0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to the programme.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05Lucy and I are fascinated by property
0:00:05 > 0:00:08and we're always looking for a good deal for ourselves.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11In today's tough market that is not always easy.
0:00:11 > 0:00:12One way you can do that
0:00:12 > 0:00:15is perhaps to buy your next home under the hammer.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Buying at auction has become increasingly popular over the last decade.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47That's because there's no messing about.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51When the hammer falls, you have exchanged contracts.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Let's take a look at the three properties
0:00:53 > 0:00:55sold at auction on today's program.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01I'm visiting this house in Derby, now how's this for a garden?
0:01:01 > 0:01:07It carries on. And on. Game of cricket, anybody?
0:01:07 > 0:01:11I have got heavenly hopes for this former church in West London.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16The catalogue tells me it's rarely available, so that always bodes well.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19And in Gretna, this three bed semi
0:01:19 > 0:01:22has me popping an important question.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Why can't all houses just be like this?
0:01:28 > 0:01:30All these properties were sold at auction,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34we'll find out who bought them and what they paid for them
0:01:34 > 0:01:35when they went under the hammer.
0:01:35 > 0:01:36Sold.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Today I am in Littleover just outside Derby.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47This place has become an epicentre for good quality education
0:01:47 > 0:01:50with great secondary and primary schools in the area.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53As well as boasting all that, there are community schools
0:01:53 > 0:01:58and colleges working in partnership in the Millennium Centre.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01An innovative facility for those 16 and over.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05# Education saved the day
0:02:05 > 0:02:08# Thank God for the friends you made. #
0:02:10 > 0:02:14The house I'm here to see is in an area popular with families
0:02:14 > 0:02:18with kids looking to be in the catchment area of those schools.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22And it's a good-sized family house, so you do the maths. This is it.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Looks OK from the outside,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29it's a three-bedroom, semi-detached with a guide price of £115,000 plus.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32But you can't judge a book by the cover as they say,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34so let's take a look inside.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39It is a fairly standard looking design from the outside,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42but you never know until you walk through the front door.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Actually, it's living up to expectations and that is good.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48A little entrance area here,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51stairs up to your bedrooms, a nice size hallway.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Your front sitting room, your rear sitting room,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57at the moment they are two separate rooms, some people knock those together
0:02:57 > 0:03:00to create one large living space which is good.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03I would hold on before I did that because this is the kitchen
0:03:03 > 0:03:07and it is, as is often the case in this particular design of semi,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09a bit of a disappointment. It's too small.
0:03:09 > 0:03:15The simple solution is to take out this wall here.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18So you then create a kitchen/living area
0:03:18 > 0:03:22and that is very family friendly which is what we are all about.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27These kinds of houses were built for families,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30but how we live in them now has changed a bit.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34Creating an open-plan kitchen where families can congregate
0:03:34 > 0:03:36seems to be today's norm.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38The great thing about these properties is just how
0:03:38 > 0:03:39flexible the space can be.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43# Bring the family back
0:03:43 > 0:03:46# Bring the family back
0:03:46 > 0:03:48# Together. #
0:03:49 > 0:03:52But what happens when I head up to the first floor?
0:03:52 > 0:03:58So, upstairs and the standard layout continues.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02A little landing area, bathroom and loo, one room, often there's two.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Not in this instance which is good.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09It needs refurbishment, but at least it's in the right place.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Three bedrooms in total, a box room at the front
0:04:12 > 0:04:13and next to it a reasonable sized double,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17and to the rear of the property another good-sized double bedroom.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21In general, you can see it's in need of some tender loving care.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25You have paper coming off the walls, and it just needs
0:04:25 > 0:04:28a bit of attention, but I'm not seeing anything that frightens me.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30It's really stacking up well.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36This house is a perfect example of if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Whilst upstairs is in need of a makeover,
0:04:40 > 0:04:41the layout works as is
0:04:41 > 0:04:45which will help keep costs down when renovations start.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49Although there are no scary surprises up here,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52out the back may be a completely different story.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57So, out the back door and what do we find?
0:04:57 > 0:05:00With a semi-detached like this you never can tell.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02You certainly can't tell from the front,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04but in this instance, first of all a locked door.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08I'll forget about that one for a minute.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13We got a downstairs loo - I expected that to happen - which is always good.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Get access to the rear garden.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18We have a little potting shed area there which is lovely,
0:05:18 > 0:05:19and then a garden.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23It's a bit overgrown but it has some nicely well-established shrubs,
0:05:23 > 0:05:24so we like that.
0:05:24 > 0:05:30In terms of size, it's pretty good. Look at that. Fantastic.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33That would be fantastic, but that's not the end.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39You know what, it carries on. And on. A game of cricket, anybody?
0:05:39 > 0:05:44And on, and on, and on,
0:05:44 > 0:05:49and on, and on, and on...
0:05:55 > 0:05:59I could go on, but I think you get the picture.
0:05:59 > 0:06:05This garden has amazing potential and again it screams family friendly.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09However something to bear in mind if you were planning on letting this place,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13you would be wise to remember not everyone is green-fingered.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18Tenants would most likely prefer a lower maintenance set up out here.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24This property, guided at £115,000, has plenty of positives.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29We invited the auctioneer who sold it to give us his thoughts.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Nice, solid semi-detached house,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36obviously old-fashioned and unmodernised.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40But I like that.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Lots of potential, it's a blank canvas.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47And particularly where you've got location, you can do a lot with it.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52So, if you renovate the house and or make some of the structural changes downstairs
0:06:52 > 0:06:57what could its potential be on the resale market?
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Well, if you renovate what is here, I think you are probably
0:07:00 > 0:07:04looking at a value up to £150,000.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07However you are still left with a small kitchen.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10If you were to extend the kitchen which I would probably do
0:07:10 > 0:07:16if it was my house, you would then be looking at up to £165,000.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20What about the rental side of things?
0:07:20 > 0:07:24When renovated it would command
0:07:24 > 0:07:28a market rent of 575-£600 a calendar month.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Well, it's a good area and a nice solid house.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35I like the internal layout,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37I love the rear garden and those sheds.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38A good one to go for.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Let's see who agreed when it went under the hammer.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Ladies and gentlemen, Lot 65, 115 on the guide price.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50115,000 I have, thank you.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53115 is the start, 116 I have,
0:07:53 > 0:07:59117, 118, 118,000, 119, 119, 120.
0:07:59 > 0:08:07120,000, 121, 121,000 I have got there, 122. 123, 124.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10124, I've got you, sir.
0:08:10 > 0:08:16125. 126. 126, 126, 127,
0:08:16 > 0:08:24128, 128, 129. 128,500. 128. 129.
0:08:24 > 0:08:32129,500. 129. Going once, going twice, third and last chance.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34All finished and done?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Sold at 129. Thank you.
0:08:42 > 0:08:48Clearly delighted with his successful bid of 129,000 was Kamran.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52He is ideally suited to buy a property in an area
0:08:52 > 0:08:56of educational excellence given that he's a science teacher.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00I caught up with him to find out what he wants from his property purchase.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Kamran, great to meet you, congratulations.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Tell me why you wanted to buy this place?
0:09:07 > 0:09:11I'm hoping to get it all done and then move in.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14But we'll see how long it takes to finish the job.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- So is this going to be your house? - Yes, it is. Hopefully.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- First house, or have you got other houses?- First house.- Fantastic.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- Do you know the area well? - Yes, I do.
0:09:24 > 0:09:30My parents live down the road, so Mum's there to help out if needs be.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Good. What do you do when you are not doing up properties?
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- I'm a science teacher. - Great, which science?
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Well, I do all three so chemistry, physics and biology.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41# I said, teacher, teacher I know my A-B-C
0:09:41 > 0:09:42# I want to read and write,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45# I want to understand why the sky never ends
0:09:45 > 0:09:48# And why the sea is blue and not white. #
0:09:48 > 0:09:52So, this is Kamran's first property project and one he plans
0:09:52 > 0:09:56to make into his home as he feels that the chemistry is right here.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58So, why this particular house then?
0:09:58 > 0:10:01For the price, I'm thinking it's reasonable.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04The driveway, plenty of parking space,
0:10:04 > 0:10:08beautiful garden I can spend all my days sorting out.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11The rooms as well, big spacious rooms, two double bedrooms,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13nice box room,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16rooms downstairs as well and I can do a lot with the property.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20If I want to, later on, I can do something with it, maybe extend etc.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23It's a really great place. Tell me then, what you're going to do.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25It needs central heating, first of all.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28The walls will be stripped down, floors as well, new kitchen,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31new bathroom upstairs, sort the garden out.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35I don't think that needs much but you know, just to clear it up.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37No taking out walls in between rooms.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41There's a wall behind yourself that I am thinking about taking out
0:10:41 > 0:10:45and having this to be joined with the kitchen, so I think that
0:10:45 > 0:10:48will be quite nice, big spacious room and kitchen attached.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49I think that would be very nice.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Kamran seems pretty focused on what needs to be done here.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57With no DIY skills to speak of though, he is going to be
0:10:57 > 0:11:01reliant on his mother, father and brother and some friends for help.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04'But won't be resting on his laurels.'
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- Are you going to be hands-on? - I am going to be hands-on.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- This tie will come off and I will be hands-on.- Fantastic.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I will do some of the work, but I think structural work
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and those kinds of things, I will leave with the builders.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18What sort of budget have you got for the work?
0:11:18 > 0:11:22I'm thinking in the regions of £8,000 to £12,000.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24If it stretches, maybe £15,000.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29It just depends on, you know... I want quality goods in here
0:11:29 > 0:11:32so I may be willing to spend up to 15 on this.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35And the timescale you'd like to stick to?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38I would say two weeks but that's a bit too...no,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41I think we're looking at about eight weeks,
0:11:41 > 0:11:45a couple of months, to get this done. Properly, that is.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47How exciting to have your own place.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51I am really excited. I am absolutely excited.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56It's nice to see an old house and do it how I want to do it,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59rather than buy a new house and it's already done,
0:11:59 > 0:12:03so this is nice...it'll be a nice project for me
0:12:03 > 0:12:06and there's plenty of designs in my head I really want to do.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Tell me about some of those designs in your head.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13I'm not too sure if I want paint and maybe a bit of wallpaper.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Floors, I am thinking laminates mixed with carpets mixed with tiles.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20I am probably going to go for something that's not to modern
0:12:20 > 0:12:23and something not too old, somewhere in the middle.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- Listen, congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Good luck and we look forward to seeing how you get on.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29Thank you. Cheers.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Well, it doesn't sound like Kamran needs too many
0:12:33 > 0:12:35lessons in property renovation
0:12:35 > 0:12:39and it's really exciting that this is going to be his first home.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40Lots of work to be done,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43lots of family members to help out. How will he get on?
0:12:43 > 0:12:45You can find out later in the show.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Today I am in the West London suburb of Hillingdon in Middlesex.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58With good transport links and Brunel University on your doorstep,
0:12:58 > 0:13:00it's a pretty popular place.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05I am quite excited about today's auction lot.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10The catalogue tells me it's rarely available so that always bodes well.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11It's also modern,
0:13:11 > 0:13:16built in 1997 and so hopefully the structure will be sound.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21It's got parking for ten cars, yes, you've guessed it, it's
0:13:21 > 0:13:27a commercial premises and the guide price for all of this - £200,000.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Off-street parking is always a plus point
0:13:32 > 0:13:36so that's ten points notched up so far.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38The building itself isn't much of a looker,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41but it does all appear to be in pretty good shape.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48What a welcoming hallway! Loads of coat hooks.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50That would be so handy in my house.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Here's a bit of information about what this used to be.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58It was a church up until quite recently. The decor, as you can see,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01is in good order, carpets, yeah, fine,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04and because it's so modern, I'm guessing all
0:14:04 > 0:14:06the electrics are to standard, though I would still have them
0:14:06 > 0:14:10checked to make doubly sure. There's over 900 square foot
0:14:10 > 0:14:14here and so it is quite a substantial commercial unit.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17But what could it be used for?
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Currently it's got D1 usage.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23That classing allows the new owner to run a medical or health
0:14:23 > 0:14:28service out here. You could also set up a day nursery or some
0:14:28 > 0:14:32kind of educational centre, so if that's your line of business,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34you're all set to go. Happy days!
0:14:44 > 0:14:46You could, of course, keep it as a place of worship,
0:14:46 > 0:14:51but D1 usage is highly sought after for commercial properties.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55There's a whole range of possible users there.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58A window or two might be quite nice, or what about taking things
0:14:58 > 0:15:00a little further?
0:15:02 > 0:15:04It's when you come outside that you get a real
0:15:04 > 0:15:07sense of how big this site actually is.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10It's approximately 0.12 acres
0:15:10 > 0:15:12and so there's quite a bit to play with here.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15You could think about extending this building,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18if you didn't really want all this parking space or
0:15:18 > 0:15:22how about applying for a change of use to residential?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26The auction catalogue does hint at its potential for conversion.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I know there's a business next door.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Not ideal, but there's a residential development close by.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Definitely something to think about.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39We invited along a local estate agent to get her take on this former
0:15:39 > 0:15:44church that went to auction at a guide price of 200,000.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49I think this is a very attractive and rare commercial premises.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54It still has potential for slight improvements but most importantly,
0:15:54 > 0:15:59it offers parking and facilities to accommodate any D1 business.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04And if the purchaser rented the property out
0:16:04 > 0:16:06with its D1 commercial usage,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10what kind of rental income might that achieve?
0:16:10 > 0:16:16I would anticipate a monthly rental of £1,750.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21And if they sold it on as a commercial unit?
0:16:21 > 0:16:27I'd strongly recommend a market valuation of £325,000.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33If the purchaser went for change of use to residential
0:16:33 > 0:16:35and built a three-bed bungalow on the plot,
0:16:35 > 0:16:40it might rent out for between 1,350 and 1,400 per calendar month
0:16:40 > 0:16:44but what about selling it on as a residential property?
0:16:45 > 0:16:49As an attractive modern three-bedroom bungalow,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I'd anticipate a purchase price
0:16:51 > 0:16:55in the region of £380,000 to £450,000.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58And so there are a couple of options here -
0:16:58 > 0:17:02keep it as a commercial unit and hold onto your D1 status,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04which seems to be the most sought-after business classing,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07or you could apply for planning
0:17:07 > 0:17:09to turn this into a residential property.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13Let's see who fancied this auction lot when it went under the hammer.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Right, Lot 31 is a readily available
0:17:18 > 0:17:22purpose-built detached church premises.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Over to you. Who'd like to kick off?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27200 anywhere?
0:17:29 > 0:17:32OK, start the other way. 1...170, I'm not going to go below 170.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34170 anywhere?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40170 standing up, 170. 175.
0:17:41 > 0:17:42175?
0:17:44 > 0:17:48With you, £170,000, your bid,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50first time, second time,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53third and last time. Are we all done?
0:17:54 > 0:17:56175.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58180, 185.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59190.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02195.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03200.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09195, 200 in the front, 200. 205.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14210. 215. 220.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17225. Just nod now. 225.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20230. 235, sir.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22240.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24245.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26250.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29245. With you, 245.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32250.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35246. Yep?
0:18:35 > 0:18:38247? Or 250?
0:18:39 > 0:18:43250? 250. 251.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Yep? 252.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48253.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52254. 255.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55255 elsewhere?
0:18:56 > 0:18:59254, first time,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02second time, 255,
0:19:02 > 0:19:03256,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05257.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06258,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09259...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12No?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15258, first time, second time,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18third and last time...
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Yes, no? 259,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22260, 261.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26262.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Yeah? 263.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31264.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32265?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36264 with you, sir.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39265 elsewhere? If not, 264,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42first time, second time,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45third and last time, are you all done?
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Sold, 264 to you. Well done, sir.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51That successful bid of £264,000
0:19:51 > 0:19:55was made by Danny on behalf of his son Daniel
0:19:55 > 0:19:59who runs a veterinary practice in the area.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03# Oh, Danny boy
0:20:04 > 0:20:10# The pipes, the pipes are calling... #
0:20:10 > 0:20:13I met up with Danny and Daniel back at the property
0:20:13 > 0:20:15to find out their plans.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Guys, congratulations.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23Now, you weren't both at the auction, were you, on auction day?
0:20:23 > 0:20:24- No.- You were at the auction.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- That's right.- So, Danny, you're father to Daniel.- Correct.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30And you were bidding on his behalf?
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- Yes.- So what's the story? Tell me.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36The story was that Daniel needed to expand his business
0:20:36 > 0:20:38and he needed more premises.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41These premises came on the market and that was it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43So tell me about your business, Daniel.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47I run a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic
0:20:47 > 0:20:49that opened maybe three-and-a-half years ago
0:20:49 > 0:20:53and the workload has just got so much in the current building
0:20:53 > 0:20:55that we needed to expand out
0:20:55 > 0:20:58into at least one more location at this stage,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01probably moving onto a third and fourth site shortly,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05but just literally to keep up with the volume of work that's coming in.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Danny, what was auction day like for you?
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Well, auction day was very, very good because our perk in going up,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14my wife and I, our perk for going up was to have a champagne lunch.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- Did you do that?- No.- Aw, why not?
0:21:18 > 0:21:22It was too busy. Everything was too busy on the day, so we ended up,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26when the deal was finished, we just went to the pub.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29So didn't it worry you spending so much money on behalf of your son?
0:21:29 > 0:21:32No, not at all. I was glad to get out and spend somebody else's money.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34It's marvellous!
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Daniel, what sort of great plans do you have for this building?
0:21:36 > 0:21:38How are you going to turn it around?
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It's obviously going to be used for a veterinary clinic,
0:21:41 > 0:21:42a daytime veterinary clinic
0:21:42 > 0:21:45with operating facility in here, consulting room.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47So are there any plans for you to change this at all,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- to extend out the front? - It appears at the moment
0:21:50 > 0:21:53from the initial discussions with the architect
0:21:53 > 0:21:56that extending upwards into the ceiling
0:21:56 > 0:22:00would be far more expensive than going out into the car park.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02The car park's obviously fairly substantial,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04it's a lot cheaper to expand out there,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07probably with some form of glass structure
0:22:07 > 0:22:10in order to carry maybe a waiting room area out onto the front.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13So guys, are you going to be working on this project together
0:22:13 > 0:22:15or have you done your bit now, Dad?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18No, I'll still be working on it. Yes, I'll be working,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21doing all the necessary things that are required.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25I'm going to be the van driver, an overseer, a general dogsbody.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Daniel seems pretty relaxed about the whole thing
0:22:32 > 0:22:37and hopes to get the new clinic up and running within three months.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40How much are you looking to spend here? What's the budget?
0:22:40 > 0:22:44I would have thought the site itself we'd probably spend 60-70,000
0:22:44 > 0:22:48on the actual building work of changing this site,
0:22:48 > 0:22:53and then possibly sort of 600,000 on equipping it for the type of use
0:22:53 > 0:22:56that we would move forwards with.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Wow, 600,000? That really has stunned me, actually.
0:23:00 > 0:23:07You see, the digital radiography facilities, dentistry,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11the whole equipping - putting in the anaesthetic circuitries,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15oxygen generation, so we do spend quite a lot on that type of,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17you know, to make it as modern as can be.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23No wonder Daniel was keen to get his paws on this property.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26It will certainly meet a lot of his requirements.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31But I wonder what kind of patients he'll be getting to see here?
0:23:31 > 0:23:36Just tell me, what's the most unusual animal you have ever had to work on?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- A raccoon.- A raccoon. And what was wrong with the raccoon?
0:23:38 > 0:23:41It was a film raccoon and he was very badly behaved,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44so they wanted him castrated.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- And you got the job? - And he was evil.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- And you got the job?- Yes.- I love it.
0:23:48 > 0:23:54We got the job because somebody rang the clinic one day asking how much we would castrate a raccoon for.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59I was operating, and mistakenly thought, the same as a rabbit.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04Not realising what I'd have to deal with. A very dangerous animal.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- That is funny. Was it a famous film? - It is a famous one.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- Really?- Yes. I can't remember what it's on, but it's a famous one.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15And I wouldn't want to see it again because I think it'll be even angrier next time it sees me.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19That is a very funny story. Guys, I'm so excited to see what you do.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22And good luck with the business. I'm sure it will be a huge success.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - Lovely to meet you. Thank you.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Sometimes it's just meant to be, isn't it?
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Daniel needed an overflow for his business, and this came up.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36So no need to change the business classing,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40so he can get on with the work straightaway and move his practice in. Brilliant.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45The big question is, will he do it in just two to three months?
0:24:45 > 0:24:50You can find out if he manages it later on in the programme.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55Coming up, in Gretna, this house makes a great first impression.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00You know, when you walk into a house sometimes, everything just feels right.
0:25:00 > 0:25:06In Middlesex, did Daniel's project turn into a money pit or pet? Boom, boom!
0:25:06 > 0:25:08This really adjusted the price upwards.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16But first, how did DIY virgin Kamran fare at his Derby pad?
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Designed it myself, installed it myself, including the plumbing as well.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27We're going back to Littleover just outside Derby,
0:25:27 > 0:25:32where earlier we saw science teacher Kamran buy this at auction.
0:25:32 > 0:25:39A two-bedroom semi in need of some TLC for £129,000.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42This was his first property purchase for himself
0:25:42 > 0:25:45and he had little DIY we experience.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49That didn't halt his plans to get pretty involved.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51- And are you going to be hands-on? - I'm going to be hands on.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- This tie will come off and I will be hands-on. - How exciting to have your own place.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I'm really excited. It's nice to see an old house
0:25:58 > 0:26:04and to do it how I want to do it rather than buy a new house and it's already done.
0:26:04 > 0:26:10With enthusiasm to spare, how did Kamran get on making this house into his home?
0:26:10 > 0:26:14We're here less than two months after we first met to find out.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39What was tatty and tired
0:26:39 > 0:26:44is now fresh faced and filled with plenty of personal touches.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49And it starts as soon as you're through the front door.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Originally when I bought this house there was a blue door here
0:26:52 > 0:26:55and a window here. And it was blocking most of the light in here.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59So I decided to take the door out, take the window out.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03And I thought, well, why not make an arch and tile it up?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05And it looks fantastic.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Yes, a porch area can be pleasant.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11It also keeps the noise and drafts out.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14But if not needed for that, it can feel like a waste of space.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19This now feels bigger and brighter. And that's no accident.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22I think the biggest thing this house was, I wanted the house to look more spacious
0:27:22 > 0:27:26by using certain colours, using bright colours.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31I wanted more space here. And having a gas fire in here wouldn't make this room look good.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34So I decided to take that out. But the dresser, I kept that in
0:27:34 > 0:27:38simply because it just looks good. It's an old school feature.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Whilst Kamran has done this place to his own design,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44he's blended it well with what was here.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47That may have been partly to keep his budget down.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52Originally he had planned to spend ideally between 8,000-12,000,
0:27:52 > 0:27:57though he was willing to stretch to 15 if necessary. So how did he do?
0:27:57 > 0:28:01With the extra features of the house, I spent a little bit more.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Um, went about £12,000.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06And it's not only the budget he came in on.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11His original timescale was up to eight weeks. And he did it in six.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14But not without all hands being on deck.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17My mum and dad have helped me out a lot.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20My mum's painting and the wallpaper has been amazing.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23She has chosen that. So she has got a good eye for that.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28I really appreciate that. And again, my brother has helped me out lot as well. So it has been brilliant.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32So, brother Cecil and the rest of the family helped out.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Without them, this would surely have taken a lot longer.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39And the time wasn't the only impressive length here.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42One of my favourite things about this property
0:28:42 > 0:28:45was that massive garden.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48But whilst the size was certainly impressive,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50the state of it? Mm, not so much.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05So this is the garden.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Most of the work's been done by my dad.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11He's put some long hours into this.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14But you can see how much different it looks now.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18It looks really, really good. My dad lost a stone or so doing this.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22So brilliant, yeah, well done, Dad.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27Well done, Kamran, who didn't let the fact that he had virtually no renovation experience behind him
0:29:27 > 0:29:30get in the way of doing plenty of the work.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35Through this project, I've done the kitchen, the tiling,
0:29:35 > 0:29:40the floor tiles, all the technical work, the floorboards.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44I've done some plastering and the bathroom as well,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47so that was an experience, doing the bathroom
0:29:47 > 0:29:51because I designed it myself, installed it myself,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55including the plumbing as well, so yeah, I did really well.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Kamran did bring in the professionals for some of the work,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02but I'm really impressed that he took on so much of it himself.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04But what would two local estate agents think?
0:30:06 > 0:30:08We invited two along to ask them.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14First impressions of the property, I like the garden.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16The garden's a nice, big garden for families.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18The kitchen has been opened up
0:30:18 > 0:30:21to make it a nice, big kitchen-diner with modern units.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Upstairs the carpets are nice and stripy, modern,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27giving it a contemporary feel and good-sized double bedrooms.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30And the third bedroom is also a good size, it's not a box room.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34The front is attractive and it has driveway parking. Perfect.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36I've had a good look around the property
0:30:36 > 0:30:39and the overall look is very nice. I think the style of it is good.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43It's a good location. Nice, big garden.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47So they like the look, but could this property be lucrative?
0:30:47 > 0:30:52Kamran purchased it at the auction for £129,000 and has spent £12,000
0:30:52 > 0:30:57on the renovation, bringing his total outlay to £141,000.
0:30:59 > 0:31:04If he wanted to sell, would he make a healthy profit?
0:31:04 > 0:31:09If I was to market the property for sale, I would market it at approximately £155,000.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13To sell the property, I think we would be looking at offers
0:31:13 > 0:31:15within the region of £170,000.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19I think the 155 might be a little bit too low.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22I think the 170 might be a little bit too high.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26I'm thinking around about the 160 mark on this.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30But yeah, all in all, it's still worth it for me,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34because for what I've bought it for and what I've spent on it,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36I've still done really, really well.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41A pre-tax and expenses profit of between £14,000
0:31:41 > 0:31:44and £29,000 is not to be sniffed at.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47But selling on is not on Kamran's agenda.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Although he does plan to live here himself,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52he's decided he will rent it out for a while first,
0:31:52 > 0:31:54so how much can he get for that?
0:31:55 > 0:31:58I would market this property at between £600
0:31:58 > 0:32:01and £625 per calendar month.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03I would look to achieve £620 per calendar month.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06I was thinking about that kind of price so, yeah,
0:32:06 > 0:32:08I'm really, really happy with that.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Those rental figures would mean a yield of around 5% to 5.5%.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Not a bad return for his first property venture.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17And having done it once,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20has Kamran now got a taste for turning places around?
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Buying something in the auction and then really doing it up
0:32:26 > 0:32:29to how you want to do it up is time-consuming.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32It's a lot of work, it's a lot of hours,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34but you can see the rewards of this.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37And I love it. I think it's brilliant.
0:32:37 > 0:32:38Give that man a gold star.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Well, today I'm on the border between England and Scotland,
0:32:47 > 0:32:52in Gretna Green, obviously famous for marriages over the centuries.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Its main claim to fame dates back to 1754 when an Act of Parliament
0:32:56 > 0:33:01was passed in Britain which meant that if you were 21 years or below
0:33:01 > 0:33:04you had to get the consent of your parents before you got married.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08That wasn't the case here in Scotland where a girl could be as young as 12, and a bloke 14,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11so many a young English couple
0:33:11 > 0:33:16would elope north to Gretna Green here, and that, the old blacksmiths.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Scottish law proved lucky not just for the runaway couples.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It dictated that anyone could carry out the nuptials
0:33:25 > 0:33:27as long as there were two witnesses.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30So a very lucrative sideline developed
0:33:30 > 0:33:34for enterprising blacksmiths who were known as an Anvil priests.
0:33:35 > 0:33:41The romantic notion of eloping still persists so viva, er, Gretna Green.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Let's hope today's auction lot is a decent proposal.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Well, if romance and intrigue aren't enough to attract you
0:33:50 > 0:33:54to this Scottish border town, maybe the property I'm here to see is.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58It's actually in adjoining Gretna, right by the side of Gretna Green.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01It's this three-bedroom semi-detached
0:34:01 > 0:34:03at a guide price of £75,000.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07# Let's get married
0:34:07 > 0:34:10# Let's get married. #
0:34:10 > 0:34:12I may just have been swept off my feet by the area,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15but I've got a good feeling about this place.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21There is something quite charming about it already
0:34:21 > 0:34:25and it's on a quiet road not far from the local amenities. Bonus.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28OK.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31You know, when you walk into a house sometimes
0:34:31 > 0:34:33everything just feels right. You walk through the front door,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36there's stairs to the bedroom there, then it's through to the lounge,
0:34:36 > 0:34:39with a door you can close to keep out the draughts.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Already I'm liking the layout.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Big windows there looking out to the front,
0:34:44 > 0:34:46double glazed which is good news.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49And open fire. Whoo!
0:34:49 > 0:34:52And it carries on in here too.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55The kitchen, obviously been knocked through at some point
0:34:55 > 0:34:59to create a really nice family living and food preparation area.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Kitchen looks to be in half-decent condition.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05If you were renting this place out you could maybe get away with it.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09But what I really like is again the feeling in here.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12It's all sort of open-plan and it just works.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Big windows again out onto the garden
0:35:14 > 0:35:18and you could see yourself living very comfortably in this house.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22And it's refreshing to get that feeling from down here
0:35:22 > 0:35:26rather than have to think straightaway how you would create it.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31Here's hoping the rest of this place 'marries up' to expectations as well.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34So you come up the stairs and I keep on thinking,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38why can't all houses just be like this?
0:35:38 > 0:35:40It's exactly as it should be. Up the stairs,
0:35:40 > 0:35:43loo is at the top of the stairs where it should be.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Three bedrooms, a small box room at the front,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49a larger double at front and a larger double again at the back.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52But everything is exactly as it should be.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54You know, it's a breath of fresh air, to be honest.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02Whoever plumps for purchasing this property won't have to worry about the layout.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05So it could be ideal for someone embarking on their first renovation.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08It really just needs new life to be breathed into it.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32The outside looks promising too.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Well, at the rear of the property, a really nice surprise. A big garden.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Now it needs a bit of tender loving care,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42but with a bit of imagination, you can see what this could become.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44You've got a pond - do that up.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48A bit of grass, get that cut. Maybe some sheds at the bottom there.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50The most important thing is you've got the space to do it.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57So not just a good, solid house but a great garden to boot.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00All for an attractive guide price of £75,000
0:37:00 > 0:37:04and right on Gretna's doorstep, or should I say, threshold.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It's scoring some serious points with me,
0:37:09 > 0:37:11but does a local estate agent agree?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14We invited one along to find out.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Well, the fact that it's in relatively decent order,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I mean, depending on your personal choice you could,
0:37:20 > 0:37:24if you wanted to, move into it and do it while you're living there.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Or you could, if you want to, strip it out and start again.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30If this was my property, I would park a skip out the front,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33strip the property from the floor up and rent it out.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35And if it were to be put on the rental market,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38once it had been brought back to life of course,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40what could the rental returns be?
0:37:40 > 0:37:43In rental, it should achieve between £450
0:37:43 > 0:37:46and £500 per calendar month.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48What about the sale value?
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Once renovated, this property should achieve between 120,000
0:37:52 > 0:37:53and £125,000.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Well, a big house in a decent location
0:37:58 > 0:38:02and not too much work required. It ticks all the boxes.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Let's see who fancies it when it went under the hammer.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12Semi-detached house with garage and gardens. 70, I'm looking for.
0:38:12 > 0:38:18Not going lower than 65. 65 I've got. We are away. At £65,000 then.
0:38:18 > 0:38:25I'll take it in twos. 67, 69, 71 I'm bid. 73 I've got seated.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28I'll take one, 74. 74 I'm bid.
0:38:28 > 0:38:3075 I'm bid, 76.
0:38:30 > 0:38:3676. 76,500, 77. 77,500.
0:38:36 > 0:38:4078 I've got. 78,500. 79 I've got.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43£79,500 I've got.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49And 80, and a half. And 81. And a half.
0:38:49 > 0:38:5182. And a half.
0:38:51 > 0:38:5483 I'm bid, and a half. 84.
0:38:54 > 0:38:5784,500, 85.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01And a half. 86.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05At £85,500, then, first time. Second time.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Third and final time. All done, all out. You, sir.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15The hammer fell at £85,500.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18The bid made by Chris who attended the auction with his friend,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Dave, as they're purchasing the property together.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26Dave's an independent mortgage adviser and Chris a joiner.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31They sound like an ideal match to take on this Gretna three-bed
0:39:31 > 0:39:33which is where I met up with them.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- Dave, Chris, nice to meet you both. - You too.- Congratulations.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Tell me why you wanted to buy this house in Gretna.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44We're looking for an investment property to do up
0:39:44 > 0:39:47and it came on at the right price at the auction so we went for it.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Ideal pairing, someone who can do the work
0:39:49 > 0:39:51and someone who, hopefully, can raise the finance.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54But you were mates first and foremost?
0:39:54 > 0:39:56We've been mates for 15 years.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- 15 years. - So why this house particularly?
0:40:00 > 0:40:06I've stayed in this street before. It's a good area of Gretna.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08It came up at a good price.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Local knowledge is invaluable when making a property purchase.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15As they were both born and bred here,
0:40:15 > 0:40:18and have lived in similar properties in the area,
0:40:18 > 0:40:22Chris and Dave are armed with useful information.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24They searched for a while before they unearthed this one,
0:40:24 > 0:40:28but hopefully once they renovate it, they will strike Gretna gold.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33So, tell me what you're going to do to sort it out.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35It's his department here!
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Probably come in, obviously strip it all-out,
0:40:39 > 0:40:43the kitchen out, the bathroom out, all the internal doors
0:40:43 > 0:40:48and skirting boards, and then just start afresh, really.
0:40:48 > 0:40:54Get it re-plastered, and new fittings back in.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56And are you going to be doing all the work?
0:40:56 > 0:41:01I'll be doing most of it. I'll try and rope David in for some of it!
0:41:01 > 0:41:07I'll feed him a coffee and keep the music going, keep him entertained.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11Good. So what's the budget that you've put aside to do it?
0:41:11 > 0:41:17- About 15?- I would say that should do it, top to bottom. Hopefully.
0:41:17 > 0:41:23And we're either going to sell it on, if we can, or if not, rent it out.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- Right.- We'll see how it goes.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27But in an ideal world, you'd sell it, would you?
0:41:27 > 0:41:32- Yeah, ideal world, we'd sell it.- The right price.- And do another project.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36So this could just be the start of this duo's property venture.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39As well as the work inside, they also plan to clear the garden,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43take it back to its roots, lay down some flag stones
0:41:43 > 0:41:46and put a new door on the garage.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51And they need to do it all whilst also juggling their full-time jobs.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54So how long do you think it'll be before it's all sorted?
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- Two to three months.- Really? - Hopefully finished.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59A lot of weekends and evenings then!
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- Try and get it done as quick as possible.- Good stuff.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05So once you've done this then, what's next on the agenda?
0:42:05 > 0:42:11Hopefully we'll build ourselves up so we can build a house of our own,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13one each. We'll just have to see how it goes.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16How do you think it's going to work, working together,
0:42:16 > 0:42:20because obviously you're mates but it's a different kettle of fish?
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- I think we'll be fine. - Should be fine.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Give each other their own space, we'll be all right.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30And when in Rome, or Gretna in this case, there's one last question.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- So are either of you two married? - No, I'm getting married next month.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37- Are you?- Yes.- In Gretna? - No, in Penrith.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41So much for 'There's no place like home.'
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Well, Dave may be choosing not to marry in Gretna,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50but hopefully his relationship with Chris,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52when it comes to property developing,
0:42:52 > 0:42:54will be a marriage made in heaven.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58Work to be done here. How will they get on? Find out later in the show.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05It's been a while now since we last saw those properties.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07There should have been some work done,
0:43:07 > 0:43:09but that's not always the case.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Lots of problems can arise.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Let's go back and see what they've been up to.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19We've come back to the West London suburb of Hillingdon.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24Vet Daniel purchased this former church premises
0:43:24 > 0:43:29for £264,000 for his rapidly expanding practice.
0:43:29 > 0:43:35He intended turning it into a second surgery where he could give his patients some creature comforts.
0:43:35 > 0:43:40Tell me, what's the most unusual animal you've ever had to work on?
0:43:40 > 0:43:43- A raccoon. - And what was wrong with the raccoon?
0:43:43 > 0:43:46It was a film raccoon and it was very badly behaved
0:43:46 > 0:43:48- so they wanted him castrated.- I love it!
0:43:48 > 0:43:51We got the job because somebody rang the clinic one day asking,
0:43:51 > 0:43:55how much would we castrate a raccoon for? And I was operating
0:43:55 > 0:43:59and they mistakenly thought just the same as a rabbit.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02Not realising what I'd have to deal with.
0:44:02 > 0:44:07I wouldn't want to see it again because I think it will be even angrier next time it sees me!
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Well, hopefully I won't be angry when I see the property again.
0:44:10 > 0:44:15It's now nine months since I met Daniel and his dad, Danny.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19In that time, have they turned this into a perfect place for pets?
0:44:20 > 0:44:24# I'm the king of the swingers, a jungle VIP
0:44:24 > 0:44:29# I've reached the top and had to stop, and that's what bothering me
0:44:29 > 0:44:33# Ooh-be-doo, I wanna be like you
0:44:33 > 0:44:38- # Want to walk like you, talk like you too.- #
0:44:38 > 0:44:40It sure looks like it.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43Outside and that handy parking area has been marked up
0:44:43 > 0:44:45and a disabled space added.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49Also new is the extension of the front, which as planned,
0:44:49 > 0:44:52houses a shiny, new waiting area for pets and their owners.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55And there's more inside.
0:44:56 > 0:45:01We have obviously the front waiting area and then we have the reception.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04The two consulting rooms,
0:45:04 > 0:45:09and then into this operating area which is very much open-plan.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11An X-ray area, dental area.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14And then the acoustically sealed kennels.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16Obviously they're leading out to the outside
0:45:16 > 0:45:18and we have the outside kennel run
0:45:18 > 0:45:20to let the dogs out in the middle of the day.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23But they are not just any kennels.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29The acoustic kennel room was quite difficult to set up
0:45:29 > 0:45:32because I haven't seen this sort of thing done before.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35Acoustically-sealed kennels are similar to what they use
0:45:35 > 0:45:38in recording studios to try and prevent noise for the comfort
0:45:38 > 0:45:43of their clients and staff and the other patients waiting.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45If you can hear a dog barking and you're a dog waiting,
0:45:45 > 0:45:50terrified to go into a veterinary clinic, it doesn't help.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53# It's a dogs life
0:45:53 > 0:45:57# They give you names like Rover
0:45:57 > 0:45:59- # They give you names like Rex.- #
0:45:59 > 0:46:01With the practice not open yet,
0:46:01 > 0:46:06Daniel's drafted in his dog, Hercules, to help test it out.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10Daniel's dad couldn't meet us today but did help out with planning
0:46:10 > 0:46:13and project managing and Daniel brought in a team of builders
0:46:13 > 0:46:18who've been beavering away to get this high spec, high-tech surgery up to scratch.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25So one of the features of the building would be the leaded wall.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29This allows us to take X-ray in this location here without exposing
0:46:29 > 0:46:31the rest of the premises to radiation.
0:46:31 > 0:46:36Obviously, these walls are tested so it's certain that they will absorb the radiation properly.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39It looks the same as the rest of the walls,
0:46:39 > 0:46:41but it's the construction that is different.
0:46:42 > 0:46:47It seems every detail of this place has been planned to perfection.
0:46:47 > 0:46:49And it will be up and running very soon.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52The building's ready to go, the timescale,
0:46:52 > 0:46:54we sort of said three months to have it all set up.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58It took five. Really, we weren't in a rush.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01It was more the standard that we wanted, rather than to try
0:47:01 > 0:47:03and get the job finished quickly.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05So that is why we needed an additional couple of months delay
0:47:05 > 0:47:08on the project itself.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12Quality costs money so how much did Daniel have to pay for it?
0:47:12 > 0:47:16The original budget was around £60,000.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18It probably went to 70, £80,000.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21Because of additions and higher specifications that we started
0:47:21 > 0:47:26to insist upon during the development of the site itself.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29This really adjusted the price upwards.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34So over-budget and schedule, but worth the wait.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37And Daniel's taking it in his stride.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41With that approximate £80,000 on the work
0:47:41 > 0:47:44added to the purchase price of £264,000,
0:47:44 > 0:47:48his total spend here has been £344,000.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51Not including the costs of the new equipment.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01We invited two local property experts to cast their eyes
0:48:01 > 0:48:03over these commercial premises.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11The work's been done very well. It gives a very good impression
0:48:11 > 0:48:12when you come into the building.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16The property's been refurbished to an excellent standard throughout.
0:48:16 > 0:48:18Ideal for purpose. Great use of space
0:48:18 > 0:48:22and the nice thing is there's plenty of parking at the front
0:48:22 > 0:48:24for people visiting the veterinary.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28If the property was offered for sale on the open market at any time,
0:48:28 > 0:48:31there would be a considerable amount of interest
0:48:31 > 0:48:35simply because it has D1 use, which is very, very popular,
0:48:35 > 0:48:38even in these difficult times.
0:48:38 > 0:48:39If he were to consider selling,
0:48:39 > 0:48:43what would these estate agents believe he could get?
0:48:43 > 0:48:48I would recommend an asking price of £375,000,
0:48:48 > 0:48:53with a view to achieving a selling price of £350,000.
0:48:53 > 0:48:58If I was putting this property on the market today, I'd be looking to put it on for £375,000.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02I think that's a reasonable figure.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05They're both obviously very qualified in this area
0:49:05 > 0:49:07and understand commercial markets.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09Very pleased with that.
0:49:09 > 0:49:14So the potential pre-tax profit would be between £6,000 and £31,000.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16Would letting be a better option?
0:49:17 > 0:49:21On the rental side, there's huge demand for this kind of property
0:49:21 > 0:49:24and we'd be placing it on the open market for £24,000 per annum.
0:49:24 > 0:49:30An appropriate rental figure per annum would be £23,000 or £24,000.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34£24,000, I would say, would be a very reasonable price, yeah.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36Absolutely. Happy with that.
0:49:37 > 0:49:42So a potential yield of between 6% and 7%.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44But Daniel set up this place for himself
0:49:44 > 0:49:46and his ever-increasing business.
0:49:46 > 0:49:51He hopes to open a third AND potential fourth practice before long.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53We want to continue expanding the business.
0:49:53 > 0:49:58Maybe a larger scale industrial unit is the next one that in the pipeline.
0:49:58 > 0:50:02# It's a doggy's life. #
0:50:11 > 0:50:14We're back in the Scottish border town of Gretna,
0:50:14 > 0:50:18where local lads, David, a mortgage adviser, and Chris, a joiner,
0:50:18 > 0:50:22paired up to purchase this three bed semi for £85,500.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27The property offered a great garden and superb layout,
0:50:27 > 0:50:30but was in need of some serious cosmetic attention,
0:50:30 > 0:50:33which would put Chris' skills to good use.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39- Are you going to be doing all the work?- I'll be doing most of it.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42I'll try and rope David in for some of it!
0:50:42 > 0:50:47I'll feed him a coffee and keep the music going, keep him entertained!
0:50:47 > 0:50:50This pair seemed like a dream team,
0:50:50 > 0:50:53but by juggling this with their full-time jobs,
0:50:53 > 0:50:56they were taking on a challenge in aiming to complete
0:50:56 > 0:50:59the work in under 12 weeks.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02So we're back almost three months to the day since we first met
0:51:02 > 0:51:05to see if it's all done or all over the shop.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31Well, I'm delighted to say it's all done.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33The boys stripped the entire house out
0:51:33 > 0:51:35and started from scratch on the inside.
0:51:35 > 0:51:40It all looks so much better than before. But what about the outside?
0:51:43 > 0:51:45We stoned this area here.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50Also dug out all the overgrown weeds, dug up the pond that was here,
0:51:50 > 0:51:53relawned it, replaced the fence panels
0:51:53 > 0:51:57and just gave it a pressure wash. It's been such a difference.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Whilst I quite liked the pond that was here before,
0:52:01 > 0:52:05I think they've made the right decision by keeping it simple
0:52:05 > 0:52:08and low maintenance. Once the grass has had a chance to grow,
0:52:08 > 0:52:11it'll be an ideal outside space.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15Inside, the biggest change here is in the kitchen.
0:52:16 > 0:52:21In the kitchen, we came in and stripped all the old kitchen out.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25Stripped all the wallpaper off, had this wall reskimmed,
0:52:25 > 0:52:28because it was quite a mess.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32We've moved the pipe work about a bit to suit the new kitchen,
0:52:32 > 0:52:35and basically fitted the new kitchen, the worktops,
0:52:35 > 0:52:40tiled all the splash backs and then decorated.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43That's about it in the kitchen. We're quite happy with the result.
0:52:43 > 0:52:47- It's quite a nice finish. - It is indeed.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50But as this was the first time these guys have worked together,
0:52:50 > 0:52:53I want to know, did it finish their friendship?
0:52:53 > 0:52:56# He was a friend of mine... #
0:53:00 > 0:53:02Yeah, we've got on great.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06I just give the jobs I don't want to do to David.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10I've done all the non-skilled jobs, he's done the skilled ones.
0:53:10 > 0:53:13So they did get hands-on with the work,
0:53:13 > 0:53:15but as an independent mortgage adviser,
0:53:15 > 0:53:18David's skills were more geared to the finances.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22They had set an ideal budget of £10,000.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25Have they done all this for that?
0:53:25 > 0:53:28Just over eight, I think.
0:53:28 > 0:53:33Chris doing a lot of the work helped. Saving a lot on labour.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36I pulled a couple of favours in to help us.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40Yeah, we're pleased with what we've come away with.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42It really does do wonders for your budget
0:53:42 > 0:53:46if you can do as much of the work yourself as possible.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Even basic things like stripping the walls
0:53:49 > 0:53:52or units can tot up to a fair amount.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55If you get someone else in for those jobs,
0:53:55 > 0:53:57your profit will start to shrink.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01But these boys have come in under budget and on time.
0:54:01 > 0:54:03Well, just on time anyway.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06Once we got the keys, we got going
0:54:06 > 0:54:09and nothing got done for a good month, month and a half
0:54:09 > 0:54:12and then it was a mad rush at the end.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14But we got there.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17They sure did, and the house looks great.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20Added to the £85,500 they paid at auction,
0:54:20 > 0:54:24their approximate £8,000 spent on the work
0:54:24 > 0:54:29brings the total outlay here to £93,500.
0:54:29 > 0:54:30Time to invite a local estate agent
0:54:30 > 0:54:33and the auctioneer who sold the property round
0:54:33 > 0:54:36to see what they make of it all.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39I think this property has been done out really well.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43It's really bright, airy, spacious, it's been decorated throughout,
0:54:43 > 0:54:46carpeted throughout, new kitchen, new bathroom.
0:54:46 > 0:54:51It's all light and airy, loads of light coming into the property. Nice, easy living space.
0:54:51 > 0:54:56- It's very nice.- It's a good-sized property. Good garden.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59Lawned area, garage, off-road parking.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02In general, the owners have done a good job.
0:55:02 > 0:55:08Both property experts agree that the house would do well on either the sale or rental markets.
0:55:08 > 0:55:12And last time Chris and Dave seemed open to either.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15Let's hear how much they could get if they sold it.
0:55:15 > 0:55:21In the current market, this property would achieve somewhere between 115,000 and £120,000.
0:55:21 > 0:55:27I think the property would achieve in the region of £115,000.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30- Quite happy with that. - No surprises there. Seems fine.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33We're going to rent it out for the foreseeable future,
0:55:33 > 0:55:36until the market gets better, possibly sell later on.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40So a potential pre-tax profit of between £21,500
0:55:40 > 0:55:45and £26,500 isn't quite enough for now.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48How about the rental figures?
0:55:48 > 0:55:50If this property was exposed to the rental market,
0:55:50 > 0:55:54it would achieve a figure of between £475 per calendar month
0:55:54 > 0:55:56and £495 per calendar month.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Rental wise, at the moment, in the current market,
0:55:59 > 0:56:03this property would achieve somewhere between £475 and £500 per calendar a month.
0:56:03 > 0:56:08We've got a tenant lined up and we're renting it for £500 a month.
0:56:08 > 0:56:12- So we're quite happy with that. - And so they should be.
0:56:12 > 0:56:17£500 per calendar month will give them a rental yield of nearly 6.5%.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22That tenant moves in today.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26So we'd better get out here, but not before we get some last-minute tips
0:56:26 > 0:56:29from Chris and Dave about buying at auctions.
0:56:29 > 0:56:34Set a budget before you go and don't go over it.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38Try not to go much over it. We went slightly over it but, yeah,
0:56:38 > 0:56:39set a budget and try to stick to it.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44Well, that was today's bunch for you.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48We have plenty more property owners who have experienced the highs
0:56:48 > 0:56:49and lows of buying at auction.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52So make sure you join us next time to meet them.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56And see some more auction action, here on Homes Under The Hammer.
0:56:56 > 0:56:57- Goodbye.- Goodbye.
0:57:17 > 0:57:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd