
0:22:12 > 0:22:16and then the price might go up to more than we can afford.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- For me it would have been, it didn't matter how much it cost. - Really?- I wanted it.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24That's why I had the card!
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Done, sold at 22,000.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30At the end of the day, if someone else had have bought it,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33and developed it and built a house on it,
0:22:33 > 0:22:39you've got to weigh up how much that would have knocked off the price of our house.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41That's the rational way of thinking.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- I was thinking with my heart, "I want it." - Because you love this house and...
0:22:46 > 0:22:48I love the house and I didn't want to...
0:22:48 > 0:22:49I felt that we would have to move.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52I felt that we would have to move if somebody built there.
0:22:52 > 0:22:58When you consider moving costs, or, as Paul mentioned, the potential devaluation of their house
0:22:58 > 0:23:04if there was any development on the land, £22,000 doesn't seem a vast sum.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Now they've got it, they can probably add value
0:23:06 > 0:23:10to their own property and generate some income from the plot itself.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13When we bought the plot of land we were told that it had access
0:23:13 > 0:23:16for the railway people, that they had to get there.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21We've recently found out that they have no rights of access at all in writing.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25So we've been approached by them to come to some agreement
0:23:25 > 0:23:29whereby they can use the land and we either fence a bit off,
0:23:29 > 0:23:33and they have said they will pay us an annual sum or one lump sum.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37At the moment we will probably just clear it and open up our garden
0:23:37 > 0:23:42into it so it gives the kids a bigger playing area.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44And what have you promised the kids? Come on.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Trampoline! We've promised them a trampoline
0:23:48 > 0:23:52and we've already got them a swimming pool to use next summer when it's warmer.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54A swimming pool that you blow up?
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Yes, we've got them a really big one, haven't we?
0:23:57 > 0:24:01It looks likely at first it would be the children who will benefit
0:24:01 > 0:24:05from the extra land as they will have more room to play outside.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09If an estate agent said, "It's not going to add any value
0:24:09 > 0:24:14"to your house, it would just be a piece of land that you'll never be able to do anything with,"
0:24:14 > 0:24:16would you still have gone ahead?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Yeah, because it wasn't for financial reasons.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24You passionately wanted to not have anybody living on it. Don't start crying!
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- You're still very emotional about it.- The money didn't matter.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31It's the children's happiness, isn't it?
0:24:31 > 0:24:36This is a brilliant story for me.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40It's lovely to see such a happy ending and I'm so glad it went your way on auction day.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Thank you. Cheers.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- Thank you.- Well done, you guys.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52This has really been an emotional journey for the couple and a purchase of passion.
0:24:52 > 0:24:58I want to see the kids bouncing up and down on their new trampoline, enjoying all that space.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02And will the railway be able to help put some money back in their pockets?
0:25:02 > 0:25:06See how Pat and Paul get on later in the programme.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12Coming up, there's not much property to the pound at this lot in Manchester.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Nope. Even plaster on the walls is an optional extra.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22We return to Kent were Paul and Pat got more than they bargained for.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27Bricks, and I think I found two Hoovers, bits of car, it was unbelievable.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33But first, back to Devon where Zoe has only one more detail to worry about.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I hope he likes it when he comes home at the weekend.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45In picturesque Teignmouth in Devon, there was a bungalow in dire need of rescue.
0:25:45 > 0:25:51Who better suited to that job than a Coast Guard co-ordinator and a Navy helicopter pilot?
0:25:51 > 0:25:58Engaged couple Zoe and John bought it for £178,000 and planned their dream property together.
0:25:58 > 0:26:04But as he's currently serving in Afghanistan, John wasn't going to be around all that much.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09- Are you off again, then? - Yeah, I'm back out in three months.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12OK. So just walk away at a convenient time once again, really!
0:26:12 > 0:26:17And come back to a finished house! How marvellous is that?
0:26:17 > 0:26:20A-ha! But five months on, has it all gone to plan?
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Was the bungalow ready for John's return?
0:26:31 > 0:26:36The main things that have happened since you were last here is, outside,
0:26:36 > 0:26:40the garage has been knocked down and replaced with a bedroom.
0:26:47 > 0:26:53This large master bedroom comes with its own en-suite and walk-in wardrobe.
0:26:56 > 0:27:02Inside, most of the walls have changed place and we have gone to three bedrooms from two.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10The bedrooms used to be at the back of the bungalow,
0:27:10 > 0:27:15but by moving them to the front, they can now use the rear for the living areas.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19The main rooms, the kitchen and the lounge,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22are at the front of the house. The kitchen was at the back.
0:27:22 > 0:27:29Which is a great idea, as it allows those stunning views to be enjoyed from the communal areas.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33All in all, it's been a massive change in just five months.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37But renovating this property is only half the story.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It has been fairly manic sense you were last here.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42We got married a few months ago now.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45It seems like forever ago.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50John's been away with work the whole time the building work was going on, rather conveniently!
0:27:50 > 0:27:54Even to the extent that he's gone away again this week just as we needed to move in.
0:27:54 > 0:28:01I'm also pregnant. So it's all been happening in the last sort of five months or so.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06That's enough to keep anyone busy.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11And if that wasn't enough, they've also been trying to sell their two houses.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13The deals for those should go through any day now.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18And Zoe has had her Coast Guard work to do as well as project managing here.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21The kitchen is very black.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23My choice of colour.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27I kept looking at the wood ones, but kept going back to the high gloss.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32I think I might regret it with sticky fingers and things all over it, but never mind.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37It's all built in so I've got built-in dishwasher, fridge and freezer
0:28:37 > 0:28:40and obviously the ceramic hob and oven.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44I did make one mistake not having a draining board.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47John thinks I'm mad. But that's what a dishwasher's for.
0:28:47 > 0:28:53I'll put it all in there. And my little bit was the under the cupboard lights and also plinth lights.
0:28:53 > 0:28:59As John has yet to see the finished kitchen, Zoe has her fingers crossed that he'll like it.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05This is the lounge. It was previously the main bedroom.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Obviously there was a hole through the wall here to the en-suite.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14It's a nice-sized living room and we've got the patio doors already there
0:29:14 > 0:29:19when we do decide to do the decking, so they are already in place.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24A great view when you're sat on the sofa, out to sea over Teignmouth.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28The decking was part of their initial planning application
0:29:28 > 0:29:31but they were advised that without some kind of screening,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33the neighbours might object to being overlooked.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36So rather than jeopardise the whole planning application,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39they decided to sort out the decking at a later date.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42At least that gives John something to do on his return.
0:29:44 > 0:29:49John's had minimal input, really. I've been left to do most of it by myself.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51He did say he wanted mirrored tiles in the bathroom,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55which we have achieved and he has got mirrored tiles in the bathroom.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59I think he will be shocked at the kitchen cupboards.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04He'll wonder where all his pictures are. They're up in the loft, ready for him, up there.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09Other than that, I hope he likes it when he comes home at the weekend.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13So, while John's doing an important and dangerous job abroad,
0:30:13 > 0:30:18his new and now pregnant wife has been doing a great job creating their home.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22But rescuing this place was never going to be cheap.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26My budget was 70,000 and it's gone fairly well.
0:30:26 > 0:30:33We didn't have the decking, and I've kind of respent that money inside on doors and a few other bits
0:30:33 > 0:30:39but overall, including having a garden done, which wasn't in the original plans, about 75,000.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44£75,000 spent on a property bought at auction for £178,000
0:30:44 > 0:30:50means that with costs, they'll have invested around £260,000 in total.
0:30:50 > 0:30:56But although the views are great from here, is the outlook equally good from a financial point of view?
0:30:56 > 0:30:58What do two local estate agents think?
0:30:58 > 0:31:03My first impressions are that they have done an absolutely super job
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and they have managed to turn it around in such a short time frame.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08They have done a very good job.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11They've made the most of the living space
0:31:11 > 0:31:16towards the back of the property to make the most of the views out to sea.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18I think the kitchen area,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21with the sun lounge on the front looking out over the view
0:31:21 > 0:31:23is spectacular, I think it's superb.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25The layout works very well.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27It's got a nice flow to it.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31They've got an open-plan kitchen diner which is obviously what people
0:31:31 > 0:31:34want now and bedrooms towards the back of the property.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36I like what they have done with the master bedroom
0:31:36 > 0:31:39and the en-suite, with the little dressing room as well.
0:31:39 > 0:31:45This has been a tremendous success in terms of the now much more practical layout.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49But remember, the couple have spent £75,000 to make the changes so,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53with costs, their total expenditure will be around £260,000.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00I'd put this property on the market for £265,000.
0:32:00 > 0:32:07If I was to put the property on the market at the moment, I would suggest an asking price of £295,000.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13Quite different valuations then but both indicate this should be a sound investment. What does Zoe think?
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I'm really pleased with the values we have got.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20We would hopefully have covered our costs if we were to sell today, but more importantly,
0:32:20 > 0:32:24it's a house to live in, and that's what we bought it for, so that's good.
0:32:24 > 0:32:29Perhaps, at the end of the day, it's not whether the estate agents are happy with the changes here.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34It will be John's opinion of the finished property that will be most important to Zoe. Quite right, too.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38I think John will be really pleased.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42I'm sure he will pick me up on something small that he doesn't like
0:32:42 > 0:32:45but I'm here most of the time, so I'll take the flak.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49For now, all Zoe can do is wait, keeping an eye out for John
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and checking that the coast is clear for any problems ahead.
0:33:00 > 0:33:05Welcome to Miles Platting, the new home of Manchester City Football Club.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10After years of neglect, this is an area definitely on the up.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17It's also the location for the property I'm here to see, specifically in Canada Street.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20But there isn't a Mountie or a moose in sight
0:33:20 > 0:33:23and I reckon is going to be a bit of a Rockies road
0:33:23 > 0:33:27before this property turns over a new Maple Leaf.
0:33:29 > 0:33:37The guide in this instance for a two-up-two-down mid-terrace was just £20,000-£25,000.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40That's because it looks like this.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45From the outside at least this place looks derelict with a capital D.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49There's no roof to speak of and signs of fire damage.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Not good.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56For that kind of money you probably don't think you're going to get very much at all.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58And you'd be absolutely right.
0:33:58 > 0:34:04You might have expected floorboards, possibly a ceiling, windows, doors perhaps.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09Nope. Even plaster on the walls is an optional extra.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13No surprises that you don't get the kitchen either.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15This is the space what I guess a kitchen would be.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Not a bad sized room
0:34:17 > 0:34:21and you could make a lovely feature of that open fireplace there.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25But I mean, joking apart, this is a major renovation job.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29It's a shell. You don't know how much damage has been done to the floorboards.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33You've got to assume the worst.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35It really is a Hammer House of Horror.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41This empty, ripped out shell of a building is a scary project.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45It's the stuff of DIY-ers' nightmares.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52The only way this one could work
0:34:52 > 0:34:55is with an experienced builder coming in with a team
0:34:55 > 0:34:58to put it back together, bit by bit.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06Upstairs there are two bedrooms but it is too dangerous to go up there.
0:35:06 > 0:35:13However, our part cameraman, part action hero, has agreed to show you around.
0:35:13 > 0:35:19What a hero! Now he's up here, what have we got?
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Well, it's just two rooms.
0:35:24 > 0:35:30I hope the hat isn't all that remains of the last cameraman who came up here.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33There is one nice feature, an original fireplace.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38Who'd have thought it? Some architectural salvage in this house.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41At the back of the property, the horror continues.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43As you can see, it's a right old state,
0:35:43 > 0:35:47what I AM seeing here is a reasonable sized garden and also potential.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50On either side the properties have built a single-storey extension.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52That's exactly what I would do here.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56Increase the size of the kitchen and, overall, the size of the house, quite dramatically.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Without compromising too much at all.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03It makes sense to do that now while the building's just a shell.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05You can easily sort out the electrics and plumbing,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08and incorporate an extension into the build.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Whichever way you look at it, this is a massive task.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14That £20,000-£25,000 guide price
0:36:14 > 0:36:16could pale into insignificance
0:36:16 > 0:36:18compared with the refurbishment costs.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22So what's a local estate agent's opinion?
0:36:22 > 0:36:23It's been empty for some time.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26It's obvious that the property's been vandalised
0:36:26 > 0:36:28and suffered some fire damage.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31There are similar properties on this street
0:36:31 > 0:36:34in similar condition but the majority are of a reasonable standard.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39Any derelict property on a street is likely to depress a house's value
0:36:39 > 0:36:43and there may be a ceiling price around here.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45I think once the property is renovated,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49we'd be looking at somewhere in the region of 50,000-55,000.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54That's this ceiling price that we've had so far on this road, in this area.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57That means this isn't a property for a quick return.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00But perhaps better suited to the rental market.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04You could rent this property out for probably around 400 a month,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08maybe 450 depending on the standard of the property once it's completed,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10but certainly 400 I would have thought.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Not bad. That's where some value's to be had.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17Buy this and do it up for, say, a total of 60,000
0:37:17 > 0:37:20and with nearly £5,000 annual rental,
0:37:20 > 0:37:22you could get a healthy 8% yield.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28So, where do we go with this one?
0:37:28 > 0:37:29It's clearly in a right old state
0:37:29 > 0:37:33and with a ceiling price for similar properties in the area of 55 grand,
0:37:33 > 0:37:38whoever does it up is going to have to be very careful not to spend too much on their budget
0:37:38 > 0:37:41otherwise they will never get their money back.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Let's see who fancied the challenge at the auction.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Lot 127. It's a vacant mid-terraced house.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51There's been some fire damage.
0:37:51 > 0:37:5312 anywhere?
0:37:53 > 0:38:0012, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03With you, sir, at 20.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06I'll take 21. 21,000? 21,000?
0:38:06 > 0:38:09I've got it.
0:38:09 > 0:38:1122. 23.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Nope? I'll take 500.
0:38:15 > 0:38:1822,500. 23.
0:38:18 > 0:38:2123,500. 24. 24,500.
0:38:21 > 0:38:2825. 25,500? 26? 26,500?
0:38:30 > 0:38:3427, sir. 27,500?
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Nope? Up to £27,000 then.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41With you, sir, at 27. Looking for another 500.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Selling to you, sir, at £27,000.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48First time at 27, second time at £27,000.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50It's your property, sir.
0:38:50 > 0:38:56For £27,000, local man Harold bought this old shell of a property
0:38:56 > 0:39:01which you can just about call a two bedroomed house.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04He joined me there on what was a very special day for him.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08# Happy birthday, to you, happy birthday to you
0:39:08 > 0:39:13# Happy birthday.#
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Harold, congratulations. This is one heck of a birthday present.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Yes, it is a birthday present.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23You're obviously a man who likes a challenge.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24Yes.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29I do, actually, but I didn't realise how bad this was until I've bought it.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32You didn't realise?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35I had looked at it from the outside but looking from the outside
0:39:35 > 0:39:37obviously, it's the same inside, so...
0:39:37 > 0:39:40So what did you think when you walked through the door for the first time?
0:39:42 > 0:39:47Not a lot. I just thought it was a complete job, rather than patch up,
0:39:47 > 0:39:51we're doing the whole thing, then you know it's all new and everything will be right.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56- There will be nothing patched up. - So have you done anything like this before?- Yes, I have, yes.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00I bought a shop in Stretford, near Manchester United's ground there,
0:40:00 > 0:40:05which is very similar to a property like this when I was younger.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10I paid £200 for that. And I got a grant off the council to do it
0:40:10 > 0:40:14and we made it a fabulous house and I made a lot of money on that one.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18Also, I've got another property around the corner.
0:40:18 > 0:40:26Which, again, was not as bad as this but in a similar condition which is all finished off now and looks nice.
0:40:26 > 0:40:32Harold may have the skills to do this one but he's not a property developer by profession.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37My trade is painting and decorating, which I've done for a long time, I still do that.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41But, I've done houses up before, which I'm doing now here.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46I like a challenge, if I can find a cheap house and I can do it up and make money, I will do.
0:40:46 > 0:40:52In this case, I don't think I will be making money. It will be, do it up and perhaps rent it out.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Right. So why take on something in this kind of state?
0:40:55 > 0:41:01I've got other labour people I use, plasterers, electricians, joiners.
0:41:01 > 0:41:08They're not busy at the moment with work being like it is and it's something for them to keep going.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Harold's clearly passionate about reviving derelict properties.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16He'd rather see this type of house renovated than knocked down
0:41:16 > 0:41:20and his previous experience means he's not phased by the state it's in.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22# When things look hopeless
0:41:22 > 0:41:26# Just write me and then
0:41:26 > 0:41:31# I'll put you together again. #
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Where do you start with something that is so
0:41:38 > 0:41:43- decimated, for want of a better word, as this place.- Well, you take everything back to the brick.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46See what's needed to be done, and then you just...
0:41:46 > 0:41:49The roof's obviously gone, a new roof,
0:41:49 > 0:41:54everywhere will have to be plastered, rewired, and we've got all the build on the back here to do.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58Take all the back down, rebuild the top,
0:41:58 > 0:42:03put an extension on the back, sort the garden out.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06New doors, bathroom suite, central heating, everything.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Tell me more about the extension.
0:42:08 > 0:42:14The extension's going to be a large kitchen extension which will make the dining room here
0:42:14 > 0:42:16nearly twice as big, hopefully.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19And we've got a nice garden at the back there.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22We might put it into a garden or have car parking at the back there.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- OK.- So, it'll be nice, and it'll be a sloping roof.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Both sides have got flat roofs, which looks OK but water can get in,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33so we're going to put a sloping roof on it which will look quite nice.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37- A single storey? - A single storey, yes. The same as the two houses there, yeah.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40How much do think it's going to cost to do all that work?
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Well, between 20 and 25.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47Harold's getting a lot for his £25,000 budget.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49That's the advantage of being in the trade.
0:42:49 > 0:42:55But it will still take his total spend to that £55,000 ceiling price for houses in the area
0:42:55 > 0:42:59so this will only work financially as a long-term rental.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04What do you think the biggest challenge is going to be?
0:43:04 > 0:43:06I don't think there is one to be honest with you.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09I've done it before so I don't think there is one.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12There's no structural damage or anything
0:43:12 > 0:43:15and I don't think there's any mining straight underneath
0:43:15 > 0:43:18from what I can gather so, no, there's nothing really.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22It'll all come together and be a lovely house for somebody to live in.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25And if it's all nice, they should appreciate it,
0:43:25 > 0:43:28and the neighbours both sides will be quite happy to see this.
0:43:28 > 0:43:33I believe it's been empty for about 40 years. So, nobody seems to know who lived in it.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38I thought I might find some hidden treasure. You never know. And then leave the job.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40We'll see what happens.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44Well, what decent birthday party would be without a treasure hunt.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48I fear that in this case Harold's more likely to find rotting woodwork
0:43:48 > 0:43:51and broken planks than anything of value.
0:43:51 > 0:43:56This wreck of a house is going to need a fair amount of work before it's shipshape again.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04Happy birthday, Harold, although I'm not sure I'd buy that as my birthday present to myself.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08A heck of a challenge to take on although he seems to have the experience to make it a success.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12The big question is, will he have his cake and eat it
0:44:12 > 0:44:15or will he be singing, 'It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To'?
0:44:15 > 0:44:18When we come back you can find out later in the show.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24Well, it's a while now since we met our purchasers
0:44:24 > 0:44:27and heard about their hopes and dreams for their properties.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30How did they get on after we left them? Let's find out.
0:44:32 > 0:44:37Back in Rainham, Kent, the family who live next door to it
0:44:37 > 0:44:40bought this small plot of land for 22,000.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43Bus driver, Paul, and teaching assistant, Pat,
0:44:43 > 0:44:47were particularly worried about the possibility of development on it.
0:44:47 > 0:44:52So for Pat, this was a must have purchase.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56- I mean, for me, it didn't matter how much it cost.- Really!
0:44:56 > 0:44:59That's why I had the card.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07But their "must-have" purchase was a sea of brambles and scrub.
0:45:07 > 0:45:12Eight months later, how have they got on?
0:45:12 > 0:45:17Well, when we first got it, it was very, very overgrown with mostly brambles.
0:45:17 > 0:45:23We started off by cutting all those down and trying to get rid of as much as we could. Digging them all out.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30Obviously, it hadn't been cut down for such a long time and nothing had been done with it.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33There was stuff dumped in there.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37Parts of cars, lots of pot plants and things.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41Bricks, I think I found two Hoovers, bits of car.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44It was just unbelievable. It was almost like cutting down
0:45:44 > 0:45:48a rubbish tip, once you got it levelled out, anyway.
0:45:56 > 0:46:01Now it's been cleared to form an extra garden and play area for the kids.
0:46:01 > 0:46:07OK, well, what we've done out here is, we did originally have a really big shed here.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10We've taken that down, completely opened it all up.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14So that we've got this big area here, which is sort of for us.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17We've also taken out part of our fence here.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19We didn't want to take the whole fence down
0:46:19 > 0:46:21because we do want to keep it separate,
0:46:21 > 0:46:24in case we do want to sell later on.
0:46:24 > 0:46:30What we have is that as the children's garden and this is now our area, sort of our garden.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34This is a really sensible way of doing it.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38It keeps all of their options open for any future plans for the land.
0:46:38 > 0:46:44Obviously we had to secure the land so we put this fence up, which was about £700.
0:46:44 > 0:46:49We've had to set it at least five metres back from the road,
0:46:49 > 0:46:52because otherwise, it needed planning permission.
0:46:52 > 0:46:59Which obviously leaves this area here, which in time we'll tidy up and use as off-street parking.
0:46:59 > 0:47:04Initially, the main purposes of buying this were to make sure that they weren't overlooked by any
0:47:04 > 0:47:10potential new development and to provide extra space for their three children.
0:47:11 > 0:47:15The first time the kids came out it was really, really lovely for them.
0:47:15 > 0:47:20They'd done lots of jobs to help to get it all cleared and ready for them.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23When it was finished being cut down, we went around and picked
0:47:23 > 0:47:28up the stones to put the swimming pool down because we didn't want it to go through.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31There was a lot of rubbish, so we had to pick up all of that.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35We were really glad that we finished it, because now we don't have to do any hard work.
0:47:35 > 0:47:41But it's not just the children who have benefited from all their hard work.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48We have lots of animals now. We were already quite animal-friendly here.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51We already had our cats, we've got three cats.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55We've got two guinea-pigs and one of them was pregnant,
0:47:55 > 0:48:00and we got two little babies and they're called Rolo and Fudge.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02And we've got another rabbit called Thumper.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09In time, they'll probably come over here and it'll be nice to have our own little zoo, maybe.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13Apart from turning it into a wildlife park,
0:48:13 > 0:48:17do they have any long-term plans for their extended garden?
0:48:17 > 0:48:20Ideally, I would like, in about eight years' time,
0:48:20 > 0:48:26a developer to come and say, "We'll buy your house and the land, there's a load of money, off you go."
0:48:26 > 0:48:30And then you won't have the hassles. But, I mean, there's so many options. So many options.
0:48:32 > 0:48:36Paul and Pat paid 22,000 at auction to get all those options
0:48:36 > 0:48:41and so far have spent just £1,000 on fencing and clearing the site.
0:48:41 > 0:48:46What do two local estate agents think about the best use for the land now?
0:48:46 > 0:48:50Coming here the second time, it's quite surprising to see how big this piece of land is.
0:48:50 > 0:48:54Because when we came originally, there were so many brambles,
0:48:54 > 0:48:58it was so overgrown that you couldn't really see how large it was.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01I think the plot is a good plot. It's a very good size.
0:49:01 > 0:49:05It's reasonably level, although it does slope a bit
0:49:05 > 0:49:10to the front, but it wouldn't be too much of a problem for a development.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15I would advise the current owners to think in terms of putting another extension on the side.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18If the house they have at the moment is big enough for them,
0:49:18 > 0:49:21then put another one on the side that they could develop and rent out.
0:49:21 > 0:49:27They would then get a decent income which would be ideal for a pension plan or something later on for them.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30Though this may be the best proposal and financially could
0:49:30 > 0:49:36bring in a decent return, it would go against exactly why Paul and Pat bought the land in the first place.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40I think their best option would be to see if they can get planning permission
0:49:40 > 0:49:44and then, when they move, sell on the land with that attached.
0:49:44 > 0:49:50A plot of this size, if you were to achieve the planning permission, and sell it on as just a plot,
0:49:50 > 0:49:53I would expect a figure in the region of £60,000.
0:49:53 > 0:49:58So for a few hundred pounds, if they could get planning permission,
0:49:58 > 0:50:01they could make a healthy 30 to 40 grand profit.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04What are their thoughts on that?
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Where's the for sale sign? No, that's a joke.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09We didn't buy it for that.
0:50:09 > 0:50:14- It's going to remain as it is for the time... - For the foreseeable, isn't it?
0:50:14 > 0:50:19We're not planning to move so for the time being, we're happy with it just being a garden for the children.
0:50:23 > 0:50:30Later on we will try to maximise the value of it if we can, because at the end of the day, we'd be silly not to.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36And they're dead right. This is an asset.
0:50:36 > 0:50:37Not just for now but for the future.
0:50:40 > 0:50:45If all it ever is is a play area for the children, then that's no bad thing either.
0:50:54 > 0:51:01Now, this is the moment when, if you're a nervous property developer, you should hide behind the couch.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04It's time to return to Miles Platting in Manchester,
0:51:04 > 0:51:08where there was only one thing to say about this lot.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11It really is a "Hammer House of Horror"!
0:51:15 > 0:51:20But little details, like no roof, floors, or windows, didn't deter
0:51:20 > 0:51:24painter and decorator Harold from buying it at auction for £27,000.
0:51:24 > 0:51:29He had plans to nurse it back to health and onto the market.
0:51:29 > 0:51:35We gave him six months before returning to find out how he'd got on with this thrilling property.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43It's like a new house now.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47It was, it was just...
0:51:47 > 0:51:49It was just a shell, basically.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52# Back to life
0:51:52 > 0:51:54# Back to reality
0:51:54 > 0:51:56# Back to life
0:51:56 > 0:51:59# Back to reality
0:51:59 > 0:52:03# Back to the here and now, yeah... #
0:52:03 > 0:52:08Wow! What a difference. After nearly four decades of darkness,
0:52:08 > 0:52:11Harold has brought this property back from the brink
0:52:11 > 0:52:13and was keen to show us how.
0:52:13 > 0:52:19As you can see, this is where we were stood last time we filmed it and it is completely transformed now.
0:52:19 > 0:52:25It's got the new kitchen extension on and it's like a new house.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29All the original brick that was taken down because of having to
0:52:29 > 0:52:32rebuild the rear wall has been incorporated back into the house.
0:52:32 > 0:52:38Harold even found some old Yorkshire slabs which will be used as a pathway.
0:52:38 > 0:52:43But while many of the original features have been removed, Harold has added some of his own.
0:52:43 > 0:52:48We decided while we had the house under construction we may as well put
0:52:48 > 0:52:52another staircase in and utilise the loft space.
0:52:52 > 0:52:58So, we put another two bedrooms, or maybe just one bedroom, it's up to whoever buys the house or whatever
0:52:58 > 0:53:04we do with the house, but it's made a big difference to the house, space wise.
0:53:04 > 0:53:11It's a fantastic renovation job and Harold is very popular with the neighbours for sorting out the wreck
0:53:11 > 0:53:15they've had to live next door to for almost 40 years.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17Everybody in the street loves me. I don't know why!
0:53:17 > 0:53:20They let on to me, even if they don't know me.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24They're all sort of pleased that it's been done I think.
0:53:24 > 0:53:29And also, the council now are putting gates on the back entries,
0:53:29 > 0:53:33which is good, because it will make the place a bit more secure now for people.
0:53:33 > 0:53:37They're pleased about that. So things are happening in the street.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42Other people are starting to do things, I've started something off!
0:53:42 > 0:53:43# I need a hero
0:53:43 > 0:53:47# I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night... #
0:53:47 > 0:53:52Still, Harold isn't doing this just for accolades. This is about making a profit.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54He bought the place for 27,000.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56How much more has he spent on it?
0:53:58 > 0:54:01All told, it's 25,000.
0:54:02 > 0:54:07That's a total of £52,000 to buy and transform this property.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09There's about a month's more work to do,
0:54:09 > 0:54:14but how does Harold feel about bringing this place back to life?
0:54:15 > 0:54:21It gives you a buzz. You think, oh, aye. I've done that. You can see what you've done.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25Some people work at a desk all day long, they do writing, accountancy, this and that.
0:54:25 > 0:54:31But when you've got something, you can walk in, and every time you walk in you can say, I did that.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33# Back to life
0:54:33 > 0:54:36# Back to reality
0:54:36 > 0:54:37# Back to the here and now... #
0:54:37 > 0:54:40It's certainly a legacy, but will it be a profitable one?
0:54:40 > 0:54:45Harold bought this "Hammer House of Horror" at auction for 27,000
0:54:45 > 0:54:49and spent 25,000 on turning it into a desirable home.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52What will two local estate agents think of it?
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Very, very nice. Refurbished to a high standard.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09Kitchen and bathrooms are excellent.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13And he's added a little bit of extra space with the loft and playroom.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16I think the property is good throughout.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18It's certainly one of the best examples I've seen
0:55:18 > 0:55:22on this particular street and would suit either a rental market
0:55:22 > 0:55:25or potentially a first-time buyer, a younger family.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28Rentals are doing well. The terraces are probably doing better
0:55:28 > 0:55:30than the three-bed semis or four-bed detached.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33So very, very good, can't complain.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36With a good rental return in the area,
0:55:36 > 0:55:40what could Harold get if he planned to hold on to it for a while?
0:55:40 > 0:55:45I would rent this property out for approximately £425 per calendar month.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49I would rent this, per calendar month, in the region of £450.
0:55:49 > 0:55:54This house has cost a total of £52,000 to buy and renovate.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58What do two local estate agents think it'll be worth once finished?
0:55:58 > 0:56:02At the moment, on this market, I would value the property at £70,000.
0:56:02 > 0:56:09I would put this property on the market for 74,950 with a view of achieving offers around £70,000.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15Yeah. Sounds OK. We'll look for a little bit more.
0:56:15 > 0:56:20I think we'll rent out for a year and see how the market goes and then put it on the market then.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23Because the market's moving at the moment, so, yeah.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26Perhaps it's not quite as much as Harold was hoping,
0:56:26 > 0:56:33but he's made a profit and he has also certainly rescued this property and helped improve the area.
0:56:33 > 0:56:37It makes you feel good that somebody can live in it and the council get some money
0:56:37 > 0:56:41and it is getting rid of dereliction in the area,
0:56:41 > 0:56:45which people need to do, because the area is coming up all the time
0:56:45 > 0:56:48and it's a good area now. So yeah, I'm pleased.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55That's all we have time for today, make sure you join us next time for more Homes Under the Hammer.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57- We'll see you then. - Goodbye.- Goodbye.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:18 > 0:57:21E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk