0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello and welcome to Homes Under The Hammer.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Both of us have been dealing in property for many years
0:00:07 > 0:00:09and we've witnessed the fluctuations in the market.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Through it all, we've been convinced of one thing -
0:00:12 > 0:00:15you can pick up interesting bargains at the auction.
0:00:40 > 0:00:46Well, we've always been fascinated by buying property at auction.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50The speed, the excitement and the potential to buy a bargain
0:00:50 > 0:00:52are all very attractive.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56So, what got our buyers hot under the collar on today's programme?
0:00:57 > 0:01:02I'm feeling a little claustrophobic at this property in Cornwall.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06I'm already sensing that this house has far too many walls.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11There's a bungalow in Dorset that's a blast from the past.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15It's dated with '70s geometric psychedelic prints.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21And in the northwest of Scotland, I'm excited about this semi-detached house.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25I like the rooms, I like the light that is pouring in.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27This is fantastic, isn't it?
0:01:28 > 0:01:31All those properties were sold at auction.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33We'll find out who bought them and what they paid
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- when they went under the hammer. - Third and final time...
0:01:43 > 0:01:48Today, I have journeyed to beautiful St Ives in Cornwall
0:01:48 > 0:01:51and I have very high hopes for the property I'm here to see.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Because, you know what?
0:01:53 > 0:01:56You're never too far away from a castle in this part of the country.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58MUSIC: "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers
0:02:03 > 0:02:06I do love being beside the seaside
0:02:06 > 0:02:09and where better than St Ives in Cornwall?
0:02:09 > 0:02:12It's a haven for artists and has won awards
0:02:12 > 0:02:15for being one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Britain.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19But there's no time for paddling, I've got a property to look at.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21I'm here to see a characterful,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24semi-detached, four-bedroomed property
0:02:24 > 0:02:27that's described in the auction catalogue as "delightful".
0:02:27 > 0:02:32You know what? I can see why.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36This place had an auction guide price of £275,000.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40I only hope the house is as lovely as the garden.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47I love the smell of fresh lavender.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Fantastic. So, great start.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51I'm in love with this place even before I've got in.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53What's the house itself actually like?
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Well, I've got high expectations and...
0:02:56 > 0:03:01Judging by the kitchen. They may be on the verge of being dashed.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04It's a good size and I like the high ceilings.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07It's a galley kitchen and that's what it's going to remain I think.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11It obviously needs some tender loving care - get rid of these units.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14But there's work involved. Does it get any better?
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Hmm... Not so sure.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17What is this room all about?
0:03:17 > 0:03:21I guess this was the dining room but it just doesn't seem to quite work,
0:03:21 > 0:03:23there's a little room there.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28I'm already sensing that this house has far too many walls.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32# Too many walls have been built in-between us... #
0:03:32 > 0:03:35It's a real labyrinth down here.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40Two reception rooms, a narrow hallway, galley kitchen.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Look, even the bathroom is like a bowling alley.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44This won't do, I'm afraid.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Some serious reconfiguration is needed here.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Upstairs there are four bedrooms, all a decent size,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54but very, what's the word?
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Colourful.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01# I used to be colour-blind
0:04:01 > 0:04:04# But I met you and now I find
0:04:04 > 0:04:06# There's green in the grass
0:04:06 > 0:04:07# There's gold in the moon
0:04:07 > 0:04:10# There's blue in the sky... #
0:04:10 > 0:04:13But even with all these distracting hues,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16it feels much more spacious than downstairs
0:04:16 > 0:04:19and you've also got those lovely views out onto the garden.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Or, dare I say it? Building plot.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28There's easily enough room for at least one other house here,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31depending on planning permission, of course.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Another bonus here is the outhouse.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37With a bit of imagination,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41this could be a studio or perhaps a workshop.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46So, is anything getting in the way of this being the most perfect little property?
0:04:46 > 0:04:47I'm afraid so.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50And it's that age-old problem - access.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Basically, the only access you've got to this property
0:04:52 > 0:04:56is down this little pathway. There's no car access at all.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57That is a bit of an issue.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59There may be a solution.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00That is a road there.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04As you can see, at the moment there is a pedestrian access here.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07You could apply to the Highways Agency
0:05:07 > 0:05:10to have that turned into something you could get a car down.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13However, that's a pretty nasty road and I'm not sure you'd get it.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15If you did get it,
0:05:15 > 0:05:16the options for this place
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and the potential development on this land are huge.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23However, it's all down to the planners!
0:05:25 > 0:05:28With that in mind, it's time to ask a local property expert
0:05:28 > 0:05:30to give us the lowdown.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33What's special about this property is the amount of garden,
0:05:33 > 0:05:34simple as that.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38In St Ives, a pocket handkerchief is the norm,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41whereas here there's an expanse of garden.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Horticulturally and green-fingered,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47you could make the garden look very nice,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49which I think would be a complete waste.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51It needs a house or two sticking on it.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56My developer's brain says, "Build the houses."
0:05:56 > 0:05:58But I'm a romantic at heart
0:05:58 > 0:06:03so I hope this delightful garden will remain.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Bearing in mind the guide price for this property was £235,000,
0:06:07 > 0:06:12once renovated, what would be the sell-on value of the house?
0:06:12 > 0:06:19You'd probably be pushing £375,000.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23You'd have to have a good run to get £400,000 out of it
0:06:23 > 0:06:27but £375,000 is a reasonable figure to aspire to.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Well, it's a lovely property
0:06:35 > 0:06:40and to have this much land in St Ives makes it a rare opportunity.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45If you build on this, boy-oh-boy, is there potential for profit.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48But it all comes down to getting access sorted.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49Who fancied the challenge?
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Let's see when it went to auction.
0:06:55 > 0:06:56250 we'll go. At 250.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58At 250, at 250.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59Oh, 260, here we go.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03270, 280, 290.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05At 290. At 290.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07At 290 for the first time then...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10At 290 for the second time...
0:07:10 > 0:07:13At 290... Oh, 300, he says.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14At 300, at 300..
0:07:14 > 0:07:17At 305 or not?
0:07:17 > 0:07:18302?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21301?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23At 300 once...
0:07:23 > 0:07:25At 300 twice...
0:07:25 > 0:07:30At 300. Sure and done, selling at 300. Sir.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36The new owners of the cottage are Tony and his son, Anthony.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43They're no strangers to developing, or indeed, Homes Under The Hammer.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45We met them in 2008
0:07:45 > 0:07:50when they were developing another property in St Ives.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Lovely to see you again!
0:07:52 > 0:07:56The last time we saw you, you were embarking on a project in Lelant,
0:07:56 > 0:07:57about three miles away.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59A little corner cottage?
0:07:59 > 0:08:00A tiny little place, yes.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01How did it go?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04The property went very well with the renovation.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07We managed to turn it around in a short amount of time.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Then we actually sold the property
0:08:09 > 0:08:11within a week of putting it on the market.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Wow.- Which was brilliant.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14- That was your first project.- Yeah.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18I seem to remember there was a horrid thing that you'd put on him.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- Which was, if you didn't get it done on time, you wouldn't get to go on holiday!- Correct.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26I did go on holiday.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29We're two years on, so what happened in the interim?
0:08:29 > 0:08:31We've done a number of properties since
0:08:31 > 0:08:35and Anthony has developed his knowledge of working on site.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39On this occasion, what we've done that's a bit unusual is
0:08:39 > 0:08:42we've got two properties at auction, including this one.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Anthony is going to take one and I'll take the other one.- Wow.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- And the incentive this time is to see who finishes first.- It's a race!
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- Is it a fair race, is the other one you've bought similar to this? - It is very similar, yes.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Other than that it's had to be demolished
0:08:55 > 0:08:59so I've probably given myself a slightly further back start
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- But we'll see how we go. - What do you think about all this?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05I think it's all right, I don't mind a bit of competition.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07I know I'll win so, it'll be fine.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Well, that is an unusual challenge.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12But if I know these two,
0:09:12 > 0:09:17they've already dreamt up some very detailed plans for this place.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Presuming we're allowed access off the road, which is the main thing,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24we've come up with two options.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27To do a very nice renovation on the existing building.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Maybe a small extension and really make something of the garden,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33make a studio in the outbuilding.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37The second option is to go for a second property alongside this one.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Obviously, we would lose a bit of space from this one then
0:09:41 > 0:09:45but we could also get a decent-sized three-bedroom house alongside it,
0:09:45 > 0:09:46subject to planning.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48We're just summing up the two options
0:09:48 > 0:09:50and seeing which will work best.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53So, let's talk through the various options.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56First, if you keep this as one building, what would you do?
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Basically, every wall would be taken out,
0:10:00 > 0:10:04we would try to make it a nice open-plan living area.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Give it plenty of space.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09Possibly a glass conservatory on the front for a bit more light,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11a bit more space.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14There's a very small bathroom upstairs.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- We're thinking of knocking through and creating one en-suite master bedroom.- Wow.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Then taking out one of the bedrooms
0:10:20 > 0:10:23so it would become a three-bedroom house
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and we would have a large family bathroom.
0:10:26 > 0:10:32- For option one, what's the budget? - We talked bout £80,000 to make a real...
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- £80,000?- £80,000 to make a really good top-of-the-range property.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41No kidding! It must be gold taps and automatic this, that, and everything else.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47Wow. They're certainly not skimping or cutting corners with that kind of budget.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52I can't wait to hear about option two.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Outside, we've measured the distance between this property and the external wall
0:10:56 > 0:11:00and we think we could comfortably get a nice space between the two properties
0:11:00 > 0:11:04to make sure we don't take any light from that side of the property.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08By incorporating the studio, which is a solid granite little building,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11as part of the lower ground floor,
0:11:11 > 0:11:15we think we can produce a nice three-bedroomed cottage in the corner
0:11:15 > 0:11:18and I think it would be very attractive.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21It sounds like there is some extensive work ahead
0:11:21 > 0:11:27but will Anthony be able to keep up with Dad's enthusiasm and years of experience?
0:11:27 > 0:11:32It's a bit nerve-racking really, it's a much bigger property than anything I've done before.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36But it's the same principle, so hopefully it will go quite well.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Congratulations and good luck with it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- I guess they're under starter's orders and they're off!- Thank you.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Cheers.- Look forward to seeing how you get on.
0:11:44 > 0:11:50This father and son team have certainly got the expertise to make this project a success.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54However, it's all hanging on getting that access road.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58That needs planning permission and that's not guaranteed.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Find out how they get on later in the show.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16I'm in North Dorset in the charming village of Okeford Fitzpaine,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18on the edge of the Dorset Downs.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Please do not adjust your set, viewers,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28because this telephone box is in fact green
0:12:28 > 0:12:30and not red, like we're used to.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34In 1936, a well-known telecommunications company
0:12:34 > 0:12:37wanted to install a phone box.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40But a very rich landowner, Captain Pitt-Rivers,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42wouldn't allow them to.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44His family colours were green and cream
0:12:44 > 0:12:47and so the box had to be painted in those colours
0:12:47 > 0:12:50before he would allow the phone to be installed.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53The cream paint has now been phased out.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56But the green... Well, it remains to this day.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Okeford Fitzpaine is the quintessential English village.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07Rather excitingly, the property I'm here to see is called in the catalogue,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10"Le Petit Chateau", meaning little castle.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I've got high expectations.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18It can't be this one because I'm looking for a chateau.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20A small chateau, but a chateau all the same.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23This address does match the one in the catalogue.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Let's go inside and see if it's more opulent.
0:13:30 > 0:13:36The dictionary defines a chateau as the house or castle of nobility or gentry.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40But I have to say, this is more bungalow than chateau.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43It had a guide price of £160,000.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50This really is a standard little bungalow on the inside.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Nothing too glamorous and very un-chateau-like.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58It's been dated with '70s geometric psychedelic prints -
0:13:58 > 0:14:00enough to set your migraine off.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03You're into this lovely big lounge
0:14:03 > 0:14:06and that view really is fit for a king -
0:14:06 > 0:14:09the selling point for this petit chateau.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Along with the big lounge, the bungalow also has two bedrooms
0:14:17 > 0:14:20but the decor is more garish than groovy.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24I'd like to see less eye-boggling design and more rural charm.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35This bungalow is a rather psychedelic trip back in time.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49The bathroom?
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Nothing to get terribly excited about as it stands.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56It certainly needs an overhaul but if you're on a budget,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58think about keeping this bath and toilet
0:14:58 > 0:15:02and fitting a statement sink, perhaps.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Also, a shower head - that's something you could think about.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09A nice chrome heated towel rail here is a must.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13Minimum effort and expense required for maximum impact.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20By comparison, the kitchen is an oasis of calm.
0:15:20 > 0:15:28This bungalow was built in the late 1960s and has remained untouched since then.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34It could be developed by extending into the roof space or perhaps by adding a conservatory.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40The guide price was £160,000.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42I invited a local estate agent along
0:15:42 > 0:15:46to get his opinion on this retro bungalow.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55It's a cracking property, full of character.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Very dated in its appearance and decor.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01However, the property offers the potential purchaser a great deal of potential
0:16:01 > 0:16:04to either extend or refurbish what is already here.
0:16:04 > 0:16:12Once the place was refurbished, what could it achieve on the rental market?
0:16:12 > 0:16:14If the property was refurbished to a reasonable standard, it should
0:16:14 > 0:16:18achieve a rental value something in the region of £800 a month.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19And sell-on value?
0:16:19 > 0:16:24If the property was just refurbished and it was done to a nice high standard,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27we could look at a price approaching £200,000.
0:16:29 > 0:16:36If the property was extended to a three-bedroom, it could achieve as much as £240,000.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42That guide price of £160,000 was very attractive.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Let's see who fancied this one as we go to auction.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Our guide is £160,000, pounds, not euros.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Who would like to start me, please, at 160?
0:16:56 > 0:17:00160? 140 to start me then, surely?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03140, thank you. 145.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07150. 150.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09152.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13154 at the back. Your bid, sir.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15156.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20158. 160 in red.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23162, 164.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Fresh bidding on my right.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30At 164.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31166, 168.
0:17:31 > 0:17:37170, 172, 174, 176, 178.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39180.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42182, 184,
0:17:42 > 0:17:47186, 188.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50All out seated at 188?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52190.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59191, 191,000, we are all done and sure?
0:17:59 > 0:18:03£191,000, the hammer comes straight down at 191.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07The gentleman stood up, congratulations, sir.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12It was Jim who make that successful bid of £191,000.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14He was bidding on behalf of his mum and dad.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21So the new owners are recently retired Roy and his wife, Winnie.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25# Oh, the good life. #
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Roy used to be a quantity surveyor and they are now selling their home
0:18:31 > 0:18:35in Yorkshire to enjoy retirement in their new Dorset property.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41# Full of fun seems to be the ideal. #
0:18:43 > 0:18:44Guys, congratulations!
0:18:44 > 0:18:52- I didn't see you guys at the auction. - We were there but we were three rows from the back.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55We had agreed that our son could do the bidding.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57We had a figure in mind.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04His back was aching - we had been doing a lot of work at his place, so he went and stood at the back.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Were you happy with the price you paid for this?- Yes.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Because it's got something there we feel
0:19:11 > 0:19:15we're going to be happy with and we can work with and we're pleased.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Winnie, I am desperate to know the story behind you guys wanting to buy this
0:19:18 > 0:19:22because forgive me if I'm wrong but do I detect an accent there?
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Yes, we're from Yorkshire.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27So what brings you to sunny Dorset today?
0:19:27 > 0:19:33Our son lives in the village and we just thought we'd like to...
0:19:33 > 0:19:37It's something we've always wanted to do, something rural.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41So who spotted the potential here? Who found this place in the first place?
0:19:41 > 0:19:46My daughter-in-law comes from this area and it's my son who's moved in.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50He has enjoyed it and as we have come to visit
0:19:50 > 0:19:53now and again, we thought, it would be quite nice to live down here.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57But of course we have big ties in Yorkshire - we have two daughters and grandsons up there but they are
0:19:57 > 0:20:04getting older now, off to University shortly so they will not miss us very much, but the girls will.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08It's a bit of a wrench. You've got two daughters there and a son here.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12How do the girls in Yorkshire feel about Mum and Dad going off?
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- They're not too happy about it. - Not too happy.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21It's not the end of the world. It's a fair way away but...
0:20:21 > 0:20:24it's rural, it's something we fancied doing.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29We can see more of our granddaughter. I can keep a few chickens and maybe some bees.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31I'm looking forward to that. I've always wanted to do it.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Well, I think Roy will be as busy as a bee renovating his new bungalow.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Roy, I think if you want to up the value of this property,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46you really need to think about doing some sort of building work.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52For us, the main thing in the development would be to try and
0:20:52 > 0:20:56get into the roof space and put a couple of dormers on and a shower room or something.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01Maybe a conservatory later. That's what we ought to do immediately.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03I've got a drum kit to put somewhere.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06What? Are you are keen drummer, Roy?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09I do a bit. I'm not particularly good but I enjoy it.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11I thought about selling it.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- I sold it once before to get married.- Yeah!
0:21:14 > 0:21:18I don't think it will fit in. We'll just have to do what we can.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22We're downsizing a bit. You've got to do that some time, haven't you?
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Before Roy can start banging his drums in Dorset,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30the couple will return to Yorkshire to sell their house there.
0:21:30 > 0:21:36The sale price of that will determine how much they have to spend on renovating their new home.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Winnie, I'm quite interested to find out the timescales for the work.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46Hopefully, obviously it depends on when we get down here.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49A couple of months hopefully and we'll be in.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Do you think you might miss your friends and family?
0:21:52 > 0:21:56I suppose at first, yes, but hopefully they will come and visit us
0:21:56 > 0:22:01and we will see them quite often. We will go back up there to see them.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06I think we'll really enjoy it down here.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10It has been lovely meeting you today and congratulations and well done.
0:22:11 > 0:22:19Roy and Winnie are looking forward to making this their home. It is quite a move for them, however.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21How will they cope with the relocation?
0:22:21 > 0:22:26Will they sell their northern property in time to fund this southern one?
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Find out what happens later on in the programme.
0:22:30 > 0:22:36Coming up - this property in north-west Scotland has a four-bed flat up top and below?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39It's the old Post Office!
0:22:41 > 0:22:46We find out if Roy and Winnie and making friends around their new home in Dorset.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50We have met the neighbours, very nice neighbours and it's a very friendly village.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55But first, has Anthony enjoyed developing this place in Cornwall?
0:22:55 > 0:23:00I've really enjoyed turning such a wonderful old building into such a nice place.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08We're back to the seaside and sunny St Ives now
0:23:08 > 0:23:13to catch up with father and son developers, Tony and Anthony.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17They bought this semi-detached four-bed house
0:23:17 > 0:23:21and decided to introduce a bit of competition into their renovation mix.
0:23:23 > 0:23:29We got two properties at auction, including this one.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Anthony is going to take one and I'm going to take the other one.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- The incentive this time is to see who finishes first. - It's a race, is it?
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Yes.
0:23:37 > 0:23:43The plot had a giant garden, which was very unusual for St Ives.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46It could easily allow room for a second property without
0:23:46 > 0:23:51encroaching on the original house, which needed total renovation.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54But any potential profits would hinge on getting planning permission
0:23:54 > 0:23:58for vehicle access to the property from a busy road.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Five months later and we're back to see what's happened.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Surprisingly, there's still just one property here.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15But they have sorted out the parking access by
0:24:15 > 0:24:21stealing some space from the garden and creating a raised parking area.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Inside, the house couldn't be more different.
0:24:31 > 0:24:38Dad Tony can't make it along today so his apprentice and son Anthony is showing us round.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42But the question on everybody's lips is, who won the race?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Well, I won the competition quite easily, actually
0:24:45 > 0:24:51because Dad is only at foundation stage at the moment and as you can see, we're not far off here.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52That means he's got to take us all out for a meal.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55So, one to me.
0:24:55 > 0:25:01They have removed most of the walls downstairs to create a vast open-plan living space.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Although it's not yet complete, the stunning conservatory
0:25:05 > 0:25:09will allow the garden to be enjoyed, whatever the weather.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14The galley kitchen has remained but is now integrated into the
0:25:14 > 0:25:19rest of the house and fitted out to a high standard.
0:25:21 > 0:25:27Upstairs, they've made the small family bathroom into a stunning en-suite.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33They've turned one of the bedrooms into a beautiful bathroom.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40Richard, the builder, has been the man behind most of the changes here.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44He's been working with Tony and Anthony on their developments for some years
0:25:44 > 0:25:48and for Richard, this was quite a rare opportunity.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51It's a beautiful plot, in a beautiful setting.
0:25:51 > 0:25:57It's been done in the summer and the weather has been great and
0:25:57 > 0:25:59you don't get many like this.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It has been a pleasure to work on.
0:26:01 > 0:26:10But why does this plot, with so much potential for further development, still only have one house on it?
0:26:10 > 0:26:15You're looking at probably the most expensive apple tree in St Ives or in the country,
0:26:15 > 0:26:20because there was a very good chance of getting two more properties on here,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23on this plot, around here,
0:26:23 > 0:26:30and the architects were quite keen to do that and then one night, Tony was sitting here when he came
0:26:30 > 0:26:35down to measure up in the summer and the tree was just in blossom and he sat there and thought,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I just can't do it, I can't take the tree down.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43So it stayed at the expense of the other two properties but I'm really glad he did.
0:26:45 > 0:26:51As if all this space, greenery and sensitive renovation wasn't enough,
0:26:51 > 0:26:55they have also turned this out-house into part of the development.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59The outbuilding was originally just a coal shed.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03We first of all thought a little studio and then we decided there was enough room to fit
0:27:03 > 0:27:09a kitchen, bathroom and a toilet in there, so why not make it a nice little house for someone?
0:27:09 > 0:27:15They've clearly done a lot of work in the five months since they bought the property
0:27:15 > 0:27:17but did they manage to stay on budget?
0:27:17 > 0:27:22The original budget was £80,000, which seemed like quite a lot at the time.
0:27:22 > 0:27:29We've actually extended that budget now to about £120,000 to make the property really, really nice.
0:27:29 > 0:27:36With a purchase price of £300,000, that brings their total outlay so far to £420,000.
0:27:36 > 0:27:44That's a lot for a house that, at the end of the day, is still just a three-bed semi.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Have they really added value?
0:27:52 > 0:27:57Let's get the opinion of a couple of local property experts.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01The house is quite spectacular. They've done a great job.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02The extension at the front,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06massive reception room and the clever little annexe.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07It works quite well.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10It's unique in its way purely because of the size
0:28:10 > 0:28:13of the space of the garden and also the studio annexe outside.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15If somebody is an artist or should they have an independent teenager
0:28:15 > 0:28:20that wants their own space, it's ideal or could be used as a separate letting unit.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24Letting this out could be a real goldmine for Tony and Anthony.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29There's two rental angles for the house - holiday and longer term.
0:28:29 > 0:28:38On a per monthly basis, per calendar month, I would be looking at £750 or £800,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41which coincidentally would probably be about the weekly figure
0:28:41 > 0:28:45for the peak eight, nine or ten weeks during the summer.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48The rental market is very strong in St Ives.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Around £800 per calendar month in this current marketplace.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54As a holiday let, the property would be very sought after due to
0:28:54 > 0:28:59the gardens and parking and I feel it could achieve £1,000 a week.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05But rental is not what this father and son developing team have in mind.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08They have already put the house up for sale.
0:29:08 > 0:29:15Bearing in mind their total spend of around £420,000, what value do the experts think this house could have?
0:29:17 > 0:29:22I think when it is finished, it will be around £500,000.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24St Ives' market has an air of mystique about it
0:29:24 > 0:29:28so you might be able to achieve that little bit more, subject to market conditions at that time.
0:29:28 > 0:29:36If the property was brought to the market all done, it would have a value of £500,000.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40There's always the chance of some St Ives magic.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45525 or 550 would be a special sale price.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48That's great, around the mark we were thinking.
0:29:48 > 0:29:55We've actually accepted an offer for the full asking price, which is the high 500s, so that is great.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Wow! To have sold the property before they have even finished yet
0:29:58 > 0:30:03and for more than the estate agents' valuations really is magic.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07I bet it won't be long before this property-developing duo
0:30:07 > 0:30:11are casting more magic spells over the properties of St Ives.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15It's been brilliant, I've really enjoyed seeing the transformation
0:30:15 > 0:30:19and turning such a wonderful old building into such a nice place. It's been great.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I'm in north-west Scotland, and that is the Kyle of Lochalsh.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Until 15 years ago, it was a thriving ferry port.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Basically taking people across to the Isle Skye, where I am now.
0:30:46 > 0:30:53That was until the bridge was built, which basically means you can now drive here directly.
0:30:56 > 0:31:02So, let's cross back over the bridge to the mainland now, to the small town of Kyle of Lochalsh.
0:31:02 > 0:31:08It's a popular tourist destination, and also a bustling fishing port.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16The property I'm here to see is located in the heart of the town.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21With a guide price of £175,000,
0:31:21 > 0:31:26up for auction was this imposing semi-detached property.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28In terms of getting into it, you're spoilt for choice.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30One door round the back, two at the front.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Let's try one of the front ones.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35The auction lot included two separate properties -
0:31:35 > 0:31:39a commercial unit with a four-bedroomed flat above it.
0:31:43 > 0:31:50So, through these fairly impressive double doors, into the first part of what is a very interesting property.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52And it's the old Post Office.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57So, a great-sized space, perfectly located on the high street.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59It's going to have the Business Class use, so straight away
0:31:59 > 0:32:02I'm thinking this could easily be a shop premises. Ideal, in fact.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07# Wait, oh yes, wait a minute Mr Postman
0:32:07 > 0:32:11# Whoa, yeah, wa-ay-ay-ait Mr Postman... #
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Whatever this property becomes, I'd hate to see
0:32:14 > 0:32:19these lovely timber panels simply ripped out and thrown away.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21# Deliver the letter
0:32:21 > 0:32:23# The sooner the better... #
0:32:23 > 0:32:26And there's more. Much, much more.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29At the back is the old sorting office.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32# Oh, yeah... #
0:32:32 > 0:32:37It's massive, with various rooms leading off the main hall.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40The Royal Mail have a rental agreement on this part of
0:32:40 > 0:32:45the building until 2017, even though it isn't currently in use.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49It could be easily divided from the Post Office at the front door,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53as it has its own access from the side lane.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56# By leaving me a card or a letter
0:32:56 > 0:32:59# Mr Postman... #
0:32:59 > 0:33:03Let's take a look at the four-bed flat, which sits above the Post Office.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05# Please, please... #
0:33:07 > 0:33:09So, all good so far. You know what?
0:33:09 > 0:33:11It just gets better and better.
0:33:11 > 0:33:17Because right next door is a four-bedroomed flat that's included in the lot. So, what have we got?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Bathroom and loo there.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Needs a bit of updating, obviously.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26Kitchen, nice size, needs a bit of work. Definitely some nice units in there would make a big difference.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31Up another level to two attic bedrooms. Third bedroom there, and fourth bedroom there.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36That one definitely looks like it needs a bit of work, hopefully nothing too major.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40Finally, into the living room. I love the feel of this place.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44I like the fact it's on so many levels, I like the light that's pouring in through the windows.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48It does need work, but it could be a fantastic space.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50So this is fantastic, isn't it?
0:33:50 > 0:33:56Looking past the flat's obvious challenges, I'm excited about its potential.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06The entrance stairwell, which is flooded with light from these vast windows,
0:34:06 > 0:34:11could make a striking first impression when renovated.
0:34:11 > 0:34:18And the kitchen could be transformed from tired and tatty, to a warm and welcoming dining kitchen.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27Up top, in the attic conversion, there are two bedrooms.
0:34:27 > 0:34:33The plaster work is crumbling, but they offer views over the town and beyond.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37This property is a gem, hidden behind crumbling walls and ceilings.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40But with some tender loving care it could shine.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46# I see a diamond in the rough
0:34:46 > 0:34:51# Waiting for someone to show her love... #
0:34:51 > 0:34:57The guide price for this auction lot was 175,000.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02I invited along an expert from the auctioneers who sold the property
0:35:02 > 0:35:05to give us her opinion.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I feel that this property would appeal to
0:35:07 > 0:35:09a wide range of owners.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Either somebody who wishes to come in and use the whole property,
0:35:13 > 0:35:19that they may live in the flat and use the shop for a front-of-house type of operation.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22It's the type of property that's going to require the right person to come along,
0:35:22 > 0:35:25I think, and run the right business behind as much as anything.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27It is suitable for a number of different uses.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Let's talk figures. The sorting office
0:35:32 > 0:35:38is already earning an income of £6,200 per year from the Royal Mail.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Our property expert believes that, with its prime high street location,
0:35:42 > 0:35:47the old Post Office could achieve a rental income of £4,500 per year.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50And have a sell-on value of around 40,000.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56What about the four-bedroomed flat?
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Once the flat's been renovated, I would have thought it would have a rental value
0:36:01 > 0:36:05around the region of £450-£500 per calendar month.
0:36:05 > 0:36:11And the sale value of the flat in its current condition is about £100,000.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13What about when it's been done up?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Once the four-bed flat's been renovated,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20I think it would have a resale value in the region of £130,000.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26Well, it's a very interesting opportunity you've got here.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29And one thing for sure, you certainly can't knock the location.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31It doesn't get much better than this.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33But lots of work to be done.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Who fancied the challenge when it went under the hammer?
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Somebody give me £200,000. 200,000 anywhere?
0:36:42 > 0:36:47150? 125, to get us started?
0:36:47 > 0:36:51£125,000, sitting down on the aisle.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54125. Is there 130 anywhere?
0:36:54 > 0:36:59130, 135? 135. 140? 140. 145?
0:36:59 > 0:37:02150? 155?
0:37:02 > 0:37:06155. 160? 165?
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Are we all done at £160,000?
0:37:09 > 0:37:12165, right at the back. 165. 170?
0:37:12 > 0:37:14170.
0:37:14 > 0:37:21175? 172 and a half. 175? 175.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25At £175,000, going once.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Twice. Third and final time.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34The successful bidders were Ewan and his sister, Rhona.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44Rhona works as a nurse, and Ewan is a property lawyer.
0:37:44 > 0:37:52They bought this auction lot for £175,000 with their sister, Mari, and her husband, Hector.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55This is a real family affair.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- Rhona, Ewan, lovely to meet you both. - Nice to meet you.- What an interesting
0:37:59 > 0:38:02thing you've bought here!
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- It is. It is.- Well, hopefully it will be when we are finished.- Right.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Tell me why you wanted to buy it?
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Well, it's a sort of family concept.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14We have a fish and chip shop, which both Ewan and I help support
0:38:14 > 0:38:20financially, but my sister runs it with her husband over here.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23And actually it's doing so well that we needed bigger premises.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27And this place came up for auction, and we thought, why not go for it?
0:38:27 > 0:38:30So your sister and her husband run a fish and chip shop?
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Yep, just across the road, actually.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- With a cafe as well.- Right.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37So the idea would be, the chip shop will move over here,
0:38:37 > 0:38:42and we'll extend the cafe across the road, making it a bigger cafe.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46The chip shop and the cafe are only a few hundred yards away, and
0:38:46 > 0:38:49they're managed by Mari and Hector.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53# Fish and chips that's all I want to eat
0:38:53 > 0:38:56# Fish and chips with peas and tea... #
0:38:56 > 0:38:58When did the fish and chip shop start?
0:38:58 > 0:39:03- We've had the fish and chip shop for three years, and the cafe for two years.- Right. Has it gone well?
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- Very well. Touch wood.- Touch wood. There's money in fish and chips?
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- There is.- Indeed there is.- Plenty.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- And I bet the fish and chips are fantastic.- Try them later!
0:39:11 > 0:39:12SHE LAUGHS
0:39:14 > 0:39:17So the old Post Office is to become a chip shop.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Rhona and Ewan own two other buy-to-let flats in the area.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25What are their plans for the four-bedroom flat?
0:39:27 > 0:39:30The flat upstairs, I think, is our first project.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Because we need to get rent in here to help with the mortgage for that.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Right. Tell me what you're going to do to the flat, then.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40Well, that's where Ewan and I are not quite in total agreement.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- Aligned.- Yes.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46We're going to do the two bedrooms upstairs.
0:39:46 > 0:39:53Downstairs we would redo the kitchen, making it a kitchen-cum-eating area.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Toilet, refurbish that.
0:39:54 > 0:40:00And I would quite like to knock through the small room at the front, which is a single bedroom.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03I would quite like to knock that into the lounge, to give a bigger lounge.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06However, Ewan doesn't agree.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08I think if there's a family in the flat, or two different people living in the flat,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12it would be better to leave that as two rooms.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14So I think we should leave it as it is.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19In terms of keeping the bedroom, or expanding the sitting room, I'm with Ewan.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24For rental purposes, it's better to have the fourth bedroom.
0:40:26 > 0:40:34The budget for the whole project is £80,000, with £10,000 put aside to renovate the flat.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35What about the schedule?
0:40:39 > 0:40:41So what about timescales for all this?
0:40:41 > 0:40:46We've given ourselves three months from just now to have the flat finished and let.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49And after that we start the work on converting this place.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- Right.- So, all in all, probably between eight and ten months.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55To get it all sorted.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- Well, listen, good luck with everything. Very exciting project. - Yes.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01- I'm really looking forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- Thanks.- Good luck with it.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11Well, on the face of this, this would seem an ideal way to expand the family business.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14But there's a lot of work involved, isn't there?
0:41:14 > 0:41:18Moving the business, sorting out the flat, lots of challenges ahead.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21How will they get on? You can find out later in the show.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Well, renovating property can be a very time-consuming process.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Especially if things don't go according to plan.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36So, did our buyers' plans even make it off the drawing board?
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Time to go back and find out.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Let's return to the village of Okeford Fitzpaine in Dorset.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55This is where I met recently retired quantity surveyor Roy and his wife Winnie.
0:41:55 > 0:42:03They paid 191,000 for this bungalow, and left their beloved Yorkshire to start a new life in Dorset.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Do you think you might miss a lot of your friends and family?
0:42:11 > 0:42:16I suppose at first, yes. But, hopefully, they'll come and visit us.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19I think we'll really enjoy it down here.
0:42:22 > 0:42:30Inside, the two-bedroomed bungalow, that oh so 1970s style was a blast from the past.
0:42:30 > 0:42:37We're returning after six months to see if Roy and Winnie are settling into their new home, and new life.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42# I know it's never too late
0:42:43 > 0:42:47# To make a brand new start... #
0:42:50 > 0:42:52The ramshackle lean-to has been removed.
0:42:52 > 0:42:58And a delightfully rustic brick and stone entrance erected in its place.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00It was something we always wanted to do straight away.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03So we got a local builder in,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06and he's put us a nice flint feature in a little gable.
0:43:06 > 0:43:12It's amazing how many of the locals have commented on it, as they've gone past it, saying how nice it looks.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- So we're very pleased with that, aren't we?- Yeah. We are.
0:43:15 > 0:43:20I like this stable-style door, too. I'm excited to see inside.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24So let's start by taking a look in the kitchen.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31What a transformation!
0:43:31 > 0:43:36The couple have created a really charming country-style kitchen.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43Well, originally there was a chimney breast here.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46Quite a big lump of masonry, which we've taken down.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49We've got rid of all that to give us this extra space.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51We're very pleased.
0:43:51 > 0:43:56It's in a lovely spot, too, because the sun streams through there, and it's always sunny indoors.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58And it's a really, really nice room.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00Really nice.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02The curtains are Winnie's handiwork.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06This personal touch adds a lovely, homespun feel.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13In the lounge, the geometric patterned wallpaper has been stripped away.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20The lounge now feels warm and welcoming.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23This room in particular has a lovely, cosy feel to it.
0:44:23 > 0:44:24I like the cottage feel to it.
0:44:29 > 0:44:34The walls and ceiling have been replastered, and new cornice and skirting fitted.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37New windows have been fitted throughout,
0:44:37 > 0:44:42and the couple have added doors in the side wall, leading out to a new patio area.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49Roy and Winnie had planned to extend the property,
0:44:49 > 0:44:53and build into the roof space, but currently those plans are on hold.
0:44:53 > 0:44:58'Well, as far as extending goes, we probably think within the next'
0:44:58 > 0:45:03couple of years about going up into the roof, maybe. Maybe not.
0:45:03 > 0:45:04Although there is the space.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07We haven't approached the planners.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10We'd still like to do it, but it's the cost of it.
0:45:11 > 0:45:16No extension means keen musician Roy has had to leave his drum kit in Yorkshire.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20But he has brought his banjo!
0:45:20 > 0:45:24# Does your chewing-gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?
0:45:24 > 0:45:29# If your mother says don't chew it, do you swallow it in spite?
0:45:29 > 0:45:31# Can you wrap it around your tonsils?
0:45:31 > 0:45:33# Can you heave it left and right?
0:45:33 > 0:45:36# Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? #
0:45:36 > 0:45:39Oh, great stuff, Roy.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44You can't beat a bit of banjo. And, talking of bedposts in the bedrooms,
0:45:44 > 0:45:50the couple have ditched the dated decoration, and are bringing their own taste to bear on this property.
0:45:58 > 0:46:04The second bedroom is now being used to store furniture, as the couple downsize in their retirement.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10The once harsh, black and white bathroom is now perfect
0:46:10 > 0:46:15for taking a soothing soak after a stroll on the nearby Dorset Downs.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20At one stage we thought, with it being such a small room,
0:46:20 > 0:46:22we'd dispense with the bath and just put a shower in.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24We feel it's worked very well.
0:46:24 > 0:46:26Everything is totally new.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29Everything sparkly-sparkly, sort of thing.
0:46:32 > 0:46:37While working on their new home, Roy and Winnie have also been making friends in the village.
0:46:37 > 0:46:42We have met the neighbours, very nice neighbours, and it's a very friendly village.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44Nice little pub on the corner.
0:46:44 > 0:46:49We go in there and chat to the locals, and that's pretty much like Yorkshire.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- So that'll do for us, won't it? - Yeah.- We enjoy it.
0:46:55 > 0:47:00The renovation has taken four months, and the couple have spent 25,000 on the work so far.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09We asked two local estate agents to give us their opinions
0:47:09 > 0:47:11on Roy and Winnie's efforts.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14'The changes throughout are absolutely wonderful.'
0:47:14 > 0:47:17Obviously before, the property was very dated, with period wallpaper
0:47:17 > 0:47:20which definitely had to come off the walls.
0:47:20 > 0:47:25They've kept everything nice and simple. Nice neutral colours throughout, which makes the property
0:47:25 > 0:47:27appear a little bit larger than it was.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30I think they've done the property to a nice standard.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32One or two detailed features
0:47:32 > 0:47:35which I find quite pleasing for the property.
0:47:35 > 0:47:41The porch at the front is a very good addition, and yes, I feel they've done a good job.
0:47:42 > 0:47:47This property is not so much a financial investment as a new home for the couple.
0:47:47 > 0:47:55But has the work carried out added value, bearing in mind their total outlay so far of 216,000?
0:47:58 > 0:48:03I think this property could resale in the current market at around £220,000 - £225,000.
0:48:03 > 0:48:09I feel the property would resale for £235,000.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15So, would those valuations tempt Roy and Winnie to sell?
0:48:15 > 0:48:17No. I don't think so. No.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22I think it's early days. But...I suppose anything at a price.
0:48:22 > 0:48:27But, no, I don't think... We've come here to settle, and if we do settle,
0:48:27 > 0:48:32- away from our beloved Yorkshire, then that's it.- Yes.
0:48:33 > 0:48:38So it seems that Roy and Winnie, and the banjo, are here to stay.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55Let's return now to the Northwest Highlands of Scotland
0:48:55 > 0:48:57and the Kyle of Lochalsh...
0:49:00 > 0:49:04..where Rhona and her brother, Ewan, along with their sister, Mari,
0:49:04 > 0:49:07and her husband, Hector, bought this property.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20It consisted of a four-bedroomed flat with a lounge,
0:49:20 > 0:49:23a dining kitchen
0:49:23 > 0:49:25and a bathroom.
0:49:25 > 0:49:30The bedrooms were split between the first floor and an attic conversion.
0:49:33 > 0:49:38Downstairs, there was a commercial unit, which used to be the town's Post Office.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43To the rear was the Royal Mail sorting office.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50And for all of this, the siblings paid £175,000.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53What an interesting thing you've bought here!
0:49:53 > 0:49:56Tell me why you wanted to buy it.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59Well, it's a family concept.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03We have a fish and chip shop, which both Ewan and I help support financially.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06But my sister runs it with her husband over here.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09And actually it's doing so well that we need bigger premises.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13And this place came up for auction, and we thought, why not go for it?
0:50:13 > 0:50:17So the Post Office is to become a chippy.
0:50:17 > 0:50:23Let's see if, after four months, they've put their stamp on this place.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29The exterior's been brightened up.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31Let's take a look at the flat's interior.
0:50:33 > 0:50:37# Baby, I like it The way you move on the floor
0:50:37 > 0:50:41# Baby, I like it, I-I-I like it... #
0:50:41 > 0:50:45The once drab and dingy lounge is now bright and bold.
0:50:45 > 0:50:49The modern fireplace and vibrant red feature walls
0:50:49 > 0:50:52catch the eye instantly.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59And the good impression continues in the hall.
0:51:02 > 0:51:06How do Ewan and Rhona feel the project has gone?
0:51:06 > 0:51:10We're delighted. And seeing the flat come together,
0:51:10 > 0:51:14we're just really, really pleased with how things have worked out.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19And how did they get on in the master bedroom?
0:51:25 > 0:51:27This is the bedroom that had no ceiling.
0:51:27 > 0:51:33We replastered the ceiling and the walls, put on new skirting boards,
0:51:33 > 0:51:36and decided to put in a fitted wardrobe,
0:51:36 > 0:51:39just to maximise the use of the space in the room.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42What have the pair cooked up in the kitchen?
0:51:44 > 0:51:49Well, the tired and tatty units have been replaced, and they've made
0:51:49 > 0:51:52the best use of this rather awkward space.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55We've obviously done quite a lot in here.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58We had to do some work on the ceilings and the walls.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00We re-finished the unit over there.
0:52:00 > 0:52:05And obviously the kitchen's quite narrow, so we had to get special
0:52:05 > 0:52:09wall units and use them as base units, just to maximise the space.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11And obviously a new flooring and cooker as well.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18Onwards and upwards to the bedrooms in the attic conversion.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21The bedrooms were in poor condition,
0:52:21 > 0:52:24with broken floorboards and damaged plaster work.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30But Rhona and Ewan have ensured the work has been carried out
0:52:30 > 0:52:32to their high standards.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35This flat is a buy-to-let investment,
0:52:35 > 0:52:39although the siblings haven't scrimped on quality.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42But did this attention to detail
0:52:42 > 0:52:45push them over their three-month schedule?
0:52:45 > 0:52:49We had been hoping that the flat would have been finished
0:52:49 > 0:52:52by this time last month, so we're about a month behind schedule.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55But, in the scheme of things...
0:52:55 > 0:52:58- we're OK with that. - Yeah.- We're OK with that.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04Considering the amount of work undertaken, which includes
0:53:04 > 0:53:07the bathroom refurbishment that's been done
0:53:07 > 0:53:11to the same high standard as the rest of the flat,
0:53:11 > 0:53:15and redecorating the small single bedroom next to the lounge,
0:53:15 > 0:53:17four months is none too shabby.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24So, have the siblings battered on with the chip shop as well?
0:53:24 > 0:53:25We haven't done anything so far.
0:53:25 > 0:53:32We're working through planning at the moment, for the conversion of the old Post Office to the chip shop.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36And obviously the sorting office is still leased to the Royal Mail.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40So nothing else has been done on the rest of the building, apart from painting the outside.
0:53:40 > 0:53:46The family have a budget of £80,000, 70,000 of which was to be spent
0:53:46 > 0:53:48on the chip shop, and 10,000 on the flat.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Have they kept that split?
0:53:52 > 0:53:58We had a budget of £10,000, and we've spent £17,500.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01But, from the quotes that we've been getting in
0:54:01 > 0:54:04for the chip shop, we think it's going to come in under budget.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07So overall, although we've gone over budget on the flat,
0:54:07 > 0:54:10we should still be within budget for the total building.
0:54:10 > 0:54:11So we're pleased about that.
0:54:13 > 0:54:19Before any work was done, the flat was valued at £100,000.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25We invited along two local property experts to give us their opinions
0:54:25 > 0:54:28on its current condition.
0:54:28 > 0:54:33'The purchasers of the property have made a very nice job of freshening the whole thing up.'
0:54:33 > 0:54:37New kitchen, new bathroom. It all looks very fresh and bright now.
0:54:37 > 0:54:42Lovely property. Very nicely done. Very contemporary.
0:54:42 > 0:54:48Bearing in mind the pre-renovation valuation of £100,000 for the flat,
0:54:48 > 0:54:53and Rhona and Ewan's outlay of £17,500 doing it up,
0:54:53 > 0:54:58what do the local experts believe they could achieve if they sold?
0:54:58 > 0:55:01The current market's extremely difficult.
0:55:01 > 0:55:07My opinion at this point in time would be something in the region of £130,000 for the property.
0:55:07 > 0:55:15For the flat, I think you're looking at achieving a figure in the region of between £110,000 and £115,000.
0:55:15 > 0:55:19If sold for the highest valuation of £130,000, that would mean
0:55:19 > 0:55:23a pre-tax profit of £12,500,
0:55:23 > 0:55:27minus selling expenses and split between the four investors.
0:55:32 > 0:55:38Ewan and Rhona intend to rent out the flat, so what could they expect it to earn?
0:55:40 > 0:55:44The market in Kyle is not enormous, but our experience would be
0:55:44 > 0:55:48somewhere £450-£500 per calendar month wouldn't be unreasonable.
0:55:48 > 0:55:54For this property, you'd be looking for between £500 and £550 per calendar month.
0:55:55 > 0:56:00Rhona and Ewan know the rental market in Kyle of Lochalsh well,
0:56:00 > 0:56:05so do their figures for this flat tally with the property experts'?
0:56:05 > 0:56:08That's probably on the low side, actually, considering we've got
0:56:08 > 0:56:11- properties up here and we know what we can rent for them.- Yes.
0:56:11 > 0:56:16I would say in the region of 600, 650, you know, considering
0:56:16 > 0:56:20the condition of it, and the size of it.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24So, no, I'm not terribly impressed.
0:56:26 > 0:56:31So, what does the future hold for this property-developing family?
0:56:31 > 0:56:34That's us now got a few properties up and running,
0:56:34 > 0:56:36and to be honest, I've had enough!
0:56:42 > 0:56:45Well, that's it for today's show.
0:56:45 > 0:56:50Join us next time for more tales from the front-line of property-developing.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53- See you soon for more Homes Under The Hammer.- Goodbye.- Goodbye.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:05 > 0:57:11E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk