0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello! In these challenging times, do you think you could hack it
0:00:05 > 0:00:07- in the world of property? - If you get it right,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09it can be an exciting way to earn money.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13And it can be even more exciting making your purchases under the hammer.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43There are tense moments in the auction room. Who'll make the right bid at the right price?
0:00:43 > 0:00:48Yes, properties can change people's fortunes for better or worse.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52So, what inspired the buyers on today's show?
0:00:53 > 0:00:57'I travel to Orkney to see a cottage that could come at a cost. But...'
0:00:57 > 0:01:02Maybe it's a price that you're willing to pay for such a fantastic location.
0:01:02 > 0:01:08'We revisit a Berkshire cottage I first saw in 2007 when it was in a terrible state.'
0:01:08 > 0:01:12If you're looking for a quick doer-upper, this is not the lot for you.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14'And in Cricklewood, London,
0:01:14 > 0:01:19'this place is crying out for structural improvements, but can they be done?'
0:01:19 > 0:01:23As ever, the key with this is just to talk to the local planners.
0:01:24 > 0:01:30'All these properties have been sold at auction and we find out who bought them and what they paid for them
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- 'when they went under the hammer.' - Sold.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42'Britain is often described as an island nation,
0:01:42 > 0:01:47'but for some parts of the British Isles, that's more true than others.'
0:01:52 > 0:01:57In the time I've been doing this show, I have travelled the length and breadth of the country
0:01:57 > 0:02:00looking at property from Cornwall to Kent,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02from South Wales to Lincolnshire.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06But I've never been this far north.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10In fact, this is about as far north as you can get in the British Isles.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Welcome to Orkney.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23'For those of you who haven't have the pleasure of visiting the Orkney Islands,
0:02:23 > 0:02:28'they're a collection of about 70 islands, less than a third of which are inhabited.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32'The largest is called the Mainland, on which you'll find Kirkwall, the capital.
0:02:32 > 0:02:38'Understandably, this landscape attracts many tourists, who are an important source of income here.'
0:02:38 > 0:02:43Well, 15 miles from Kirkwall, across a series of causeways,
0:02:43 > 0:02:48is the island of South Ronaldsay and the little village of St Margaret's Hope.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51And that is where the property I'm here to see is located.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55If you think the location is superb and you love seafront property,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57then it doesn't get much better than this.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02It's a cottage at a guide price of 45,000 quid. Let's take a look inside.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07'It's not often that I come across lobster pots outside a property,
0:03:07 > 0:03:12'but then the Noost, as this building is known, was previously a fisherman's store.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17'It was renovated about ten years ago into one house and two one-bedroom cottages.'
0:03:17 > 0:03:21# Wish I was a fisherman
0:03:21 > 0:03:23# Tumbling on the seas
0:03:23 > 0:03:28So, what's it going to be like? Well, it could've gone one of two ways.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31It could've been a cutesy-wootsy, oldy-worldy, run-down place
0:03:31 > 0:03:36or somewhere that's actually been done and, as it turns out, it's the latter.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41As you can see, pretty much in tip-top condition. Not sure about the design they've gone for.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44There's a kitchen unit here
0:03:44 > 0:03:48and this breakfast bar, which really cuts into this room,
0:03:48 > 0:03:53which is primarily, in fact, totally, the only room there is on the ground floor.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57It's not huge. It doesn't have the big fire that I was hoping for.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00But what it does have is a very practical feel,
0:04:00 > 0:04:04and if you were looking at renting this place out, perhaps as a holiday let,
0:04:04 > 0:04:09it's pretty much ready to go. Even things like fire extinguishers. Let's take a look upstairs.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Don't set your sights too high, I don't think it's going to take too long.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19'There's no mains gas supply to the cottage,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21'so heating is from electric heaters,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24'and the oven it powered by bottled gas.'
0:04:25 > 0:04:29One thing that I do like is that it's really nice and airy and light in here.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32You've got lots of roof lights, which make a big difference.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Some cottages can feel a bit oppressive, but not this one.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40This is your bathroom and loo, but it's only got a shower and there's not a lot of space
0:04:40 > 0:04:45to get a bath in there. But, if you were renting it out, that would be OK.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49One bedroom. Erm... Ooh, what's that?
0:04:50 > 0:04:55Look at that. That is an interesting bit of damp going on there. I wonder if...
0:04:57 > 0:05:04Look at that. Now, my guess is that above there is the old chimney.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I noticed there isn't a fire downstairs. That was one of the disappointments.
0:05:07 > 0:05:13But, at some stage, that fireplace has been blocked off and they haven't put a breathe block,
0:05:13 > 0:05:18one of those things with grills on it, in there for air to get into that chimney.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Water comes down through the chimney at the top, gets trapped inside the cavity wall of the building
0:05:23 > 0:05:27and it causes that kind of damp. I don't know how far it's gone there,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30but it looks like it's down the bottom of the wall, as well.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Easy thing to solve. Get one of those breathing blocks in there,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38the whole thing will dry out, not a problem. Definitely needs to be done before you redecorate.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42'Apart from the damp, everything appears to be in good order.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46'So what else do you need to know about this charming waterfront cottage?'
0:05:46 > 0:05:51Now, it shouldn't go without saying that, when it comes to buying properties
0:05:51 > 0:05:55right on the side of the sea, there are certain issues.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Romantic as it is, when you get a high tide here and the wind blowing,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03there is a danger, with this property and other seafront properties, of flooding.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09I do know that five years ago, all the properties here were subject to serious flood damage.
0:06:09 > 0:06:15It hasn't happened a lot, but it may be enough to put some insurance companies off insuring them.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18So it's something to check out, something to be aware of,
0:06:18 > 0:06:23but maybe it's a price that you're willing to pay for such a fantastic location.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39'St Margaret's Hope grew from the herring industry in the 1800s.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44'Fishing doesn't thrive as it once did, although the harbour remains very active.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51'But does a local property expert think this is a good catch?
0:06:51 > 0:06:53'Could someone net any profits here?'
0:06:53 > 0:06:56The condition of the property is in very good order.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59There's a small bit of dampness upstairs in the bedroom,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01but otherwise it's in walk-in condition.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04'As an investment, what sort of return could there be here?'
0:07:04 > 0:07:09If the property was renovated to a high standard, it would be worth around £55,000.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12'And rental?'
0:07:12 > 0:07:17If the property is in good order, for renting, it should get a monthly rent of around £300 per month.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Because we're sitting in a picturesque village,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24this property would rent out during the holiday season
0:07:24 > 0:07:30for about the middle 16 weeks of the year and you'd probably get a rental of £250 per week.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Well, the cottage may be small, but it is in pretty good condition.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41You could fairly well rent it out or move into it as it is.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46And who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to spend some time in a place like this?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Let's find out who bought it when it went under the hammer.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56The next lot I can offer you, what an attractive property.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00A one-bedroom waterfront cottage up in the Orkney Islands.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Guide price here is just £45,000.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10Bit of interest before the auction. I've also got a proxy bid. I'm going with the proxy bidder
0:08:10 > 0:08:14at £35,000. You in, sir?
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Can I go 36, yes? £36,000. £37,000 with the proxy bidder.
0:08:19 > 0:08:2038. 39.
0:08:20 > 0:08:2340,000. 41.
0:08:23 > 0:08:2642. 43.
0:08:27 > 0:08:3044?
0:08:30 > 0:08:3344. I can go 44 and a half with the proxy bidder.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35£45,000.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Yep, £45,000 it is. Proxy bidder's out.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Your bid at £45,000.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Anyone else coming in? £45,000.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48It's the gentleman's bid at £45,000.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Your bid then, sir, at £45,000.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Sold for £45,000. Congratulations.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57'So, for right on the guide price of £45,000,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01'the new owners of the Orkney cottage are retired couple John and Betty.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06'For them, this isn't a voyage into the unknown, more a homecoming.'
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Betty, John, lovely to meet you both. Congratulations.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Tell me why you wanted to buy this place.
0:09:11 > 0:09:17Well, we originally come from fairly close to this village.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- Do you? Actually from the islands? - Yes, indeed.
0:09:19 > 0:09:26Spent our childhood here and left a number of years ago and we've always come back,
0:09:26 > 0:09:32so we saw this place advertised and we decided we would like to have something of our own here.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34When did you move away from the islands?
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- 44 years, roughly. - THEY LAUGH
0:09:41 > 0:09:45'John and Betty may have left Orkney 44 years ago,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48'but they return every year to see family and friends.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50'The island still feels like home to them,
0:09:50 > 0:09:54'and their move away was only because of John's work.'
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- I joined the lighthouse service. - Oh, great!
0:09:59 > 0:10:06I was a lighthouse keeper for about five years. That was my first movement away from Orkney to live.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- Where was the lighthouse? - Aberdeenshire, just off the coast.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- Rattray Head was the name. - Was it a proper big, tall, white thing with the swoopy light?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- Oh, yes, it was. - Big foghorn.- Yes, yes.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Outside the bedroom window, yes. - Was it?
0:10:22 > 0:10:24What's it like being a lighthouse keeper?
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Well, you walk round in circles. - THEY LAUGH
0:10:28 > 0:10:32# You got me going in circles
0:10:35 > 0:10:40# Oh, oh, oh, round and round I go
0:10:40 > 0:10:45'I'd imagine that being a lighthouse keeper's enough to drive anyone round the bend.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49'And it's not ideal for a married couple. So, after five years, John gave it up.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53'He then tried his hand at being a grocer and worked in insurance.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56'They also bought a guesthouse in Fort William
0:10:56 > 0:10:59'which they did up and ran for a number of years.'
0:10:59 > 0:11:02So, what was it about this little place that appealed?
0:11:02 > 0:11:06It's small, so easy to look after
0:11:06 > 0:11:12and close the door and just go and it's in the village, which was nice.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Tell me what you're going to do to it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Probably change the kitchen
0:11:18 > 0:11:21and get rid of this.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25The bathroom, probably tile it and flooring.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Flooring.- Yes. And decoration.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Right. And then what is the idea for it?
0:11:30 > 0:11:33How are you going to use it? What are you going to use it for?
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Well, mainly for our own use
0:11:36 > 0:11:39and our family's use, just for holidays,
0:11:39 > 0:11:44and then we've friends and so on who can come and use it, as well.
0:11:44 > 0:11:50- Congratulations. I'm delighted for you and I look forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54'With a budget of £3,000 to £4,000 and a timescale of three to four months,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58'John and Betty plan to turn it from its current gloomy state
0:11:58 > 0:12:02'into a brighter, light house.'
0:12:03 > 0:12:06# I am a lighthouse
0:12:06 > 0:12:10# Worn by the weather and the waves
0:12:11 > 0:12:14# And though I am empty
0:12:14 > 0:12:19# I still warn the sailors on their way
0:12:19 > 0:12:26So, John and Betty returning to the place where they grew up and are delighted, and who can blame them?
0:12:26 > 0:12:30So, will they end up renting this place out to people other than family and friends?
0:12:30 > 0:12:36Well, the thing is about family and friends, when they hear you've got a place in such an amazing location,
0:12:36 > 0:12:40people you haven't heard from for a very long time suddenly come out of the woodwork,
0:12:40 > 0:12:45so my guess is they won't. We'll find out how they get on later in the show.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50'It was in the autumn of 2007
0:12:50 > 0:12:56'when I first came across what would appear to be an idyllic period cottage in Berkshire.'
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Welcome to Sonning Village.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Now, it's a place that's been on the map since Anglo-Saxon times.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04You wouldn't believe from looking around me
0:13:04 > 0:13:09that I'm just three miles from central Reading. It feels a world away.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13But, of course, it's not, and that makes this an attractive location
0:13:13 > 0:13:16which people are prepared to pay a premium for.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23And for £300,000
0:13:23 > 0:13:27you could buy a piece of this historic village.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34'The cottage has two bedrooms and I hope the inside is as charming as the outside.'
0:13:37 > 0:13:41This really is an exciting auction find.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46English Heritage reports that this property dates back to the 16th and 17th century
0:13:46 > 0:13:49and therefore gives it a listed status.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54Down here, we've got a huge, long corridor, there's rooms running off it,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56and at the back there, you can see an old kitchen.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00We've got a reception room here with a period fireplace
0:14:00 > 0:14:04and it's so typically got low ceilings, leaded windows everywhere.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08But, sadly, it's in a real bad state of repair.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13It needs a very kind owner to lavish some attention on it.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19'What a find! It's not every day that you stumble across an old cottage
0:14:19 > 0:14:22'that's so full of character.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27'It's a renovator's dream to put it mildly.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34'But if you think that's a lot of work, take a look at this.
0:14:36 > 0:14:42'No, it's not a garden shed, it's the kitchen/dining room, a place that time forgot.'
0:14:43 > 0:14:47OK, there's a lot of things to do and sort out with this property,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50and I know that will put some people off,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53but dropping this floor would be the first thing I would do.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58Now, I'm only five-foot-five, so you can see how small this doorway really is.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01So the kitchen, a disaster area at the moment.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04But a great size and once these windows are cleaned,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07it'll have lovely views out there to the garden.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Which, by the way, is 135 feet long.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16'And what a garden it is! Or should I say will be?
0:15:16 > 0:15:19'Yes, the to-do list goes on and on,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21'but the potential is endless, as well.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25'There's a big, open cellar next to the kitchen and a studio room out back
0:15:25 > 0:15:28'that could be converted into a bedroom.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34'But upstairs, well, that's the problem.'
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Up here there are just two rooms.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42If you can see beyond the mess, they are decent sizes,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46but it's just so dark and those windows are tiny.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49For a family, there's no bathroom upstairs,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52which, to me, is always a downside.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57'To fit a bathroom up here, you would definitely need an extension.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'But that's not so easy with this lot.'
0:16:01 > 0:16:04A listed building is a building of structure
0:16:04 > 0:16:09that is considered to be one of special architectural historical interest.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14Grade II is of special interest, meaning every effort must be made to preserve it.
0:16:14 > 0:16:20Failure to get listed building consent before carrying out alterations is a criminal offence,
0:16:20 > 0:16:25so whoever takes this on can't touch a thing until consent is sought.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28That can often be a lengthy process.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33So if you're looking for a quick doer-upper, this is not the lot for you.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36'No. And I think you might need deep pockets, too.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40'This might have been guided at £300,000,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43'but you'd probably need to spend at least 100 grand here
0:16:43 > 0:16:46'just to get it back into decent condition.'
0:16:47 > 0:16:52It's a period cottage in a beautiful location with a fantastic local pub.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55I think that's all I need to say on this one.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Well, I most certainly have fallen for its charms.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Let's see who else fell under its spell as we go to auction.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11What are you going to say? £250,000?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13£250,000 I'm bid there in the middle. Thank you.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17260 now. 260,000.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21260. 270?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23270. 280.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27280 in a new place. 290.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30290. 300,000.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Split it in half, 295.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38295 I'm bid. 300 now?
0:17:39 > 0:17:44Is there 296 anywhere else? You all done with it? I'm going to sell.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47296. 297, sir.
0:17:47 > 0:17:48298.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52299?
0:17:52 > 0:17:53300,000.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58And 1. Thank you.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00302, I'm bid.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02303, sir?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05304?
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Certain?
0:18:08 > 0:18:10304 anywhere else?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15Thank you. No, no, no, I'll wait while you do the sums. 304,000.
0:18:15 > 0:18:175.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19305,000.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Not really OK, is it?
0:18:24 > 0:18:28305,000 bid. For the first time at 305,000.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Second. Third and last time. All done with it.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- HE BANGS GAVEL - Congratulations, sir, it's yours.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38'The winning bid was made by Fran and Nick.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40'The purchase was very close to Nick's heart,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44'as he used to run the local cricket team in Sonning.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46'The family, including their two young children,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49'have lived in Spain for the past two years,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52'but have decided to move back to England for good.'
0:18:52 > 0:18:55# Oh, my life
0:18:55 > 0:18:59# Is changing every day
0:18:59 > 0:19:01# In every possible way
0:19:01 > 0:19:04It sounds to me like you're a very busy lady. What do you do?
0:19:04 > 0:19:11I'm a project manager. I work for a hotel company in their head office and I run projects.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- In England, but you live in Spain. - I do. I commute every week.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17So how many days a week do you actually live in England for?
0:19:17 > 0:19:23I'm generally here for four nights, from Sunday to Thursday, or from Tuesday night to Saturday morning.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28So why have you decided to come back to England and live here permanently?
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Erm, I decided to come back because I've been commuting for nearly two years
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and it's been brilliant fun, but I think two years is enough.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39And when I'm away overnight, the childcare aspect of it,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41it does worry me, me being out of the country sometimes
0:19:41 > 0:19:45and because it's very difficult for me to get back before then,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I just feel it's time to come back. But we do have a property over there
0:19:49 > 0:19:52and we'll keep that and just go back for holidays.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55'Wow. A holiday house in sunny Spain
0:19:55 > 0:19:58'and now a Grade II listed property in Sonning.
0:19:58 > 0:20:04'Fran fell upon this charming cottage quite unexpectedly.'
0:20:04 > 0:20:07I was out on Saturday doing a supermarket shop
0:20:07 > 0:20:11and as I went in, I saw a particular property paper I was looking for
0:20:11 > 0:20:14just literally poking out of the bin.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19It wasn't dirty, so I just grabbed it as I went into the supermarket, opened it
0:20:19 > 0:20:22and there was the house, just staring at me, so I had to have it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:28- It was meant to be.- It was meant to be.- What was your first reaction when you saw it in the flesh?
0:20:28 > 0:20:31We came inside and thought, "Oh, my lord" when we saw it,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35but we still liked it and so we made another appointment
0:20:35 > 0:20:39and in the meantime, I phoned up the local council, Wokingham,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41and got in contact with a conservation officer
0:20:41 > 0:20:44to find out if we could do planning upstairs.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- So you did all of this prior to auction?- Yes, and the architect.
0:20:48 > 0:20:54We got an architect and got him down here on his own, and then we got them down together.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59'Sounds like project manager Fran has put her skills to good use already.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05'But for her, this is more than just a development. It's going to be her dream family home.'
0:21:05 > 0:21:07# You're a dream to me
0:21:07 > 0:21:09# Dream to me
0:21:09 > 0:21:12'And she's going to do whatever it takes to achieve it.'
0:21:12 > 0:21:16I want an extension at the back as far as we can go to square it up.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20And then, with the upstairs, what would be ideal would be two bedrooms
0:21:20 > 0:21:24but we probably won't get that, so I think we'll go conservative
0:21:24 > 0:21:28and go for one extra bedroom and a bathroom upstairs.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31So what's the worrying thing about this project, do you think?
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Number one I think is getting the plans approved by the council.
0:21:34 > 0:21:40Number two, the length of time the work's going to take, because obviously we can't live here
0:21:40 > 0:21:44and I've got two little children. We're going to rent somewhere for six months.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48If the building isn't ready, I don't want to be extending for another six months.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53And I guess, thirdly, there's always going over the budget, which is always a concern.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- What's the budget? How much have you got to throw at this?- About £150,000.
0:21:57 > 0:22:03'That was back in 2007 when, armed with her 150 grand budget
0:22:03 > 0:22:08'and extensive project plan, Fran started turning this from a hovel to a home.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13'But when we returned eight months later, it was still very early stages.'
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Four months ago, we submitted the plans to the council
0:22:16 > 0:22:20and got approval on the target date we expected, which took 12 weeks.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24# Oh, my life
0:22:24 > 0:22:28'Great news for Fran. But this also meant it was time for the real work to begin.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31'Later, you'll see how she transformed this cottage
0:22:31 > 0:22:36'from its run-down state to a fantastic family home.'
0:22:39 > 0:22:44'Coming up, I find a property in Cricklewood, London that might appeal to a minimalist.'
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Look. This is all you've got. A sink.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52'Three years after we first visited this period Berkshire cottage,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54'we see if Mum did actually get it right.'
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I thought my mum had really lost it this time.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03'But first, it's time to test the waters in Orkney.'
0:23:03 > 0:23:07As long as it doesn't come up too high, we'll be OK.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15'If you were after a house by the sea, then the auction lot I saw
0:23:15 > 0:23:19'in the wild and windy but absolutely beautiful Orkney Islands
0:23:19 > 0:23:23'in the fishing village of St Margaret's Hope fitted the bill perfectly.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28'Just yards from the water's edge, this one-bed cottage offered a cosy retreat
0:23:28 > 0:23:31'and seemed ideal as a holiday home or holiday let.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35'For £45,000, it was bought by retired couple John and Betty.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37'They already knew the area well.'
0:23:37 > 0:23:41We originally come from fairly close to this village.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- Do you? Actually from the islands? - Yes, indeed.
0:23:43 > 0:23:50Spent our childhood here and left a number of years ago and we've always come back,
0:23:50 > 0:23:56so we saw this place advertised and we decided we would like to have something of our own here.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01'So, armed with a £4,000 budget and a plan to do most of the work themselves,
0:24:01 > 0:24:05'John and Betty set about upgrading the cottage.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07'Nearly four months later, we're back.'
0:24:09 > 0:24:12'From the outside, so far there haven't been any real changes.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15'But step inside...'
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'Time to wave goodbye to the dated old kitchen
0:24:25 > 0:24:27'and bring on a new modern one.'
0:24:37 > 0:24:42We took away the breakfast bar that used to run across here
0:24:42 > 0:24:44and the rest of the older kitchen we took out.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49We put in the new kitchen, tiled the walls,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53we've done the new floor and the new heating system
0:24:53 > 0:24:56and papered and painted the rest of the room.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06'Upstairs in the shower room, the tired suite and flooring have been replaced
0:25:06 > 0:25:09'with a more contemporary look.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15'The large double bedroom has been spruced up and new radiators installed.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18'And by sealing the chimney, the damp is a thing of the past.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23'Along with the rooms, they've also brightened up that previously dark and dingy stairwell.'
0:25:26 > 0:25:31We have stripped the paper off and repapered,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35painted and put a new carpet down.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42'So, despite the cottage being relatively small, it's now beautifully formed and finished.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44'But at what cost?'
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Our original budget was round about £4,000,
0:25:50 > 0:25:56but we've gone over that by probably up to a couple of thousand pounds.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01'They've spent £6,000 so far and there's a little exterior work still to go.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03'But, for a total outlay of around £53,000,
0:26:03 > 0:26:08'John and Betty have got a lovely holiday home in a place they know and love.'
0:26:08 > 0:26:12It's absolutely beautiful. Nothing can beat it, really.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17We live in the highlands and this is just different.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22And we're two minutes off the local ferry when we get here
0:26:22 > 0:26:24and it's just an ideal location,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26sitting beside the water.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29As long as it doesn't come up too high, we'll be OK.
0:26:29 > 0:26:35'Well, John may joke, but flooding is a real concern for houses in the Orkney Islands
0:26:35 > 0:26:39'and can be a factor in keeping property prices relatively low.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43'How much of a gamble does John think they've taken with their seaside cottage?'
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Historically, it doesn't flood very often,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50and the last time it flooded was during a prolonged period of gales
0:26:50 > 0:26:54and it coincided with very high tides,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57and that was an extreme situation.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02And everywhere on the coastline that had low-lying properties had the same problems.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07I've known this area for a long, long time
0:27:07 > 0:27:11and it doesn't suffer these problems on a regular basis.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16'John's pretty confident that all his and Betty's efforts won't be washed away.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18'In Scotland, it's usually solicitors
0:27:18 > 0:27:21'who deal with the property sales, so we asked two of them
0:27:21 > 0:27:26'what they thought of this cottage, with around £53,000 invested in it.'
0:27:30 > 0:27:33It's good to see the house has been decorated, it's nice and bright,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36new floor coverings and they've got rid of the breakfast bar,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39which has made the main room that much bigger.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Nice property. It's been renovated nicely.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53I've actually marketed this property a lot of years ago
0:27:53 > 0:27:57and it's certainly in better condition than it was then.
0:27:57 > 0:28:02'That's encouraging, although it might be in better condition than it previously was,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04'but it's still in the same location.'
0:28:06 > 0:28:09The main disadvantage is the flood risk.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13That really would be a major concern if they were to sell it on.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20'There are clearly some issues with potential flooding, which undoubtedly affects the value.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23'But with £53,000 invested here,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26'if they were to sell the cottage, what might it be worth?'
0:28:26 > 0:28:30In its current state, I'd expect to get between £55,000 and £60,000.
0:28:30 > 0:28:36Market it at somewhere around £60,000 to £65,000.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41I haven't thought about selling it, but if I did, I would be quite happy with that.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44'Between £2,000 and £12,000 profit is not too bad.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49'And, of course, it would also have some rental potential.'
0:28:49 > 0:28:52I'd expect somewhere around £300 per calendar month.
0:28:52 > 0:28:58I think you could achieve possibly £300 to £320 per calendar month.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02'£300 a month might only bring in £3,600 a year,
0:29:02 > 0:29:06'but there's also the more lucrative holiday let market.'
0:29:06 > 0:29:12Possibly you could achieve as much as £300 to £320 per week as opposed to per calendar month.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15I had that sort of figure in mind myself
0:29:15 > 0:29:20if we did intend to let it out, but we really don't have that intention.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24'Clearly, if you wanted to maximise your return,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28'renting the cottage out for holiday lets would be the way forward.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31'But that's not how John and Betty want to use it.'
0:29:32 > 0:29:37Just to use it as a holiday home and let friends and family use it, just enjoy it.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46'With the views and scenery they have on their doorstep,
0:29:46 > 0:29:50'whatever the weather, it's their perfect home from home.'
0:29:57 > 0:30:01'Cricklewood in Northwest London looks like just another bustling part of the city,
0:30:01 > 0:30:05'with busy roads and shops and businesses all vying to succeed.
0:30:08 > 0:30:15'Yet step back from the main high street and you'll find quiet, tree-lined streets and open spaces.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18'There's a real sense of community spirit here.'
0:30:18 > 0:30:21Nowhere more so than here in Railway Terraces,
0:30:21 > 0:30:24five terraces of cottages built around the 1860s
0:30:24 > 0:30:29to house railway workers and named after prominent railway officials.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34There's evidence that specific rows were for railway workers doing a specific job
0:30:34 > 0:30:38and it enabled the railway company to control the lives of their employees.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42They even had knockers-up to make sure that they got to work on time.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47# Wake up, it's a beautiful morning
0:30:47 > 0:30:49# Feel sun shining...
0:30:49 > 0:30:55'So no need for an alarm clock if you live here. Just wait for the rap at the door.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58'This was a place all about the community working together
0:30:58 > 0:31:02'and even now, some sense of that still prevails.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06'There's a monthly residents' newsletter and even an annual fete.'
0:31:06 > 0:31:10The knockers-up have long gone, but the Victorian houses remain
0:31:10 > 0:31:12and very cute they are, too.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14The property I'm here to see is an end of terrace.
0:31:14 > 0:31:20It has three bedrooms. Guide price - 245,000 quid. Let's take a look inside.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26'From the outside, this end of terrace looks in good condition.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31'There's a little garden at the front and an extension and a yard at the back.'
0:31:33 > 0:31:37OK, through the front door and straight into basically your main living area.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41This is the main part of the house. Nice size space, though.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44I'd open up the fireplace to create a bit of interest.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Staircase there.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50A strange wall here. I can say that because the kitchen itself
0:31:50 > 0:31:54extends more this way and there's a bit of a dead space here,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57which I would maybe want to utilise.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59I think open-plan is the way to go.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04Maybe take out this wall here, create a much nicer feel. Great thing to do with a small property.
0:32:04 > 0:32:10The kitchen itself is not a bad size, but look, this is all you've got. A sink and this unit.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14So there's scope to improve a lot.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19But it's a good size space, so more like a kitchen family area I'd want to create here.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23Interesting thing about the property, downstairs loo and bathroom.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28I say interesting, because unusual for this part of London, I would say.
0:32:28 > 0:32:34And doubly interesting because if you got rid of that and put it upstairs into one of the bedrooms,
0:32:34 > 0:32:37you'd actually knock value off the house.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40So, not a thing to do without getting some advice.
0:32:41 > 0:32:48'The positioning of the bathroom over the potential loss of a bedroom or bedroom space is a juggling act.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52'It depends on so many factors, from whether it's common in the area
0:32:52 > 0:32:56'to whether you want to rent or sell the house. Weighing up these options is critical.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00'Here, the key issue is whether there's an alternative to start with.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03'Well, there are three bedrooms upstairs
0:33:03 > 0:33:07'and it might be possible to sneak some space out of the master bedroom.
0:33:07 > 0:33:14'But looking at the rather old 70s flat-roof extension at the back, I think there's a better solution.'
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Before you get all excited about an extension,
0:33:17 > 0:33:19there is, of course, the issue of planning.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22So, what I suggest is that, as with all these cases,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25you look at what people in the local area have managed to do.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29For instance, this is what an original cottage would've been like.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33That was the downstairs loo, that was the place you would've stored your coal or whatever.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38That's the starting point. But look what some of the neighbours have achieved.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43Love this one. I like the fact they've used the old brickwork but really modernised it.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Very nice indeed. The good news is that there doesn't seem to be a theme.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51Lots of the houses have done different things, so that means a precedent has been set,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55so you should be able to do what you want as far as the planners are concerned.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59The only fly in the ointment is that, previously, this wasn't a conservation area
0:33:59 > 0:34:04but recently it was made one, so anything that's already been done can't be used as a precedent.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08As ever, the key with this is just to talk to local planners.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13'But whether you do extend or not, I really like this place.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18'Not only is it old-fashioned and full of character, but it has old-fashioned values, too.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22'Yet we're only 25 minutes from Central London.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25'What can a local estate agent tell us about the house and the area?'
0:34:27 > 0:34:31I think it's a lovely alternative to a larger flat in the area.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Anybody with a cat, dog or child is going to want this house
0:34:34 > 0:34:37as opposed to a flat without any outside space.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Here, you've got front and rear gardens. Yeah, it's absolutely lovely.
0:34:41 > 0:34:47'Well, it's certainly charmed the estate agent, but this place does require a lot of work.'
0:34:48 > 0:34:50It needs a lot of imagination.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53It's... Tender loving care is an overused expression,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56but it certainly needs that.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59It needs new kitchen, new bathroom, redecorating,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02it need rewiring, re-plumbing.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07The bathroom is downstairs at the moment, and I think that the owner ought to leave it there,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11because if they moved it upstairs, they'd lose a bedroom
0:35:11 > 0:35:16and therefore it would become a two-bedroom house, which will affect the price adversely.
0:35:17 > 0:35:23'OK, let's talk figures. If someone refurbished it to a high standard, keeping the three bedrooms,
0:35:23 > 0:35:28'how much might they make on this property, that was guided at £245,000?'
0:35:29 > 0:35:34If you were to rent this property out, per calendar month, you'd get in the region of £1,200 to £1,400.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37If this house was finished to a good standard,
0:35:37 > 0:35:41it would go on the market in the region of 350, 375.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47'How much would those values change if you moved the bathroom upstairs and lost a bedroom?
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Two-bedroom cottages on the market in this area at the moment are 325,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54so it would make a significant difference if you moved it.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Well, a local newsletter and a fete in London.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Who says a sense of community has gone forever?
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Actually, the house itself is wonderful, as well,
0:36:05 > 0:36:10but I'm sure that whoever bought it was buying into that whole community spirit, as well.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Let's find out who that was when it went under the hammer.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21Right, where do we go to? Lot 4 is an end-of-terrace three-bed house.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Do I have 2 anywhere?
0:36:24 > 0:36:272 sitting down. 200. 205?
0:36:29 > 0:36:32205. 210. 215.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35220. 225.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38230. 235.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41235. 240.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44245. 250.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Coming to you. 255.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49260. 265.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52270. 270 down here.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57271, coming back in, madam? 271? Just one more go?
0:36:58 > 0:37:00271. Well done.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03That's a crunch. 272.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Sorry, 272. 273?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08You had a crack, well done. 272 down here.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10273 anywhere else?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14If not, 272. First time, second time,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17third and last time, if you're all done.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Sold, 272.
0:37:20 > 0:37:25'For £272,000, the successful bidder was Steve.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29'He was actually bidding on behalf of his musician son, Harvey.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34'It was Harvey who joined me back at the house to explain what he planned to do with it.'
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- Harvey, lovely to meet you.- You, too.- Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:37:38 > 0:37:44- I like this little place. Why did you want to buy it?- Well, we were looking for an end of terrace
0:37:44 > 0:37:50because I'm a musician and it means that the noise is not so much of a problem.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54We saw this place, it didn't look like anything in the brochure, and when we looked around
0:37:54 > 0:37:58and found it was in the middle of these three terraces, totally out of the way,
0:37:58 > 0:38:02doesn't even feel like London. And the house itself, it's in no state at the moment,
0:38:02 > 0:38:09but it's lovely and spacious and I'm going to come and live in it, I hope, when it's all finished.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Tell me more about you. You're a musician?
0:38:12 > 0:38:15I'm only recently out of university. I studied music
0:38:15 > 0:38:18and I am working as a freelance musician,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21so I run the music at a parish church
0:38:21 > 0:38:24and I teach music two days a week in a school
0:38:24 > 0:38:27and the rest of the time, just do whatever gigs I'm offered.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- What do you play? - I play piano and I sing
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- and I do a bit of conducting, as well.- Wow! What kind of music?
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- It's mostly classical music, but I'm also a jazz pianist.- Fantastic!
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- You haven't got a piano around for a rendition?- When you come back.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- You promise?- I promise. That's the point of the house.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49We're going to do lots of things to get a grand piano in here, basically.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53# Sing us a song, you're the piano man
0:38:53 > 0:38:56# Sing us a song tonight
0:38:57 > 0:39:03'Before Harvey can tickle the ivories, he has a fair amount of work to do here.'
0:39:03 > 0:39:07We've got two plans. There's the ambitious one and the not so ambitious one.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12The not ambitious one is to do what almost every house,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15many of the houses have done, which is to turn it from a three-bedroom house
0:39:15 > 0:39:19into a luxury two-bed house with a bathroom upstairs.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23But we're thinking more along the lines of keeping three bedrooms
0:39:23 > 0:39:25and trying to max out the space we have.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30Put a bathroom down here, nick a bit out of the kitchen
0:39:30 > 0:39:34and also nick a bit out of the master bedroom and put a small bathroom upstairs, too.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40And knock down the current 1970s extension and build a new one,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44which will end up being a music studio to accommodate the grand piano.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47That comes at a cost. Do you have an idea of how much?
0:39:47 > 0:39:53Well, if we go through with this plan, it's going to be, we think, between £50,000 and £60,000.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57- That's for the ambitious plans with the extension.- Exactly.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00And the less ambitious plans?
0:40:00 > 0:40:05We'd think of spending up to £25,000 on doing it like that.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08But, at the moment, we're swinging in favour of doing the big job.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Congratulations. We look forward to returning and hearing you play the piano.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- Thanks very much.- Well done.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19# Sing us a song, you're the piano man
0:40:19 > 0:40:22# Sing us a song tonight
0:40:22 > 0:40:25# Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Well, what a great first home for Harvey.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31And I think he's got some great ideas.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34But, of course, it all rests on getting planning permission
0:40:34 > 0:40:37for that extension to put his grand piano in,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39and I think his ideas might need some fine tuning
0:40:39 > 0:40:43before he finally pedals it to the local planning authority.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46You can find out how he gets on later in the show.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54Well, if you want your property purchases to bloom, timing is critical.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57And you have to be flexible with your plans.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00And not let time pass you by.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Let's see how today's purchasers got on.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08'It was back in the autumn of 2007 when we first took a trip
0:41:08 > 0:41:10'to the pretty Berkshire village of Sonning
0:41:10 > 0:41:12'to see what, from the outside, at least,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15'looked like an idyllic Grade II listed cottage.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20'With exposed timber frames, it was the type of home that dreams are made of.'
0:41:23 > 0:41:27# And oh, my dreams
0:41:27 > 0:41:30# It's never quite as it seems
0:41:31 > 0:41:36'But step inside...' MUSIC FADES
0:41:36 > 0:41:38'..and it was more the stuff of nightmares.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43'It was in a terrible state, from crumbling walls to holes in the ceiling,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46'and a disaster area of a kitchen.
0:41:46 > 0:41:52'A downstairs bathroom, a jungle of a garden,
0:41:52 > 0:41:57'two dilapidated bedrooms, the list just went on and on.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03'But project manager and mother-of-two Fran
0:42:03 > 0:42:07'was prepared to pay £305,000 for the cottage.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10'For her, it was a case of love at first sight.'
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Well, I was out one Saturday doing a supermarket shop
0:42:13 > 0:42:17and as I went in, I saw a particular property paper I was looking for
0:42:17 > 0:42:21just literally poking out of the bin. So I just grabbed it, opened it
0:42:21 > 0:42:25and there was the house, just staring at me, so I had to have it.
0:42:25 > 0:42:31'Having put pen to paper to buy the cottage, Fran set about the task of making the cottage habitable again.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36'But not only that, she had grand plans to extend and improve it,
0:42:36 > 0:42:39'as she explained when we returned the first time, eight months later.'
0:42:41 > 0:42:44We have planning permission for a bedroom and bathroom upstairs
0:42:44 > 0:42:49and permission for an en suite in the master bedroom, as well.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54'And as if that wasn't enough, they also had permission to extend the property.'
0:42:54 > 0:42:59The kitchen on my right here will be extended three metres towards the back of the property,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02into the garden, to make it a lot bigger.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06The fourth bedroom here is going to be fully refurbished
0:43:06 > 0:43:10and, through a walkway, will be connected, so it becomes part of the property.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13In here, the courtyard will remain open
0:43:13 > 0:43:17with lots of lovely plants in it, and it will let lots of nice light into the property.
0:43:17 > 0:43:24'That was back in 2008. Fran had just got the green light to make it her dream cottage.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28'Now, another two years on,
0:43:28 > 0:43:31'we're back to see if Fran's plans have turned into reality.
0:43:34 > 0:43:39'Not surprisingly, from the front, its appearance really hasn't altered.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42'But is that classic beamed exterior now matched
0:43:42 > 0:43:46'by the rest of the cottage? Well, let's step inside and see.'
0:43:56 > 0:43:59'So, old has been blended with new
0:43:59 > 0:44:02'to produce a really eclectic mix.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22'Not only has Fran done wonders with the rooms that were here,
0:44:22 > 0:44:26'but she's also increased the size of the cottage.'
0:44:26 > 0:44:29Previously, it was very dingy and very narrow.
0:44:29 > 0:44:34There was a massive arch just here and there was two more arches on the left.
0:44:34 > 0:44:39So that's all been opened up now and made into a really big, family room.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43In terms of the step, I did decide to keep it, though it is lower,
0:44:43 > 0:44:46because that houses all our under-floor heating in there.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50The original kitchen ended just here,
0:44:50 > 0:44:55so this is a brand new extension, right out into the back, to make a really big family space.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59'It's so hard to believe it's the same run-down space I saw three years ago.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04'While doing the kitchen extension,
0:45:04 > 0:45:07'Fran's also upgraded the ramshackle out-building,
0:45:07 > 0:45:10'giving her that additional bedroom space.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15'And the courtyard is now a secluded patio area.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20'Despite the extension, the bathroom is still downstairs.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22'But what a bathroom!
0:45:24 > 0:45:26'How does it look upstairs?'
0:45:26 > 0:45:29When I bought the property, there was only two bedrooms.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33They were in a terrible state, full of lots of junk and rubbish.
0:45:33 > 0:45:38It was really awful. And the bedrooms were full of holes, there was no plaster,
0:45:38 > 0:45:43there was no carpet, the wood was falling to pieces on the floor. It was really a total mess.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48First of all, I've done the extension for the third bedroom, which I'm really pleased with.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51That's for my younger daughter, so she has a room.
0:45:51 > 0:45:56And we've fully restored all the bedrooms cosmetically, as well.
0:45:56 > 0:46:01'So with the original large double bedrooms completely refurbished...'
0:46:09 > 0:46:14'..and with that extra bedroom in the extension, along with the downstairs bedroom,
0:46:14 > 0:46:17'this cottage now boasts four bedrooms,
0:46:17 > 0:46:20'so Fran's daughters, Sophie and Stephanie, have a bedroom each,
0:46:20 > 0:46:25'something they certainly didn't expect when they first saw this cottage.'
0:46:25 > 0:46:28It used to be really old and there were cracks in the walls.
0:46:28 > 0:46:33You couldn't really walk into the garden, cos there were so many stinging nettles.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36I thought my mum had really lost it this time.
0:46:37 > 0:46:42'Now, with the cottage nearly complete, what do they think about what their mum has achieved?'
0:46:42 > 0:46:47She achieved building it and putting nice photos up
0:46:47 > 0:46:51and getting all the big tellies for us and making our rooms really nice.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55I think she's done absolutely excellent on it, because she's put so much detail
0:46:55 > 0:46:58and lovely pictures on it and worked so hard.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03'Not only are the girls impressed with their mother's achievement,
0:47:03 > 0:47:06'they also seem to be jumping for joy at getting a new home.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09'But, of course, all these changes come at a price.'
0:47:11 > 0:47:15I wanted to spend about 120 but, to be fair, that was probably a bit unrealistic.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18So we spent just over 150.
0:47:18 > 0:47:23But the finishings for the bathrooms and the kitchens I sourced very cheaply and did a lot of it myself.
0:47:23 > 0:47:30'The £150,000 budget, on top of the £305,000 purchase price, plus costs,
0:47:30 > 0:47:33'will see a total investment of around 460 grand.
0:47:33 > 0:47:37'So, was it worth all the hard work?'
0:47:37 > 0:47:41Whenever you have a listed cottage, it's never going to be perfect,
0:47:41 > 0:47:43but she's adapted it very well indeed.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45You have the benefit of a ground-floor bedroom,
0:47:45 > 0:47:49which could be an office, and the bedrooms are a decent size.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57I think the property is really nice.
0:47:57 > 0:48:02A lot of character elements, exposed beams, high vaulted ceilings.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05I do think that the fact that it's got a downstairs bathroom
0:48:05 > 0:48:08will maybe put some buyers off, also the lack of parking.
0:48:08 > 0:48:12However, it has character and it's in a very popular location.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15'Pretty positive response there.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19'But with nearly £460,000 in total invested here,
0:48:19 > 0:48:21'is it likely to show a good return?'
0:48:22 > 0:48:25I'd put this on the market for £475,000.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29I'd put this on the market for approximately £480,000.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32That's what I expected. That's absolutely fine.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36'So possibly a small profit of £15,000 to £20,000.
0:48:36 > 0:48:43'Not massive, but not bad. But, more importantly, Fran and family have a great new home.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45'What's next?'
0:48:45 > 0:48:49Unfortunately, we're going to sell the house on, because we're going to move
0:48:49 > 0:48:52due to my daughter's secondary school education.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58'So, after all her hard work, Fran wants to move a few miles down the road
0:48:58 > 0:49:02'so they can be closer to Sophie's secondary school.
0:49:02 > 0:49:06'So she's put the house back up for auction. I guess, as a project manager,
0:49:06 > 0:49:10'she's used to finishing projects and then moving on.'
0:49:10 > 0:49:13# It's not over
0:49:14 > 0:49:16It's been a great experience.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20A very hard challenge, very hard work
0:49:20 > 0:49:23and, yes, before I get too old, I will do it again.
0:49:23 > 0:49:28'So, nearly three years hard work has resulted in a fantastic renovated cottage
0:49:28 > 0:49:32'and Fran can take what she's learned here onto her next project,
0:49:32 > 0:49:35'whatever that may be.'
0:49:43 > 0:49:48'If you wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life...
0:49:49 > 0:49:55'..this three-bed former railway worker's cottage in Cricklewood, Northwest London, was ideal.'
0:49:55 > 0:50:00# Shh, it's oh so quiet
0:50:00 > 0:50:05'It's set in a row of properties with open communal spaces.'
0:50:05 > 0:50:08# It's oh so still
0:50:08 > 0:50:12'The area felt more like a village than part of the urban sprawl,
0:50:12 > 0:50:17'and for recent music graduate Harvey, it hit all the right notes.'
0:50:17 > 0:50:20# And so peaceful until
0:50:21 > 0:50:25Well, we were looking for an end of terrace, because I'm a musician
0:50:25 > 0:50:30and it means that the noise is not so much of a problem.
0:50:30 > 0:50:34And the house itself, it's in no state at the moment,
0:50:34 > 0:50:39but it's lovely and spacious and I'm going to come and live in it, I hope, when it's all finished.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43'Harvey paid £272,000 at auction.
0:50:43 > 0:50:46'Armed with a budget of between £50,000 and £60,000,
0:50:46 > 0:50:50'he had grand plans not only to move the bathroom upstairs,
0:50:50 > 0:50:53'but to create a music room to practice in.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56'Now, 11 months on, we're back.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04'Well, wow! He clearly got that planning permission
0:51:04 > 0:51:08'as there's a fantastic new bigger and better extension
0:51:08 > 0:51:11'replacing the tired, old one that was there before.'
0:51:11 > 0:51:15I knew nothing about the property market or anything about building,
0:51:15 > 0:51:18so it was very daunting to start with. The auction was terrifying.
0:51:18 > 0:51:23And it's been a massive learning curve for me.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26'Yes, because this hasn't just been a refurbishment.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29'The house has undergone a number of layout changes,
0:51:29 > 0:51:33'with the front door now leading to an open lounge and stairwell.'
0:51:33 > 0:51:37It's been very stressful at times, very frustrating at times.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45Overall, it's been a fantastic experience and I'm so grateful
0:51:45 > 0:51:50to come out of it and have a place to call my own and be set up on the property ladder.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53'And what a place he's ended up with,
0:51:53 > 0:51:57'with a revamped lounge now leading to a completely transformed kitchen.'
0:51:57 > 0:52:01Originally, this was a much bigger space.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05We stripped out the much bigger kitchen and actually made it smaller
0:52:05 > 0:52:09and created a little bathroom.
0:52:09 > 0:52:13So we put completely new central heating and plumbing in
0:52:13 > 0:52:19and everything's new. Granite worktops and all new cupboards
0:52:19 > 0:52:22and appliances, and we're really happy with the finish.
0:52:22 > 0:52:27'For a lot of people, getting the kitchen right is the most important thing. But not for Harvey.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31'There was just one key room that had to work for him.'
0:52:31 > 0:52:35Well, what was here before was a bathroom
0:52:35 > 0:52:38in a much smaller 1970s extension.
0:52:38 > 0:52:44And we knocked that down completely and we rebuilt,
0:52:44 > 0:52:47and it was purposely designed as a music room,
0:52:47 > 0:52:49so we soundproofed the whole thing.
0:52:49 > 0:52:53It turned out well and I'm looking forward to making music here when I move in.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57'Harvey plans to get a grand piano in here soon.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01'Then he can practice to his heart's content in his custom-built room.'
0:53:01 > 0:53:05Upstairs, we've opened up some of the loft space
0:53:05 > 0:53:08to create a nice skylight effect.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11'Though the banister rails need to be installed,
0:53:11 > 0:53:16'this has transformed the gloomy stairwell into a light and open space.'
0:53:18 > 0:53:21We've put a new shower room in.
0:53:21 > 0:53:26We took a little piece out of the master bedroom, so now the rooms are more evenly sized.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31'By taking some of the space in the large master bedroom,
0:53:31 > 0:53:33'he's cleverly got a shower room up here
0:53:33 > 0:53:36'yet retained the three bedrooms.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39'Though he had a lot of input from his builder and architect,
0:53:39 > 0:53:42'Harvey had to project manage the work. That was no easy task
0:53:42 > 0:53:45'when he had so many changes to oversee.'
0:53:46 > 0:53:52At first, I was planning to just spend about a day a week working on the house,
0:53:52 > 0:53:57thinking it would work like that, but managing a building project doesn't work like that,
0:53:57 > 0:54:01as I found out. You really need to be committed to it
0:54:01 > 0:54:06and some weeks I wouldn't do anything, other weeks I'd be running around, finding materials,
0:54:06 > 0:54:10having to make decisions very quickly, so that's been quite difficult to fit in
0:54:10 > 0:54:14with already quite a busy lifestyle that I've got.
0:54:14 > 0:54:21'Harvey teaches music two days a week, is a director of music at a church and a session singer,
0:54:21 > 0:54:25'but he can now also add project manager and accountant to the list.'
0:54:25 > 0:54:31It's cost me, as things stand now, just less than £60,000 for the whole renovation.
0:54:31 > 0:54:37I imagine there's still a bit more money to spend on finishing touches inside and the work outside.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41So I'm thinking it'll end up costing about £65,000.
0:54:41 > 0:54:47'£65,000 spent on top of the £272,000 he paid at auction
0:54:47 > 0:54:53'along with costs and fees takes his total outlay to around £340,000.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56'Have all the changes he's made hit the right note?
0:54:56 > 0:54:59'What do two local estate agents think?'
0:55:01 > 0:55:04I'm pleasantly surprised. He's made what was a complete wreck
0:55:04 > 0:55:08into virtually a family-size accommodation.
0:55:08 > 0:55:13It's highly unusual to see two bathrooms in a house of this size,
0:55:13 > 0:55:16so to actually get a decent size kitchen and a bathroom
0:55:16 > 0:55:19and a second reception room on the ground floor is very impressive.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22The owner's done a very good job. I think he's enhanced
0:55:22 > 0:55:25all the important features of the house,
0:55:25 > 0:55:28he's updated it, all the modern amenities have been included,
0:55:28 > 0:55:31yet it still retains a nice period flavour.
0:55:32 > 0:55:36'Harvey's hoping to take in lodgers to help bring in extra revenue.
0:55:36 > 0:55:40'But what kind of rental return can he expect?'
0:55:41 > 0:55:45I would rent this out in the region of £1,500 per calendar month.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49The rental value for this house is something in the order of £1,500 a month.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53That sounds great to me. It's very useful to have that,
0:55:53 > 0:55:58because I need to think about how much to charge lodgers when they come and live with me.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01'Well, that's encouraging on the rental front,
0:56:01 > 0:56:03'but how would it fare if sold on,
0:56:03 > 0:56:09'remembering that Harvey's invested to the tune of £340,000?'
0:56:09 > 0:56:15I would suggest putting this on the market in the region of £395,000.
0:56:15 > 0:56:19I think it's worth in the order of something approaching £400,000
0:56:19 > 0:56:21and would suggest an asking price of 395.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24That's really wonderful.
0:56:24 > 0:56:28We haven't made a loss, which is fantastic, and there's a profit in there.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32I'm just pleased that I've got my own place and that I haven't lost any money
0:56:32 > 0:56:35and that I don't have to worry about the project any more.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38'With a possible £55,000 profit,
0:56:38 > 0:56:43'it sounds like, for Harvey, this was a really harmonious investment.'
0:56:43 > 0:56:46HE PLAYS CLASSICAL PIECE
0:56:54 > 0:56:58Well, we'll have more great stories for you next time on Homes Under The Hammer.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01- We'll see you then.- Goodbye.- Goodbye.
0:57:02 > 0:57:06Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:06 > 0:57:10E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk