0:00:02 > 0:00:08With the property market more uncertain than before, everybody has to make their own decisions -
0:00:08 > 0:00:14- do your research and trust your instincts.- One way to gauge the market is to see for yourself
0:00:14 > 0:00:18and one way to do that is to visit your local auction.
0:00:42 > 0:00:48There's a huge amount of property up for auction. Thousands of lots go up for sale every month
0:00:48 > 0:00:54- all around the country.- So why not nip down to your local auction house and see what is on offer.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Meanwhile, here are our properties today.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04I'm in scenic Devon where this tired timber cottage sits on a site to die for.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Your eye is drawn straight away to that!
0:01:08 > 0:01:13This basement flat in London makes me look on the bright side.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18It's not dark, it's not dingy. I think it's going to be a good one.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24And in Sunderland, sometimes words fail me about the potential of a property, but not this time.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28It's a whoopy-do, dog-tail-wagging, ker-ching investment!
0:01:29 > 0:01:35All three went to auction. We found out who bought them and for how much
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- when they went under the hammer. - Sir, yours. Best of luck.
0:01:42 > 0:01:49I'm in the beautiful county of Devon on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in an area called Lee Moor.
0:01:49 > 0:01:57There are wonderful views down to Plymouth Sound. This area is also known for its china clay industry,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00a material used in ceramics and paper.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06So you never know, part of your bathroom suite or even your walls could have started down here.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11I'm in a village with a rather unusual name. It's called Wotter.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15I suppose you expect I'll get some cheap jokes out of that,
0:02:15 > 0:02:21such as Wotter lot of property for the money or Wotter we going to see, but of course I'm not.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27I'm here to see a property, which by virtue of its description in the auction catalogue
0:02:27 > 0:02:30has me intrigued already.
0:02:30 > 0:02:37'The catalogue described this lot as appealing to people who want to build a grand design replacement
0:02:37 > 0:02:42'to take full advantage of the location and outlook.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45'It has a guide price of £90,000-£110,000.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:52Well, not the best of first impressions. Through the front door and what was the original kitchen,
0:02:52 > 0:02:57that's all been removed. You've got a loo and a separate bathroom.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02And through into the main living area. Open fire, that's good.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07But the moment you walk in, your eye is drawn straight away to that.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11And I mean - wow! What an incredible view.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15All the way out to Plymouth Sound.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19All the time I've been doing the show, I have never seen a house
0:03:19 > 0:03:22with such a spectacular, spectacular view.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25# Wow, wow, wow, wow You got it
0:03:25 > 0:03:28# Wow, wow, wow, wow... #
0:03:28 > 0:03:35The scenery takes your breath away and so does the rest of the house, but not in such a good way.
0:03:35 > 0:03:42Clearly, the stripping back has begun, but it looks like whoever started has thrown in the towel,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45probably overwhelmed by the scale of the task.
0:03:45 > 0:03:51Seeing the property in this state really does help you appreciate the size of the job.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57Outside, with the sun glinting on the sea, you could easily be distracted,
0:03:57 > 0:04:03but there's no getting away from the fact that it needs serious repair work and you won't get a mortgage
0:04:03 > 0:04:07on a house of this construction. However, it's in a prime spot,
0:04:07 > 0:04:13and I think the real potential lies not in the house itself, but in the plot and its surroundings.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18Let's be honest. The likelihood is you are going to knock that down.
0:04:18 > 0:04:25The good news is that the lot comes with a quarter of an acre, approximately, of land.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29This is it here. It slopes up somewhat,
0:04:29 > 0:04:35but I'm thinking why don't we use this land to build an entirely new property here?
0:04:35 > 0:04:41Obviously, you need planning permission, but I don't think restoring that is a starter.
0:04:41 > 0:04:48And the potential may be to dig in to this bit of ground here and put your house of dreams with that view.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Oh, no, it's getting great!
0:04:51 > 0:04:54# Wow, wow, wow You got it... #
0:04:54 > 0:04:59It certainly is a great opportunity. To find out more,
0:04:59 > 0:05:06we invited the auctioneer who sold it to give us his opinion on this house and its guide price
0:05:06 > 0:05:08of £90,000-£110,000.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13The potential for the plot and it is a plot
0:05:13 > 0:05:19is to create something that takes advantage of the view. It's a dream sheet of white paper.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21As far as planning is concerned,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25Dartmoor National Park is, happily, just over there.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27They have tighter controls,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29quite rightly, for the Park.
0:05:29 > 0:05:37Here is a slightly better local authority as far as giving you a chance of a dream, special home.
0:05:37 > 0:05:43Bearing in mind the local market, what does he think a dream home built here might be worth?
0:05:43 > 0:05:50A high-quality contemporary bungalow built on this spot could fetch as much as £400,000.
0:05:50 > 0:05:56Let's face it, on a scale of 0 to 10, the property itself wouldn't score very highly.
0:05:56 > 0:06:02But the location, well, from my point of view that gets an 11 and all it needs
0:06:02 > 0:06:08is an adventurous soul to come along here and build a property fitting of this incredible spot.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13Let's find out who bought it when it went under the hammer.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17It is a single-storey, three-bedroom bungalow. A wonderful opportunity.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Lovely view. I'll risk the top of the guide
0:06:21 > 0:06:25and say I'm not starting at less than 110. Thank you.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28At...112. 112.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31114. 116.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33118.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36120. 122.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38124. 126. 128.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43130. 132. Would you go to 133?
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Are you sure? OK. At 132...
0:06:47 > 0:06:52Four in the background. 134. 134. You're in?
0:06:52 > 0:06:58134. Five if it will help you. 134 stood at the back. And 134 and a half there.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02135, straight back. 135 and a half. 136.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05At 136...and a half. 137.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08At 137 and a half. 138.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12138 and a half. 139.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16139 and a half. 140. 140.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21140, once. 140, twice. Good sign. They're leaving the room.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25OK! At 140, once. 140, twice.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31Here we go. At 140. Gentleman in the back of the room has got it at 140. Congratulations.
0:07:31 > 0:07:37Eager for the hammer to fall on that bid for £140,000 was electrician Ryan.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41He lives in nearby Plymouth with his wife Sarah and their three children.
0:07:41 > 0:07:49This purchase represents something of a homecoming for him. I met Ryan to find out his plans.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54Good to meet you. Congratulations. I'm very jealous. Amazing location.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59It is. It's a lovely plot and we're really pleased with our purchase.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04- So why did you want to buy it? - Basically, we needed a project.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10I finished the house I live in. I've converted the loft and various things and got itchy feet now.
0:08:10 > 0:08:17- I needed a bigger project. This is it.- Do you know the area?- Yeah. I actually come from this village.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21I lived in a cottage just up the road, so I know it very well.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25I had a bit of local knowledge that it was a good plot.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31So for Ryan it's a case of going back to his roots to build a brand-new home for his family.
0:08:31 > 0:08:37# Going back to my roots Yeah... #
0:08:37 > 0:08:43- What would you like to build? - I think only a bungalow. There's restrictions on planning.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46So a bungalow of some description.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51Do you have any ideas at this stage for preliminary plans?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55My wife's a building surveyor so she'll do all the drawings.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59She's onto that. Not really my department. She's doing all that.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05We'll hopefully move the house back slightly to keep the gardens on the south side.
0:09:05 > 0:09:12This is pretty much to the front of the plot and that will enable us to live in this while we build it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Ah! - It'd be a nice little rent saver.
0:09:15 > 0:09:22- So, in fact, the new property wouldn't share the footprint of this one at all?- Hopefully not.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28This one's really in the wrong part of the plot. We'd like to move it back and have the garden and patios
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- on this side.- Right. They might be funny about that.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37They might well not let us, in which case we'll knock it down and build on.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43- How will you maximise the views? - Because of the height restrictions, because of the bungalow,
0:09:43 > 0:09:49we're not going to be able to elevate. We'll hopefully go into the loft space,
0:09:49 > 0:09:55but I don't think they'll permit dormer construction so it'll just be Velux windows.
0:09:55 > 0:10:02Hopefully, it'll be a nice view. But the view is one of the pulling points. It's just stunning.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- What about down on the ground floor? - We'll have a lot of glass on the back, bi-fold doors,
0:10:08 > 0:10:13going right through the back of it out onto patio areas.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19- And the idea is to live in it? - If we can get permission to build something really nice,
0:10:19 > 0:10:25we'll stay for sure. If we don't, then maybe we will build it and move on. Not 100% sure yet.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30# I'm homeward bound Got my head turned around... #
0:10:30 > 0:10:37Extending the existing footprint to the property will be less straightforward from a planning view
0:10:37 > 0:10:41but it could be well worth the hassle for the views
0:10:41 > 0:10:46and Ryan certainly brings some handy skills to the table.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Tell me a bit more about you.
0:10:48 > 0:10:55- I'm an electrician.- Oh, great. - I've got my own business. Even in the recession, I'm busy.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58So you could do all the electrics on the new place.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03Yeah, most things, plastering. As soon as it's up and watertight,
0:11:03 > 0:11:08I'll be on my own then to do the rest of the project,
0:11:08 > 0:11:14but I've got good friends - builders, carpenters. They'll all muck in and give me a hand.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18What about this existing bungalow, then?
0:11:18 > 0:11:23What'll you do with this? Are you just going to make it habitable?
0:11:23 > 0:11:28Temporarily, I'll make it habitable. I'm going to locate a kitchen in a back bedroom.
0:11:28 > 0:11:35Just generally paint right through. New carpets, put a shower in, tile that,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37and just get it liveable.
0:11:37 > 0:11:44Even if they make us knock it down, what we save in rent - to rent a house is £800 a month -
0:11:44 > 0:11:48so what I spend I'll get back while the planning goes through.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54So what's the best case and worst case scenario for the time?
0:11:54 > 0:12:00Worst case, I would say 18 months to build it. I'll do a lot myself. But it could be done in 12 months.
0:12:00 > 0:12:06- What budget have you got? - We're hoping to build the property for under 100.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08£100,000, somewhere around there.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12That's with me doing a lot of the labour. That's basically the budget.
0:12:12 > 0:12:19If you do get to build something you're proud of, is that it? Are you going to stay here?
0:12:19 > 0:12:25I think we might. If we adjust to living in the country and the wife likes living up here,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29then we'll probably stay for the right property.
0:12:29 > 0:12:36- Good luck with it all. Congratulations. You've got a great plot. Amazing.- Thanks a lot.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Well, what a great result for Ryan.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Not only has he got a superb bit of land and a usable building,
0:12:43 > 0:12:50but it's in the village where he grew up. I'm sure his family will be delighted to return here.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55Still, there is a year to a year and a half's worth of work to get this place sorted out
0:12:55 > 0:13:00or to get rid of this place and put something suitable in its place.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05Find out how he gets on with the planning and everything else later.
0:13:07 > 0:13:14This is vibrant Hackney in East London. Hackney has had its fair share of ups and downs,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18but right now there's a lot going on here in the run up to the Olympics
0:13:18 > 0:13:26with much promise of better transport links, job opportunities and a boost for arts and culture.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30It really is a one-off opportunity for this borough to shine for sure.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35# I got a souvenir in London... #
0:13:36 > 0:13:40One of the major boosts to this ever-popular part of London
0:13:40 > 0:13:47will be that it is properly linked to the Tube network for the first time by the East London Line.
0:13:47 > 0:13:53That's being extended to carry passengers to the Olympics just up the road.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59With all these developments, Hackney's got it, or is getting it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:05I'm here to see this lower ground floor flat. It's got a guide price of £210,000.
0:14:05 > 0:14:11It's got its own entrance, which I love, and is part of this four-storey mid-terrace.
0:14:11 > 0:14:18Unusually, it's got its own back garden. Possibly with potential for an extension? Let's take a look.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24The flat's on quite a busy road, which will not appeal to everyone,
0:14:24 > 0:14:30but the promise of a garden and a fair amount of space for a London flat does appeal.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35Well, THIS is a hallway! I love it! Huge amounts of space,
0:14:35 > 0:14:41although it is covered in woodchip wallpaper. There's just a vast area here that is wasted.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45This is a London property. You could fit another bathroom in!
0:14:45 > 0:14:50You've got a bathroom here, but you could probably change the layout.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55We go into this really big room, probably used as a sitting room.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00Not ideal with the boiler here. I'd stick it in the kitchen.
0:15:00 > 0:15:07But you've got this beautiful bay window. These old shutters, once restored, could look fantastic.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12Something I'm noticing is that I'm sort of falling backwards.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16You can see this floor is definitely on the slant.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Maybe that's because... that's the culprit.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24A great big crack running right the way through this wall.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28I'd contact a structural engineer and get that checked out.
0:15:28 > 0:15:36Dare I say the word subsidence? Whoever bids for this needs to know that structurally it is sound.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38But with that said,
0:15:38 > 0:15:40I really like this little flat.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45It's not dark, it's not dingy. I think it's going to be a good one.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55It's great. Lots of space, so plenty of potential.
0:15:55 > 0:16:01Assuming there's no subsidence, I'd think about changing round some of these walls to add a bathroom
0:16:01 > 0:16:04and make that bedroom bigger.
0:16:04 > 0:16:10I think it's safe to say that this flat has an awful lot of square footage in its favour.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15A good-sized kitchen space, although this is for the tip!
0:16:15 > 0:16:21And a really nice lounge area. I think it could do with changing it all, rejuggling it,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25but you've got a good space, lots of light from the garden.
0:16:25 > 0:16:31I'm just wondering if you could have an extension out there, some lovely doors leading out to that garden.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I'm going to go and check it out.
0:16:37 > 0:16:43At the moment, access to the back garden is through what I would call the back bedroom.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49And what do I find there? Well, this garden needs to be attacked by some shears
0:16:49 > 0:16:54and a lawn mower. And then you'll see a pretty little walled garden.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Get this old thing knocked down. You've got quite a lot of space.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03I think a tiny little extension would really benefit this property.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09You may even get that within permitted development, so you might not need planning permission.
0:17:09 > 0:17:17But it's worth checking out with your local council. But this space is a real golden nugget.
0:17:17 > 0:17:24# In the jungle, the mighty jungle The lion sleeps tonight... #
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Lovely flat, good-sized garden, potential to change it around a bit
0:17:28 > 0:17:35and all for that guide price of £210,000. In Hackney! We asked a local estate agent along
0:17:35 > 0:17:39to hear his opinion on this Hackney hideaway.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42The property's a bit different.
0:17:42 > 0:17:48It needs some refurbishment throughout and some structural attention, by the looks of it.
0:17:48 > 0:17:54But ultimately it's the sort of property that a lot of people would take pleasure in restoring
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- to make a lovely family home. - Assuming no structural problems,
0:17:59 > 0:18:04what would he expect to get for this flat as a rental?
0:18:04 > 0:18:08We'd be looking at around about £1,300 per calendar month, rental.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Not bad at all. What about sales figures?
0:18:12 > 0:18:18In my opinion, once this property is renovated, it should be looking at around about £300,000
0:18:18 > 0:18:21to £320,000.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27This flat has space on its side. Even though it's ground floor, it's got light.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33It's in an area that can only go one way and that is up. With some layout changes and an extension,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37you could have a spectacular flat with this enormous garden.
0:18:37 > 0:18:44But I'd still investigate that structural crack. Let's go to auction and see who fancied it.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50So Lot 13, good-sized flat, plus you've got a garden.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52I don't know. 200,000?
0:18:52 > 0:18:57It's worth that all day long. Thank you. 200. 205?
0:18:57 > 0:19:00205 anywhere?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02205. 210.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04210. 215.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07220?
0:19:08 > 0:19:11216. 217.
0:19:11 > 0:19:18- 218.- This lot was proving popular with something of a bidding battle ensuing.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24We rejoin the bidding at £240,000 - 30 grand over the initial guide price.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26240.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29241.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32242. 243.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35244? Yeah? 245.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37246?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41247. 248?
0:19:43 > 0:19:46247, standing up. First time.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Second time. Third and last time. Have you all done?
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Sold, 247.
0:19:53 > 0:20:00With her successful bid of £247,000, it was a clearly delighted Natalie.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Well done, congratulations.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08She was at the auction with her friends and property finders, both called Phil.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14I met with Natalie and one of the Phils back at the flat to find out her plans.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20Natalie and Phil, congratulations. Now, Natalie, tell me about auction day.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24I'd never done this before. I had no idea what to expect,
0:20:24 > 0:20:31so the other Phil, who has been working with us on this, offered to bid on my behalf.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36So he was bidding and I was standing tensely next to him. He waited right until the end
0:20:36 > 0:20:42to jump in. I was like, "You're losing it! Get in there!"
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- But it was fine.- So you were there with Phil and the other Phil.- Yeah.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- So what's your relationship? - They're property finders.
0:20:52 > 0:20:59They found the property for me. Also they'll be project managing the whole development of this property.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05- So you left it all to the other Phil to bid on auction day.- Yes. - Were you happy with the price?- Yes.
0:21:05 > 0:21:12I loved this flat so I was prepared to pay way more than I'd been advised!
0:21:12 > 0:21:18So I was really happy with it. It was the price I'd been given, around about what I should pay.
0:21:18 > 0:21:24- But I was prepared to... - She was prepared to go significantly over our recommended price!
0:21:24 > 0:21:29# I would give everything I own... #
0:21:29 > 0:21:37So Natalie was determined to get this place and she's clearly enthusiastic about it.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43Huge garden, exactly the area I wanted. I'd say I was over the moon.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47So you've a good idea of what you want. What is your vision for it?
0:21:47 > 0:21:53Em, I'm hoping to move in in a couple of years once it's rented, so it really is my flat.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57So I wanted two beds and we'll extend at the back
0:21:57 > 0:22:01to make the centre area slightly bigger
0:22:01 > 0:22:04with a nice-sized main bathroom.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- So you'll be doing building work. - Yeah.- Have you thought about planning permission
0:22:09 > 0:22:16- or is it permitted development? - The distance we want to move out will be the permitted distance,
0:22:16 > 0:22:22so the only thing we might need planning permission for is changing to the French doors
0:22:22 > 0:22:28and whether we change materials. Permitted development only works if we use wood.
0:22:28 > 0:22:34If we were to use uPVC, which is slightly more efficient, we'd need planning permission.
0:22:34 > 0:22:41Buying at auction is not for the faint-hearted. Who did the research, read the legal pack...or not?
0:22:41 > 0:22:47- The lawyers read the legal pack and sent the report. - So have any issues cropped up?
0:22:47 > 0:22:53Em, getting the mortgage has been a bit prolonged, getting all the right bank statements across.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59But it seems to be going well and there's a possibility they'll do some major works, the freeholder,
0:22:59 > 0:23:04which will make the building last a lot longer. It may add some cost.
0:23:09 > 0:23:15The costs of this communal work were unforeseen and will need to be paid upfront by Natalie
0:23:15 > 0:23:20or added to the monthly service charge. Will this impact on the budget?
0:23:20 > 0:23:25What's your budget to do the work for your flat, the internal work?
0:23:25 > 0:23:31- With the extension at the back, it'll be £40,000. - Can she do it on that, do you think?
0:23:31 > 0:23:38- Comfortably.- Really? - We expect to save money on that. - I did notice a huge crack.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- Has there been any structural movement? Did you get it surveyed?- We did.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48He came round with us about a week before the auction.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52He says possibly the end wall wasn't properly built to support the lintel
0:23:52 > 0:23:58but he says put up some props, knock the wall down, rebuild it. A day's work for a builder.
0:23:58 > 0:24:04- We're not talking subsidence?- No. - So there's no huge worry? - Definitely not.
0:24:04 > 0:24:10- How much do you think it'll be worth once you've renovated it?- We think, without the extension, about 350.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14With the extension, probably up to 420, £400,000.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19How long will it take your guys to get in and knock the work out?
0:24:19 > 0:24:25Building time will be about six weeks. Then maybe six weeks waiting for planning permission first.
0:24:25 > 0:24:31- So 3-4 months.- Well, I'm very excited to see what happens here and what this will look like.
0:24:31 > 0:24:37I can imagine it will be a fabulous pad. Guys, good luck with the build. Great meeting you both.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- Thank you very much.- Pleasure. - Thank you.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Phil promises to turn this Hackney flat into something special.
0:24:46 > 0:24:54I am worried about that budget, although Nat seems to be calm and have full faith in their expertise.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Join us later to find out what happens.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04Coming up: in Sunderland, this two-bed end of terrace is certainly not large.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07It's small, but perfectly formed.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12In Hackney: how much of a learning curve has it been for Natalie?
0:25:12 > 0:25:18I wanted to learn from the project with the intention that perhaps I would do it again.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25But first, in Devon, Ryan's clearly not sentimental about demolishing the old bungalow.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28I wasn't sad. It was blocking my view!
0:25:32 > 0:25:39We're back in the Devon village of Wotter. Electrician Ryan, wife Sarah and their three children
0:25:39 > 0:25:44bought this bungalow at auction for £140,000. It was in a pretty bad state,
0:25:44 > 0:25:51but had spectacular views so it was clear that the land was the best selling point here.
0:25:51 > 0:25:58Demolishing the property to start again looked the best option given Sarah's area of expertise.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03My wife's a building surveyor, so she'll do all the drawings.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07She's onto that already. Not really my department.
0:26:07 > 0:26:13We'll hopefully move the house back slightly, to keep the gardens on the south side.
0:26:13 > 0:26:20This is to the front of the plot. That will enable us, if they let us, to live here while we build it,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23which would be a nice rent saver.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27The plan was to live in the existing bungalow
0:26:27 > 0:26:31whilst they built their new dream family home.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35That would be extra special as Ryan grew up in the village.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40However, a brand new property on a different footprint required planning permission
0:26:40 > 0:26:42which was far from guaranteed.
0:26:42 > 0:26:47Well, we're back two years later to find out how they got on.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Wow!
0:26:57 > 0:27:03The old green bungalow is a thing of the past and a little further up the hill stands a brand-new house.
0:27:03 > 0:27:09Outside, there's still a bit to do. The exterior is to be rendered and the garden landscaped.
0:27:09 > 0:27:16But inside there's a spectacular family home, which makes the very most of the incredible location.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21So this is our open-plan kitchen.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26We wanted a big island. That was the main thing, with a breakfast bar,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30so the children can sit at it in the mornings.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35We've got solid wood worktops. Really wanted it for a natural feel.
0:27:35 > 0:27:42Through here, I built the bricks just to give it a more country cottage kind of look.
0:27:42 > 0:27:48We haven't quite yet got the oven, but that will be the right size one day.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Coming around, we've got the solid wood flooring.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56And then on to... the big patio doors,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00which we're really pleased with.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And, beyond that, the view.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07# You should come back home Back on your own now... #
0:28:07 > 0:28:12Although the old bungalow is now a pile of rubble, it was very useful
0:28:12 > 0:28:17as it allowed the family to live on-site while building took place.
0:28:17 > 0:28:22It seems Sarah became very attached to the old place.
0:28:22 > 0:28:28It was quite an emotional day when that went. It was our home for nearly two years.
0:28:28 > 0:28:35- And, you know, it was the children's home.- I wasn't sad to see it go! It was blocking my view!
0:28:35 > 0:28:41But it served its purpose. I don't think we'd have been able to achieve what we have
0:28:41 > 0:28:44with the budget if we hadn't lived on-site.
0:28:44 > 0:28:50Living on-site gave Sarah time to design the perfect house for the plot and the family.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56By using the lie of the land, she created an upstairs that doesn't look like one.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59In fact, there are three levels.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05On the ground level, there's the kitchen, diner, sitting room and an office study.
0:29:05 > 0:29:11On the first level, there's the entrance hallway and three good-sized bedrooms.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Plus a huge family bathroom with a walk-in shower.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23On the top level, there's another sitting room and a spare bedroom.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27Because the site's on a slope, that's where the design comes from.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32We didn't have to dig out so far at the back, so it's split level.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34That was Sarah's idea.
0:29:34 > 0:29:41I've never designed anything on this scale before. I've always dealt with small refurbs,
0:29:41 > 0:29:47extensions, that kind of thing. From a professional point of view, it was quite a challenge for me.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52I knew I had to get it right. We couldn't afford any mistakes.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56By taking their time and working with the layout of the plot,
0:29:56 > 0:30:03Sarah's design and Ryan's building skills have produced an original and extremely successful family home.
0:30:03 > 0:30:11We wanted the rooms to flow. We wanted to keep all the sleeping accommodation at the back.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15We wanted a traditional feel as well, the log burners and stuff.
0:30:15 > 0:30:23We didn't want it ultra modern, too clinical. We have wooden worktops and stuff, to be homely.
0:30:23 > 0:30:30Ryan and Sarah spent £140,000 buying the property and £110,000 getting it to this stage,
0:30:30 > 0:30:34bringing their total outlay to £250,000.
0:30:34 > 0:30:41It's time to find out what two local property experts think of all their hard work.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47I am surprised at the amount of space they have here in the rooms.
0:30:47 > 0:30:53I do like the top bedroom, which has the picture windows overlooking the moors
0:30:53 > 0:30:58towards Plymouth Sound. On a sunny day it'd be stunning.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02I think the standard of craftsmanship is fantastic.
0:31:02 > 0:31:09Often you see properties that are renovated or rebuilt in not such a nice finish. This is superb.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15The care and attention to detail shown by Ryan and Sarah have clearly impressed the experts.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19So what do they think this brand-new house is worth?
0:31:19 > 0:31:23I would put this property up for sale for £400,000-£425,000.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27If I was to put this onto the market in today's market conditions,
0:31:27 > 0:31:32I would hope to achieve around the £450,000 mark.
0:31:32 > 0:31:39Those valuations would give an incredible profit of £150,000-£200,000
0:31:39 > 0:31:42before costs and expenses.
0:31:42 > 0:31:49- Great. Excellent. - That's about where we thought. It's nice to know there's money in it,
0:31:49 > 0:31:51not that we're selling.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56I'm delighted that Ryan and Sarah have made such a success of this.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01They had the vision to see just what a fabulous location it is
0:32:01 > 0:32:08- and the talent to make the very best of it.- We sat in the old building and wondered if it would ever be,
0:32:08 > 0:32:13- but now it's here, we're really pleased.- Like it was always here. - It's home.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20This is Sunderland in Tyne and Wear.
0:32:20 > 0:32:27Long famed for shipbuilding, now it's car manufacture and new technologies
0:32:27 > 0:32:30that lead the way.
0:32:30 > 0:32:37Looking around, you might think I'm in some remote suburb, but how wrong you would be.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41A 15-minute brisk walk takes you right into the city centre
0:32:41 > 0:32:48and even closer is the Metro station. It connects the whole region from Newcastle Airport,
0:32:48 > 0:32:53down to the coast, to Sunderland itself. You're far from isolated.
0:32:53 > 0:33:00What am I here to see? It's this. An end of terrace. At a guide price of £20,000-£30,000, let's look.
0:33:00 > 0:33:06£20,000-£30,000 doesn't sound much, especially as it looks as though it's in pretty good nick
0:33:06 > 0:33:14as far as I can tell. But what's in store as I gear up to take a look around inside?
0:33:14 > 0:33:19So not a lot of money, but do you get much house for that?
0:33:19 > 0:33:25Well, at first glance, yes, you do. A couple of nice practicalities - a nice entrance porch there
0:33:25 > 0:33:30to keep the noise and the cold out. And an open-plan staircase that definitely gives
0:33:30 > 0:33:36a nice feeling to this living room area. It's not huge, but you have this sort of bay window,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39which adds a little bit more space.
0:33:39 > 0:33:46It needs a lot of refurbishment. It's a small place, but perfectly formed, as they say.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51Through into the kitchen. This has reached the end of its useful life.
0:33:51 > 0:33:57It needs to be replaced, but I'm not seeing anything that worries me so far.
0:33:57 > 0:34:03How big the garden is at the rear is anyone's guess since it's so overgrown,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06but at least it's a proper space, not just a yard.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10Unfortunately, the word space can't be applied upstairs.
0:34:10 > 0:34:15The bathroom's a standard size, but the bedrooms are small.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Very small.
0:34:17 > 0:34:24Out to the front of the property and round the side and you find a little bit of garden, grass.
0:34:24 > 0:34:29The first thing I'm thinking is is it worth building an extension?
0:34:29 > 0:34:33Well, the answer in short is no. The amount of money it would cost,
0:34:33 > 0:34:40you would never get back in terms of the value or extra money for rent. So don't do it.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47Well, that was straightforward. This petite house is what it is - a petite house.
0:34:47 > 0:34:55But as far as rental goes, maybe good things do come in small packages.
0:34:55 > 0:35:01Just because the purchase price is quite cheap doesn't mean that rental income is similarly so.
0:35:01 > 0:35:07A house like this one in good condition would rent for around £450 a month.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13So let's say you got this for around £30,000, spent £10,000 doing it up. That's £40,000 invested.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18£450 a month in rent is a 13% yield.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23Now you may well have to pay money to a lettings agent and there's tax,
0:35:23 > 0:35:28but either way that's a whoopy-doo, dog-tail-wagging, ker-ching investment!
0:35:28 > 0:35:34This part of Sunderland isn't the most expensive and the waste ground isn't easy on the eye,
0:35:34 > 0:35:39but if you get this for around the guide price of £20,000-£30,000,
0:35:39 > 0:35:44maybe this part of Sunderland could be someone's wonderland.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50We asked along a local estate agent to hear his opinions.
0:35:50 > 0:35:57This area of Sunderland is a popular suburb, situated conveniently for access to the city centre.
0:35:57 > 0:36:03It'll be popular for young professionals, first-time buyers and buy-to-let opportunists.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08How would those figures stack up? First, rental.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Yes, it would rent very well to young professionals.
0:36:12 > 0:36:18The return would be around the 375 mark, possibly up to 400. Certainly no more than that.
0:36:18 > 0:36:24- And what could a resale achieve? - If the property was refurbished to a good standard,
0:36:24 > 0:36:29the resale value at the moment would probably be £50,000-£55,000.
0:36:29 > 0:36:35Well, the house is certainly cheap and with those potential rental returns it's also very cheerful,
0:36:35 > 0:36:41but it would also make a lovely home with good transport links and proximity to the city centre.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45What's not to like? Let's see who agreed.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Lot 37, guided at £20,000 to £30,000
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Put me in at the bottom of the guide 20, to get me away? 20?
0:36:54 > 0:36:5710 then? Put me in at 10,000?
0:36:57 > 0:37:0010 we've got. 12. 12 and 14.
0:37:00 > 0:37:0316 anywhere? 15.
0:37:03 > 0:37:0516? 16. 17?
0:37:05 > 0:37:0817. 18. 19.
0:37:08 > 0:37:1020. 21?
0:37:10 > 0:37:1221 anywhere?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15At 20,000. 21. 22.
0:37:15 > 0:37:1723. 24. 25...
0:37:17 > 0:37:24'The house may be small, but the potential had been spotted by several bidders contesting this lot.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27'We pick it up when the bidding reaches £35,000.'
0:37:27 > 0:37:31At £35,000 then for the first time.. Take a quarter?
0:37:31 > 0:37:36One more? 35 and a quarter. 35 and a half. 35,750.
0:37:36 > 0:37:3936. At 36,000.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44At £36,000... 250? 36,250. 36 and a half?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47At £36,250 for the first time...
0:37:47 > 0:37:50At 36,250 for the second...
0:37:50 > 0:37:55£36,250 for the third and final time...
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Sold. Thank you very much indeed.
0:37:57 > 0:38:03'The successful bidder who secured the lot for 36,250 quid was Graham.'
0:38:03 > 0:38:05# I'm walkin', yes, indeed
0:38:05 > 0:38:08# I'm talkin' about you and me
0:38:08 > 0:38:12# I'm hopin' that you'll come back to me... #
0:38:12 > 0:38:18'Graham is a Sunderland local and for 20 to 30 years has run his own business in home improvements,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20'so he sounds like the man for this job.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25'I met him at the property to find out why he took on this investment.'
0:38:25 > 0:38:31- Graham, good to meet you. Congratulations.- Thanks.- Tell me why you wanted to buy this place.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35I came to see it before. I quite lik the area. It is improving.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40I think it's a good starter home. It can appeal to a lot of different people.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44So I think it'll be good for both rental and possibly re-sale
0:38:44 > 0:38:47for a first purchase for perhaps a young couple.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52- Have you done this kind of thing before?- Yes, it's something I'm getting back into.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57I used to develop houses quite a few years ago, then came out of the marketplace.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01I think now is the time to get back involved, so that's the plan.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Were you in the financial services industry?
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- No, I was an estate agent.- OK. - Quite a few years ago.
0:39:08 > 0:39:14From there, I've been into design, so I design kitchens and bathrooms and interiors.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17I've done that for some time with my own business.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21I've always been involved in property in some shape or form.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25- So why Sunderland then? - It's an area I know well.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29I'm from here. I think the prices here are very good.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33You can get a very good return on them. It's an up-and-coming area.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37And also, really, I think a bit of local expertise helps a long way
0:39:37 > 0:39:40in knowing what you're doing and how to do it.
0:39:40 > 0:39:45'That's a good point. It's no use just buying a house if you don't know your market,
0:39:45 > 0:39:51'how much it's worth or what you should do with it, but Graham obviously does get results.'
0:39:51 > 0:39:56# It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it, it ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it
0:39:56 > 0:40:01# It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it, and that's what gets results... #
0:40:01 > 0:40:05'Why does Graham feel this house will give him a healthy result?'
0:40:05 > 0:40:07It's part of a fairly new estate.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11It's the end of a terrace. It's structurally very sound.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16It needs a fair bit doing to it. But we'll do all that and it'll be a nice, little home.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20Talk me through exactly what you'll do to sort it out.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Exactly? We'll strip it right the way back,
0:40:23 > 0:40:29so the mock ceilings will come off, all the rubbish, the broken floors will come up.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33The garden we'll machete down and see quite what's there!
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Then we'll start probably on the outside, repair the windows.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41The guttering outside needs to be done straight away.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- That's created the damp in one of the bedrooms?- Yes. We'll get that sorted as soon as we can,
0:40:46 > 0:40:53re-plaster, then fit the new kitchen fit the new bathroom, and then see to the flooring and decoration.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56What's the cost for the renovation?
0:40:56 > 0:41:02I've got about £8,000, I think, to play with. I'm hoping to get it done for a bit less than that.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04And the timescale?
0:41:04 > 0:41:09Within six to eight weeks on the outside it'll be ready to put back on the market
0:41:09 > 0:41:11or be available for renting.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15What will make you decide to rent it or sell it on?
0:41:15 > 0:41:20Basically, the valuations we get and the interest we get when the house is done.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25If it generates a lot of interest at first or we have a good potential buyer, it'll probably go
0:41:25 > 0:41:28and we'll take whatever money we can get out of it.
0:41:28 > 0:41:34If the money's not there or there's no interest, rather than have it standing,
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I'll rent it and then look to do something in five years.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41So what would you expect it to maybe re-sell for?
0:41:41 > 0:41:43I would think the mid-60s.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45And rent?
0:41:45 > 0:41:48425, 450.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51'Graham obviously has his business head on
0:41:51 > 0:41:56'and knows the key to making this place work financially is to keep it simple.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01'The sums add up. He knows what needs to be done and there is no holding him back.'
0:42:01 > 0:42:07- What's next for you? - We're looking for more houses. I bought five in total last month.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08What?!
0:42:08 > 0:42:15We're jumping into it. I have some other people who are interested in me sourcing houses for them,
0:42:15 > 0:42:20so I'll be doing a combination of my own and finding houses for other people
0:42:20 > 0:42:24and really getting into it and just seeing what bargains are available.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- Good luck and we look forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you.
0:42:28 > 0:42:34Graham has got a great little property here and I think the rental route is definitely the way to go
0:42:34 > 0:42:39because onward sales of this place may be difficult in the current market.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44Will he get the yields he's hoping for? Find out later in the show.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51Time and tide wait for no man. The weeks and months have passed.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55How have our buyers got on with their DIY efforts?
0:42:55 > 0:43:00- The work should have been done. Shall we go back and find out? - Let's do it.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Back now to Hackney in East London
0:43:08 > 0:43:14where post-graduate student Natalie had bought this two-bedroomed, lower ground flat
0:43:14 > 0:43:19with a good-sized garden at auction for 247,000.
0:43:19 > 0:43:25Under the guidance of her friend and property finder Phil, the plan was to renovate the flat completely
0:43:25 > 0:43:29and add an extension at the back. Despite the state of the place,
0:43:29 > 0:43:34it seemed Natalie's enthusiasm was threatening to get the better of her.
0:43:34 > 0:43:40I love this flat, so I was prepared to pay way more than I'd been advised.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42So I was really happy with it.
0:43:42 > 0:43:47It was the price that I was given, that was around what I should be paying,
0:43:47 > 0:43:53- but I was prepared to... - She was prepared to go significantly over our recommended top price.
0:43:53 > 0:43:58We're back 12 months later to see if Natalie's passion for this project has paid off.
0:44:02 > 0:44:08Clearly, she's worked very hard as the property has undergone considerable change.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12From the outside, it's clear that Natalie has not done the extension,
0:44:12 > 0:44:19but the exterior door has been moved, so access to the garden is no longer through the bedroom.
0:44:22 > 0:44:26So what was involved to create all these changes?
0:44:27 > 0:44:29We haven't actually altered anything
0:44:29 > 0:44:33It was more undoing it and redoing it,
0:44:33 > 0:44:39so even though it looks exactly the same, everything has had to be replaced.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42# But I think I still feel the same... #
0:44:44 > 0:44:49Despite the layout remaining the same, it's about the only thing that's unchanged.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52The flat's been completely transformed.
0:44:52 > 0:44:57The plan was for property finders Phil and Phil to project-manage the renovation,
0:44:57 > 0:45:01but Natalie decided to take a more hands-on approach.
0:45:04 > 0:45:09I wanted to learn from the project with the intention that perhaps I would do it again
0:45:09 > 0:45:16and in order to do that, I needed to work with a company that allowed me more input and more flexibility,
0:45:16 > 0:45:20so we agreed that it was probably best for me
0:45:20 > 0:45:24to go off and find some builders who could show me the ropes a bit more.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27# Show me, just show me
0:45:27 > 0:45:30# Then shine me the light... #
0:45:35 > 0:45:39Combining studying for a master's degree in psychology
0:45:39 > 0:45:43with a first ever renovation project is no easy task,
0:45:43 > 0:45:46but Natalie has clearly risen to the challenge with ease.
0:45:46 > 0:45:51So before, there was the door over that side which we moved over here
0:45:51 > 0:45:55to gain an extra bedroom and access from the kitchen
0:45:55 > 0:45:59and as you came out, there was a big shed just full of gas canisters
0:45:59 > 0:46:02and kind of big sewage systems.
0:46:02 > 0:46:06This was just covered in weeds and nettles.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10Yes, we cleared it all, turfed it
0:46:10 > 0:46:13and paved the patio area.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15# I see you're right on time... #
0:46:17 > 0:46:22So what about the timescale for the project? Was it completed on time?
0:46:24 > 0:46:29My original timescale was three months and it's taken nearly a year.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34With that considerable overrun,
0:46:34 > 0:46:37how did the original budget of £40,000 fare?
0:46:37 > 0:46:40We ended up spending 45,000...
0:46:41 > 0:46:47..plus an additional 14,000 for the external work which was down to the freeholders.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53We asked along two local estate agents to give us their opinion
0:46:53 > 0:46:55of the flat as it is now.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59The finish is top quality. It's a quality refurb.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02There's a great attention to detail in here.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04I think it's a very nice finish.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08She's complemented a lot of her modern attributes
0:47:08 > 0:47:12with some original features which complement the property well.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16The layout is excellent. They've mad excellent use of the space.
0:47:16 > 0:47:20They've squeezed an en-suite into th front bedroom which is really useful
0:47:20 > 0:47:23Natalie bought the property for 247,000
0:47:23 > 0:47:27and spent a further £59,000 on renovations,
0:47:27 > 0:47:31making a total outlay of 306,000 so far.
0:47:31 > 0:47:36So what could the value of the property be if it was put up for sale?
0:47:39 > 0:47:43If I was going to place this propert on the market, I'd be looking
0:47:43 > 0:47:47to place it at around about £430,000
0:47:47 > 0:47:52The property could be sold for in the region of £440,000.
0:47:52 > 0:47:56That would be a potential profit of between £124,000
0:47:56 > 0:48:01and £134,000 before costs and taxes.
0:48:01 > 0:48:02Wow!
0:48:02 > 0:48:06I hadn't asked about re-sale values at all
0:48:06 > 0:48:11because I was somewhat concerned that I may have lost money,
0:48:11 > 0:48:15so that is really exciting and really amazing.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19I was dreading that part today, but that's brilliant.
0:48:19 > 0:48:25If the property were to be rented out, what could the possible monthly income be?
0:48:27 > 0:48:33Per calendar month, if I was going to rent this property, I'd be lookin at placing it around £1,700.
0:48:33 > 0:48:39You could rent the property out for, per calendar month, £1,875.
0:48:44 > 0:48:50Based on those figures, Natalie would be able to earn an annual rental yield of about 7%.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Yeah, that's brilliant. That's really good.
0:48:54 > 0:48:59I was aiming for around 1,700, so yeah, that's brilliant.
0:48:59 > 0:49:05So has the project been worthwhile for Natalie, now that the transformation is complete?
0:49:07 > 0:49:12I think now that you've told me the figures, it's definitely all been worth it.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14There were definitely highs and lows
0:49:14 > 0:49:19There were minutes when I hated coming here, like so many tears,
0:49:19 > 0:49:25but overall, I've really enjoyed it and I'm pretty proud of my accomplishment.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32It's back to Sunderland in Tyne and Wear now
0:49:32 > 0:49:38where earlier, we saw this two-bed, end-of-terrace house which was tired, shabby and run-down.
0:49:40 > 0:49:46It badly needed attention from someone who runs a home improvement business when in walked Graham
0:49:46 > 0:49:49who runs such a business. What are the chances of that?
0:49:49 > 0:49:55He bought it for 36,250 and reckons that prices in Sunderland represent good value.
0:49:55 > 0:50:00I think the prices here are very good. You can get a very good return on them.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02It's an up-and-coming area
0:50:02 > 0:50:07and also, really, I think a bit of local expertise helps a long way
0:50:07 > 0:50:10in knowing what you're doing and how to do it.
0:50:10 > 0:50:15Local man Graham aimed to turn this house around on a budget of £8,000
0:50:15 > 0:50:21and have it up for the re-sale market or rental in six to eight weeks.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23When we returned 11 weeks later,
0:50:23 > 0:50:27we were hoping to see if Graham's skills in home improvement
0:50:27 > 0:50:30had put the sun back into this part of Sunderland.
0:50:30 > 0:50:36Certainly with fresh paint on the front door and on the upper wall, plus new double glazing,
0:50:36 > 0:50:39the house is now much easier on the eye.
0:50:40 > 0:50:46Gone is the shabby front room to be replaced by a far more tasteful sitting room
0:50:46 > 0:50:50with new flooring and the gas-effect electric fire.
0:50:53 > 0:50:59The kitchen space was small, but it has also had the benefit of Graham's eye
0:50:59 > 0:51:02with new contemporary units installed.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06In here we have the kitchen.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10With these houses, one of the bigges problems is lack of storage space,
0:51:10 > 0:51:15so I was very pleased, in quite a tight area, to get a big bank of storage units like this
0:51:15 > 0:51:18which provides massive storage space
0:51:18 > 0:51:23and in here we have the fridge and the freezer and everything as well.
0:51:23 > 0:51:29Over here, we have more of an idea. We have the cooking area with a new hob, extractor and oven.
0:51:29 > 0:51:35Obviously, we've got the drawers and in here we have the washing machine with a sink unit there.
0:51:35 > 0:51:40It's quite compact, but it is very usable, so I was quite pleased with the design
0:51:40 > 0:51:45and the fact that we have been able to get an eating area in here too.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48Upstairs, the bathroom has been stripped and gutted
0:51:48 > 0:51:52and a stylish suite, along with new tiling, has been put in.
0:51:52 > 0:51:57The landing and the bedrooms have been done in simple, but effective decor,
0:51:57 > 0:52:00leaving a blank canvas for whoever buys this.
0:52:02 > 0:52:07The rear garden is also more attractive now after an impressive tidy-up
0:52:07 > 0:52:10with a lawn laid and a patio area to relax on.
0:52:10 > 0:52:16And it seems like the wasteland at the back is undergoing a transformation all of its own.
0:52:16 > 0:52:22When we first looked at this site, over there was just derelict with some concrete foundations.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25I knew something was going to happen but I didn't know when,
0:52:25 > 0:52:30and I was delighted when a month after we bought the place, work began.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33It's going to be an incubator unit for offices.
0:52:33 > 0:52:38It's going to give jobs for about 100 local people, hopefully.
0:52:38 > 0:52:44I'm delighted that this area is getting tidied up and it should increase the value of this property
0:52:44 > 0:52:48because it's finished and there's a lot more going on with the area.
0:52:48 > 0:52:52It'll look nicer and there'll be a bit more employment.
0:52:52 > 0:52:57Back inside, the old timber ceiling has been replaced with walls and ceilings skimmed.
0:52:57 > 0:53:02With no gas supply to the estate, Graham had new storage heaters installed.
0:53:02 > 0:53:07Cleaning out the gutters solved the damp problem in the front bedroom,
0:53:07 > 0:53:10so it's been a pain-free renovation for Graham.
0:53:10 > 0:53:17But apart from doing the design and decor here, was he hands-on with the actual renovation?
0:53:17 > 0:53:21I do have people who work for me and unfortunately, they were fairly busy
0:53:21 > 0:53:25And I do have my own source of labour in the form of four sons
0:53:25 > 0:53:31who have all helped reasonably willingly in one shape or form with the decoration
0:53:31 > 0:53:34and helped me organise and keep an eye on what's happening.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37That's an old one - exploiting the kids!
0:53:37 > 0:53:42It sounds like Graham may not have even picked up a paintbrush, but he has been busy
0:53:42 > 0:53:49because along with running his home improvement business, he's renovating five other properties,
0:53:49 > 0:53:55so it's no wonder the timescale for this refurbishment shifted from six to eight weeks to 11 weeks.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57How did his £8,000 budget cope?
0:53:57 > 0:54:03I was hoping to bring it in a bit less than that. It's been a little bit more. We're just short of 9,000.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06Most of that went on the electric re-wire
0:54:06 > 0:54:10and also the landscaping to the garden, back and front,
0:54:10 > 0:54:15which we were hoping just to be able to cut down and get something decent out of.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18We've had to go back to scratch and re-do it,
0:54:18 > 0:54:23so that's bumped the budget up to a little bit more than where we wanted to be.
0:54:26 > 0:54:31Add that to the original purchase price of £36,250
0:54:31 > 0:54:34and the total outlay here is around 45,000.
0:54:34 > 0:54:40Time to ask two local estate agents if Graham's work has made this property a winner.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45It's a lovely house, very nice for the area.
0:54:45 > 0:54:51The finishing's not perfect, but it's just about right to move into.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55It's been renovated to a high standard for an investment property.
0:54:55 > 0:55:00This will attract a higher quality tenant and inevitably increase re-sale value.
0:55:00 > 0:55:06But will the returns exceed Graham's possible spend of £45,000,
0:55:06 > 0:55:08first, if sold?
0:55:08 > 0:55:11I'd market this property at 69,950,
0:55:11 > 0:55:14looking to achieve offers between £60,000 and £70,000.
0:55:14 > 0:55:18I would market the property at around £65,000
0:55:18 > 0:55:21with a view to achieving about £60,000.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25That's about right. It's nearer the 70,000 I'd be looking for.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28I certainly wouldn't sell it for less than 65
0:55:28 > 0:55:33on the basis that four to five years ago, these properties changed hands for £90,000.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Those two figures could give Graham a possible pre-tax profit
0:55:37 > 0:55:42of between £15,000 and £25,000, but with rental a possible option,
0:55:42 > 0:55:44what sort of income could he command?
0:55:44 > 0:55:52I'd expect the property to achieve £525 to £550 per calendar month rental income.
0:55:52 > 0:55:57I think the house in its current state would achieve around £425 to £450 per calendar month.
0:55:57 > 0:56:01550 is probably about right. That's what we were hoping to achieve.
0:56:01 > 0:56:05As it happens, we now have a tenant which we're very happy with.
0:56:05 > 0:56:10We've checked her out and she's looking to take it from next month.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12We've agreed a rent of £525 a month.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16That's an excellent annual yield of 14%,
0:56:16 > 0:56:19but Graham is still considering selling on
0:56:19 > 0:56:25as this newly transformed property now makes it an attractive proposition to other investors,
0:56:25 > 0:56:28so overall, I reckon it's all gone well for him.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30I think this has been a success,
0:56:30 > 0:56:36bearing in mind what we paid for it, the work that's been done has been quite involved,
0:56:36 > 0:56:39but I think we've come up with a good product
0:56:39 > 0:56:44and it's very attractive for whoever wants to take it, either for a rent or to buy it.
0:56:46 > 0:56:50We'll have lots more auction properties to show you next time.
0:56:50 > 0:56:57- So join us then to find out what happens when that hammer comes crashing down.- Oh! Join us then.
0:57:16 > 0:57:21Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2012