Episode 23

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello. The UK property market is worth millions

0:00:04 > 0:00:06and millions of pounds every year.

0:00:06 > 0:00:09Those are big numbers, but don't be put off by that.

0:00:09 > 0:00:12No, cos auctions are a level playing field.

0:00:12 > 0:00:14They are accessible to everyone.

0:00:14 > 0:00:17All you need is a bit of cash and some confidence.

0:00:43 > 0:00:48With tens of thousands of properties going under the hammer each year,

0:00:48 > 0:00:52there are usually a good selection to be found at most auctions.

0:00:52 > 0:00:55So here's what the bidders decided to go for

0:00:55 > 0:00:57when they put up their hands.

0:00:59 > 0:01:02'In South Glamorgan, is there something missing?'

0:01:02 > 0:01:03That's very nice.

0:01:05 > 0:01:06Where's the kitchen, then?

0:01:08 > 0:01:11'While in Margate, I wish there was something missing

0:01:11 > 0:01:13'in this Georgian town house.'

0:01:13 > 0:01:14What would I do?

0:01:14 > 0:01:18First things first, I want to get rid of this wall.

0:01:18 > 0:01:19Of course I do.

0:01:20 > 0:01:25'But in London, this maisonette could have everything you need.'

0:01:25 > 0:01:28If you like houses with stairs and a bit of character,

0:01:28 > 0:01:30it's already scoring pretty highly.

0:01:31 > 0:01:34All of these properties have been sold at auction.

0:01:34 > 0:01:37We'll find out who bought them and what they paid for them

0:01:37 > 0:01:39when they went under the hammer.

0:01:39 > 0:01:41Yours, sir. Well done.

0:01:47 > 0:01:51Wales has seen a lot of economic changes over the years.

0:01:51 > 0:01:56And Cardiff in particular has had a lot of regeneration since the '90s.

0:01:56 > 0:01:59With its cultural and sporting heritage,

0:01:59 > 0:02:01who could not love this city?

0:02:01 > 0:02:06Just a short journey by train or car from the centre of Cardiff,

0:02:06 > 0:02:10and just look at the kind of scenery you find yourself in.

0:02:11 > 0:02:14MALE CHOIR SINGING

0:02:19 > 0:02:21I'm in the village of Penrhiwceiber,

0:02:21 > 0:02:24situated in the valleys of South Wales.

0:02:24 > 0:02:27Today much of its housing stock is made up of terraced houses.

0:02:27 > 0:02:32But before this, these slopes were once covered in dense woodland.

0:02:32 > 0:02:35The trees were felled in the 19th century

0:02:35 > 0:02:39to make way for the colliery and its associated community.

0:02:39 > 0:02:43And what grew here in place of the trees was a thriving village.

0:02:44 > 0:02:47SINGING CONTINUES

0:02:49 > 0:02:54I really like the location of a lot of these Welsh valley properties.

0:02:54 > 0:02:56They really are spectacular.

0:02:56 > 0:03:00Often built, as these are, into the hillsides, with amazing views.

0:03:00 > 0:03:03The properties themselves, this particular street for sure,

0:03:03 > 0:03:05really attractive.

0:03:05 > 0:03:09I like this stonework and the contrasting surrounds to the door.

0:03:09 > 0:03:12And the windows. Yeah, it's absolutely lovely.

0:03:12 > 0:03:16The house itself - £25,000-plus was the guide price. Two bedrooms.

0:03:16 > 0:03:17Let's take a look.

0:03:18 > 0:03:20Not a huge amount of money.

0:03:21 > 0:03:24"Huge amount of house, perhaps?" he says.

0:03:24 > 0:03:26Well, nice entrance hall here.

0:03:26 > 0:03:29Straightaway it looks to be in reasonable condition.

0:03:29 > 0:03:32You've got relatively new electrics, which is always good.

0:03:32 > 0:03:37Through into your lounge. Nice big window.

0:03:37 > 0:03:41Possibly not that private, but a set of drapes on there...

0:03:41 > 0:03:43Drapes? That's very American, isn't it?

0:03:43 > 0:03:45AMERICAN ACCENT: A nice set of drapes on there.

0:03:45 > 0:03:47Window blinds. Windows!

0:03:47 > 0:03:49What are those things you put on windows again?

0:03:49 > 0:03:51Curtains, that's it! Nice set of curtains on there,

0:03:51 > 0:03:53really transform it.

0:03:55 > 0:03:58Sorry, I'm going to have to draw a veil over this now.

0:03:58 > 0:04:00Must be all that fresh mountain air

0:04:00 > 0:04:03and the views that have turned my head.

0:04:03 > 0:04:05Well, yes, carrying on...

0:04:05 > 0:04:09It's all a bit strange at this point. The layout is definitely odd.

0:04:09 > 0:04:12Because this...you might have expected to be

0:04:12 > 0:04:15something like a kitchen, but no.

0:04:15 > 0:04:17It's the bathroom. OK.

0:04:17 > 0:04:18Well, that's very nice.

0:04:21 > 0:04:22Where's the kitchen then?

0:04:24 > 0:04:29# Finding myself lost again

0:04:29 > 0:04:33# Yeah, I'm finding myself lost again... #

0:04:33 > 0:04:38'This is a fairly modern bathroom with a newly fitted electric shower.

0:04:38 > 0:04:43'But it's not the place to cook your dinner. I need to keep exploring.'

0:04:43 > 0:04:47So, upstairs, and a really good sized front bedroom.

0:04:47 > 0:04:53Almost big enough to contemplate subdividing into another bedroom.

0:04:53 > 0:04:57You've got two windows so possibly you could make this into a three-bed.

0:04:57 > 0:05:01An en suite would work very well I think in preference.

0:05:01 > 0:05:04A cupboard there with your hot water cylinder in it.

0:05:04 > 0:05:07And then into the back bedroom. A slightly smaller size.

0:05:07 > 0:05:11But perfectly good though. And again, big windows.

0:05:11 > 0:05:14By far the best feature again.

0:05:14 > 0:05:18Cos you just look out of the windows at that view.

0:05:20 > 0:05:25So far on the ground floor, there's a good size living room and a bathroom.

0:05:25 > 0:05:28On the first floor, two nice bedrooms.

0:05:28 > 0:05:32So back to my original question - where is the kitchen?

0:05:32 > 0:05:38Well, it's downstairs. And downstairs again to a lower ground level.

0:05:38 > 0:05:41A lot of these properties tend to be built on three levels.

0:05:41 > 0:05:44Partly because they are actually built into hillsides.

0:05:44 > 0:05:46So that gives some interesting designs.

0:05:46 > 0:05:50In this case, the kitchen is down here on the lowest level.

0:05:50 > 0:05:52It's a good size.

0:05:52 > 0:05:55Whether you'd like to live with the fact you have to go up

0:05:55 > 0:05:58and down all those stairs on a daily basis, I'm not so sure.

0:05:58 > 0:06:00But one good thing...

0:06:00 > 0:06:02Out there, easy access to the garden.

0:06:02 > 0:06:04The garden is a good size.

0:06:04 > 0:06:08But it seems like the local cats may have already moved in.

0:06:08 > 0:06:09It's really from here,

0:06:09 > 0:06:11when you can see the three floors looming over you,

0:06:11 > 0:06:14that you get a sense of the size of this property.

0:06:14 > 0:06:18With its £25,000 guide price, I certainly like it.

0:06:18 > 0:06:21But what does a local property agent think of the house?

0:06:21 > 0:06:24As far as auction properties in this area go,

0:06:24 > 0:06:26it's not in bad condition at all, actually.

0:06:26 > 0:06:28Fairly modern kitchen, decent bathroom.

0:06:28 > 0:06:31Decoratively, it needs some upgrades,

0:06:31 > 0:06:32but not a huge amount of work.

0:06:33 > 0:06:37So, in theory, a nice, cheap, quick-turnaround property.

0:06:37 > 0:06:40But what could it fetch on the open market?

0:06:40 > 0:06:43If the property was renovated and modernised slightly,

0:06:43 > 0:06:47I would estimate the value to be somewhere in the region of £50,000.

0:06:47 > 0:06:51In a strong prevailing rental market, as a two-bedroom property,

0:06:51 > 0:06:55it's worth in the region of £350 per calendar month.

0:06:55 > 0:06:59And what about my idea of creating three bedrooms?

0:06:59 > 0:07:04The implication would be perhaps pushing the rental value to £375

0:07:04 > 0:07:08per calendar month and the sales value in the region of £55,000.

0:07:10 > 0:07:14You'd have to weigh up the cost of the building work and the rewiring.

0:07:14 > 0:07:16But it might still be worthwhile.

0:07:16 > 0:07:19But even if you were to keep it as a two-bed,

0:07:19 > 0:07:22that resell valuation is double the guide price.

0:07:22 > 0:07:26But how much of that possible profit would need to be

0:07:26 > 0:07:28spent on renovating it?

0:07:28 > 0:07:32It's a nice enough house in a pretty dramatic location.

0:07:32 > 0:07:36Good one to go for. Let's see who agreed when it went under the hammer.

0:07:36 > 0:07:39Lot 27. A spacious house.

0:07:39 > 0:07:42Three storey accommodation. It's got two bedrooms.

0:07:42 > 0:07:43Guided at £25,000.

0:07:43 > 0:07:46Start me around that sort of figure, 25. Make it 20 if you like.

0:07:46 > 0:07:51Thank you. 20, I've got. At 20. 21 in front. 22. 23.

0:07:51 > 0:07:5724. 25? 25? I've got 24 right at the back.

0:07:57 > 0:08:00Five. Thank you, 25 now. Now you can come again. 26. 27.

0:08:00 > 0:08:0627. 28. 29. And 30. 31. 32.

0:08:06 > 0:08:1032, no. At 31,000. With you, sir, at 31.

0:08:10 > 0:08:13At 31,000 on my right-hand side. For the first time...

0:08:13 > 0:08:15Second time...

0:08:15 > 0:08:17Third and last time. 31,000.

0:08:17 > 0:08:19- KNOCKS HAMMER - Yours, sir. Well done.

0:08:19 > 0:08:21111. Thank you very much.

0:08:22 > 0:08:26That final bid of £31,000 was made by Tavis.

0:08:26 > 0:08:28He lives an hour away from the property.

0:08:28 > 0:08:30I met him to talk about his plans.

0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Tavis, good to meet you. - Nice to meet you.- Congratulations.

0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Yeah, we feel pretty proud with it, yeah.- Yeah, well done.

0:08:38 > 0:08:39What makes you so proud?

0:08:39 > 0:08:42We've been trying to do it for a long time,

0:08:42 > 0:08:44trying to raise the money, me and my wife on our own.

0:08:44 > 0:08:46Finally we took the leap and did it.

0:08:46 > 0:08:49So we're really pleased with ourselves, really.

0:08:49 > 0:08:51So this is the first. Investment property or...?

0:08:51 > 0:08:53We've invested in other properties

0:08:53 > 0:08:56but we bought them by the usual means and ways.

0:08:56 > 0:08:58But this is the first time we've bought at auction.

0:08:58 > 0:09:01And we're sort of a bit nervous about it, really.

0:09:01 > 0:09:02We feel we did our research.

0:09:02 > 0:09:06And then took the plunge and had a go at buying a house at auction.

0:09:06 > 0:09:09And just, you know, hopefully everything's going to go smoothly.

0:09:09 > 0:09:11So what do you do when you're not doing this?

0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Well, I run a pub with my wife, and we've got two lovely boys.- Aw.

0:09:15 > 0:09:18- In my spare time I play in a band as well.- Oh, great.

0:09:18 > 0:09:21If I have got any spare time after that,

0:09:21 > 0:09:24I like to go to the gym and just keep fit and active, really.

0:09:24 > 0:09:27Tavis might not have a lot of time to spare but he has managed

0:09:27 > 0:09:31to squeeze a couple of properties into his busy life.

0:09:31 > 0:09:33The first house that we bought needed a lot of work doing to it

0:09:33 > 0:09:37and I had some good friends and a good team that did the work with us.

0:09:37 > 0:09:40We've got a tenant that rents that off us now.

0:09:40 > 0:09:43That sort of gave us a bit of the bug, really. We liked it.

0:09:43 > 0:09:44We thought we are going to sell it

0:09:44 > 0:09:48but we had the most fantastic tenant, so it looks after itself.

0:09:48 > 0:09:51Then we bought another house that we live in at the moment

0:09:51 > 0:09:54which we've done up, ready to rent out if we decide to leave.

0:09:54 > 0:09:57So, we own three houses, but we've never sold one.

0:09:58 > 0:10:01- This is definitely our learning curve.- Right.

0:10:01 > 0:10:04What did you like about the house when you saw it?

0:10:04 > 0:10:06I liked the layout of it. I thought it was a bit quirky.

0:10:06 > 0:10:08You know, the kitchen downstairs on its own,

0:10:08 > 0:10:10you've got the garden out the back, the two rooms upstairs,

0:10:10 > 0:10:14and I just thought it was a very clean, solid house, really.

0:10:14 > 0:10:17Some of the work had already been done that I wasn't quite expecting.

0:10:17 > 0:10:20The kitchen that we're in now, you know,

0:10:20 > 0:10:23it's not going to need ripping out or anything like that.

0:10:23 > 0:10:26- We'll go with this kitchen. - Right, so nothing too major.

0:10:26 > 0:10:28- And the gardens, of course. - Of course, the garden, yeah.

0:10:28 > 0:10:30We've got our cats living there at the moment

0:10:30 > 0:10:33- so we're going to have to evict them... - MARTIN LAUGHS

0:10:33 > 0:10:35# Had a few doors slammed on our tails

0:10:35 > 0:10:37# We've been kicked and cussed

0:10:39 > 0:10:43# But everything's cool for two old cats like us. #

0:10:46 > 0:10:50Well, Tavis might be like the cats that got cream with this property

0:10:50 > 0:10:53because apart from having to negotiate with his furry tenants,

0:10:53 > 0:10:55this all seems pretty straightforward.

0:10:57 > 0:11:00Things like the carpet have already booked in to be put down.

0:11:00 > 0:11:02Carpets? That's the last job, isn't?

0:11:02 > 0:11:04Yeah, it is the last job and we've got them booked in

0:11:04 > 0:11:06in a couple of weeks' time.

0:11:06 > 0:11:09- So, you've got two weeks before the carpets arrive?- Pretty much. Yeah.

0:11:09 > 0:11:11That is definitely putting yourself under pressure.

0:11:11 > 0:11:14- It's when I work my best.- Is it? - Yep. Definitely.- But, I mean, wow.

0:11:14 > 0:11:17Doesn't allow for anything to go wrong.

0:11:17 > 0:11:23- I've got a slight contingency plan in place, you know?- What's that?

0:11:23 > 0:11:25Tell the carpet guys they've got to come the week after.

0:11:25 > 0:11:27OK, fair enough.

0:11:27 > 0:11:31No, we sort of put in that we... You know, a good two weeks cleaning,

0:11:31 > 0:11:34decorating, and getting everything in here, and if it does...

0:11:34 > 0:11:37a big problem arises, fortunately I do know the guys

0:11:37 > 0:11:39who are laying the carpets and stuff like that,

0:11:39 > 0:11:41so they're pretty flexible.

0:11:41 > 0:11:47- So, what's the budget?- Well, I'd like to be less than £5,000.- Mm-hmm.

0:11:47 > 0:11:51I would be surprised if it was over that looking around the building.

0:11:51 > 0:11:55I mean, most of the work I'll end up doing myself anyway.

0:11:55 > 0:11:57The electrics are new on the building, anyway,

0:11:57 > 0:12:00so that's a big saving already done.

0:12:00 > 0:12:02But the general sort of painting, flooring,

0:12:02 > 0:12:05and things like that we'll do ourselves.

0:12:05 > 0:12:07We put in sort of a £3,500 budget

0:12:07 > 0:12:10with a £1,500 contingency on top of that.

0:12:10 > 0:12:12Realistically, I'd like to be under that,

0:12:12 > 0:12:14otherwise it won't be economic.

0:12:14 > 0:12:17And then is the idea to rent it out or the idea to sell it?

0:12:17 > 0:12:21We like to sell this one and we will price it to sell quickly.

0:12:21 > 0:12:23This was our one to do for experience

0:12:23 > 0:12:25and learn what we were doing.

0:12:25 > 0:12:28But, so far, the whole process has been fun and enjoyable.

0:12:28 > 0:12:31So, you know, we'd like to get this one sold and go again, really.

0:12:31 > 0:12:34- Listen, congratulations. Good luck with it.- Thanks very much.

0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Look forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you.

0:12:38 > 0:12:41Well, it seems like the only people who might be disappointed

0:12:41 > 0:12:44with this renovation are the cats who currently inhabit the garden.

0:12:44 > 0:12:46Will they be evicted?

0:12:46 > 0:12:50How will Tavis get on with his very tight two week timescale?

0:12:50 > 0:12:52You can find out later in the show.

0:12:56 > 0:12:59Ten years ago, the words boutique and Margate

0:12:59 > 0:13:01would have struggled to share a sentence.

0:13:01 > 0:13:04But now, well, how times have changed!

0:13:04 > 0:13:08Take a stroll around the old town's quirky little shops

0:13:08 > 0:13:11before you pop to the Turner Contemporary gallery.

0:13:11 > 0:13:15Or, enjoy a coffee and cake at one of the harbourside cafes.

0:13:15 > 0:13:18Margate may still have its challenges ahead,

0:13:18 > 0:13:19but it's well the on way there.

0:13:25 > 0:13:28The town is certainly developing an arty, creative vibe

0:13:28 > 0:13:32pulling in the day-trippers and those looking to relocate.

0:13:35 > 0:13:39'One particularly nice area of Margate is this grand square,'

0:13:39 > 0:13:42lined with Grade II listed Georgian buildings.

0:13:42 > 0:13:44And yes, the property I'm here to see.

0:13:46 > 0:13:48When this grand square was built,

0:13:48 > 0:13:51it would have attracted the well-heeled of Margate.

0:13:51 > 0:13:54In fact, according to the 1851 census,

0:13:54 > 0:13:58the inhabitants of these two houses were a fund holder

0:13:58 > 0:14:00and an attorney-at-law.

0:14:00 > 0:14:03It's both of these houses that I'm here to see.

0:14:03 > 0:14:05And how times have changed,

0:14:05 > 0:14:08because they went to auction with a guide price

0:14:08 > 0:14:12of just £160,000 to £170,000.

0:14:12 > 0:14:15Now, you don't get all of them, unfortunately.

0:14:15 > 0:14:19They're split into eight separate flats and three are not up for sale.

0:14:19 > 0:14:23But still, what a lot of beautiful property for your money!

0:14:33 > 0:14:36The auction lot consists of five of the eight flats,

0:14:36 > 0:14:40but crucially it includes the freehold to both buildings.

0:14:40 > 0:14:42So far so good.

0:14:42 > 0:14:46Just to complicate things, some of the flats are already tenanted,

0:14:46 > 0:14:49so there are just two we can have a look at.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52And just my luck, they are on the top floor!

0:14:52 > 0:14:54OK, I've reached the top of the stairs.

0:14:54 > 0:14:56I'm right at the top of the building,

0:14:56 > 0:14:59which is the building on the right-hand side.

0:14:59 > 0:15:04Here's the entrance to the flat and through an imaginary wall...

0:15:04 > 0:15:07I'm now in the building on the left-hand side.

0:15:07 > 0:15:10Here we have the entrance to the flat.

0:15:10 > 0:15:11Let's have a look around.

0:15:11 > 0:15:14Well, you got a fantastic kitchen. Really good space in there.

0:15:14 > 0:15:17Could easily fit a little table in the corner.

0:15:17 > 0:15:21You've got the bathroom there. It feels very cosy. It's not grand.

0:15:21 > 0:15:24It doesn't have big, high ceilings at all.

0:15:24 > 0:15:28You got the lounge through there which is not a bad space,

0:15:28 > 0:15:30and right out the front of the property,

0:15:30 > 0:15:31you've got a bedroom.

0:15:31 > 0:15:33It's quirky.

0:15:33 > 0:15:35It certainly has a little bit of character once you've got rid

0:15:35 > 0:15:38of all this woodchip wallpaper. But look at this.

0:15:38 > 0:15:40A really nice window.

0:15:40 > 0:15:44Gorgeous views of the square and on a clear day like today,

0:15:44 > 0:15:46look, you can see right out to sea.

0:15:48 > 0:15:55# I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles. #

0:15:58 > 0:16:03Lovely views, but imagine lugging your shopping up all those stairs.

0:16:05 > 0:16:07The flat next door follows a similar layout

0:16:07 > 0:16:09with a kitchen at the rear.

0:16:09 > 0:16:11The bathroom next door,

0:16:11 > 0:16:13and the bedroom and living room at the front,

0:16:13 > 0:16:17which I think might have all once been one large room.

0:16:19 > 0:16:21Well, it looks as though somebody

0:16:21 > 0:16:23has been patching up the ceiling in here.

0:16:23 > 0:16:24A bit of work has been going on,

0:16:24 > 0:16:28but having had a chance to look around, what would I do?

0:16:28 > 0:16:30First things first.

0:16:30 > 0:16:33I want to get rid of this wall. Of course I do!

0:16:33 > 0:16:37Because imagine the impact walking through here

0:16:37 > 0:16:42and having two beautiful windows, lots more light, double the space.

0:16:42 > 0:16:44You could put all your kitchen along the back wall there

0:16:44 > 0:16:46which is currently being the bedroom.

0:16:46 > 0:16:49You could then move that bedroom to the kitchen area

0:16:49 > 0:16:51and get that at the back of the property.

0:16:51 > 0:16:54It would be such a wow factor and so impressive

0:16:54 > 0:16:58when you open the front door and walk in to a space like this.

0:16:58 > 0:17:02Now, I know that the open plan isn't everyone's cup of tea,

0:17:02 > 0:17:03but in a small flat,

0:17:03 > 0:17:07one grand room can make all the difference to the feel.

0:17:07 > 0:17:11Going upwards, there is also a lot more space included in the lot.

0:17:11 > 0:17:15But before you get all excited, well, there may be a catch.

0:17:15 > 0:17:19This entire building is Grade II listed.

0:17:19 > 0:17:21Now, that grading doesn't mean you can't make changes

0:17:21 > 0:17:26but any alterations will require listed buildings consent.

0:17:26 > 0:17:29However, regardless of any thoughts about the attic,

0:17:29 > 0:17:33given we've only seen two of the five flats up for auction,

0:17:33 > 0:17:36this is still an impressive lot.

0:17:36 > 0:17:40What I love about these properties is this... This square.

0:17:40 > 0:17:43It makes a huge difference to the feel of the flats.

0:17:43 > 0:17:47They all have a wonderful outlook, and how lovely to walk home

0:17:47 > 0:17:48every evening through here

0:17:48 > 0:17:52surrounded by these other gorgeous Georgian homes... Just lovely.

0:17:52 > 0:17:56The exterior of the building itself, well, just look at it.

0:17:56 > 0:17:57It's absolutely beautiful.

0:17:57 > 0:18:00The windows look like they're original,

0:18:00 > 0:18:02the brickwork is in good condition,

0:18:02 > 0:18:05the proportions are so pleasing to the eye.

0:18:05 > 0:18:09As far as first impressions go and so-called kerb appeal,

0:18:09 > 0:18:12this auction lot has it in spades.

0:18:14 > 0:18:17Four one-bed flats, and one two-bed flat,

0:18:17 > 0:18:20and the freehold to both buildings

0:18:20 > 0:18:24for a guide of £160,000 to £170,000.

0:18:24 > 0:18:27Is this the good deal it seems?

0:18:27 > 0:18:31We asked a local estate agent along to tell us what he thought.

0:18:31 > 0:18:33My belief is that there will be a long-term investment

0:18:33 > 0:18:35here for this property.

0:18:35 > 0:18:37Whilst I appreciate that there's always potential

0:18:37 > 0:18:40for somebody to do something up and turn it around and sell it on,

0:18:40 > 0:18:43I don't think the market's quite recovered well enough

0:18:43 > 0:18:44for that to happen here.

0:18:44 > 0:18:47This sounds like a buy-to-let opportunity.

0:18:47 > 0:18:50So, what kind of income are we talking about?

0:18:50 > 0:18:53When they are renovated, the one-bedroom apartments would rent

0:18:53 > 0:18:56for anything up to £475 per calendar month.

0:18:56 > 0:18:58If a two-bedroom was to be rented,

0:18:58 > 0:19:03I would expect it to achieve no more than about £525 per calendar month.

0:19:03 > 0:19:07Those top evaluations would mean a total income of just

0:19:07 > 0:19:11under £2,500 per calendar month.

0:19:11 > 0:19:14As for resale value, the agent reckons that renovated flats

0:19:14 > 0:19:20would fetch £80,000 for the one-bed and £95,000 for the two-bed.

0:19:20 > 0:19:24So, that would be £415,000.

0:19:24 > 0:19:26Of course, we haven't seen them all,

0:19:26 > 0:19:29and the renovation costs would need to be taken into account.

0:19:30 > 0:19:33This lot is a lot of property for the money

0:19:33 > 0:19:36and I think if somebody has faith in Margate's future

0:19:36 > 0:19:39and is looking for a ready-made portfolio,

0:19:39 > 0:19:41well, it could be the perfect fit.

0:19:41 > 0:19:44Let's find out who did buy it at the auction.

0:19:45 > 0:19:48This lot came almost at the end of the day,

0:19:48 > 0:19:51so who had the stamina to stick it out?

0:19:51 > 0:19:52£160 to start me.

0:19:53 > 0:19:56Or 150, then. I don't mind where we start. 150, I have.

0:19:56 > 0:20:00I'm taking it there, sir. 150, 152. 152.

0:20:00 > 0:20:03And five, and seven, and 60.

0:20:03 > 0:20:0560 is bid. 62, no.

0:20:05 > 0:20:07At £160,000, I'm bid.

0:20:07 > 0:20:12You're out on the right. 162, and five, and seven, and 70.

0:20:12 > 0:20:16Unsurprisingly, quite a few bidders were interested in this lot.

0:20:16 > 0:20:21We rejoin the bidding at £242,000.

0:20:22 > 0:20:25The bid standing at the back for the first time at £242,000.

0:20:25 > 0:20:28243, and 244, sir.

0:20:28 > 0:20:30244, and 245.

0:20:32 > 0:20:37244, the bid against you, at £244,000 for the first time.

0:20:37 > 0:20:40£244,000 for the second.

0:20:40 > 0:20:45£244,000 bid standing at the back for the third and final time.

0:20:45 > 0:20:47At £244,000, all done.

0:20:47 > 0:20:50Sold at £244,000.

0:20:54 > 0:20:57And the successful bidders at £244,000

0:20:57 > 0:21:02were Jonathan on the left and his business partner and uncle, David.

0:21:03 > 0:21:07And even at £74,000 over the upper end of the guide price,

0:21:07 > 0:21:10well, I reckon these guys will think they've got a decent deal.

0:21:12 > 0:21:15I met them back at the flat to find out if that was the case.

0:21:16 > 0:21:20David and Jonathan, lovely to meet you today. Congratulations.

0:21:20 > 0:21:23- What an interesting lot this was. - Yeah.

0:21:23 > 0:21:25Two houses for the price of one, but not quite.

0:21:25 > 0:21:28Quality period property here and you can't build...

0:21:28 > 0:21:30You just cannot build a property

0:21:30 > 0:21:32like this for the amount of money we paid.

0:21:32 > 0:21:34- It's amazing, isn't it?- It is.

0:21:34 > 0:21:37And Jonathan and I have both been looking around

0:21:37 > 0:21:40at some of the seaside resorts around the south coast

0:21:40 > 0:21:43because at the end of it, you've got really unusual properties.

0:21:43 > 0:21:45And very, very cheap

0:21:45 > 0:21:48because the seasides are not really popular any more.

0:21:48 > 0:21:49So why Margate?

0:21:49 > 0:21:50I used to come down here

0:21:50 > 0:21:53when I was a child, as most sort of south London people did.

0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Me, too!- And when this came up...

0:21:56 > 0:21:58We were looking to the auction catalogue, this came up,

0:21:58 > 0:22:00popped down, and once I saw the square,

0:22:00 > 0:22:03I spoke to David and we had a good look at it.

0:22:03 > 0:22:06I saw it was on offer and went along to bid.

0:22:06 > 0:22:09Jonathan currently works as a property manager

0:22:09 > 0:22:12and David also has a background in property development.

0:22:13 > 0:22:17The pair have come together with a number of investors

0:22:17 > 0:22:20to buy this property, eventually hoping to rent it out.

0:22:21 > 0:22:25They want to make the most of every nook and cranny.

0:22:25 > 0:22:30So, they're hoping there might be potential in the attic, too.

0:22:30 > 0:22:33It's a hike to get up the stairs but the views are at the top.

0:22:33 > 0:22:35And then you've got to climb up even more!

0:22:35 > 0:22:38Well, even on this floor, which is the last floor

0:22:38 > 0:22:41that's habitable at the moment, you know, you can see the sea.

0:22:41 > 0:22:43If you can get that little bit higher,

0:22:43 > 0:22:45just one floor gives you a really good view of the whole bay.

0:22:45 > 0:22:47Do you think that you'll get the go-ahead

0:22:47 > 0:22:50for something like that on such a beautiful period building

0:22:50 > 0:22:52that has stood here for many, many years?

0:22:52 > 0:22:54We're not looking to change the building,

0:22:54 > 0:22:57we're just going to re-utilise rooms which were once used

0:22:57 > 0:22:58for one form or another.

0:22:58 > 0:23:01We've initially spoken to the council

0:23:01 > 0:23:04and we've obviously got to go through the process

0:23:04 > 0:23:06and hopefully will work with the conservation officer and

0:23:06 > 0:23:09the local authority to see what we can get out of the building.

0:23:09 > 0:23:11So, do you think you will get the go-ahead?

0:23:11 > 0:23:15I mean, if you can't go up, has it still been a worthwhile project?

0:23:15 > 0:23:19Overall, the project, we feel, is worth doing

0:23:19 > 0:23:22for the long term of just what's here the moment.

0:23:22 > 0:23:24We're getting a reasonable -

0:23:24 > 0:23:27- we hope, reasonable - yield for the work that we will do.

0:23:27 > 0:23:29And once they're rented out...

0:23:29 > 0:23:31It's a five-year minimum plan, we feel.

0:23:31 > 0:23:34So, what budget do you guys have in mind for your work here?

0:23:34 > 0:23:37For your five-year plan? And let me just tell you,

0:23:37 > 0:23:39we can't wait five years before we come back and see you!

0:23:39 > 0:23:42No, we hope to be sort of ready on a lot shorter term than that

0:23:42 > 0:23:44in terms of occupation.

0:23:44 > 0:23:47It really depends on upstairs and what we can do,

0:23:47 > 0:23:49but it would be between £25,000 and £75,000

0:23:49 > 0:23:53depending on what were allowed to do and what we can get away with.

0:23:53 > 0:23:56Flexibility is the name of the game here.

0:23:56 > 0:24:00They are thinking long-term and short-term at the same time.

0:24:00 > 0:24:03They have a tenant for one of the flats already

0:24:03 > 0:24:06and plan to renovate each of the others in four weeks.

0:24:08 > 0:24:10The only slight niggle I have is that

0:24:10 > 0:24:12although they own the freehold for the entire building,

0:24:12 > 0:24:15they don't own three of the flats.

0:24:15 > 0:24:17Is that an issue?

0:24:17 > 0:24:19It's certainly didn't put us off because we value

0:24:19 > 0:24:21each and every flat in a building anyway.

0:24:21 > 0:24:24As long as we've got the freehold which is quite crucial.

0:24:24 > 0:24:26I mean, having the freehold gives us

0:24:26 > 0:24:29a little more potential to do what we might see

0:24:29 > 0:24:32as future value for all the building, not just our own flats.

0:24:32 > 0:24:35What's your next step? What's your next plan?

0:24:36 > 0:24:39Well, when we leave here, I'll be popping across the road

0:24:39 > 0:24:42to the council to have a chat with them and put in some...

0:24:42 > 0:24:44Get some pre-application advice, really,

0:24:44 > 0:24:47to really work out what we can and can't do.

0:24:47 > 0:24:51But hopefully we'll crack on and get it improved

0:24:51 > 0:24:53one way or another,

0:24:53 > 0:24:56and perhaps look elsewhere in Margate because it's a cracking town.

0:24:56 > 0:24:58There's a lot of people looking for homes and there's a lot to offer.

0:24:58 > 0:25:01I can't wait to see if you get the bonus flats on the top here.

0:25:01 > 0:25:02It's been lovely meeting you today.

0:25:02 > 0:25:06- Good luck with this project.- Thank you.- Thanks very much.- Thank you.

0:25:07 > 0:25:11David and Jonathan have a fabulous lot of flats here,

0:25:11 > 0:25:14and they've spotted some scope to extend. I can't believe it!

0:25:14 > 0:25:17It'll be interesting to see what they manage to achieve.

0:25:17 > 0:25:20Join us later in the show and you can find out.

0:25:21 > 0:25:24Coming up, in Streatham, south London,

0:25:24 > 0:25:26I find myself a bit of a head scratcher.

0:25:26 > 0:25:29I'm a huge fan of attics, however, this one...

0:25:31 > 0:25:32..has a few issues.

0:25:34 > 0:25:37Back in Margate, we check on the progress

0:25:37 > 0:25:41of David and Jonathan's Georgian flats that are Grade II listed.

0:25:41 > 0:25:44That's where we started to hit one or two headaches, really.

0:25:50 > 0:25:52Back now to Penrhiwceiber in Wales

0:25:52 > 0:25:56and this two-bed terrace bought at auction for £31,000

0:25:56 > 0:25:58by pub landlord, Tavis.

0:25:59 > 0:26:02Third and last time at £31,000.

0:26:02 > 0:26:03Yours, sir. Well done.

0:26:03 > 0:26:06Tavis and his wife Rebecca gave themselves

0:26:06 > 0:26:09a healthy £3,500 budget,

0:26:09 > 0:26:13but a very tight deadline to get this house ready for market.

0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Things like the carpets are already booked in to be put down.- Carpets?

0:26:16 > 0:26:18That's the last job, isn't it?

0:26:18 > 0:26:20Yeah, it is the last job and we've got them booked in

0:26:20 > 0:26:21in a couple of weeks' time.

0:26:21 > 0:26:24- You've got two weeks before the carpets arrive?- Pretty much.

0:26:24 > 0:26:26That is definitely putting yourself under pressure.

0:26:26 > 0:26:29This was the first property Tavis bought at auction

0:26:29 > 0:26:33and he was planning on doing most of the work himself.

0:26:33 > 0:26:36Well, just one month later we're back to see how he got on.

0:26:46 > 0:26:48Well, Tavis has certainly been busy.

0:26:48 > 0:26:51Every room has been freshly decorated

0:26:51 > 0:26:55and those deadline-creating carpets have been laid throughout the house.

0:26:57 > 0:27:00The kitchen already had modern units,

0:27:00 > 0:27:03but a good clean and a lick of paint has made all the difference.

0:27:03 > 0:27:07So, how did Tavis turn this house around so quickly?

0:27:07 > 0:27:09Well, very lucky with this property.

0:27:09 > 0:27:12We had a friend of mine who is an electrician

0:27:12 > 0:27:14and his brother who is a plumber come down

0:27:14 > 0:27:18and within seconds the plumbing was all up and working properly.

0:27:18 > 0:27:21The back boiler was completely fine.

0:27:21 > 0:27:23The electrician signed all of the electrics off.

0:27:23 > 0:27:26and in the process he actually put some extra plug sockets in,

0:27:26 > 0:27:29new light fittings, and changed all the switches.

0:27:29 > 0:27:32It was half a day's work and it was all signed off.

0:27:32 > 0:27:34Electrical safety certificate all done.

0:27:34 > 0:27:37So we had a good run of luck with that, really.

0:27:37 > 0:27:40So, that's the fabric of the house sorted

0:27:40 > 0:27:43and that rear garden has also been transformed.

0:27:45 > 0:27:48It was a good 2.5 tonnes of rubbish to get rid of.

0:27:48 > 0:27:50That took about four days, actually.

0:27:50 > 0:27:52Of the whole time to do the property up,

0:27:52 > 0:27:56the rubbish removal was the biggest part of it. The access...

0:27:56 > 0:27:59This path behind the street of houses, but actually to park,

0:27:59 > 0:28:04the road's about 45 degrees and sort of steep.

0:28:04 > 0:28:07That was a bit of a pain to get rid of the rubbish, really.

0:28:07 > 0:28:09That sounds like a lot of work.

0:28:09 > 0:28:12Surely Tavis couldn't have done it all by himself.

0:28:12 > 0:28:14Most of the work was done by myself and my father,

0:28:14 > 0:28:17so we managed to save quite a few pennies there

0:28:17 > 0:28:19cos it's forced labour with my dad.

0:28:19 > 0:28:20And then a few friends came

0:28:20 > 0:28:22and did a bit of plastering and skimming for me.

0:28:22 > 0:28:25And as I own a pub, they were quite happy to have a few pints in return.

0:28:27 > 0:28:28Nice work if you can get it!

0:28:28 > 0:28:31I'm liking Tavis's form of currency.

0:28:31 > 0:28:37And speaking of money, how did Tavis do with his budget of £3,500?

0:28:37 > 0:28:41In the end, we ended up spending £2,250 near to the penny.

0:28:41 > 0:28:43So were really happy that we came up under budget.

0:28:43 > 0:28:45We could have spent more money on the property

0:28:45 > 0:28:48but I don't think we'd have got the return.

0:28:48 > 0:28:50It would have just been a waste of time and money.

0:28:50 > 0:28:52I think the property looks clean.

0:28:52 > 0:28:53We've done it for a minimum,

0:28:53 > 0:28:57but I think we got a maximum result for our investment.

0:28:57 > 0:29:00Yes, Tavis did very well coming under that budget.

0:29:00 > 0:29:05But did he do just as well with his very tight two-week deadline?

0:29:05 > 0:29:07In the month since we've seen him,

0:29:07 > 0:29:10how much time has he spent renovating the house?

0:29:10 > 0:29:13It took eight days from start to finish.

0:29:13 > 0:29:18That was carpets in, deep clean afterwards, hoovered throughout.

0:29:18 > 0:29:19So that took eight days.

0:29:19 > 0:29:22We basically had a few camp beds on the floor.

0:29:22 > 0:29:24We got up at six o'clock and worked till nine o'clock in the evening

0:29:24 > 0:29:26and within the eight days it was done.

0:29:27 > 0:29:30Wow, under budget and ahead of schedule.

0:29:30 > 0:29:35That takes some dedication and can't be easy with a young family.

0:29:35 > 0:29:39My family have come down a couple of times, my wife and two children.

0:29:39 > 0:29:42The boys think it's absolutely fantastic running around

0:29:42 > 0:29:46trying to paint and pretty much undo all of the work that I've done.

0:29:46 > 0:29:49But, um... Yeah, they've been great, really. My wife's great.

0:29:49 > 0:29:52She's looked after the children while I stayed down here

0:29:52 > 0:29:56for eight days and sort of just let me crack on, really.

0:29:56 > 0:29:59Yeah, if we do make any money, I'm sure I'll have to treat them.

0:29:59 > 0:30:02Well, will there be a treat in store for Tavis's family?

0:30:02 > 0:30:06We asked two local estate agents to tell us what they thought of Tavis's

0:30:06 > 0:30:09first buy-to-sell property.

0:30:09 > 0:30:12The development appears to have been a swift

0:30:12 > 0:30:14but fairly successful process.

0:30:14 > 0:30:16It's cosmetically improved quite drastically here.

0:30:16 > 0:30:19I think in the current climate you're going to struggle to find

0:30:19 > 0:30:26a first-time buyer or homeowner, so it is aimed at probably buy-to-let.

0:30:26 > 0:30:30OK, well, let's see if Tavis can be tempted by the rental returns, then.

0:30:30 > 0:30:35So far, he has £33,250 invested,

0:30:35 > 0:30:37not including the beer, of course.

0:30:37 > 0:30:40So, how do the numbers work out?

0:30:40 > 0:30:43If they chose to rent this property out, I would advise a rental value

0:30:43 > 0:30:48of between £350 and £375 per calendar month.

0:30:48 > 0:30:52I believe it would rent for about £350 for calendar month.

0:30:52 > 0:30:54It's a good rental income on that

0:30:54 > 0:30:57but we're still going to put it on the market, I think.

0:30:58 > 0:31:03Those top estimates would give a whopping yield of over 12%,

0:31:03 > 0:31:05but Tavis is still determined to sell.

0:31:05 > 0:31:09With a total spend of £33,250,

0:31:09 > 0:31:13what sort of figure could he expect in return?

0:31:13 > 0:31:17I think this property would sell between £45,000 and £50,000.

0:31:17 > 0:31:18In the current climate,

0:31:18 > 0:31:22I would advise a resale value of £45,000 to £50,000.

0:31:22 > 0:31:24Um, the valuation is mid-40s.

0:31:24 > 0:31:26It was pretty much where we were hoping to be

0:31:26 > 0:31:30and it coincides with sort of the values we had it on as well.

0:31:30 > 0:31:31So, yeah, happy with that.

0:31:31 > 0:31:33It ties in with the budget that we had on it

0:31:33 > 0:31:35and what we were hoping to get from it as well.

0:31:35 > 0:31:38So from that point of view, it's been successful.

0:31:38 > 0:31:43That top valuation could mean a potential profit of almost £17,000

0:31:43 > 0:31:46minus the usual taxes and expenses.

0:31:46 > 0:31:50Not bad at all for only eight days' work.

0:31:50 > 0:31:53Well done, Tavis. What's next?

0:31:53 > 0:31:56We're going to put the property back on the auction market.

0:31:56 > 0:31:59We've got a reserve on it, which I think, you know,

0:31:59 > 0:32:02should achieve the low to mid 40s

0:32:02 > 0:32:05which will still give us a really good sized profit

0:32:05 > 0:32:09for the amount of time we've put into the property.

0:32:09 > 0:32:11So, yeah, will try to get it in on the auction.

0:32:11 > 0:32:13Hopefully that will go pretty soon.

0:32:13 > 0:32:16If it doesn't hit and go in this auction,

0:32:16 > 0:32:18there is the possibility to rent it out and put it on the market.

0:32:18 > 0:32:21But I'm quietly confident that it will sell soon.

0:32:21 > 0:32:25Has this experience given Tavis the auction bug?

0:32:25 > 0:32:27We are happy with it.

0:32:27 > 0:32:29It seems that the values have been what they thought they were,

0:32:29 > 0:32:31so obviously, it's a bit of a confidence booster

0:32:31 > 0:32:34that we've done our research quite well.

0:32:34 > 0:32:36And if it does sell for somewhere in that region

0:32:36 > 0:32:38or a little bit less at auction,

0:32:38 > 0:32:42we'll definitely go to auction again and give it another go.

0:32:42 > 0:32:46Well, Tavis may be going back to auction, but this house won't,

0:32:46 > 0:32:52as since we visited, Tavis has accepted an offer of £43,000.

0:33:02 > 0:33:06From the glorious, wide-open spaces of the Welsh valleys

0:33:06 > 0:33:10to fast-paced and bustling south London.

0:33:10 > 0:33:11I'm in Streatham,

0:33:11 > 0:33:13which over the past few years has become an interesting place

0:33:13 > 0:33:18to consider for the property investor who is looking for a good deal.

0:33:18 > 0:33:21Not easy to find in these parts.

0:33:21 > 0:33:24Well, the neighbouring areas of Clapham and Balham

0:33:24 > 0:33:26have become very expensive in recent times,

0:33:26 > 0:33:29so people are looking slightly further afield.

0:33:29 > 0:33:31And that brings them to Streatham.

0:33:33 > 0:33:35Still close to Norbury station,

0:33:35 > 0:33:38just about a five-minute walk, you've got Streatham Common.

0:33:38 > 0:33:41And houses that may be within your reach.

0:33:41 > 0:33:44£240,000 plus

0:33:44 > 0:33:49was the guide price for a first and second-floor maisonette.

0:33:49 > 0:33:51What does that get you? Let's take a look.

0:33:52 > 0:33:56This two-storey building is divided into two properties

0:33:56 > 0:33:58with independent entrances.

0:33:58 > 0:34:00One flat is on the ground floor

0:34:00 > 0:34:01and the maisonette I'm looking at

0:34:01 > 0:34:04takes up the first floor and attic space.

0:34:06 > 0:34:09So... What is on offer?

0:34:09 > 0:34:13Well, straightaway it looks nice and bright and airy.

0:34:13 > 0:34:16Um... Er... Two bedrooms?

0:34:16 > 0:34:18Oh, well, that's hardly a bedroom.

0:34:18 > 0:34:22Tiny little room there. Box room, more the study.

0:34:22 > 0:34:24Nice sized room there at the front, though.

0:34:24 > 0:34:28I guess that would be your living room. And, um... Yeah.

0:34:28 > 0:34:29A fireplace.

0:34:29 > 0:34:31Again, lots of light coming in

0:34:31 > 0:34:33through lots, and lots, and lots of window.

0:34:33 > 0:34:34That's good to see.

0:34:36 > 0:34:38Stairs up to the attic room.

0:34:38 > 0:34:39We'll investigate that in a minute.

0:34:39 > 0:34:42Your bedroom there and then through into the kitchen.

0:34:42 > 0:34:43Now, this is a pleasant surprise.

0:34:43 > 0:34:46Obviously someone has put a bit of effort into this

0:34:46 > 0:34:49in relatively recent times.

0:34:49 > 0:34:53It's nice. I like it. It's quite a sophisticated-looking kitchen.

0:34:53 > 0:34:55It starts to get a bit strange thereafter,

0:34:55 > 0:34:59down some stairs into the bathroom.

0:34:59 > 0:35:00Um...

0:35:00 > 0:35:03Well, if you like houses with stairs and a bit of character,

0:35:03 > 0:35:06it's already scoring pretty highly.

0:35:06 > 0:35:08And going down those stairs into the bathroom,

0:35:08 > 0:35:10the points just keep racking up.

0:35:11 > 0:35:14The bathroom is reasonable. It has a bath and a separate shower.

0:35:14 > 0:35:17Always a box tick as far as I'm concerned.

0:35:17 > 0:35:19And then, something even better.

0:35:21 > 0:35:25Well, heading upstairs to the flat you might have thought that

0:35:25 > 0:35:28one thing you wouldn't have is a garden, but that's not the case.

0:35:28 > 0:35:32It's actually been quite cleverly designed, this particular building.

0:35:32 > 0:35:36The downstairs flat actually has access to that half of the garden

0:35:36 > 0:35:38but the upstairs flat, the one we're in,

0:35:38 > 0:35:41come down some stairs into this lovely little area.

0:35:41 > 0:35:44It also benefits from a little alleyway out the back.

0:35:44 > 0:35:47So, a real bonus. Brilliant.

0:35:49 > 0:35:51With outside space at a premium in London,

0:35:51 > 0:35:55having a garden is rare, so having a little space like this

0:35:55 > 0:35:57to call your own adds to the appeal of the property.

0:35:58 > 0:36:01It needs a bit of a tidy up, but done nicely,

0:36:01 > 0:36:05you could escape the rat race and just for a moment forget

0:36:05 > 0:36:09that you are in the most populous area of Europe.

0:36:09 > 0:36:12# Take me up to the top of the stairs

0:36:12 > 0:36:16# We'll get lost in the darkness waiting. #

0:36:17 > 0:36:22So, as promised, an exploration of the upstairs room.

0:36:22 > 0:36:24Now, I'm a huge fan of attics.

0:36:24 > 0:36:26However, this one...

0:36:27 > 0:36:28..has a few issues.

0:36:30 > 0:36:34Clearly head height being the first.

0:36:34 > 0:36:39It's, apart from that, a pretty attractive space.

0:36:39 > 0:36:40Lots of storage.

0:36:40 > 0:36:45These little windows in here throwing in a bit of light. Um...

0:36:45 > 0:36:48You know, it's crying out for a dormer, isn't it?

0:36:48 > 0:36:51You're going to have to do something to generate the amount of head height

0:36:51 > 0:36:54you would want if this was to be used on a regular basis.

0:36:54 > 0:36:57So, yes, a dormer is an obvious way to go.

0:36:57 > 0:36:59Although, I'd have to say, looking down the street,

0:36:59 > 0:37:01I didn't see too many houses with dormers

0:37:01 > 0:37:03so planning might be an issue there.

0:37:03 > 0:37:06Also, you've got to factor in the cost. Is it worth doing it?

0:37:06 > 0:37:09Well, if you're buying this to live in then in terms of quality of life

0:37:09 > 0:37:10it may be worth doing.

0:37:10 > 0:37:12If you're looking at renting this place out,

0:37:12 > 0:37:15how much extra would you get by having this as a proper bedroom?

0:37:15 > 0:37:18How much is it going to cost you to do it? What's the payback period?

0:37:18 > 0:37:21All of those things you're going to have to factor in.

0:37:21 > 0:37:23You know, as a kids' play area, or something like that...

0:37:23 > 0:37:26As it is, brilliant.

0:37:26 > 0:37:28Before you do anything with this space,

0:37:28 > 0:37:30you need to check out the building regulations

0:37:30 > 0:37:34and make sure it would meet the requirements to be used as a bedroom.

0:37:35 > 0:37:38Anyway, all in all, this is a great little flat.

0:37:38 > 0:37:42So I think it's time for a local property agent to tell us

0:37:42 > 0:37:47what he thinks of this maisonette guided at £240,000.

0:37:50 > 0:37:51It's a good property.

0:37:51 > 0:37:54It's a little bit smaller than I thought it would be

0:37:54 > 0:37:55looking from the outside.

0:37:55 > 0:37:58Normally, you find these Victorian properties a bit of a Tardis.

0:37:58 > 0:37:59When you go inside, they open up.

0:37:59 > 0:38:01It's still a lovely property.

0:38:01 > 0:38:03So, if you were to refurbish the place -

0:38:03 > 0:38:07new bathroom, new carpets, painting the wall, and things like that -

0:38:07 > 0:38:09what would it be worth?

0:38:09 > 0:38:11If that was done to a good standard,

0:38:11 > 0:38:14you're probably looking at a resale

0:38:14 > 0:38:17of around the £290,000 to £310,000 mark.

0:38:17 > 0:38:18And for rental?

0:38:19 > 0:38:21Again, doing a similar sort of refurbishment,

0:38:21 > 0:38:23you'd probably be looking on values

0:38:23 > 0:38:25around the £1,500 per calendar month.

0:38:27 > 0:38:30Well, in case you hadn't realised, I really like this little flat

0:38:30 > 0:38:34and I think it gives you a chance to get into a market that's definitely

0:38:34 > 0:38:38moving in the right direction in a good area, at a great price.

0:38:38 > 0:38:41Let's see who agreed when it went under the hammer.

0:38:45 > 0:38:47Lot 151.

0:38:47 > 0:38:50First, second floor maisonette.

0:38:50 > 0:38:52Who'd like to kick off on this?

0:38:52 > 0:38:54Say... I don't know, 220?

0:38:54 > 0:38:57220. 225.

0:38:59 > 0:39:01225 to the phone.

0:39:01 > 0:39:04230, 230. 235 to the phone.

0:39:05 > 0:39:08235, 240 in the room.

0:39:09 > 0:39:10245 on the phone.

0:39:13 > 0:39:14250 in the room.

0:39:15 > 0:39:18250. 255 on the phone.

0:39:19 > 0:39:20260 in the room.

0:39:22 > 0:39:26260. 265 on the phone.

0:39:26 > 0:39:29265 on the phone. 270 in the room.

0:39:31 > 0:39:35Trying to help, another thousand, 266. 266, elsewhere?

0:39:37 > 0:39:38Going to lose it.

0:39:38 > 0:39:41If not, 265 to the phone.

0:39:41 > 0:39:42First time...

0:39:42 > 0:39:44Second time...

0:39:44 > 0:39:47Third and last... 266 new spot.

0:39:47 > 0:39:52266 in the room at the back. 267.

0:39:52 > 0:39:53It's going. Seems a good lot.

0:39:53 > 0:39:57At 266, first time. Second time.

0:39:58 > 0:40:01Third and last time if you're done.

0:40:01 > 0:40:02Sold, £266,000.

0:40:05 > 0:40:08That last-minute bid bought this property

0:40:08 > 0:40:12for Aneesh and Satinda for £266,000.

0:40:14 > 0:40:16Now, if you're a dedicated, eagle-eyed viewer,

0:40:16 > 0:40:18you may recognize Aneesh.

0:40:18 > 0:40:20I met him last year when he bought a flat in Lewisham.

0:40:22 > 0:40:25Having bought his first property at just 21,

0:40:25 > 0:40:29ten years on, he now runs his own property management business.

0:40:30 > 0:40:33- Satinda, Aneesh, good to see you. - Yeah, good to see you.

0:40:33 > 0:40:35And in your case, good to see you again.

0:40:35 > 0:40:37Yeah, last year, so second time.

0:40:37 > 0:40:38How did that go?

0:40:38 > 0:40:42Yeah, very well. We've had that rented for a year now.

0:40:42 > 0:40:46We are on a 24-month tenancy, and very happy with the tenants

0:40:46 > 0:40:47that are in there.

0:40:47 > 0:40:50- Money, could you make some? - Yeah. It was a good return.

0:40:50 > 0:40:54So we can leave that one to be now for a long time now.

0:40:54 > 0:40:56Great. Now, Satinda, you're getting involved in this one.

0:40:56 > 0:40:58Were you involved in the last one as well?

0:40:58 > 0:41:02Not really. I hadn't seen the property before, Lewisham.

0:41:02 > 0:41:04- I haven't seen this one until today.- Oh, wow.

0:41:04 > 0:41:07- So what did you think when you walked through the door?- Really nice.

0:41:07 > 0:41:10- I'm quite pleasantly surprised. - Do you go to the auction with him?

0:41:10 > 0:41:11Occasionally.

0:41:11 > 0:41:14Sometimes if I've got a day off on that day I'll go to the auctions

0:41:14 > 0:41:16and same with viewing the properties,

0:41:16 > 0:41:18if I can get days off those days.

0:41:18 > 0:41:22- But completely hands off in terms of the property renovations?- Yeah.

0:41:22 > 0:41:24So do you literally come down when it's finished?

0:41:24 > 0:41:26I might come in a few times in between

0:41:26 > 0:41:29just to see how things are going along. How we're progressing.

0:41:29 > 0:41:32She'll throw her views in, no worries. Don't worry about that.

0:41:32 > 0:41:34Otherwise you'll have to get along with it.

0:41:34 > 0:41:36So, why this particular house?

0:41:36 > 0:41:38I suppose it's got a good commuter links into London.

0:41:38 > 0:41:41It's very close to sort of Balham, Clapham,

0:41:41 > 0:41:43which have had really strong capital growth

0:41:43 > 0:41:45over the last three or four years.

0:41:45 > 0:41:49And really just banking on people starting to venture outwards

0:41:49 > 0:41:52and look at places a bit more affordable.

0:41:52 > 0:41:53I can't fault his logic.

0:41:53 > 0:41:57It's the same as the agents' and mine.

0:41:57 > 0:42:00Tell me, then, what are you going to do to it to sort it out?

0:42:00 > 0:42:03Yeah, I mean, the property itself isn't actually in bad condition,

0:42:03 > 0:42:06similar to the Lewisham one we had last year.

0:42:06 > 0:42:08So, we're going to keep the kitchen as is,

0:42:08 > 0:42:12probably skim some of the walls that need skimming, decorate throughout,

0:42:12 > 0:42:15change some of the tiles in the kitchen and bathroom,

0:42:15 > 0:42:18and probably just change the windows to double glazing.

0:42:18 > 0:42:21I think apart from that, I don't think we'll do much else.

0:42:21 > 0:42:25- We'll apply for planning permission for the loft conversion.- Right.

0:42:25 > 0:42:27To be made into a proper dormer extension.

0:42:27 > 0:42:30But if that doesn't come in time while the builders are on-site,

0:42:30 > 0:42:34we may just rent it as is with a view to doing the loft...

0:42:34 > 0:42:38the dormer extension later down the line.

0:42:38 > 0:42:39So, what's the budget?

0:42:39 > 0:42:42We've got £8,000 to £10,000

0:42:42 > 0:42:45to do the works around the actual house down here.

0:42:45 > 0:42:49Then, on the second floor, we've allocated £12,000 to £15,000

0:42:49 > 0:42:51for the dormer extension if need be.

0:42:51 > 0:42:53OK.

0:42:53 > 0:42:57- And timescales?- We're looking to turn this one around in about six weeks.

0:42:57 > 0:43:00Wow! There's no chance of getting a planning permission then.

0:43:00 > 0:43:03You never know, we could be lucky. Fingers crossed.

0:43:09 > 0:43:13I do think Aneesh is pushing his luck a little with that one.

0:43:13 > 0:43:15Planning permission in six weeks?

0:43:15 > 0:43:18It'll be tight but those two do know what they're doing.

0:43:20 > 0:43:22So, are you comfortable with the whole property world

0:43:22 > 0:43:25- and the fact that this is what you are doing?- Yeah, absolutely.

0:43:25 > 0:43:27We've been doing it for quite a while now.

0:43:27 > 0:43:29We did our own properties first of all.

0:43:29 > 0:43:31This is how we kind of got into this.

0:43:31 > 0:43:35And, yeah, I'm very comfortable with it. Aneesh knows what he's doing.

0:43:35 > 0:43:37He knows how to work the numbers really hard,

0:43:37 > 0:43:39and, yeah, I'm pleased with how it turns out.

0:43:39 > 0:43:42Well, listen, congratulations. Good luck with that. Lovely to meet you.

0:43:42 > 0:43:45- You, too.- Lovely to see you again. - Thank you. Cheers.

0:43:47 > 0:43:51Well, it's a sunny day and it seems that the sun is shining

0:43:51 > 0:43:54on Aneesh and Satinda when it comes to property.

0:43:54 > 0:43:57They lucked out in Lewisham,

0:43:57 > 0:43:59will it be super successful in Streatham?

0:43:59 > 0:44:01You can find out later in the show.

0:44:05 > 0:44:09While we wait patiently for our purchasers to do the work

0:44:09 > 0:44:13on their properties... And sometimes they make an amazing job of it.

0:44:13 > 0:44:15And sometimes they don't do anything.

0:44:15 > 0:44:17So, what will be the story with the properties

0:44:17 > 0:44:19we featured on today's show?

0:44:24 > 0:44:26Back now to Margate in Kent

0:44:26 > 0:44:29where earlier I met David and his nephew, Jonathan.

0:44:33 > 0:44:34At auction,

0:44:34 > 0:44:38they bought five of eight flats in this impressive Georgian town house,

0:44:38 > 0:44:42as well as the freehold for £244,000,

0:44:42 > 0:44:44along with a group of investors.

0:44:46 > 0:44:49So, what inspired these uncle and nephew business partners

0:44:49 > 0:44:51to make this particular purchase?

0:44:52 > 0:44:54So why Margate?

0:44:54 > 0:44:56I used to come down here when I was a child

0:44:56 > 0:44:59- as most of south London people did. - Me, too!

0:44:59 > 0:45:02This came up, we were looking through the auction catalogue,

0:45:02 > 0:45:05this came up, I popped down and once I saw the square I spoke to David

0:45:05 > 0:45:08and we had a good look at it.

0:45:08 > 0:45:11I saw it was on offer and went along to bid.

0:45:11 > 0:45:14With Jonathan appointed as project manager,

0:45:14 > 0:45:16the plan was to renovate the flats.

0:45:16 > 0:45:20Some would be sold on while others would be put on the rental market.

0:45:22 > 0:45:27Well, ten months later, we're back to see how they got on.

0:45:27 > 0:45:30Last time we saw the two top floor one-bedroom flats.

0:45:30 > 0:45:32This time, were back to see the two flats

0:45:32 > 0:45:35that have been renovated on the first and second floor.

0:45:40 > 0:45:42I think they've done a very smart job here.

0:45:47 > 0:45:49We stripped out all of the existing fittings...

0:45:49 > 0:45:51the kitchens, bathrooms, the carpets.

0:45:51 > 0:45:53Most of the plaster was hanging off the wall anyway.

0:45:53 > 0:45:56We took them really back to almost to a shell status

0:45:56 > 0:46:00and just brought them back to where they should be and how they are now.

0:46:01 > 0:46:04Because they own the freehold to the entire building,

0:46:04 > 0:46:08it's not just the individual flats they have to take care of.

0:46:08 > 0:46:10We've done quite a lot of work to communal parts.

0:46:10 > 0:46:14Repairs to the roof, the rear garden, obviously the front of the building.

0:46:14 > 0:46:16Communal hallways have been completely redecorated

0:46:16 > 0:46:17and the carpeted and repaired.

0:46:17 > 0:46:20So everything seems to have gone smoothly,

0:46:20 > 0:46:24but surely with a building this size there must have been some problems.

0:46:24 > 0:46:26We had hoped to do something with the attic space,

0:46:26 > 0:46:29but this is a listed building.

0:46:29 > 0:46:34There are always concerns via the listed buildings authority

0:46:34 > 0:46:37making sure we do the right things if we want to do something.

0:46:37 > 0:46:41And that's where we started to hit one or two headaches, really.

0:46:41 > 0:46:47Initially we submitted a plan to perhaps add two new apartments

0:46:47 > 0:46:49to the top, or possibly one.

0:46:49 > 0:46:52We spoke with the pre-planning application advice

0:46:52 > 0:46:55with the local authority, and the conservation officer

0:46:55 > 0:46:57wasn't really happy with some of the things we proposed.

0:46:57 > 0:47:00We reviewed it and decided that perhaps the best thing to do,

0:47:00 > 0:47:02and something we probably could have done,

0:47:02 > 0:47:05was to extend the existing flats

0:47:05 > 0:47:09on the top floor, therefore not creating any more units.

0:47:09 > 0:47:12Financially, that really didn't stack up at this time,

0:47:12 > 0:47:14although Dave and I have discussed it

0:47:14 > 0:47:16and it may be something we can do perhaps in five or ten years' time

0:47:16 > 0:47:19when the market will make it more viable.

0:47:21 > 0:47:23David and Jonathan were always realistic about long-term

0:47:23 > 0:47:26and short-term plans for this property,

0:47:26 > 0:47:28and so they've never been in a particular hurry.

0:47:29 > 0:47:32We've owned the building for about ten months now.

0:47:32 > 0:47:35Probably a little more than that, going on for a year.

0:47:35 > 0:47:37So, some of that has been with planning.

0:47:37 > 0:47:40It's probably a delay of three or four months

0:47:40 > 0:47:43while we were discussing that with the local authority.

0:47:43 > 0:47:46But it's not just about planning. There were tenants in these flats

0:47:46 > 0:47:49and we weren't in a position where we were going to turf people out

0:47:49 > 0:47:51of their homes just so that we can redecorate them.

0:47:51 > 0:47:53We've naturally refurbished properties

0:47:53 > 0:47:55as and when they've come available,

0:47:55 > 0:47:57which is why now we've got two empty flats,

0:47:57 > 0:48:01but the two that we refurbished first have already got tenants in them.

0:48:01 > 0:48:02The project was equally flexible

0:48:02 > 0:48:05depending on what they decided to do with the attic.

0:48:06 > 0:48:08But since they didn't go the whole hog,

0:48:08 > 0:48:11they reckoned £50,000 was a reasonable budget

0:48:11 > 0:48:12for the five flats in total.

0:48:13 > 0:48:16And there's just one flat remaining to be done.

0:48:17 > 0:48:20Yeah, I mean, that saying that we've obviously I'm tasked

0:48:20 > 0:48:22with policing, to some extent.

0:48:22 > 0:48:26There was some contingency, being that it was listed building.

0:48:26 > 0:48:29I'm pleased to say that we pretty much came on bang on target.

0:48:29 > 0:48:32I mean, we've got a few bills to pay as yet

0:48:32 > 0:48:34but we pretty much spent what we expected to.

0:48:35 > 0:48:37Talking of figures then,

0:48:37 > 0:48:39David and Jonathan bought these flats and the freehold

0:48:39 > 0:48:41for the buildings for £244,000,

0:48:41 > 0:48:45and spent their budget of £50,000.

0:48:46 > 0:48:48We invited along two local property experts

0:48:48 > 0:48:51to see what they thought of the properties.

0:48:51 > 0:48:54My first impressions with what they've done inside is very good.

0:48:54 > 0:48:55It's very clean, very tidy.

0:48:55 > 0:48:57It's a fairly basic refurbishment

0:48:57 > 0:49:00but they've ticked all the right boxes.

0:49:00 > 0:49:03Looking around this property I was very impressed.

0:49:03 > 0:49:05It's in very good decorative order throughout,

0:49:05 > 0:49:08looks to have been refurbished to a high standard

0:49:08 > 0:49:11and it's absolutely ideal for the sale or letting market.

0:49:12 > 0:49:16So, with a total spend of £294,000,

0:49:16 > 0:49:19how much could Jonathan and David realise

0:49:19 > 0:49:21if they were to sell all five flats?

0:49:23 > 0:49:25If the one-beds were brought to the market,

0:49:25 > 0:49:28presently, I would expect them to achieve

0:49:28 > 0:49:30somewhere between £70,000 and £75,000.

0:49:30 > 0:49:33I personally feel a two-bedroom flat could be worth anything

0:49:33 > 0:49:34up to £95,000.

0:49:35 > 0:49:39So, with four one-bed flats and one two-bed flat,

0:49:39 > 0:49:41using the low evaluations,

0:49:41 > 0:49:47that could give them a possible total resale price of £375,000,

0:49:47 > 0:49:50giving a total profit of £81,000.

0:49:50 > 0:49:53I think the evaluation is probably at the lower end

0:49:53 > 0:49:54of what we were expecting.

0:49:54 > 0:49:56We've had another agency and they said

0:49:56 > 0:49:59that particularly in this location, the quality of the flat,

0:49:59 > 0:50:01to perhaps test it a bit higher than that.

0:50:01 > 0:50:04But our sums were sort of done at that range anyway.

0:50:05 > 0:50:10Even so, I'd say £81,000 of profit is pretty good.

0:50:10 > 0:50:11But, for the time being,

0:50:11 > 0:50:13it's the rental they're interested in.

0:50:13 > 0:50:15Let's start with the one-beds.

0:50:15 > 0:50:18If the properties were brought to the rental market today,

0:50:18 > 0:50:22I would expect them to achieve somewhere between £425

0:50:22 > 0:50:25and £450 per calendar month.

0:50:25 > 0:50:28I think a two-bedroom flat done to a sort of similar standard

0:50:28 > 0:50:31in this block would fetch anything up to

0:50:31 > 0:50:34round about £525 per calendar month.

0:50:34 > 0:50:39Which could give the boys and impressive yield of just over 9%.

0:50:39 > 0:50:43Yeah, we're getting there or thereabouts.

0:50:43 > 0:50:47I think Margate's got a bit of a ceiling in terms of rentals

0:50:47 > 0:50:50for one-bedroom flats, so it's a very good return if you compare it

0:50:50 > 0:50:53with the likes of south London where we do a load of our work.

0:50:53 > 0:50:54But I think that's fair.

0:50:56 > 0:50:58So it would appear that this grand investment

0:50:58 > 0:51:00has done all right for the pair.

0:51:02 > 0:51:05What's next on the cards for them, then?

0:51:05 > 0:51:08Keep looking for nice quality buildings that have got

0:51:08 > 0:51:11a little bit of an interesting future that we might be able

0:51:11 > 0:51:13to take advantage of, really.

0:51:13 > 0:51:16Yeah, I don't think we'll be relocating to Margate,

0:51:16 > 0:51:18but we'll certainly pick up any other opportunities

0:51:18 > 0:51:20that we think are worthwhile in the area.

0:51:20 > 0:51:24I mean, 20, 25 years ago, there was a place called Brighton

0:51:24 > 0:51:25which most people know about.

0:51:25 > 0:51:27I remember going to Brighton and thinking,

0:51:27 > 0:51:30"Gosh, these places are really cheap." And nobody wanted them.

0:51:30 > 0:51:34Now, Brighton is nearly as expensive as parts of London, so...

0:51:34 > 0:51:37In fact, probably as expensive as most parts of London.

0:51:37 > 0:51:40So, you know, you can sometimes find a place that's out of favour.

0:51:40 > 0:51:42It won't be out of favour forever.

0:51:50 > 0:51:53Back to Streatham, in London now, where earlier we met

0:51:53 > 0:51:56property developer Aneesh and his wife, Satinda.

0:51:56 > 0:52:00Aneesh bought this two-floor maisonette

0:52:00 > 0:52:03for £266,000 at auction.

0:52:03 > 0:52:06The attic did offer some opportunities for adding value,

0:52:06 > 0:52:07but that aside,

0:52:07 > 0:52:09it appeared to need a fairly basic refurbishment,

0:52:09 > 0:52:11but nothing drastic.

0:52:11 > 0:52:14The property itself isn't actually in bad condition,

0:52:14 > 0:52:16so we'll skim some of the walls that need skimming.

0:52:16 > 0:52:18Decorate throughout,

0:52:18 > 0:52:20and probably just change the windows to double glazing.

0:52:20 > 0:52:23We'll apply for planning permission for the loft conversion...

0:52:23 > 0:52:27- Right.- ..to be made into a proper dormer extension.

0:52:27 > 0:52:31Aneesh had that sorted, but it was the timescale that took me aback.

0:52:31 > 0:52:34- We are looking to turn this one around in about six weeks.- Wow!

0:52:34 > 0:52:36No chance of getting planning permission then.

0:52:36 > 0:52:39You never know, we could be lucky. Fingers crossed.

0:52:39 > 0:52:42Hopefully they kept those fingers crossed

0:52:42 > 0:52:44because at just seven weeks later

0:52:44 > 0:52:47we've come back to see how they've been getting on.

0:52:54 > 0:52:57With the exception of a few doors still left to hang,

0:52:57 > 0:53:00everything seems to have gone smoothly.

0:53:01 > 0:53:03As soon as we got in we switched the water on.

0:53:03 > 0:53:05As soon as we switched the water on it and started using it,

0:53:05 > 0:53:07it flooded downstairs.

0:53:07 > 0:53:10# I got a leak in this old building

0:53:10 > 0:53:11# Got a leak... #

0:53:11 > 0:53:13Ah, not that smoothly, then!

0:53:13 > 0:53:16I think there were three separate leaks,

0:53:16 > 0:53:18so when we thought we fixed one, we found another.

0:53:18 > 0:53:21But we got there in the end.

0:53:21 > 0:53:25So, with the plumbing sorted, what else did they need to do?

0:53:25 > 0:53:27We have to give it a good general refurbishment throughout

0:53:27 > 0:53:30so we've done... We've upgraded the electrics,

0:53:30 > 0:53:35we've put in a new combi boiler, and we've painted throughout,

0:53:35 > 0:53:37glossed it, and new carpets as well.

0:53:37 > 0:53:40The bathroom and the kitchen have had new tiles gone in on the floor

0:53:40 > 0:53:42just to make them feel a bit more modern.

0:53:42 > 0:53:45And is there anything they did manage to get done?

0:53:45 > 0:53:47Just really the garden.

0:53:47 > 0:53:49The garden's left to have just a bit of a tidy up.

0:53:49 > 0:53:52Apart from that, it's all done.

0:53:52 > 0:53:55Well, it won't take much to spruce up this little garden.

0:53:55 > 0:53:57And as I said before,

0:53:57 > 0:54:00an outside space like this in London is a big bonus.

0:54:00 > 0:54:01But, hang on.

0:54:01 > 0:54:04Is the garden really the only thing left to do?

0:54:04 > 0:54:06I don't see any dormer windows.

0:54:06 > 0:54:09So, does that mean Aneesh and Satinda

0:54:09 > 0:54:12were too optimistic about the planning permission?

0:54:12 > 0:54:15We made the choice not to build the dormer

0:54:15 > 0:54:19just based on the fact that we didn't think it would deliver us

0:54:19 > 0:54:21the return we want to at the moment,

0:54:21 > 0:54:23especially as are just intending to rent the property

0:54:23 > 0:54:25for the next couple of years.

0:54:25 > 0:54:27That's probably a wise move.

0:54:27 > 0:54:31Aneesh and Satinda are only a week past their six-week deadline

0:54:31 > 0:54:33with not much left to do.

0:54:33 > 0:54:36But with the timescale that tight,

0:54:36 > 0:54:39just one or two hitches can make all the difference.

0:54:39 > 0:54:42The leak was the main delay.

0:54:42 > 0:54:45That held up all the other work surrounding the kitchen

0:54:45 > 0:54:49and bathroom that we had planned, and the boiler to go in, so...

0:54:49 > 0:54:52Once we sort of found the leak, it did help us,

0:54:52 > 0:54:54but it did delay us a good couple of weeks to really hone in

0:54:54 > 0:54:57and find out exactly what the problem was.

0:54:57 > 0:55:00There was some works to be done on the ground floor flats

0:55:00 > 0:55:03to amend and fix their ceiling.

0:55:03 > 0:55:06So, did that unexpected extra work

0:55:06 > 0:55:09add to their budget as well as their timescale?

0:55:09 > 0:55:13They were planning to spend £8,000 to £10,000.

0:55:13 > 0:55:16We spent £13,000 all in all it isn't bad.

0:55:16 > 0:55:19We obviously had the unexpected £2,000 cost for the leak

0:55:19 > 0:55:21which we hadn't budgeted for.

0:55:21 > 0:55:25But other than that, we're really just £1,000 over the rest

0:55:25 > 0:55:28of the build, but I think the property has turned out really well.

0:55:29 > 0:55:32I agree, Aneesh. I think this maisonette is looking great.

0:55:32 > 0:55:39With an auction price of £266,000 and renovation costs of £13,000,

0:55:39 > 0:55:42they've spent a total of £279,000.

0:55:43 > 0:55:46So, what will two local estate agents

0:55:46 > 0:55:50think of Aneesh's changes to this maisonette?

0:55:50 > 0:55:53Starting with the agent who saw it last time.

0:55:53 > 0:55:54I think the changes are really good.

0:55:54 > 0:55:57He's done some essential changes which is the kitchen floor,

0:55:57 > 0:55:59he's tidied up the bathroom, and given the whole place

0:55:59 > 0:56:02a lick of paint, which has really brightened it all up.

0:56:02 > 0:56:04I think the key things are it's all very, very light.

0:56:04 > 0:56:07The appliances have been done nicely.

0:56:07 > 0:56:09The bathroom is nice and bright.

0:56:09 > 0:56:12There's not colours that will put anybody off.

0:56:12 > 0:56:14I think he's done most things very well.

0:56:14 > 0:56:16The one thing that maybe he should have done

0:56:16 > 0:56:19is tidied up the rear garden, but I'm sure he'll get around to that.

0:56:19 > 0:56:21It's a very small thing that I'm picking up

0:56:21 > 0:56:23but it's done very well in general.

0:56:23 > 0:56:25So, all in all it sounds very positive.

0:56:26 > 0:56:30But with a total spend of £279,000,

0:56:30 > 0:56:32what kind of resale value could Aneesh achieve?

0:56:34 > 0:56:36I think with the way it's been done, as is,

0:56:36 > 0:56:41he could put it on the market for £365,000

0:56:41 > 0:56:48looking to get offers of £350,000 upwards.

0:56:48 > 0:56:53I think the owner should sell this for approximately £345,000.

0:56:53 > 0:56:57Blimey! Even that lowest evaluation would mean a potential profit

0:56:57 > 0:57:00of £66,000, minus the usual taxes and fees.

0:57:02 > 0:57:05So, will they rethink letting it out?

0:57:05 > 0:57:07Yeah, there's always temptation to sell

0:57:07 > 0:57:10but we're quite happy for the longer term view to rent it out

0:57:10 > 0:57:13and see what the market does in the next couple of years.

0:57:13 > 0:57:16No budging from their plan there, then.

0:57:16 > 0:57:20So, what could this maisonette achieve on the rental market?

0:57:20 > 0:57:25In rental, we could ask for this property £1,650 per calendar month.

0:57:25 > 0:57:28I think he'd be looking at £1,250 per calendar month.

0:57:30 > 0:57:35That highest evaluation would give a healthy yield of nearly 7%.

0:57:35 > 0:57:37I'm delighted with that, really. That's...

0:57:37 > 0:57:40£1,250 to £1,300 is what we aim for.

0:57:40 > 0:57:41So, yeah, very pleased with that.

0:57:41 > 0:57:43I'm not surprised.

0:57:43 > 0:57:47That's another successful renovation for Satinda and Aneesh.

0:57:47 > 0:57:50So, what's next on their to-do list?

0:57:50 > 0:57:53We've got another project that starts in Battersea

0:57:53 > 0:57:56so that's where our builders are next and they're on there now.

0:57:56 > 0:57:59We've just finished another project in Morden.

0:57:59 > 0:58:02We've been busy the last few months and after that,

0:58:02 > 0:58:05it's probably time to take a bit of a break and a bit of a holiday.

0:58:09 > 0:58:10Join us next time

0:58:10 > 0:58:13when we have more riveting stories from the auction rooms.

0:58:13 > 0:58:16Yes, it could be your passport to a small fortune, so don't miss it.

0:58:16 > 0:58:18- See you, then. Goodbye.- Goodbye.