0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello. It's not just properties in poor condition
0:00:05 > 0:00:07that end up at the auction.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12That's not the case in today's market. You might be surprised by what you find.
0:00:12 > 0:00:18We've been trawling auction catalogues from up and down the country to whet your appetite.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47If you're looking for a quick buy an auction is a great place to start.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Once the gavel falls, the property is yours, if you come up with the money.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Here are the properties on today's show.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59'This three-bed semi in Devon is a developer's dream.'
0:00:59 > 0:01:04It's a nice house as it is, but it could be even better.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07'I visit this character cottage in Nottinghamshire...'
0:01:07 > 0:01:11This is the only way to turn those taps on.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14'..but it's awash with problems.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20'And we will head back to Cheshire to revisit this beautiful old church
0:01:20 > 0:01:24'we last saw eight years ago, to find out what's become of it.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29'All these properties were sold at auction.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34'We find out who bought them and what they paid for them when they went under the hammer.'
0:01:38 > 0:01:42'Today, I'm in Sidmouth, Devon, in an area known as Woolbrook,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45'which is now a suburb of its seaside neighbour.'
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Just one and a half miles from the centre of Sidmouth,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53in this lovely residential area, is the property I'm here to see.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57I have to say, from the outside, it's looking pretty good.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00230,000 to 250,000 quid.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03It's this three-bedroomed semi-detached.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Interesting kind of stuff going on with the chimney there.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Apart from that, I can't wait to see inside!
0:02:09 > 0:02:14'This really is a rather attractive 1920s house
0:02:14 > 0:02:16'with a large garden at the front.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22'It's great that it has its own driveway and separate garage.'
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Nice size entrance hall here.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Bit of damp that needs sorting out. Stairs up to your bedrooms.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Then through into your living room.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37It's a little bit tired and dated, but I like the size of the rooms
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and also the layout of the house.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42You've got a big open fire here.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46This is very much from the 1960s, probably, or '50s.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Not really in keeping.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Put something a bit more impressive in there to create a real feature.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55You've got the conservatory. You've got woodchip on the walls.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- CHUCKLES:- Nothing too untoward. I like it already.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01# We can say, "I like it like that"
0:03:01 > 0:03:03# I like it like that
0:03:03 > 0:03:07# I like it like that... #
0:03:07 > 0:03:10'The property has central heating already installed,
0:03:10 > 0:03:16'the windows are double glazed and it's been rewired throughout.'
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Second reception room on this side.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24Not as big as the other, but a nice space and lots of light coming in.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26It's all good until you step here,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29where it all goes completely bonkers!
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Look at the size of this kitchen! It is teeny weeny.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35For the size of the house, it just doesn't work.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38It's not going to be easy to extend this.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42This wall here, unfortunately, has a chimney breast in it!
0:03:42 > 0:03:45That's going to be the devil's own job to get out.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Going that way might be an option.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52I need to get my thinking hat on and figure out how to sort this out.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54It needs sorting, that's for sure.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57'I wonder what other challenges there are on the first floor
0:03:57 > 0:04:00'of this three-bedroom that went to auction
0:04:00 > 0:04:03'guided at £230,000 to £250,000.'
0:04:03 > 0:04:08Upstairs, exactly what you'd hope for, three decent size bedrooms.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Bathroom and loo needs refurbishing, but you might have expected that.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16What there is, though, is a classic example
0:04:16 > 0:04:19of where a stitch in time saves nine when it comes to property.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24Remember that foliage in the chimney stack you can see poking out?
0:04:24 > 0:04:26This is right underneath there.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31You can see that plant has caused the flashing or whatever it might be
0:04:31 > 0:04:34to come away, water's got in and damp has seeped down here.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38You don't know what kind of damage it's done above there.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Could be the joists. The floorboards could have gone or whatever.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Something that would have cost you 100 quid to fix a year ago
0:04:45 > 0:04:48has now cost thousands of pounds worth of damage.
0:04:48 > 0:04:55# How I wish I, wish I Wish I'd done a little bit more
0:04:55 > 0:05:01# "How I shoulda, woulda, coulda" Are the last words of a fool #
0:05:01 > 0:05:05'So that's scaffolding, repointing, replastering and redecorating,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09'at the very least, to put on the list, but I like this property.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'Chimney foliage aside, it's generally in good condition
0:05:12 > 0:05:15'and offers plenty of scope for improvement.'
0:05:17 > 0:05:21At the rear of the property, a nice sized and secluded garden
0:05:21 > 0:05:24and a garage, so that's good news.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28What also I see out here is potential for an extension.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33Next door have done a fairly elaborate thing including this conservatory thing.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38If you didn't want to go through the planning process you could use "permitted development".
0:05:38 > 0:05:41That means you could come out around three metres.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46I think it would be worth going through the planning process to create something bigger.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Maybe four or five metres, then add on some kind of conservatory.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54It's a nice house as it is, but it could be even better.
0:05:54 > 0:06:01# You could do so much better than this... #
0:06:02 > 0:06:06'A ground floor extension would solve the issue of the tiny kitchen,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08'but you could go even further.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14'Perhaps a second storey extension to add a bedroom or a side extension.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17'But would it be worthwhile financially?
0:06:17 > 0:06:20'What does a local estate agent advise?'
0:06:20 > 0:06:23I would say best not to extend to the side.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28The garage is important and to lose that would be a shame,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30detrimental to the value of the property.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Extend at the back, maybe a single or double extension at the rear.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39The kitchen isn't anything like the size you need for the size property.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42'If renovated and left as a three-bed,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46'what rental income could this place earn?'
0:06:46 > 0:06:49We feel this property would rent for £950 per calendar month.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54If it was four bedrooms, maybe £1,150 per calendar month.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57'Once finished to a high standard,
0:06:57 > 0:07:02'what could this three-bedroom house achieve if it were put up for sale?'
0:07:02 > 0:07:05As a three-bed done up to a high standard,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09this property would be worth somewhere in the region of £350,000.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15A lot of people still think you only get dodgy properties in auctions.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Well, if you need proof that isn't the case, here it is.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21This is a great house.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25It needs a bit of work here and there, but it's a lovely location.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Can't go wrong. Let's see who bought it when it went under the hammer.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33'It was the very last lot of the day so few bidders remained.'
0:07:33 > 0:07:39Lot 167, Sidmouth. Really popular town, popular location.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42It's a 1920s style three-bed semi-detached property.
0:07:42 > 0:07:48We're guiding 230 to 250. Who would like to start this off at £230,000?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52£230,000.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57We'll move in twos. I have 230, seated. 230. 232.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01234. 236.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05236. 238, then.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11238. New bidder. 240.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13240,000 at the back.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15241.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17241. 242?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20No? At 241, then.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23£241,000 for the first time.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Second, last time of calling. It's with you, seated.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I'm about to knock it down, I think, to you.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34At £241,000. And it's yours.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39'Making his first and final bid was Alan, who bought the property with his wife, Jenny.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43'Before he retired, Alan worked in an administrative role
0:08:43 > 0:08:46'for a PLC in central London.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49'The couple moved to Sidmouth from Berkshire a few months ago
0:08:49 > 0:08:51'in order to be close to their children.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54'Why did they decide to buy this property?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57'I met up with them to find out more.'
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- Hello, lovely to meet you both! Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Alan, you are a one-hit bidding wonder!- One bid, one property!
0:09:06 > 0:09:11Were you surprised you got it without any more of a fight?
0:09:11 > 0:09:17Yes. We had a price in mind that we would go to. I was surprised it stopped when it did.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20We thought it would go for a lot more.
0:09:20 > 0:09:26We'd looked round it and thought we won't put an offer in because we thought it would go for a lot more.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- You almost didn't, then?- We didn't think it would go for so little.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- So this is going to be your home? - BOTH: Yes.
0:09:33 > 0:09:39Oh, great. What were you looking for for that? Any type of property?
0:09:39 > 0:09:43Um... We wanted something that I could do some work on.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46The whole idea when we moved down here
0:09:46 > 0:09:51was to buy something that would keep us occupied
0:09:51 > 0:09:53and keep me busy for a while.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58This seemed to tick a lot of the boxes and it was a very good price.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03# And there ain't no price on happiness
0:10:03 > 0:10:05# Baby, you drive me crazy... #
0:10:05 > 0:10:07'Alan may have retired,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11'but Jenny works in a local doctor's surgery as a medical secretary.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17'Sitting back and relaxing does not seem to be on the cards for Alan in the near future.'
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Tell me what you're going to do with the place.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23The main thing is we will extend to the back.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27We'll knock down the existing extension
0:10:27 > 0:10:30and lean-to on the kitchen.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35The plan is to go four metres out, which we'll need planning for,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38and build a new kitchen-diner
0:10:38 > 0:10:41full width across the back of the property,
0:10:41 > 0:10:47and incorporate the little kitchen that we have in with that.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51What's the timescale? Are you going to do it all at the same time?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53No. It'll be staged.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57I don't think we'll start on the extension until the new year.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02I'm thinking nine months to 12 months to get it all done.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08'Alan intends to enjoy his retirement by doing a lot of the work himself,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11'only bringing in contractors for the specialist jobs.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16'The couple currently rent and their agreement comes to an end in three months.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19'After that, they'll be moving in here.'
0:11:20 > 0:11:22What's the budget for the work?
0:11:22 > 0:11:27I'd like it to not go over £40,000.
0:11:27 > 0:11:33We don't know what we're going to find when we start taking wallpaper and stuff off,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36so the maximum budget would be £50,000.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- What are you most looking forward to?- I'm looking forward, really,
0:11:39 > 0:11:45that I hope it'll be near enough finished by next summer that we can enjoy summer here.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Is that going to be achievable?
0:11:47 > 0:11:54The bulk of it'll be done by the summer, but I wouldn't guarantee that it's all going to be done.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- As long as I can sit in a deckchair and watch him.- Amongst the rubble!
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Yeah.
0:12:00 > 0:12:06- Congratulations. Good luck with it. - Thank you very much.- We look forward to seeing how you get on.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Well, Jenny and Alan have made a big move coming to the southwest
0:12:11 > 0:12:13and now taking on this project.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18Alan, OK, he doesn't have a job, but he's going to do all the work himself.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23The big question is, will Jenny be in the garden in her deckchair next summer?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25You can find out by tuning in later in the show.
0:12:31 > 0:12:40# In the marketplace I have seen you many times, my love... #
0:12:42 > 0:12:45'I'm in Retford, a market town in Nottinghamshire.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48'It's really well located, if you fancy commuting.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52'Lincoln, Doncaster, Sheffield and, of course, Nottingham
0:12:52 > 0:12:54'are all within a 30-mile radius.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56'I'm heading for the south side.'
0:12:57 > 0:13:00We're just a short distance from Retford town centre
0:13:00 > 0:13:02and we're in a conservation area.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05It's full of large detached buildings.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10It's a desirable part of town and as you can see we're on a busy main road.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16But the property I'm here to see is tucked down this private lane.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20'Very cute, but buyer beware -
0:13:20 > 0:13:23'if this is a private road, it could mean high maintenance bills.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27'But it does have a pleasant position off the main drag.'
0:13:27 > 0:13:30So, that was the good news.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35Bad news? This property looks a little bit worse for wear.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It's semi-detached. It's a character cottage.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42It had a guide price of £50,000 to £60,000.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45It's a lovely peaceful area here,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48but I think it's going to need a lot of work.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49I'm going in.
0:13:52 > 0:13:58Apparently, this used to be the stable block for the house across the road.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02As I suspected, it needs a whole load of work.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06The kitchen's a great size and you've got a fantastic view
0:14:06 > 0:14:09of the beautiful new development out there.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13But it leaves a lot to be desired for the inside of THIS property.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15What is THIS?
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- LAUGHING:- Of course! It's the stairs! Silly me.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22So, first reception room, a good size.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25You've got a table in here, so you can eat in this room.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I'm wondering where the second reception room is.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33So here it is. It's a brilliant size room -
0:14:33 > 0:14:36but there are major problems.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39The floors are sloping, along with this ceiling.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41It's all sort of running this way.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44There's loads of damp in the corner.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Look at that flaky plaster! Eugh!
0:14:47 > 0:14:51But most worryingly of all, this is the supporting beam.
0:14:51 > 0:14:57It looks to me as if this whole side of the house has subsided this way
0:14:57 > 0:15:01and these blocks have been put in to support it.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Not good. Not good at all.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06# Cos it's no good... #
0:15:08 > 0:15:10'This is definitely a case
0:15:10 > 0:15:14'where you should get professional advice on the structural issues.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19'In terms of the decor, I think it's a "rip it out and start afresh" job.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23'Unfortunately, I'm not even finished with the down sides.'
0:15:25 > 0:15:28One more quirky thing about this house -
0:15:28 > 0:15:30this is the only bathroom.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34It's downstairs and this is the only way...
0:15:34 > 0:15:36to turn those taps on.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40WATER RUNS
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I think a bit of rejigging's required.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46# Ain't that strange... #
0:15:47 > 0:15:49'I'm all for a bit of character,
0:15:49 > 0:15:54'but needing to be a yoga pro to turn the bath on is a quirk too far.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59'For the £50,000 to £60,000 guide price, you're only getting one bedroom.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01'Time for me to check it out.'
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Originally, it would have been two bedrooms.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Yes, this very small room,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09wall would have been here
0:16:09 > 0:16:13and this very, very small room would have been bedroom two.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17It's currently being used as a dressing area, which I think it should be used as.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21You could reinstate the wall, but you'd have two very pokey rooms.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24I don't mean to sound negative,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28but I'm struggling to find any good points about this property so far.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32'Outside, there's a small courtyard,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35'which is pleasant enough, but again needs some work.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38'The cottage has been extended at some point
0:16:38 > 0:16:40'and houses that second reception room.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44'It's only single skinned, which is far from ideal.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47'It's here you can see some obvious clues
0:16:47 > 0:16:50'to the causes of that subsiding wall and dampness.'
0:16:52 > 0:16:56No wonder the inside has problems. Look at that roof!
0:16:56 > 0:17:00It looks like a hammock. It's totally sagging in the middle.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05I think, unfortunately, this whole extension needs to be knocked down and rebuilt.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10If you can get the permission, I'd try for a two-storey extension.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Really make the most of this building.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15But don't forget this is a conservation area,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18so that permission is not guaranteed.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22# Baby, please make a change
0:17:22 > 0:17:26# I think it would do you good #
0:17:26 > 0:17:30'So far, there's not much I'd want to conserve about this property,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34'but it did have an attractive guide price of 50,000 to 60,000.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36'The question is,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40'would it be worth trying to make this into something bigger?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42'What does the auctioneer who sold it
0:17:42 > 0:17:45'think the options might be for this semi-detached cottage?'
0:17:46 > 0:17:49That lean-to is not structurally sound.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54Really, the thing to do would be to raze it to the ground and rebuild
0:17:54 > 0:17:56on its footprint.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59If you're going to do the work, why not make it two-storey?
0:17:59 > 0:18:04If you make it a three-bedroom house with the bathroom upstairs,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06that is the best way forward.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10'I definitely agree that this would be the best choice,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13'but it sounds like an expensive one.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17'Demolition doesn't come cheap, then there are the refurbishment costs.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21'Plus, there could be a long wrangle with the local planning department.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24'A lot of hassle and a lot of money would be involved.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27'Would it be worth it?'
0:18:27 > 0:18:29As a three-bedroom semi-detached cottage,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31dependent on its specification -
0:18:31 > 0:18:34it warrants being done to a high standard -
0:18:34 > 0:18:37probably £550 per calendar month.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40It might be slightly more than that.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45If it was to be sold, maybe 150,000? Maybe a bit more.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47Again, dependent on the quality of the finish.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54'I agree that an extension would transform this cottage
0:18:54 > 0:18:56'and make it much more saleable.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58'This is not a project for a beginner.
0:18:58 > 0:19:04'Let's see who at the auction wasn't put off by the huge amount of work needed here.'
0:19:06 > 0:19:09We've guided 50,000, 60,000, but in fairness, fairly modest.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Straight in at 50,000, anyone?
0:19:14 > 0:19:1840,000? Thank you. 42. 44.
0:19:18 > 0:19:2346. 47. 48. 49. 50,000. 50,000 against the bar.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27At 51. 52. 52 at the back of the room.
0:19:27 > 0:19:2953. 54. 55.
0:19:29 > 0:19:3256. 57.
0:19:32 > 0:19:3458. 59.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37500.
0:19:37 > 0:19:3960,000, sir? 60,000.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42500 for you? 500?
0:19:42 > 0:19:45All done, then, at £60,000 for the first time.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Second, third and last time. Any more bids?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Gentleman right down the middle in the doorway.
0:19:52 > 0:19:58'That successful final bid of 60,000 came from builder Adrian
0:19:58 > 0:20:01'and his business partner, Mr Singh.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04'They bought this house to renovate and sell on.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08'I met them back at their newly purchased semi-detached cottage
0:20:08 > 0:20:10'to find out the plans.'
0:20:10 > 0:20:15Adrian, Mr Singh, it's lovely meeting you both. Congratulations.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Did you think you would get this property on the day?
0:20:18 > 0:20:22When you go into auction, you never think you'll get it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27So when he started from 55 and went up to 60. He put his hand up and they said, "Sold."
0:20:27 > 0:20:30How much would you have gone up to?
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- Probably 80.- 80,000? So you did really well on this.- We did. Yes.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- When you saw this for the first time, what did you think? - A lot of potential.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42The guide price was very appealing.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47'Well, there IS potential here, no doubt about it.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50'This is certainly going to be a challenge and, as it turns out,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53'a bit of an unexpected one.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56'Although they had viewed the property, they didn't realise
0:20:56 > 0:21:01'how bad the structural issues were until after they'd bought it.'
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- What did the surveyor say? - Basically, a single-skin brick,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10damp, bit of subsidence.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15He says, "There's no way you can keep it as it is, so you have to demolish it."
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Were you shocked that you'd have to pull half the building down?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Well, I was, cos we didn't expect it.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25We were hoping for just basic internal work
0:21:25 > 0:21:28and put it back on the market, but...
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- As a builder, surely you could see it was beyond that?- Yes, but not to the point of demolishing.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36I thought everything can be repaired. The roof can be repaired.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Bit of damp here and there,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42but we never expected to have to physically demolish half of it!
0:21:42 > 0:21:47So at that point, did you panic and think, "Oh, no! What have we bought?"
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Not really, cos we had another £20,000 to play with,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54from our original budget to buy the property.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57So we thought that's going to cover it.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01'At least the business partners didn't pay that 80,000.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04'That would have been a nightmare.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08'It just shows how even experienced builders can get caught out.
0:22:08 > 0:22:15'So getting professional advice from surveyors and engineers in cases like these is a must.
0:22:15 > 0:22:21'The pair have dusted themselves down and have already got plans drawn up for a two-storey extension.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23'What kind of budget have they set?'
0:22:26 > 0:22:3015 on top of whatever we're going to spend to do it all up.
0:22:30 > 0:22:36So £15,000 to rebuild this side and how much to do the rest of the property up?
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- Probably another ten, 12. - So, £25,000...- 27.
0:22:40 > 0:22:4427,000 you need to get this property right?
0:22:44 > 0:22:46How are you going to improve it?
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Are you going to add extra square footage? How many bedrooms?
0:22:50 > 0:22:53It's going to be a three-bedroom house, another two bedrooms.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It's already classed as two bedrooms, but it's not.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01You just pull a curtain for the second bedroom. It's not even a door!
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- You can't call it that! So it's going to be a three-bedroom with a bathroom upstairs?- Yes.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- Are you going to increase the square footage, go further out than the footprint?- No.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- You're going to stay within the footprint? - Because it's a conservation area.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20What about planning issues? Do you think you might get turned down?
0:23:20 > 0:23:25I got reassured by our architect that we're not going to get turned down, so fingers crossed.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Good luck with this project. It's been great meeting you both.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- I hope it works out.- Thank you. - Adrian, Mr Singh, lovely to meet you.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37This is Adrian and Mr Singh's first investment project together.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40So far, well, it's not been good news for them.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45They didn't anticipate having to rebuild the whole side of this house.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50Will they get the planning permission they need, or will it be more bad news for the boys?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53You can find out how they get on later in the programme.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58'Coming up, we return to a beautiful church in Cheshire
0:23:58 > 0:24:04'to see if and how I and it have changed in the eight years since we last saw it!'
0:24:05 > 0:24:09'In Nottinghamshire, were there more surprises in store for Mr Singh?'
0:24:09 > 0:24:12On this floor there was some concrete.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14We had to fill about 21 or 22 skips.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20'But first, has this semi in Devon been a dream come true?'
0:24:20 > 0:24:24It really has turned out much better than I thought it ever would.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30'This is Sidmouth, a popular seaside resort in Devon.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35'Earlier, we saw that Alan and his wife Jenny paid £241,000
0:24:35 > 0:24:41'for this imposing three-bed semi in the suburb of Woolbrook.
0:24:41 > 0:24:47'It was to be their new home, rather than the rented accommodation they'd been living in for the past months.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51'They had retired to Devon from Berkshire to be closer to their children.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54'This property offered Alan just what he wanted.'
0:24:54 > 0:24:57We wanted something that I could do some work on.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01The whole idea when we moved down here was to buy something
0:25:01 > 0:25:06that could keep us occupied and keep me busy for a while.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10'And busy was what Alan was going to be.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14'For a start, the chimney was creating damp issues inside
0:25:14 > 0:25:18'and the couple had an ambitious plan to extend at the back.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22'They'd set a budget of £40,000 up to a maximum of 50,000,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26'and hoped to get the work done in nine to 12 months.'
0:25:27 > 0:25:30I hope that it'll be near enough finished by next summer.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Is that going to be achievable?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I think the bulk of it will be done by the summer.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- As long as I can sit in a deckchair and watch him. - Amongst the rubble.- Yeah!
0:25:42 > 0:25:46'It's now one year and four months later.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49'The troublesome chimney has gone.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55'There's a ground floor extension across the width of the house.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02'And this wonderful open-plan kitchen-diner.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11'Jenny and Alan moved to the site a year ago,
0:26:11 > 0:26:16'initially living in their caravan as the building work began.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20'But the long wait has definitely been well worth it.'
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Originally, the outside wall was here.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25The back door was here.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30There was a flat-roof extension over there, which we've demolished.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Nice roof windows, which let in plenty of light.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37It's a nice spacious light area, so very pleased with the end result.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43'The extension's helped to create an open feeling in the living room.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48'And the new passageway through to the former kitchen, now the utility,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50'continues the flow around the ground floor.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52'Jenny's pleased.'
0:26:52 > 0:26:54I think it's fantastic.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56I imagined it,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00but it really has turned out much better than I thought it would.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04The builders had to move where the windows were going to go
0:27:04 > 0:27:09because I thought, "I've always wanted a range cooker!"
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- LAUGHING:- So everything had to be built round that!
0:27:15 > 0:27:19'The former dining room has lost space for the new corridor.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21'It's now a study or fourth bedroom.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26'Upstairs, the three bedrooms have been tastefully decorated.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32'All the door frames, skirting and architraves have been replaced,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36'and the couple opted for a shower in the refurbished bathroom.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39'Alan's first job was to remove the chimney breast,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42'which gave more space in some rooms.
0:27:42 > 0:27:48'My concern that the chimney hadn't been fixed when it was a simple repair proved right.'
0:27:48 > 0:27:52The true extent of the dampness in the chimney breast
0:27:52 > 0:27:56was that it actually permeated right down through the property.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59One of the major problems was the plasterwork,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02which just fell off some of the walls.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05'It wasn't just the walls that the damp had got into.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08'Some of the joists were rotten as well and needed replacing.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11'What effect has that had on the budget?'
0:28:11 > 0:28:15We're just over 45,000, so not bad.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20By doing a lot of the work myself, we've saved on labour costs.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25'They did increase the spec of the fittings and that shows,
0:28:25 > 0:28:29'but the damp and the problem with the chimney took a financial toll.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32'Added to the £241,000 they paid at auction,
0:28:32 > 0:28:37'that takes their investment to just over £286,000.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41'It looks as if Alan has been busy, but did he do everything?'
0:28:41 > 0:28:48I got tradesmen in to do the jobs that you need qualifications to do,
0:28:48 > 0:28:52but the rest of the plumbing, all of the carpentry,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55kitchen, I fitted myself.
0:28:55 > 0:29:01'Jenny has been busy going backwards and forwards to the dump and shopping for DIY materials,
0:29:01 > 0:29:06'so she hasn't been sitting around on a deckchair as she'd envisaged.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15'Still, she seems happy enough with her seaside lot.'
0:29:15 > 0:29:19I love it here. It's so friendly.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21It's a brilliant town.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25It's nice to go down and just look at the sea.
0:29:25 > 0:29:30It changes from day to day. It's almost as if the sea has moods.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33It's nice to have that access to the sea.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38I've come home some mornings and said, "The sea looks angry today!"
0:29:39 > 0:29:43# ..fly across your ocean
0:29:43 > 0:29:47# Break away
0:29:48 > 0:29:57# Time has come for you. #
0:29:57 > 0:30:01'We invited two local estate agents to look at the property.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03'Will they be as impressed as I am
0:30:03 > 0:30:05'at the new extension?'
0:30:06 > 0:30:09They've extended the property beautifully
0:30:09 > 0:30:11and decorated to a very high standard.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13First impressions are excellent.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17The extension and downstairs living accommodation is first class.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21The extension has made a huge difference to the property.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25It was crying out to be done and it's perfect, what the property needed.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30'Jenny and Alan have chosen to make this their retirement home,
0:30:30 > 0:30:33'so they're not going anywhere, but just for the record,
0:30:33 > 0:30:37'what would they earn in rent for this lovely semi?'
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Rental per calendar month, around £900.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44I would expect the property to achieve around £900 a month.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48'That's a yield of 3.7%, but they won't be renting it out.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51'Nor are they interested in selling,
0:30:51 > 0:30:55'but we can carry on being nosey and find out how Alan and Jenny
0:30:55 > 0:31:01'would fare if they sold, bearing in mind their investment of £286,000.'
0:31:01 > 0:31:07I would expect the property to achieve around 325,000.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11I feel an achievable price on this property is 350,000.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15'Those valuations would represent a gross profit
0:31:15 > 0:31:19'of £39,000 to £64,000 before tax and expenses.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23'So all that hard graft has been well worth it.'
0:31:23 > 0:31:26They're both higher than we would have imagined.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Great valuations. Very happy with that.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31VERY happy with that.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36We wouldn't have got it to such a great spec if Alan hadn't have done it.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40I'm really proud of him for what he's done. It's brilliant.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42I love it here.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50'We now go a very long way back in Homes Under The Hammer time
0:31:50 > 0:31:52'to 2004.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55'We visited the beautiful Cheshire countryside
0:31:55 > 0:32:00'and the hamlet of Preston On The Hill, which had pretty views,
0:32:00 > 0:32:04'an unusual property - and me looking slightly younger!'
0:32:04 > 0:32:07So, a lovely location, which is always a good start!
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Bit of a busy road, which is a down side.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15It all pales into insignificance when you see what is up for auction.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19For a guide price of £120,000,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22this old church could be yours.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26'This lovely mission building dates back to 1887.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30'If you like the outside, just look at the inside!'
0:32:30 > 0:32:33This is what you get for your money.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37It's primarily this one big room, but what a space!
0:32:37 > 0:32:41Fantastic old windows, the roof supports,
0:32:41 > 0:32:43original oak flooring.
0:32:43 > 0:32:49Imagine what somebody with a bit of imagination and building skills can do with a place like this!
0:32:52 > 0:32:55'Building skills would definitely be important.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58'This doesn't look like one for the amateur.
0:32:58 > 0:33:03'With all those hymn books and pews, it looks like the place was being used until quite recently.'
0:33:03 > 0:33:06PLAYS OPENING NOTES OF "JERUSALEM"
0:33:13 > 0:33:16It's always quite sad when a place like this comes up for auction.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19It was originally the church hall.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22You can imagine the members of the WI singing Jerusalem.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26I suppose it's better that it does go to auction and somebody buys it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31It doesn't just fall into disrepair, and hopefully it will become part of the community once again.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34CHOIR SINGS "JERUSALEM"
0:33:42 > 0:33:47'This Grade II listed building was originally used as the village hall
0:33:47 > 0:33:49'and then became a place of worship.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56'Sadly, back in 2001, services were suspended
0:33:56 > 0:34:02'when a crack was discovered in the side wall and the property was deemed to be dangerous.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04'It then suffered a bit of vandalism.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08'With no money for repairs, after a lot of heart searching
0:34:08 > 0:34:13'it was decided to apply for planning permission to convert it into a four-bedroom house,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16'to make it more saleable, and put it up for auction.'
0:34:16 > 0:34:20What an opportunity for somebody with a bit of imagination!
0:34:20 > 0:34:22It's perfect auction material.
0:34:22 > 0:34:28'Let's find out who bought this amazing property guided at £120,000.'
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Lot number 16, ladies and gentlemen.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Can I have 130,000 and away?
0:34:36 > 0:34:40130 I am bid at the back. At 130. Two and a half there.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42135, sir? 135.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45137 and a half. 140, sir...?
0:34:45 > 0:34:49'This unique lot attracted many interested parties.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54'We rejoin the auction as the bidding reached double the guide price, at 250,000.'
0:34:54 > 0:34:57..I'm selling it. 250. At 250.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59252 and a half.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Are you going in the corner? 255, new bidder.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05At 255. Yes, 260.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08You're out by the door. 262 and a half.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13At 262 and a half. 265. Seven and a half, sir?
0:35:13 > 0:35:17267 and a half. You're out on my left. You coming in?
0:35:17 > 0:35:21270. At 270, the mission. Quickly? Another two and a half?
0:35:21 > 0:35:25Yes. 272 and a half. At 272 and a half.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30At 272 and a half. Another two and a half, sir?
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Are you sure?
0:35:32 > 0:35:35At 272 and a half I'm selling then, once, twice,
0:35:35 > 0:35:40the third and final time at 272,500.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Yours, sir. Well done.
0:35:42 > 0:35:48'After that fierce competition, the mission finally sold for £272,500.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52'I met the new owner, Ed, at the property.'
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- Ed, congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- The owner of this wonderful old church!- It's brilliant!
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- What was it that struck you about it?- All sorts of things.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03The location, of course, and the character.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06The wonderful opportunity I've got to develop it.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Tell me a bit about you, then.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I'm in the construction business.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15I have a national roofing company. I also have a development company.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18There's a complete shortage of prestige houses in the area.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22So this came up and there was far too much interest.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27- What do you mean?- Every time I came to view it, there were 25 people!
0:36:27 > 0:36:31That put me off a little bit and I thought, "I've got to go for it."
0:36:31 > 0:36:34I've bought properties where it's "subject to planning permission"
0:36:34 > 0:36:38or "it may be" and I've had them for years.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40It's been very tiresome getting through it.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43That's why we decided to buy this property.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Let's come on to the building. What are you going to do?
0:36:46 > 0:36:49First of all, I'm going to leave my options open.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53We have permission for a four-bedroom detached house.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56I've been speaking to the planners and there's options available
0:36:56 > 0:37:00of converting it into apartments, three dwellings, possibly even four.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03We've got to explore that avenue.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08'Ed thinks those apartments might be an alternative,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12'but for the moment, in case those plans don't get approved,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15'he's running with the current four-bed house idea.'
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Obviously, there is an issue here because it is an old church.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24How are you going to be sensitive to that?
0:37:24 > 0:37:28It was the village hall. That was originally purpose-built.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31So there's no crucifixes or real signs of any gothic,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35just retaining stone features, nice tasteful glass
0:37:35 > 0:37:37and lovely oak features everywhere.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41So it hasn't got that feel of a church.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43If anything, it's a small chapel house.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48- So you'll retain as much of it? - I'll retain much of that, of course, bring the true beauty out.
0:37:48 > 0:37:55But mix that with a top-spec, you know, a real modern, very, very flash, if I can, inside.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Do you have any idea of budget for this project?
0:37:57 > 0:38:01At first, we reckoned £140,000 to spend on it.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03But the roof is in superb condition.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07There's one structural crack I have to worry about, which I knew about.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Superb floors, which we're going to possibly keep.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14So the budget's coming down now, as we're getting into it.
0:38:14 > 0:38:19- What about timescales?- Six to 12 months is a realistic timescale.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- If we come back in a few, will we see some changes?- I hope so.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26In a few months, you may see some clearing up.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29You'll certainly see some wonderful designs.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34'Ed seems very bullish and businesslike about his new property.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37'He's keen to get as much planning advice as possible
0:38:37 > 0:38:39'before he starts changing the building's structure.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42'So, who are his A-team?'
0:38:42 > 0:38:46Dave, you're the architect. Want to talk us through what you've got?
0:38:46 > 0:38:50We've come into this fantastic volume
0:38:50 > 0:38:54and I wanted to keep the spirit of the volume in the design.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58I've been able to spread the living accommodation over three floors.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02I wanted to provide dynamic space, particularly in the living room.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06We've got this fluid route through the building,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09which leads from the front entrance to the rear.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- This kind of curve.- It creates a dynamic shape to the living space.
0:39:13 > 0:39:18Beyond the gable wall behind me, a dining/family room.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22The gable wall will be taken down and insert a glass folding wall,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25to offer views out to the field beyond
0:39:25 > 0:39:30and try and bring that landscape into the dwelling.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35- Ed, what do you think of the plans? - I hope it's not going to run over budget too much!
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- I have to calm him down!- Scott, you're the structural engineer.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41What issues are you going to have to deal with?
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Basically, we've got...
0:39:43 > 0:39:46we've got a property that's surrounded by trees.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- There is evidence of some movement within the property.- The crack!
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- Particularly the corner, yeah. - Can you chop the trees down?
0:39:53 > 0:39:56No. They've all got tree preservation orders on them,
0:39:56 > 0:40:03so we can't touch the trees without specific permission from the Local Authority.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08Apart from that crack, then, any other major issues in terms of what Dave's planning?
0:40:08 > 0:40:12There is some minor work needed,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14but it's in a reasonable condition.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17I think we've got a fantastic building.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21It's a great location. It's going to make a great home for somebody.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25'Grand plans indeed, but even if this option wasn't a dead cert
0:40:25 > 0:40:28'and apartments were created instead,
0:40:28 > 0:40:32'either option ensured the future of this Grade II listed building.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37'But when we first returned nine months later, not all that much had happened.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39'Not that you could see, anyway.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42'Most of the action had been on the planning front.
0:40:42 > 0:40:48'Ed had decided that he could make a better return on his £272,500 investment
0:40:48 > 0:40:50'with the four-apartment option.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54'He figured that was better than one single high-spec house,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57'given the dip in the housing market,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59'so he'd been busy pursuing that.'
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Since you were last here,
0:41:01 > 0:41:05we've been exploring all the avenues we possibly can.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07One of the ideas by my architect
0:41:07 > 0:41:11was to see if we can change the planning permission
0:41:11 > 0:41:14for possibly three or four apartments.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Just recently, we've had the results back
0:41:17 > 0:41:21and they're not very happy with us going forward on that suggestion.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23So we're back to the original plan,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26converting the whole thing into one large detached dwelling.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34'The delay didn't stop Ed from making a couple of alterations to the inside of the mission.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39'He covered the floorboards to protect the oak flooring while the work was done,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43'and the windows were restored, flooding the place with light.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51'Then the only problems facing Ed were the trees outside.'
0:41:51 > 0:41:55One of the issues we've had is that the premises is surrounded by trees
0:41:55 > 0:41:59that have got TPOs on them, tree preservation orders.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03That has shielded it, probably protected it over the years.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06But to get the true beauty out of the building,
0:42:06 > 0:42:08I want to take some of these trees down.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11One in particular, this one here close to the road,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15is stopping a lot of light going into the building.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18I'm going to put an application in to see if it can be removed.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22'You can find out later if Ed was successful
0:42:22 > 0:42:26'in felling that tree and turning this into a fabulous four-bed home.
0:42:26 > 0:42:32'When we return nine years later, will it be a mission accomplished?'
0:42:35 > 0:42:39So, have the tides changed for our buyers?
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Have their experiences been plain sailing?
0:42:41 > 0:42:46Have they sunk without trace or swum to shore with a plum profit?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Let's find out.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53'We're now back to Nottinghamshire, the pretty market town of Retford.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57'Just a few minutes from its centre, hidden down this private lane,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00'was this somewhat shabby semi-detached cottage.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04'It was purchased by pals Adrian and Mr Singh for 60,000
0:43:04 > 0:43:09'at an auction as their first property project together.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14'The extension didn't just need TLC, as they discovered after they bought it.'
0:43:14 > 0:43:18- What did the surveyor say? - Basically, single-skin brick,
0:43:18 > 0:43:21damp, bit of subsidence,
0:43:21 > 0:43:27and he says, "There's no way you can keep it as it is so you have to demolish it."
0:43:27 > 0:43:30Were you shocked that you'd have to pull half the building down?
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Well, I was, cos we didn't expect it.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38We were hoping just basic internal work then put it on the market.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41We never expected to have to physically demolish half of it.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44'So an unfortunate shock for them,
0:43:44 > 0:43:48'but they did pay a lot less than they'd anticipated,
0:43:48 > 0:43:52'so were at least in a better financial position to do the work.
0:43:52 > 0:43:57'We went back 20 months after my first visit to meet Mr Singh
0:43:57 > 0:44:01'and to see if they managed to take this from mediocre to modern.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10'Well, the outside certainly looks a lot fresher
0:44:10 > 0:44:14'and now boasts a brand new two-storey extension.
0:44:14 > 0:44:17'The courtyard's been cleared of concrete
0:44:17 > 0:44:19'and now has space for parking.
0:44:19 > 0:44:25'Inside, the kitchen has been replaced, and in the bathroom,
0:44:25 > 0:44:30'there's no longer need to be a contortionist to turn on the taps!
0:44:33 > 0:44:37'And where there were two reception rooms,
0:44:37 > 0:44:41'there's now one large open space, incorporating the downstairs
0:44:41 > 0:44:44'of that new extension which was built from scratch.'
0:44:44 > 0:44:47It was totally demolished on one side
0:44:47 > 0:44:50and to join with the other side wasn't that hard.
0:44:50 > 0:44:55We'd already demolished one side so it was just new kitchen, new bathroom.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59Everything's new now. It's all been replastered - downstairs, upstairs.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03There's new doors, new radiators. Everything's new, whatever you see.
0:45:03 > 0:45:08'All that's needed is new carpets and the property will be good to go.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13'Upstairs had one large bedroom, which used to be two.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17'Now, thanks to the extension, there are three bedrooms.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21'One's even got an en suite.
0:45:21 > 0:45:27'It all looks a lot better, but wasn't an easy job.'
0:45:27 > 0:45:30On this floor there was some concrete. We had to break it all up.
0:45:30 > 0:45:36That was the most hard work. We have filled about 21 or 22 skips.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39We are happy now it's all finished.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43'I've no doubt they both are and although Adrian couldn't be here,
0:45:43 > 0:45:45'he's been here every step of the way.'
0:45:45 > 0:45:48He has helped me a lot on this project.
0:45:48 > 0:45:54Any problem I get again, I know he will be there. I respect him a lot.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58'He's not the only one who gave a helping hand!'
0:45:58 > 0:46:04There was good help from the neighbours. They've kept an eye on the property all the time.
0:46:04 > 0:46:08I want to thank all the neighbours. They're really good people.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11I'm really grateful for them.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15'It all sounds good, but the project took longer than expected,
0:46:15 > 0:46:18'so how did the £20,000 budget hold up?'
0:46:20 > 0:46:23I think we have spent £40,000 to £42,000.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27We have gone for a high range of kitchen
0:46:27 > 0:46:31and a better spec bathroom and upstairs shower.
0:46:31 > 0:46:36I don't mind because I think the property's worth more than what we have spent.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39'Well, let's find out.
0:46:39 > 0:46:44'That 42,000 on the work added to the purchase price of 60,000,
0:46:44 > 0:46:49'means the total outlay here has been £102,000.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53'We invited a local estate agent and the auctioneer who sold the property
0:46:53 > 0:46:55'to take a look.'
0:46:57 > 0:47:00I quite like the property. It's open and light.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02It's got a nice feel about it.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05The location as well, it's a prestigious location
0:47:05 > 0:47:08in its own little enclave well back from the main road.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10It's a good spot.
0:47:10 > 0:47:16To improve it and extend it in this way was essential because the property was...
0:47:16 > 0:47:21out of kilter, if you like - large ground floor, very limited bedrooms.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23One and a half bedrooms, in fact.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26You have something that suits the modern family.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30Three bedrooms, en suite bathroom, good space on the ground floor.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32They've hit it right.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37'What could it fetch if put up for sale now?'
0:47:38 > 0:47:43My recommendation would be to market the house around £130,000
0:47:43 > 0:47:49with a view, in this challenging market, to negotiate down to around £125,000.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52I would have thought around £125,000
0:47:52 > 0:47:56would be about its value - you might ask a little more, initially.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59I'm quite happy with that. Yeah, no problem.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04'If it sold for that 125,000,
0:48:04 > 0:48:09'Mr Singh would see a potential pre-tax profit of £23,000.
0:48:09 > 0:48:15'The plan was to sell it on, but could the rental returns prove tempting?'
0:48:15 > 0:48:18The rental prospects are good. It should appeal.
0:48:18 > 0:48:24I'd look to market it around £500 to £550 per calendar month.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27This is a good address. There'd be a good demand for this property.
0:48:27 > 0:48:32I would have thought in the region of £550 per calendar month would be appropriate.
0:48:32 > 0:48:38'£550 per calendar month would yield around 6.5%.'
0:48:38 > 0:48:42Right, that's OK. I think I'll maybe rent it out, then. Yeah.
0:48:42 > 0:48:47Hold it for a bit, probably wait till the price goes up then sell it.
0:48:48 > 0:48:52'Now he's nearly finished this first project and knows the finances,
0:48:52 > 0:48:56'has Mr Singh got a taste for renovation in the future?'
0:48:56 > 0:48:58I've enjoyed doing this project.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02If I get a chance to buy another property, I will buy another one.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05Do it the same and sell it or maybe rent it.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07It's an enjoyable thing to do.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15'We now return to the sleepy Cheshire hamlet of Preston On The Hill
0:49:15 > 0:49:20'and a property we first saw way back in 2004.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25'This former mission was built as a village hall in 1887.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29'It was used as a church throughout the 20th century until 2001,
0:49:29 > 0:49:32'when cracks were discovered in the wall
0:49:32 > 0:49:36'and services were sadly discontinued.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38'The Grade II listed mission was rescued
0:49:38 > 0:49:42'when planning permission to convert it into a four-bed home was passed
0:49:42 > 0:49:45'and it was put up for auction.
0:49:45 > 0:49:49'The buyer was Ed, a property developer who runs his own roofing company.
0:49:49 > 0:49:54'He paid £272,500 for the property and hoped to keep his options open,
0:49:54 > 0:49:57'either going with converting it into a house
0:49:57 > 0:50:02'or perhaps four apartments, all in a time scale of 12 months!
0:50:06 > 0:50:09'But when we returned nine months later,
0:50:09 > 0:50:11'the old mission had been tidied up
0:50:11 > 0:50:15'but there were no sign of any of Ed's plans coming to fruition.'
0:50:15 > 0:50:18Since you were here, we've been exploring all the avenues.
0:50:18 > 0:50:20One of the suggestions by my architect
0:50:20 > 0:50:28was to see if we can change the planning permission for three or four apartments.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31Recently, we've had the results back
0:50:31 > 0:50:36and they're not very happy with us going forward on that suggestion.
0:50:36 > 0:50:41So we're back to the original plan, converting the whole thing into one large detached dwelling.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46'That was in 2004. We're back eight years on from the last visit,
0:50:46 > 0:50:50'to see if Ed finally got the development he was after.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55'With the shrubs removed and the trees now bare,
0:50:55 > 0:50:58'it's easier to see the building in all its glory
0:50:58 > 0:51:01'and the changes that have been made here,
0:51:01 > 0:51:05'but there are signs that the work still isn't completed.
0:51:06 > 0:51:11'Before we went inside, we asked Ed to bring us up to date with developments.'
0:51:11 > 0:51:17With a lot of patience and perseverance, we've managed to get four dwellings out of it now,
0:51:17 > 0:51:20which we wanted to originally.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24But it took a long time and the way the economy has gone,
0:51:24 > 0:51:26it's probably been the right thing to do.
0:51:26 > 0:51:31Building a half-a-million-pound, £600,000 house at the time,
0:51:31 > 0:51:34was just a little bit over-ambitious.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38So we've managed to get permission and we've started the construction.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40'Instead of that one house,
0:51:40 > 0:51:46'Ed now has four three-storey, three-bed houses with attic space.
0:51:46 > 0:51:51'The church entrance is the front door to the first to be completed.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54'It leads to a large kitchen-living room
0:51:54 > 0:51:58'with the bottom of the large side windows providing natural light.
0:51:58 > 0:52:02'The stairs and landing are bathed in light from the huge front windows.
0:52:02 > 0:52:07'The main bedroom on the first floor also benefits from that grand window
0:52:07 > 0:52:09'and as it's directly above the kitchen,
0:52:09 > 0:52:12'there's also light from the top of the side window.
0:52:12 > 0:52:16'On this floor, there's a stylish family bathroom
0:52:16 > 0:52:18'and another smaller bedroom.
0:52:20 > 0:52:25'Up on the second floor, the third bedroom has added character
0:52:25 > 0:52:28'with those beautiful original wooden beams.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31'Light comes through new windows in the roof.
0:52:31 > 0:52:36'This final design may have a modern feel, but I'm glad Ed has persevered
0:52:36 > 0:52:39'and kept the unique feel of this property.'
0:52:39 > 0:52:43It was really important to maintain the character of the building.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46I fell in love with this, like a lot of people did.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49I really wanted to put my mark on it.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51'Ed has certainly done that.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58'Eventually, the converted mission will have four dwellings,
0:52:58 > 0:53:02'each with street-level access and a garden area.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06'The layout will vary, with the end property boasting cellar rooms
0:53:06 > 0:53:09'and a verandah overlooking the fields.
0:53:09 > 0:53:15'Deciding on the right plan was important to getting the best out of the building.'
0:53:15 > 0:53:19The houses were always going to be contemporary type living.
0:53:19 > 0:53:23But despite the size of the church, it wasn't that much footage in it.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27So we've designed it in a way to maximise the height of the church
0:53:27 > 0:53:32by lowering the floors and going right into the roof space.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36'At the very top of each of the new dwellings will be a loft space,
0:53:36 > 0:53:39'taking advantage of every square inch.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42'To enable the property to stretch over the floors,
0:53:42 > 0:53:45'the ground-floor level had to be lowered.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48'Unfortunately, that meant sacrificing the original flooring.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52'It was the drop in the housing market and the economy
0:53:52 > 0:53:56'that forced Ed to hold this development back almost eight years.'
0:53:56 > 0:53:59Over recent years, it's been a roller coaster,
0:53:59 > 0:54:03very difficult for us construction workers and developers.
0:54:03 > 0:54:07The economy has been horrendous, but being experienced developers,
0:54:07 > 0:54:13we carefully and patiently decided to hold off this development until the time was right.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17'But after eight years, Ed is now pretty relieved
0:54:17 > 0:54:20'to see his development finally being, well, developed!'
0:54:21 > 0:54:25# Almost there
0:54:25 > 0:54:29# We're almost there... #
0:54:29 > 0:54:34'There were also planning delays and problems getting services connected
0:54:34 > 0:54:36'that combined to hold up the renovation.
0:54:36 > 0:54:42'Ed is now convinced that this is the right time to start making this property earn its keep.
0:54:42 > 0:54:47'Back in 2004, he had a budget of £140,000 for the project.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51'With the new plans, how does he see the costs adding up?'
0:54:51 > 0:54:54We've more or less set it at £70,000 per dwelling.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58We've spent a bit more in number one and less in number two.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01Probably a little bit more in number four,
0:55:01 > 0:55:05because it's going to have special verandahs and certain features.
0:55:05 > 0:55:10We're on target, in fact, but we've not finished yet.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13'With Ed's four properties, that should take his renovation costs
0:55:13 > 0:55:16'to £280,000.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20'Add that to his purchase price of £272,500
0:55:20 > 0:55:25'and his total outlay is just over £552,000.
0:55:27 > 0:55:31'To see if this new development is right for Preston On The Hill,
0:55:31 > 0:55:35'we asked the opinion of two local property experts,
0:55:35 > 0:55:40'one of whom first viewed the building nine years ago!'
0:55:40 > 0:55:45It's a long time and quite a transformation from what I last saw.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49What's pleased me most coming back
0:55:49 > 0:55:54is seeing the originality and the features that have been restored.
0:55:54 > 0:55:59Most importantly, the fact that the property's been divided into more than one dwelling.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02I think it's great.
0:56:02 > 0:56:07It's really nice accommodation. It's got lots of original features,
0:56:07 > 0:56:11which the developer's worked hard to retain, but it's contemporary as well.
0:56:11 > 0:56:16'Bearing in mind the final cost of investment could be £552,000,
0:56:16 > 0:56:20'what sort of profit could Ed make if he decides to sell them on?'
0:56:22 > 0:56:27I would suggest putting the property on the market in the region of £200,000.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31I would suggest a marketing price in the region of £200,000.
0:56:31 > 0:56:35I think we'd achieve close to that asking price.
0:56:35 > 0:56:41We probably could get 200 for it, but to get the first one off and second one off is pretty good.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44We're not greedy developers for that matter.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47We just want house sales to go forwards.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49We're going to advertise it for about 190.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52'Of course, it's tricky to value anything unfinished,
0:56:52 > 0:56:55'but if the standard is the same
0:56:55 > 0:57:00'he could be on course to make a profit of at least £200,000.
0:57:00 > 0:57:05'However, Ed's seen ups and downs since this project started,
0:57:05 > 0:57:08'so it may well be worth knowing the rental potential.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11'The estate agents think, when completed,
0:57:11 > 0:57:16'they could give a rental income of up to £1,000 per property per calendar month.
0:57:16 > 0:57:22'Spread over four properties, that could mean an annual income of 48,000,
0:57:22 > 0:57:24'an impressive yield of 8.5%.'
0:57:24 > 0:57:27I'd certainly consider it, if I didn't sell.
0:57:27 > 0:57:31That's the model that we have to work to now. You build to rent.
0:57:31 > 0:57:37If you do not sell for any reason, you fall back on the renting side.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42'This has been a really long-term investment
0:57:42 > 0:57:45'and took tenacity and great patience.
0:57:45 > 0:57:50'It sounds like Ed's still prepared to roll with those property-market punches.'
0:57:50 > 0:57:54I still enjoy doing what I'm doing, so I'm not going to stop.
0:57:54 > 0:57:56I should slow down now. I'm over 50.
0:57:56 > 0:58:00But I don't seem to be doing so, so I don't know why.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04CHUCKLES: If I keep on enjoying it, I'll keep on doing it.
0:58:07 > 0:58:11For more auction action, join us next time for Homes Under The Hammer.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14- We'll see you then. - Goodbye.- Goodbye.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:19 > 0:58:22E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk