0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to the show.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05We're always being told you need to save for the future.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07That's even more true these days.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Because people are looking to supplement their pensions.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Yes, and property can be a very attractive option.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16So there is a bit of a stampede to the auction rooms.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46If you're like us and you're hoping property will be a safe investment,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49you've got to make sure you buy wisely.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53And that means doing your research to seek out the bargains.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55So is that what happened to the buyers on today's show?
0:00:55 > 0:00:56Let's find out.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02First up, in Derby, I discover some devilish DIY short cuts.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05You can't reach it with a spanner, so what do you do?
0:01:05 > 0:01:06You take the bricks out of the wall.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12But in London, I find some heavenly inspiration.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16You know what, this flat is a miracle waiting to happen.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22And in Wales, a brave man lives for the moment and takes a chance.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27When the hammer went down, I though, oh, yeah. What do I do now?
0:01:28 > 0:01:31All these properties have been sold at auction.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34We'll find out who bought them and what they paid for them
0:01:34 > 0:01:35when they went under the hammer.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Well done, sir. It's yours.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43I'm in Cotmanhay in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47And this is the Erewash Canal. Absolutely beautiful.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50And great news, the property I'm here to see is just over there.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55This picturesque canal was completed in 1779,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59transporting goods in and out of this industrial area,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03known for its coal mining, steel works and textiles industry.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Today, having avoided closure, it's been preserved
0:02:07 > 0:02:09and developed into this scenic waterway.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12While its industrial use is in the past,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15it's now a great amenity, providing a wonderful place to
0:02:15 > 0:02:19cruise along in your boat and enjoy lovely walks along its banks.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Sharing its peace and quiet with your new feathered neighbours.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27So, great location. What about the property itself?
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Well, 40,000-plus was the guide price.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34And it's this little sort of terraced cottage.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Not sure I like the outside.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43OK. Well, nice little front room area here.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Open fire. That would be absolutely beautiful.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Especially on a freezing cold day like today.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49I like those original beams.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53I think they are original. I'd like to see them stripped back.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56But they certainly give a kind of cottage-y feel to the place.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58What's that?
0:03:00 > 0:03:02That is outstanding.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Perfect!
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Bit of Heath Robinson design to stop the draughts coming in through
0:03:09 > 0:03:12the front door. And when you've done that, you can just...
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Oh, I suppose I have to do that first. OK, put that back.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17I think it's... Here we go.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Absolutely superb.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22Right, um...
0:03:22 > 0:03:24HE LAUGHS
0:03:24 > 0:03:26I'd like to somebody who would keep that but I don't think they will.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28A few signs of damp here and there.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32And I guess the floors are solid. I doubt there's a damp proof course.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35So you are going to have to factor that into your renovation costs.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39I've already started looking at this place with rose-tinted spectacles.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42I don't care about the damp. I'm charmed by the little thing by the front door.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45I like the fact it's got an open fire. The back area here,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47it's the kitchen. It's got stairs up to the bedrooms.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51It's small but a rustic little kitchen in here,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54replacing the units that are here at the moment,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58and you've got the makings of a real charming little place.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03# I-I-I-I'm hooked on a feeling. #
0:04:03 > 0:04:06There are some feelings that just can't be explained.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Undeniably, there is a lot of work to be done here,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12but the place has got my attention.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15So, upstairs. And even these are quite cute.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19HE LAUGHS
0:04:19 > 0:04:22That is a classic of needs must.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26This little drain plug at the bottom of the hot water cylinder.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29You can't reach it with a spanner so what do you do?
0:04:29 > 0:04:32You take the bricks out of the wall.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Course you do! Practical solutions to real problems.
0:04:35 > 0:04:41# All in all you're just another brick in the wall... #
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Oh, dear. Not the cleverest way to get the plumbing sorted.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49But my semi-crush on this property forbids me to be too critical.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Will the upstairs plant some seeds of doubt?
0:04:52 > 0:04:56The good news is, the bathroom is at least upstairs.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00The bad news is, it's not really ideal, is it?
0:05:00 > 0:05:03You've got this little shower area there.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06And then this raised wooden platform on which the toilet sits.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09And there's a little hand basin there.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12I think that's going to limit what you could do here.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14You'd like to have a bath somewhere.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17But I think you're really limited by space.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20But, you know, it's a small cottage.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Small, yes. Full of character, absolutely.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26What treasures await us outside.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Well, the back of the property, it's in a bit of a state.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35But nice surprise. A brick-built outbuilding.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37It's not actually attached to the house.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40So that kind of limits its use. But a great little shed.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Or possibly you could put some kind of roof in between the house
0:05:43 > 0:05:45and that, and then turn it into a utility room.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Either way, for a small cottage like this,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52a nice additional bit of space. And likewise with the garden.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55You don't expect that. It's lovely. It goes right back there,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58although you can't quite see where the end is cos of all the foliage.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00But it's big. Love it.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Leaving aside my obvious soft spot for this house,
0:06:04 > 0:06:09at a £40,000 guide price it's a property with huge potential.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Every inch of this cottage has something to
0:06:12 > 0:06:16offer for first-time buyers, landlords and investors alike.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Or is that my heart speaking?
0:06:20 > 0:06:24A man sure to use his head is the auctioneer who sold it.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28He came along to run his experienced eye over this little beauty.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33The property that we're in is a typical terraced house.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35It's not large.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Thankfully the upstairs goes over the entry at the sides
0:06:37 > 0:06:40so you've got a bit more space up there.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42But this has been rented out for many years.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45It's not been particularly well maintained.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48So obviously there are traits of neglect in it.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50It's very tired and it needs a thorough make-over.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53My estimate in what you'd have to spend on this to bring it up
0:06:53 > 0:06:55to a good, modern standard would be
0:06:55 > 0:06:58probably in the order of £15,000 or £16,000.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Hmm. £15,000 is no small change.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Assuming you got it for anything like that guide price
0:07:06 > 0:07:09of £40,000, would an investment of 55,000 be justified?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I would say, on today's market, it would have a
0:07:15 > 0:07:19value of around 60,000 to £65,00.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22You need to be a little bit careful about your spend on it.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Because there is a ceiling value for a property in this area.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31Hmm. So it's tight. Potentially a £10,000 return is available.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35But a little over the guide price, a little over on the refurbishment,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37and there's isn't much of a profit left.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41Could you get a better return by renting it out?
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Once renovated, this would have a rental value of between 425
0:07:46 > 0:07:47and £450 a calendar month.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55Well, £40,000 doesn't buy you much in the property world in 2013.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00Apart from here, where it could buy you the most charming little place.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Let's see who fell in love with it when it went under the hammer.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Start me on this one where you like. I'd say 38 again for it.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Lot 54. Start me where you like.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Thank you. £35,000.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18At 35,000. 36 someone else? 35 is the opening bid. 36 I've got here.
0:08:18 > 0:08:2136. 37 is bid at the back.
0:08:21 > 0:08:2337. 38.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24At 38. 500.
0:08:24 > 0:08:2738.5. 39.
0:08:27 > 0:08:3039.5. 40,000.
0:08:31 > 0:08:3540,000. At 40. And a half again.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38It's going to go at £40,000. You're out in front of me.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40At 40,000 once.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44£40,000 twice. Third opportunity.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Sold at 40,000. Thank you.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51The successful bidder getting the cottage at bang on the guide
0:08:51 > 0:08:52price was Wallace.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56He came along to meet me with one of his three children, Karen.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58She'll be helping him renovate the property,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01which he's bought to add to his pension.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Wallace, Karen, great to meet you both.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09This is a great house for £40,000, isn't it?
0:09:09 > 0:09:14Mm-hmm. Yeah. Hopefully got a bargain but...you know...we'll have to see.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Well, it's charming. I loved it the moment I walked in.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19It needs a bit of work but it just has that something, doesn't it?
0:09:19 > 0:09:22We felt the same, didn't we, when we first saw it.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25We just liked the area. And all the neighbours came out
0:09:25 > 0:09:26when we were waiting for the estate agent.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29They were so friendly. We had a little walk to the canal
0:09:29 > 0:09:32and just thought it was a beautiful little spot.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33It's got a nice feel about it.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37Yeah, without a doubt. So why did you want to buy it?
0:09:37 > 0:09:43It's an investment, really. Just something for me to do up.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45A bit of a hobby, if you like.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- How about you, Karen?- The same.
0:09:48 > 0:09:55I've got two houses and we've done them up, haven't we?
0:09:55 > 0:09:57One similar to this.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00So, between us, we've probably managed at least
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- houses in as bad a state as this, haven't we?- Well, yeah.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07So a bit of experience on both Wallace and Karen's parts.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Which should certainly help them get the most from this property.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16Tell me what you're going to do to this place to sort it out.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21First of all, we've got to put a new fire in. That sort of thing.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Get rid of the beams. Cover them up.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25These beams, don't you think they're original?
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- No, I don't think so. No.- They add a bit of character, don't they?
0:10:30 > 0:10:33I think so, but you disagree, don't you?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- Yeah.- I quite like them.- I do, but... - Yeah.- You don't, do you?
0:10:36 > 0:10:37You hate them.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Yeah.- Why do you hate them? What is there to hate about them?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42I think beams are more suited to cottages. Not to...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Don't you think this is a cottage? I think this is a cottage.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Not to a mid-terraced house. - I think this is a little cottage.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- Do you?- Yeah. Sort of. It's like a lock keeper's cottage, isn't it?
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Yeah.- I think they're nice, but we'll wait and see.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Yeah.- At the moment, they're definitely going.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59I think that's the first thing you're going to get rid of.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00HE LAUGHS
0:11:00 > 0:11:02OK.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Karen and Wallace will battle it out about the beams.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08But in the meantime, they plan to replace the bathroom,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11the central heating system and boiler.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13And of course, a total redecoration.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17They seem pretty confident about tackling this house.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20But don't forget, margins in this property could be quite tight.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23So I hope they've taken that into account.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26What's the budget for all the work?
0:11:26 > 0:11:32- We've got a budget of ten grand.- OK. - Hopefully that will do.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35There's a little bit damp that has to be seen to.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40But not a great lot. That shouldn't cost too much. But there is a bit.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42The bulk of the spending will be the kitchen,
0:11:42 > 0:11:44the bathroom and the new boiler.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- What about how long it's going to take?- About six weeks.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53Not a lot of time, with such a long list of jobs to complete.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57But with a solid budget of £10,000, it will surely give them
0:11:57 > 0:11:59a very good chance.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02So the idea is to rent it out then, is it?
0:12:02 > 0:12:06At this moment in time, yeah. Unless we make a fantastic profit.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07But, you know.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11What kind of profit would tempt you to sell, do you think?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Anything, say, 15 to 20.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16# What about Daddy Cool? #
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Wallace is being quite cool about his wait and see approach.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24In the meantime, he has something else in his diary.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- You've got a trip to New Zealand? - Yes. Yeah.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- My son lives in Christchurch so... - Right.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32I'll go and see him for a month or so, you know.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- Wow.- Yeah.- Nice. You want to get it done before that?- Yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Yeah. That's the idea. Yeah.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Then when I'm away they'll be getting someone in here.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Good. Listen, congratulations. Good luck with it.- Thank you.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Nice to meet you. - Thank you very much.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- I look forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49# Daddy, Daddy Cool... #
0:12:49 > 0:12:54So, a good purchase for father and daughter team, Wallace and Karen.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Will those beams be here when we come back?
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Jury's out. You can find out later in the show.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08You couldn't get more of a contrast to that charming waterside terrace
0:13:08 > 0:13:11than here in Hammersmith, West London.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15It's right at the heart of city life, with plenty of tube lines
0:13:15 > 0:13:18and road links. And house prices here, well, I think you know
0:13:18 > 0:13:21what I'm going to say, are on the rise.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25And actually, about a mile from the centre of Hammersmith, you can
0:13:25 > 0:13:27find the odd charming terrace.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Isn't that lovely?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Now, look to your right. Yes, that's where we're going.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36The 1960s block. Sorry.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38The property I'm here to see is a studio flat.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41I have a guide price of £160,000.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46I know that sounds like a lot of money for a studio flat, but not when
0:13:46 > 0:13:52you're in pricy Hammersmith where the average flat costs around 474,000.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Let's head inside and see what you get for your money.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58It's on the fifth floor so I hope there's a lift.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01# You raise me up
0:14:01 > 0:14:05# So I can stand on mountains... #
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Ah-ha, yes, there's a lift.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10And a newly modernised one by the looks of it.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12More about that later.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15'Doors closing.'
0:14:15 > 0:14:17This might not be the prettiest of buildings,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20but purpose-built blocks like this do provide a more affordable
0:14:20 > 0:14:23alternative for people who want to live in the city.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Being so high up, love it or hate it,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28it's exactly as I would expect on the inside.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Needs a bit of work.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34You've got your bathroom here, and off to right, the kitchen.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Now this has taken me by surprise.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41I would not have expected a kitchen this large in a studio flat.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46But I'm just wondering how big the lounge-sleeping area is.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Lovely! A kitchen to shout about.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55But it's clear already that a bit of modernisation is going to be needed.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57New kitchen units for a start.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00There is double glazing and central heating.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02# I'm living in a box
0:15:02 > 0:15:04# I'm living in a cardboard box... #
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Well, this is how you can make your money.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11You've got to think outside the box with this studio flat.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15I actually think you could turn this into a one-bedroom flat.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Look at all this space out here.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21It's not a lot of space, but it's certainly enough to house a kitchen.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23I would block up this area here.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Put another little doorway in through here.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29And you could have all your kitchen units...
0:15:29 > 0:15:34Knock this out. All the kitchen units housed along this back wall.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37You could then use the kitchen as a bedroom,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41because you can go right the way as far back as this wall.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44The bed can all be house in this little alcove here.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48I really believe this room can take it. It's huge.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51It's got a fantastic view of London on the other side.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55You know what, this flat is a miracle waiting to happen.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02# I believe in miracles... #
0:16:02 > 0:16:06OK, so maybe miracle is going a bit far.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09But the space in this property has been a great surprise to me.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13As well as its very reasonable £80 per month service charge.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18One should also remember that its lease-hold status means any
0:16:18 > 0:16:22structural changes will need permission of the free-holder.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25And of course, you'll have to do the maths on where the fairly big
0:16:25 > 0:16:28structural changes, like moving the kitchen,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30would actually make you any money.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33I know there's a strong rental demand here.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36And I think this flat would fly off the shelves.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40But it's all about the money. Do the figures add up?
0:16:40 > 0:16:45Let's say you buy for around the guide price of £160,000.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50You spend ten grand on renovations. And you rent for £860 per month.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55That would give you a return of 6%. Not bad at all.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59And that's as a studio flat.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03If you did create a separate bedroom here then that yield could
0:17:03 > 0:17:05increase to 7%.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Well worth doing for that extra five grand that it would cost to do
0:17:08 > 0:17:10the renovation.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's great that the rental income works here.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16As unfortunately, capital growth will always be
0:17:16 > 0:17:19limited by the stigma of purpose-built blocks.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21# Oh Sussudio... #
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Well, if you've got a fear of heights,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26this might not be the flat for you.
0:17:26 > 0:17:32But if, like me, you love a good London view, that is epic.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37How I love a good old view. And that's really a cracking one.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40And I've got more positive news to report about this property.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45I know this might not be the most attractive of buildings, but the
0:17:45 > 0:17:49good news is that there are plans to improve the exterior and
0:17:49 > 0:17:51the communal parts over the next few years.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Modernisation of the lifts has already taken place.
0:17:54 > 0:18:01And there are further plans in 2017 and 2018 to overhaul the windows,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04improve the lighting and repair and redecorate the block.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07So, if you look at this property in the long term,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10it could be a good place to put your money.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Lots going for it then, as long as purchaser doesn't mind heights.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Time to find out what a local property expert thinks.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22# Send me to work in tall buildings... #
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Having had a look around this property,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29at the moment it is laid out as a studio flat.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32There is the potential to turn this into a one-bedroom flat.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Which is, without a doubt, far more saleable, far more lettable,
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and you're going to get a much better price
0:18:39 > 0:18:41when you come to resell or rent it.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45There you go, we are in total agreement on that one.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47But let's look at the numbers.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50What would a refurbished studio flat resell for?
0:18:50 > 0:18:54If I was to post this on the open market as a studio flat,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57once it's been completely renovated to a fairly high standard,
0:18:57 > 0:19:01I would expect to market it around about £230,000.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04And what if you decided to splash the cash
0:19:04 > 0:19:07and make it a more desirable one-bed flat?
0:19:07 > 0:19:10If I was to sell this as a one-bedroom flat tomorrow,
0:19:10 > 0:19:15once it's been renovated, I would put it on the market for £260,000,
0:19:15 > 0:19:20looking to achieve just under the £250,000 stamp duty threshold.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25# I'm going to work in tall buildings... #
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Small and perfectly formed?
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Mm, I wouldn't quite describe the flat like that just yet.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33But it could be, after some hard work.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36But perhaps a little re-jig with that layout...
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Let's head to the auction
0:19:38 > 0:19:40and find out who had their sights set on the studio.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45I'd like to kick off on this, I don't know, 140.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48140 down here. 145.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52140. First time. Second time.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Third and last time.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59145. 150. Behind you, 150. 150.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01155.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03160. 160.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04165.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07170.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10170. 175. 180.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Have a think. 175.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15I'll take a thousand. 176 now.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18If not, 175 down here.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20First time. Second time.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Third and last time. Are you all done?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Sold. 175.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Getting the property in their first auction was Jonathan and Dorothy,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35who secured the flat for 175,000.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40They both have a background in education. Dorothy is retired now.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43But Jonathan is a school vice principal.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47Let's find out if they've done their homework on this property.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51# Let this be a lesson to you... #
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Jonathan and Dorothy, congratulations. BOTH:- Thank you.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57What I want to know is, how much did you want to buy this flat at auction?
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Was this the only property you wanted?
0:20:59 > 0:21:02No, there were two properties we were interested in at the auction.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05The first one was one of the earlier lots and it went way,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08way over the guide price. So we're actually quite surprised
0:21:08 > 0:21:10that we managed to get this one at all.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12But we were quite keen on it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14We've been to see it twice before the auction.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16We were very happy in the end that we got it.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Dorothy is going to be the one getting her hands dirty
0:21:19 > 0:21:22on this project. But having taught and raised four children,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26it's most definitely a step in a new direction.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32I've been teaching since I left college. I finished in summer.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I taught home economics, and food and nutrition.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I'm sort of...
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Having lost my children, they've flown the nest,
0:21:40 > 0:21:42I've decided to do something different.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44How do you feel about your kids having flown the nest?
0:21:44 > 0:21:46It's taken a little bit of getting used to.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Really?- Yeah. - So you need this to fill your time?
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- I do. I do.- And it certainly will. THEY LAUGH
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Of course, the time it takes will depend on just how much
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Dorothy decides to do.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Have these first time developers seen the potential of this property?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04I know exactly what I would like to do.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06But what are you two going to do here?
0:22:06 > 0:22:09We're going to try and make it into a one-bedroom flat.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Fabulous. Tick! Yeah, well done.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- We had a couple of plans, didn't we?- Yeah.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Plan A - we were wondering
0:22:16 > 0:22:18whether the kitchen could actually be a bedroom.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21But then when we came back and measured it up,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25we thought maybe, maybe not. But in here, it's fairly sizeable.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28So I think there's probably scope here to actually get a bedroom.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31There is more than one way of looking at a property.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35But I still think they should get those tape measures out again.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37But they are on the right lines.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40The other thing to think about with this flat is you get
0:22:40 > 0:22:42past its rather unappealing exterior.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47It is not the most attractive of buildings.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52How are you going to draw in the tenants or the potential purchasers?
0:22:52 > 0:22:56When we see the estate agent, we will ask them
0:22:56 > 0:23:00to take as many photographs as possible of the inside of the flat.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Because we are doing it up to a high standard, we'll hope that will
0:23:03 > 0:23:09wow the prospective buyers and so they'll hopefully not be too worried
0:23:09 > 0:23:12about the outside and concentrate on the inside of the flat.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16# I am beautiful no matter what they say... #
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Another tick from me there.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23And more marks for a sensible budget of 10,000.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25And a timescale of three months.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30They are both keen DIYers and have sorted out who is doing what already.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- You're going to be doing all the painting and decorating.- Yes.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Jonathan, you're going to be doing the building.- Yep. Yeah.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41And a bit of plumbing as well. Any plastering, I can do that.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Any electrical work, we'll have to get someone in.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45But otherwise, you know,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48we'll probably do most of the work ourselves.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50It's going to be five minutes away from your school,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53which is going to be so handy if you ever want to nip back here.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Yeah, don't tell the boss that though.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56THEY LAUGH
0:23:56 > 0:23:59What was the point of your guys buying this flat?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Is this purely an investment opportunity to flip, to sell on?
0:24:02 > 0:24:03Or would you like to rent it out?
0:24:03 > 0:24:06We'd like to sell it on.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08And then we can buy another one at another auction,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11and repeat this procedure later on in the year.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14I'm really excited to see how it all turns out.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- Congratulations and well done.- Thank you very much.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Jonathan and Dorothy are good at teaching,
0:24:20 > 0:24:25but will they be as adept at learning with their first investment property?
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Let's hope they make the right decisions and a profit will be
0:24:28 > 0:24:31made at the end of all this hard work.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Join me later on in the show and we'll reveal all.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37Still to come...
0:24:37 > 0:24:41In Wales, the perfect property...if you want to shed a few pounds.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46Oof! It would certainly keep you fit living in this house.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51And down in Hammersmith, West London, did Jonathan
0:24:51 > 0:24:53and Dorothy make a few pounds?
0:24:53 > 0:24:54It's not bad, is it?
0:25:01 > 0:25:05We return to Ilkeston in Derbyshire now where, earlier,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08I met father and daughter team Wallace and Karen.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13Wallace bought this two-bedroom terrace for £40,000.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16And Karen, she was going to lend some moral support.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19And boy was Wallace going to need it.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Because, although the house was in a lovely setting,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24it really did need the works.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27However, I thought this house had bags of charm.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31It had some fairly quirky features, some of which I hated,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35but then, there were things I loved.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37These beams, don't you think they're original?
0:25:37 > 0:25:41- No, I don't think so. No.- They add a bit of character, don't they?
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- I think so, but you disagree, don't you?- Yeah.- I quite like them.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- I do, but...- Yeah.- You don't, do you? You hate them.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57In the end, family commitments meant Karen had to reluctantly take
0:25:57 > 0:26:00a back-seat. Wallace certainly knew what he wanted.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Although, when it came to the issue of whether to rent or resell,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07he seemed less sure.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- So the idea is to rent it out then, is it?- At this moment in time, yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Unless we make a fantastic profit. But, you know.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18What kind of profit would tempt you to sell, do you think?
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Anything say from 15 to 20.
0:26:21 > 0:26:27Wallace had a holiday to New Zealand planned, to fit around this project.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29For which he had a budget of £10,000
0:26:29 > 0:26:32and a timescale of six weeks for the work.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Well, nearly six months later, we're back.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Wallace wanted to keep himself busy.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07And given the long list of jobs completed, he has.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10The kitchen is obviously a totally new kitchen.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12All the walls have been plastered.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Ceilings have been done.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19New fire. Carpets throughout. New windows and doors.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22It wasn't on the original budget but, you know.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Outside work, obviously the bit of wall at the front.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29The chimney was repaired. The garden done.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30I can't really think of...
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I'm sure there's a load more that we've done
0:27:33 > 0:27:36but I can't think of them just at the minute.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40I'm not surprised, Wallace. A thorough job done throughout.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42And to, clearly, a high standard.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45There are many things to admire about what's been achieved here.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Nowhere more so than in the bathroom.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52This is the room where most of the work had to be done.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56The sink was in the corner there, we had to take the sink out of there.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Put the boiler in there.
0:27:58 > 0:28:03The shower, that whole cubicle had to be taken out and a new one put in.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08Heating, new floor. Had to take the old platform out that was in here.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11The raised floor, took that out. Replaced it with a lower floor.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Obviously a new suite in here.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17Radiators, pipes, tiles, everything else,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21all the old chipboard off the walls that was on it.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25It was really old-fashioned, you know.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29I've never seen a bathroom like it in my life
0:28:29 > 0:28:32and I hope I never see one like it again.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35You may never have to one again like it, Wallace,
0:28:35 > 0:28:37but on Hammer, I've got a funny feeling I will.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43He might be relieved about having got that bathroom challenge
0:28:43 > 0:28:45sorted, but it wasn't the only one.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51The main challenge with the house, obviously it's an old house.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Nothing is square, nothing is level.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57It's very difficult to get things to fit properly.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Wallace also underestimated the level of damp in the house.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05Which didn't do his schedule or budget any favours.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07With the budget being stretched,
0:29:07 > 0:29:09it meant not everything in the plan could be achieved.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15With the brick building, eventually we'll turn it into a utility room.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17To do it now would have put us way over the budget,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19so we've just left it for now.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Wallace might have discovered more work than he expected,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26but there was also a very pleasant surprise.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30The garden was overgrown. I didn't realise there was a patio there
0:29:30 > 0:29:32until we started to clearing it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Then, all of a sudden, we found a patio. Cleared it all out.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Put a new fence up. Returfed it. Jet-washed the patio.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41And that's how it is at this minute in time.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44But there's still work to be done there, as well.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46It's 100% better than it was.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50I reckon it's closer to 110% better, Wallace.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53But that looks like an awful lot of work.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55And he hasn't stinted on the finish.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00So could it really have come in on Wallace's budget of £10,000?
0:30:02 > 0:30:07We initially set out 7,000 to 10,000. But it was about 10,500.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11We have gone over but not drastically.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13I think Wallace has done really well for that money.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17However, his timescale of six weeks has taken a bit of a slide
0:30:17 > 0:30:19to six months.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25And it turns out the list of things he had to do outside the project
0:30:25 > 0:30:27was pretty long too.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Just before Christmas I had to have a hernia operation,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35and I was out for six weeks. So that was a bit frustrating,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38cos you're thinking what you could be doing here and what have you.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Went to New Zealand for a month.
0:30:40 > 0:30:46Came back from New Zealand, went to a funeral and that was another week.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48So the last couple of weeks have been a bit frantic.
0:30:48 > 0:30:53And after all that hard work, is Wallace hoping to sell or rent?
0:30:55 > 0:30:59I'm leaning more to renting than selling.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02But if someone wants to give me a shed-load of money, well,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04I'll gladly take it off them.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06That is the name of the game, Wallace.
0:31:06 > 0:31:13With his purchase price of £40,000 added to his £10,500 refurbishment,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17Wallace has invested just over £50,000 in this property.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20This was a place where margins were quite tight.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25With a resell value reckoned to be around the £60,000-£65,000 mark.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29I can't imagine Wallace could have done any more to this house.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32What did two local estate agents think?
0:31:32 > 0:31:34This is the first time I've been to the property
0:31:34 > 0:31:35since it was refurbished.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39I think it's been done to a really good standard throughout.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42I think the property is finished to a high standard.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44There is a high demand for properties like this.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47You are looking towards the investor market that can immediately
0:31:47 > 0:31:49rent it out. But also, the first-time buyer market
0:31:49 > 0:31:51is incredibly strong at the minute.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53So I don't think it would take long to sell.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56So, clearly impressed with Wallace's achievements.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00But how does that translate in terms of value?
0:32:01 > 0:32:04If this property was to be placed on the market in its current condition,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08I would recommend an asking price between £80,000 and £85,000.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11If the owner of the property was to sell, we would put
0:32:11 > 0:32:15the property on the market at £85,000 to achieve £80,000.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21Hmm. That's a little more than I was expecting.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23But, yeah, that's good. I like that.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27You might like it, Wallace, but I love it.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30A profit of almost £30,000 is no mean feat.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34Will rental estimates bring more good news?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37If the property was to be placed on the rental market,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40I think the owner could expect to achieve anywhere within
0:32:40 > 0:32:42the region of 425 and 450 per calendar month.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46I would look to put the property on the market at £425 per
0:32:46 > 0:32:49calendar month up to £450 per calendar month.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51They're a bit under there.
0:32:52 > 0:32:58The going rate around here is 475. Um...
0:32:58 > 0:32:59to 500.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02So, Wallace has done his research
0:33:02 > 0:33:05and thinks more can be achieved in the rental market.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11But whether he sells or rents, this has been a great success.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15So what advice, if any, could he hand over to would-be developers?
0:33:16 > 0:33:22I think you've got to really look into it well, you know.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Make sure you know what you're doing.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Never, never buy it without looking at it.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Couldn't have said it better myself, Wallace.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41# I know a valley... #
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Well, there's no doubt that the valleys of South Wales
0:33:44 > 0:33:47are spectacular. The big question is,
0:33:47 > 0:33:52are there spectacular property bargains to be found?
0:33:52 > 0:33:58# I know valleys of gold
0:33:58 > 0:34:00# Sweet and fair... #
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Well, I'm heading down into that village of Penrhiwceiber
0:34:05 > 0:34:09to see what I can find.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Claimed to be one of the steepest villages in Wales, if not the UK,
0:34:12 > 0:34:17it certainly nestles into the lush surroundings beautifully.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22In many places, £24,000 would be the sort of deposit you might
0:34:22 > 0:34:25pay on a three-bedroomed house.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27But here in this part of Wales,
0:34:27 > 0:34:33£24,000-plus was the guide price for a three-bedroomed mid-terrace.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37From the outside, well, if you can see it, up there...
0:34:38 > 0:34:39Looks pretty good.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43# Down from the hillside, down to the valley
0:34:43 > 0:34:44# Where the people all stay
0:34:44 > 0:34:48# Down to the valley where the people all stay... #
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Set up against the hillside,
0:34:50 > 0:34:53the scenic backdrop gives the terrace a majestic look.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Hmm. Relatively new double glazed door.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01It's a good start. A little porch, I always like that.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Keep the cold out. Although it could do with an internal door.
0:35:04 > 0:35:11Then straight into a really nice sized open plan living area.
0:35:11 > 0:35:12Nice sized windows.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Obviously got relatively new central heating, which is good.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Feels lovely.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20I mean, not only does it feel quite deep, it feels nice and wide.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25Which I certainly wasn't expecting. Understairs storage cupboard there.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Then through into the kitchen.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30It's not bad. Perfectly serviceable.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33The layout, I think, works for that sort of U-shape.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Replace the units, keep the layout pretty much the same.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39As a starting point...
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Well, we like.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Outside, you have this concreted area,
0:35:51 > 0:35:55surround the property with a terrace above.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59# To the left, to the right
0:35:59 > 0:36:02# Step it up, step it up... #
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Oof! It would certainly keep you fit living in this house.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07So many stairs.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Up to it, through it and then out the back,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12up to your little patch of garden.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16And when you get here, something you don't see every day.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Looks like the lawn's actually been made of carpet.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22DOG BARKS
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Quite bouncy.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Quite hardwearing too.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30Could almost say it's going to be quite tough. Turf.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32DOGS BARK
0:36:32 > 0:36:34# Who let the dogs out? #
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Hmm. Interesting roof. Solar panels, need to look into that.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Anyway, back to the inside of the property.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45So, equally spacious upstairs, he says hopefully.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Looking good, actually. Rear bedroom there. Not a bad size.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55The loo, not only where it should be - as in, upstairs -
0:36:55 > 0:36:57but in not bad nick.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59But of refurbishment required here and there.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04Nice little landing. Second bedroom there. That's not a bad size either.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07And then, third bedroom here. Oh.
0:37:07 > 0:37:08HE GROANS
0:37:08 > 0:37:09That's a bit of a shame.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Looks like we've had a bit of water coming in there
0:37:12 > 0:37:15and that's what it's created on the floor.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Hmm. Cos you don't know what kind of damage that's done underneath.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20That needs checking out.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Apart from that, this is a good sized room.
0:37:22 > 0:37:27And yes, the upstairs just caps it off. Literally.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30This is everything you could want really from a three-bed
0:37:30 > 0:37:32terraced house.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Well, nearly everything.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38There's a bit of floor missing in a really important place.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42So mind your step on your night-time visits to the loo.
0:37:44 > 0:37:45Talking of waterworks,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I found something quite interesting that I was looking for.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Now, on the landing here, you've got an airing cupboard which
0:37:54 > 0:37:58contains lots of good industrial stuff.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59I love this kind of thing.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03This does answer one slight question I had
0:38:03 > 0:38:05about the solar panels on the roof.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Cos at first glance I thought, oh, are they electricity-creating
0:38:08 > 0:38:11solar panels or are they hot-water-creating solar panels?
0:38:11 > 0:38:16Because there are some issue with houses electricity-creating ones
0:38:16 > 0:38:18by them entering into long-term contracts in some instances.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21That's definitely something to check out.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23However, what we've got here is something which
0:38:23 > 0:38:25I understand was done by the local authority.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27And it's basically hot water.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30So what it's doing is supplementing the boiler here.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32On a sunny day, it'll warm the water up,
0:38:32 > 0:38:36which will keep your electricity bills down. Good news.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42I love it. Who says it's not easy being green?
0:38:42 > 0:38:45However, you do need to check out who owns the panels
0:38:45 > 0:38:48if you buy a property with them installed.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Best case scenario is you own them outright when you buy the property.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56Then all you have to do is wait on the sun coming out.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00# Sun shine on a rainy day... #
0:39:00 > 0:39:04OK, so it's not quite a rainy day, but definitely a bit grey.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08So while I wait for the sun to come out, we ask a local property
0:39:08 > 0:39:10expert to come and have a look at the property.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13What did he think the place had going for it?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17The property would appear to have benefitted from a local
0:39:17 > 0:39:18council grant.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Specifically, there are solar panels to the roof.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23It would appear that it's got a brand-new
0:39:23 > 0:39:25central heating system here.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28And some very modern glazing. Double glazing as well.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Overall, it's going to benefit greatly from that.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Boilers and windows are two of the common things that can
0:39:34 > 0:39:37quickly affect your budget. So it's always good
0:39:37 > 0:39:40when those things have already been done recently.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44The property generally, other than the work carried out via
0:39:44 > 0:39:48the council grant, is in fairly poor condition.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Once renovated to a fair standard, I would estimate the rental
0:39:52 > 0:39:57potential value to be in the region of £375 per calendar month.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00And the potential sale value to be in the region of £50,000.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Well, I like the location. I like the house.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06And I like the guide price.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Let's see who was equally enthusiastic
0:40:09 > 0:40:11when it went under the hammer.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Start me somewhere sensible. Guide at 24.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17Start me at £20,000, will you?
0:40:17 > 0:40:2020 I've got. Thank you. 20 I've got. And one now.
0:40:20 > 0:40:2221. Thank you. 21. Two.
0:40:22 > 0:40:2422. 23. 24.
0:40:24 > 0:40:2825. 25. Right, it's 25,000 for the first time.
0:40:28 > 0:40:3025.5. 26.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31And a half.
0:40:31 > 0:40:3227. And a half.
0:40:32 > 0:40:3428. And a half.
0:40:34 > 0:40:3629. And a half.
0:40:36 > 0:40:3830.
0:40:38 > 0:40:4032. And a half.
0:40:40 > 0:40:4433. No? At 32.5 then for the first time.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Second time. Third and last time. 33,000.
0:40:47 > 0:40:4933. And a half.
0:40:49 > 0:40:5433.5? No. At 33,000. With you, sir. For the first time.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Second time. Third and last time. £33,0000.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Yours, sir. Thank you.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Game, set and match. With a neat serve by Darren.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Darren, who's from the other side of the Valleys,
0:41:06 > 0:41:08runs a security business.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12And this is his first time in the property game.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- Darren, great to meet you.- Hello. Nice to meet you.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Congratulations. Tell me why you wanted to buy this house.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Investment purpose.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I've got some money sitting in the bank.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29I always thought about looking to do some property development.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- So decided to go to an auction to see how it works.- Right.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34- This is number one, is it? - This was number one.- Right.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Yeah, this was number one.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- It was interesting.- It's a good house for the first one, isn't it?
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- Good, yeah. Not too bad.- Yeah. What was it that appealed to you?
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- I don't know, never saw it before. - You didn't see it?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46- Nope.- How did that work out then?
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Turned up at the auction, just wanted to see how the auction works.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52And ended up buying it.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55So, you didn't read the legal pack either, presumably?
0:41:55 > 0:41:59Nope. Didn't know how the auction process works.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02And eventually when the hammer went down I though, oh, yeah,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04what do I do now?
0:42:04 > 0:42:08Did you find anything nasty that you weren't expecting?
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Yeah, there's a couple of damp patches.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13And a hole just in front of the toilet.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Yes. So this is the first time you've seen it today?
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- Yes.- So what do you think? - Um, yeah, bit of work to do.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20HE LAUGHS
0:42:20 > 0:42:23It'll be interesting. Looking forward to it.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Interesting? Believe me,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30buy a property sight unseen and things could get interesting fast.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32And not in a good way.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36Darren was lucky to get away with what looks like just a few
0:42:36 > 0:42:38damp patches. You might not be.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41But it probably takes a lot to faze Darren.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46He's run a security business for the last 21 years.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48What kind of security do you do?
0:42:48 > 0:42:51We work in the film industry and event industry,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54from crowd management to the sporting industry.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56What did you do before you were in the security industry?
0:42:56 > 0:42:58I was in the army for 11 years.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Yes, that may explain a lot of his cool, calm demeanour.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04So has he got his battle plan worked out?
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Put a new kitchen in. New bathroom suite.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09Tidy the back up.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14Basically strip everything back to the bare wood and do a re-plaster.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16Darren has a budget of £6,000 to £8,000.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18And a timescale of six to eight weeks.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- Then once it's done, rent it out?- Yeah.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24Any idea what the rentals around here are?
0:43:24 > 0:43:29I've been looking this morning. Anything between 320 to 390
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- is the sort of budget that's happening.- Right.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34So anything between that, I'll be quite happy with it.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42So how is Darren feeling about his first auction experience?
0:43:42 > 0:43:45Is this the first of many or...?
0:43:45 > 0:43:47I'm going to see how this one goes.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51If it's successful then yes, I'll look at investing some more.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- But buy from the auction, perhaps. - Buy from the auction but, yeah,
0:43:54 > 0:43:57I think I'll go to view the property and read the legal pack.
0:43:57 > 0:43:58LAUGHTER
0:43:58 > 0:44:00- And yes, back to auction.- Good.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04- Listen, congratulations.- Thank you. - Good luck with it.- Excellent.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06- I look forward to seeing how you get on.- Excellent.
0:44:06 > 0:44:11Well, Darren seems to have been fairly lucky with this house.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14Not seeing it beforehand, not reading the legal pack...
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- HE LAUGHS - Oh boy!
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Anyway, yes, it's a good house.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21He's got the right plans for sorting it out.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24And hopefully it will be a successful start
0:44:24 > 0:44:27to his property investment portfolio.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29How will he get on? You can find out later in the show.
0:44:33 > 0:44:38Doing up a property always seems to take longer than you imagine.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- Or hope.- There are all sorts of reasons why delays happen.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45So, do you think our buyers have been held up or have they raced ahead?
0:44:45 > 0:44:46Let's find out.
0:44:47 > 0:44:52From their home in Ryslip, husband and wife team, Jonathan
0:44:52 > 0:44:56and Dorothy, travelled to Hammersmith to survey this studio apartment,
0:44:56 > 0:45:00which they purchased at auction for 175,000.
0:45:00 > 0:45:05It's an exciting time for the couple as this is their first venture
0:45:05 > 0:45:08into the sometimes treacherous world of property development.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12Jonathan, the vice principal of a local school
0:45:12 > 0:45:15and Dorothy, a retired home economics teacher
0:45:15 > 0:45:17had spotted an opportunity
0:45:17 > 0:45:21to turn this unloved duckling into a very profitable swan.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26First important decision, what to do with the space.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30We're going to try and make it into a one-bedroom flat.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32Fabulous. Tick.
0:45:32 > 0:45:33THEY LAUGH Yeah. Well done.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36- Well, we had a couple of plans, didn't we?- Yes.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Plan A, we were wondering whether
0:45:38 > 0:45:40the kitchen could actually be a bedroom
0:45:40 > 0:45:42but then when we came back and measured it up we thought,
0:45:42 > 0:45:43hmm, maybe not.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46But in here, it's fairly sizeable,
0:45:46 > 0:45:48so I think there's probably scope here
0:45:48 > 0:45:50to actually, you know, get a bedroom.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53For me, deciding on this route was a masterstroke.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55Turning it into a one-bedroom
0:45:55 > 0:45:58would open up so many more opportunities for them
0:45:58 > 0:46:00both in the sales and rental market.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05Just as important was the design, because, unfortunately,
0:46:05 > 0:46:09outside, this flat had little going for it in the looks department.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14I think it will probably be very minimal and very up-to-date.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18We're just going to try and do everything to a high standard.
0:46:18 > 0:46:23To create a good spec one-bed flat the couple had a budget of 10 grand.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25That sounded a tad ambitious to me
0:46:25 > 0:46:29but I am more than happy to stand corrected.
0:46:29 > 0:46:30So...?
0:46:47 > 0:46:51The original budget was 10,000 and we've...
0:46:51 > 0:46:53In terms of materials
0:46:53 > 0:46:55and labour costs
0:46:55 > 0:46:59it's been about 11,200
0:46:59 > 0:47:04but, of that, then we have spent...
0:47:04 > 0:47:08Well, the best part of 1,000 on sort of professional fees
0:47:08 > 0:47:10and structural engineer,
0:47:10 > 0:47:12building rigs and so on.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14So, I suppose just in terms of materials and labour
0:47:14 > 0:47:17then we weren't too far out in terms of the estimation.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27What a transformation. Huh, wow!
0:47:27 > 0:47:29Three gold stars.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31Two for Dorothy and one for Jonathan.
0:47:31 > 0:47:32It's only fair.
0:47:32 > 0:47:36I think it was a little bit harder than we imagined, but obviously,
0:47:36 > 0:47:41we had hiccups along the way where we had to actually
0:47:41 > 0:47:44deal with the council and that sort of delayed us a little bit.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48Every project has its challenges.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51It's how you deal with them that matters.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53Jonathan and Dorothy, I must say,
0:47:53 > 0:47:55you've given us a very good lesson
0:47:55 > 0:47:58in how to make the most out of a little space.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01The main change was to put up a partition,
0:48:01 > 0:48:03splitting the single room into two.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05And we were quite pleased with the partition
0:48:05 > 0:48:08because we thought rather than putting in just a straight wall,
0:48:08 > 0:48:10we'll put something in with an alcove in it
0:48:10 > 0:48:12so it gives more interest
0:48:12 > 0:48:14and it looks quite good from both sides.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16And we're pleased with the eventual bedroom.
0:48:16 > 0:48:20It's a nice, usable space and it's ended up quite nice.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23Quite nice? It looks fantastic.
0:48:23 > 0:48:28Jonathan and Dorothy were keen to do as much of the work as possible.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30So, how did this impact on their schedule?
0:48:31 > 0:48:33We estimated two to three months,
0:48:33 > 0:48:36and so, here we are six months later,
0:48:36 > 0:48:38so it's more or less doubled and...
0:48:39 > 0:48:40Um,
0:48:40 > 0:48:41I think...
0:48:41 > 0:48:44I think we just underestimated the time it would take,
0:48:44 > 0:48:47given the fact that I was only available
0:48:47 > 0:48:49for a certain amount of time.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53Well, it's not uncommon
0:48:53 > 0:48:55to underestimate the time it's going to take,
0:48:55 > 0:48:58and not everyone completes the task to such a high standard.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02What, if anything, has the process taught them?
0:49:02 > 0:49:04I've learnt that to make more of the month
0:49:04 > 0:49:07between buying the flat and completion,
0:49:07 > 0:49:12to look for, uh, reputable people to help,
0:49:12 > 0:49:15to find and source materials.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17So, you know, we've learnt an awful lot from it
0:49:17 > 0:49:20which we'll take with us on our next venture.
0:49:21 > 0:49:22Good on you, Dorothy.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25Another gold star for you and a smiley face.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29And already looking forward to the next project. Fantastic.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33But, with a total spend of 186,000,
0:49:33 > 0:49:35will all their hard work have been enough
0:49:35 > 0:49:38to ensure that this new venture will become a reality?
0:49:40 > 0:49:44We've asked two local agents along to find out.
0:49:44 > 0:49:45Coming back from the second visit,
0:49:45 > 0:49:48it's a complete transformation from when I was here before.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51The excellent place on offer has been well used by the developer.
0:49:51 > 0:49:52He's proportioned rooms out very well
0:49:52 > 0:49:54to make it an excellent living space.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57The kitchen and bathroom they've put in is very high standard,
0:49:57 > 0:50:01especially for a property at this sort of level.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04It's nice to see. Very good job.
0:50:04 > 0:50:05Very good job indeed.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09And with a purchase price of £175,000
0:50:09 > 0:50:14plus overall expenditure on transforming the place - £11,000,
0:50:14 > 0:50:17what kind of return can our couple hope to achieve?
0:50:19 > 0:50:22One and two-bedroom flats are high in demand at the moment
0:50:22 > 0:50:24and there's a limited supply.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26I would anticipate it selling very quickly
0:50:26 > 0:50:30and I would think that it would sell for £275,000 in the current market.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33If I was to place this property onto the market for sales,
0:50:33 > 0:50:39then I would market it at £275,000.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42I would expect to get offers pretty close to that.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44We may even get in excess of asking price
0:50:44 > 0:50:48because we are experiencing such a fantastic market at the moment
0:50:48 > 0:50:50and I have had a number of properties
0:50:50 > 0:50:52which have gone to best and final offers,
0:50:52 > 0:50:56so, this could well very be another one.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59Well, well, amazing.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02If it sold for 275,000,
0:51:02 > 0:51:05that would leave our first timers with a potential profit
0:51:05 > 0:51:08nearing £90,000
0:51:08 > 0:51:12minus the usual taxes and expenses, of course.
0:51:12 > 0:51:13That's not bad, is it?
0:51:13 > 0:51:16Um, no, that sounds pretty good.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20I mean, it's a bit more than we expected initially, so, yeah.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23- We're pretty happy with that, I think.- Yeah, definitely.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25And so they should be.
0:51:25 > 0:51:27I'm thrilled for them both.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30The couple have shown great focus and determination throughout the project.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33Does this mean that they have now caught the property bug?
0:51:35 > 0:51:36It would depend on the market
0:51:36 > 0:51:40because, obviously, property prices in London are rising very quickly,
0:51:40 > 0:51:42so we may well be priced out of the market soon,
0:51:42 > 0:51:45so we may be forced to buy something a bit closer to home,
0:51:45 > 0:51:49which might enable us to actually buy something a bit bigger, um,
0:51:49 > 0:51:51and work on that...
0:51:51 > 0:51:54at a slower pace.
0:51:54 > 0:51:55Yes, I can confirm,
0:51:55 > 0:51:57they have caught he property bug.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06So, it was first time lucky for our couple in Hammersmith.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Will it be the same here in Penrhiwceiber,
0:52:09 > 0:52:11in the Welsh valleys,
0:52:11 > 0:52:13for another first timer to the auctions, Darren,
0:52:13 > 0:52:16who owns his own security company?
0:52:16 > 0:52:19This was his first foray into property development.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21What was it that appealed to you?
0:52:21 > 0:52:22I don't know. I'd never saw it before.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24- You didn't see it?- Nope. - How does that work out?
0:52:24 > 0:52:26Um, turned up at the auction,
0:52:26 > 0:52:29just wanted to see how the auction works
0:52:29 > 0:52:31and ended up buying it.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33- So, this is the first time you've seen it today?- Yes.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35- So, what do you think?- Um...yeah.
0:52:35 > 0:52:37Bit of work to do. HE LAUGHS
0:52:37 > 0:52:40So, it'll be interesting. Looking forward to it.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44Has Darren's enthusiasm survived through a refurbishment?
0:52:44 > 0:52:47Six weeks later, we're back to find out.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51The main challenges of it was to get attuned to it first of all.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53First time I've ever done anything on this scale.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56Bought the house blind, so I didn't see exactly what it required,
0:52:56 > 0:53:01so the day I came in then we decided what it needs.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04So, biggest challenge was looking for tradesmen, finding them.
0:53:25 > 0:53:29And how did the challenge to find tradesmen work out?
0:53:30 > 0:53:32Apart from a friend of mine who is a carpenter,
0:53:32 > 0:53:36so he came along and helped out with the...fitting the kitchen
0:53:36 > 0:53:38and sort of helping with the bathroom side of it.
0:53:38 > 0:53:42But, yeah, a lot of the painters, the plasterers,
0:53:42 > 0:53:45a lot of the electricians were people who work for me on a full-time basis,
0:53:45 > 0:53:49which I didn't realise that I have these tradepeople working for me.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51Well, that's a stroke of luck.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53So, with his tradesmen lined up,
0:53:53 > 0:53:56how did Darren tackle the renovation?
0:53:56 > 0:53:57When we come into the house,
0:53:57 > 0:53:59we decided to do the house from top to bottom.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01Took the kitchen out, ripped the kitchen up,
0:54:01 > 0:54:02put a brand-new kitchen in.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05The bathroom - exactly the same. Complete bathroom in.
0:54:05 > 0:54:10We had a hole in the floor, hence, new floor, new bathroom suite
0:54:10 > 0:54:12and new tiles in the bathroom.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15There was a lot of water damage throughout the house
0:54:15 > 0:54:16in the ceilings,
0:54:16 > 0:54:18so we decided to redo all the ceilings,
0:54:18 > 0:54:20replaster everything, and then at the same time
0:54:20 > 0:54:23we decided to replaster the whole house from top to bottom
0:54:23 > 0:54:25and hence then, fully paint it.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27Brand-new carpet throughout.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29And at the same time it was my father-in-law, Dave,
0:54:29 > 0:54:32who decided to get out the back garden as he loved gardening,
0:54:32 > 0:54:34so that was his project to take care of.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48A lot of mattresses, a lot of carpets and laying all the grass.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50A lot of brass objects about, old beds,
0:54:50 > 0:54:53so we decided to take the whole garden apart,
0:54:53 > 0:54:55take it down to the earth,
0:54:55 > 0:54:56put a new lawn in,
0:54:56 > 0:54:59and then we decided to put a wooden security fence around
0:54:59 > 0:55:01to make a more enclosed area.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04So, with his team of tradesmen and his father-in-law,
0:55:04 > 0:55:08how did Darren's original timescale and budget hold up?
0:55:08 > 0:55:12Initial timescale when we came first of all, was six to eight weeks,
0:55:12 > 0:55:15however, I think once we got the tradesman on site
0:55:15 > 0:55:18and I was overseeing the product side of it and them, um...
0:55:18 > 0:55:21So, yeah, we managed to take it down to four weeks overall
0:55:21 > 0:55:23from... That's start to finish.
0:55:23 > 0:55:27And how about the original budget of £6,000-£8,000?
0:55:27 > 0:55:32Just slightly over the £6,000 mark we've managed to complete the house.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34And, yeah, so, quite pleased overall
0:55:34 > 0:55:36keeping within the budget range.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39Darren has done well on his first project
0:55:39 > 0:55:42but how satisfied is he with the end result?
0:55:42 > 0:55:45I'm most pleased with the overall concept of the house itself,
0:55:45 > 0:55:46you know, from top to bottom.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48A lot of work has been put into the house
0:55:48 > 0:55:51and I'm pleased with ALL the house, should I say.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56Will the appraisal of two local agents also please Darren?
0:55:56 > 0:55:58After you've got your breath back, gentlemen.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03There are few issues here with regard to access to the property.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05We have a lot of steps to the front of the property
0:56:05 > 0:56:08and quite a steep garden to the rear.
0:56:08 > 0:56:09There's no question,
0:56:09 > 0:56:12it will limit those who want to rent or buy this house.
0:56:13 > 0:56:15But what are the plus points?
0:56:15 > 0:56:18The selling point of this particular property, um,
0:56:18 > 0:56:20are the fact that it has been refurbished.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23It's got UPVC double-glazed windows,
0:56:23 > 0:56:25a new central heating system,
0:56:25 > 0:56:27a new kitchen and a new bathroom.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29Standard of finish is very good here.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32I mean, depending on whether they choose to sell or rent
0:56:32 > 0:56:35this property, it's been done to a good standard.
0:56:35 > 0:56:37The new doors have made a big difference to the potential -
0:56:37 > 0:56:39both sale and rental of this property.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41I think it's been a very successful development.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44The transformation from our first visit has been quite extensive,
0:56:44 > 0:56:48so it's pushing it into a decent sort of first-time buyer market.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50And what kind of return could Darren expect
0:56:50 > 0:56:53on the resale of this property?
0:56:53 > 0:56:57I would suggest marketing it for sale at £50,000,
0:56:57 > 0:57:01with offers in the region of £45,000 to be given consideration.
0:57:01 > 0:57:03If this property was put to the sales market
0:57:03 > 0:57:07I would expect a figure of no more than £50,000.
0:57:07 > 0:57:11Those prices would give Darren a potential profit before taxes
0:57:11 > 0:57:15and expenses of between £6,000 and £11,000.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17My intention is to long term rent.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20I can't see any reason why I should do the house up
0:57:20 > 0:57:22and sell it for quick money.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25So, therefore, my decision will stay the same,
0:57:25 > 0:57:26it is long-term rental.
0:57:26 > 0:57:29The rental value of this property would probably be in the region
0:57:29 > 0:57:33of 390 to maybe £420 per calendar month.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37I would expect to achieve up to £400 per calendar month.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39Those rental figures would give Darren
0:57:39 > 0:57:42a yield of between 12% and 13%.
0:57:42 > 0:57:46It sounds very good to me, the £400 mark for rental value.
0:57:46 > 0:57:48That's what it'd be about.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51Well, Darren seems to have achieved his goal with this property.
0:57:51 > 0:57:55But overall, has he learnt anything from the process?
0:57:55 > 0:57:57Enjoy the experience, have a bit of fun doing it
0:57:57 > 0:58:01but also do your research first before you dive in.
0:58:01 > 0:58:02That's a lesson I've learnt
0:58:02 > 0:58:05and it will be taken on to my next investment.
0:58:08 > 0:58:09Well, that's it for today's show.
0:58:09 > 0:58:13We'll have more tales of thrills and spills from the auction rooms
0:58:13 > 0:58:14for you next time.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17So, make sure you keep watching Homes Under The Hammer.
0:58:17 > 0:58:18- Bye for now.- Bye.