0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello and welcome to the show. Whether you are a seasoned developer
0:00:05 > 0:00:07or a first timer, buying property at auction can really pay off
0:00:07 > 0:00:09as an investment.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12But as Martin and I know, it is not easy money.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14You've got to be prepared for anything to happen.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Yes, and you need to know what you're doing.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20And learn from the professionals. That's where Lucy and I come in.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49One thing I love is finding out exactly how people
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- bought their homes under the hammer. - I do too, Lucy.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Let's find out what properties people bought on today's show.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03The buyer of this Cornwall farmhouse can enjoy surf and turf.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07THAT is what somebody is going to buy this house for!
0:01:09 > 0:01:12And in London, this two-bedroom flat
0:01:12 > 0:01:15leaves you plenty of room to breathe.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Really, it just feels enormous!
0:01:18 > 0:01:21But if it's even more space you're after,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24this Georgian house in Kent has it.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27This place is just vast. And echoey.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- ECHOING:- Echoey!
0:01:30 > 0:01:33All of these properties have been sold at auction
0:01:33 > 0:01:35and we will find out who bought them and what they paid for them
0:01:35 > 0:01:37when they went under the hammer.
0:01:37 > 0:01:38Sold to the gentleman.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44MUSIC: "Wipe Out" by The Surfaris
0:01:44 > 0:01:48I've come to the absolutely beautiful north coast of Cornwall,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52in the village of Porthtowan, where the beaches and ideal wave
0:01:52 > 0:01:56conditions have long been a draw for surfers and holiday-makers alike.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Well, just a few miles from Porthtowan,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04you find yourself in what feels like the middle of the countryside.
0:02:04 > 0:02:11It's called Towan Cross. I'm here to see this. It is a farmhouse.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Three bedrooms. Has a guide price of 170,000 quid.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15You don't get the farm with it,
0:02:15 > 0:02:20but you are surrounded by beautiful, beautiful views, so who cares.
0:02:20 > 0:02:21Let's take a look inside.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31I guess we are hoping for big, old beams and a farmhouse kitchen.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Well, let's see what we find. Useful little porch area there.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Something to keep the cold and the noise from the road out.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Although it's not particularly busy. Little entrance hall here.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Could do with a coat of paint.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Living room area on that side.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50No central heating by the look of things.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52You've got that wood-burning stove.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55'As you would expect from this sort of traditional house,
0:02:55 > 0:02:59'on the other side of the hallway there is another front sitting room.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02'But that's where things get more unusual.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05'A corridor leads out of the second sitting room to the
0:03:05 > 0:03:07'back of the house and the kitchen.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09'And then it's through the kitchen to the downstairs loo.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11'Quite a strange layout.'
0:03:14 > 0:03:16# Ain't it strange
0:03:16 > 0:03:19# Ain't it strange
0:03:19 > 0:03:22# What some people will do
0:03:22 > 0:03:24# Ain't it strange
0:03:24 > 0:03:26# Ain't it strange
0:03:26 > 0:03:29# What some people will do... #
0:03:31 > 0:03:36Oh, well, not quite the huge farmhouse kitchen I was hoping for.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38But it's not a bad sized space.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Certainly at this end,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44the units look like they've been reasonably recently replaced.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47So just give them a bit of tender loving care
0:03:47 > 0:03:49and I think you could use these. All in all, not bad.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54But by far the best thing about this kitchen is the view. Wow!
0:03:54 > 0:03:58# And here we are... #
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Looking the other way, the view of the consumer unit is less appealing.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It's a modern one
0:04:05 > 0:04:09but some late additions to the wiring are decidedly dodgy.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12There is certainly no flow to the layout,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15so plenty to think about downstairs.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17But what about upstairs?
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Straight ahead is the smallest bedroom.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Then, along the hall, there is a good-sized second bedroom.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25And finally, what I think is the master,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29showing some worrying signs of damp and other oozing issues.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Ew!
0:04:36 > 0:04:39So, upstairs, three good-sized bedrooms but no bathroom,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41so that's not ideal.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I definitely want to play around with internal configuration up here
0:04:44 > 0:04:46to try and get a bathroom.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Maybe even consider some kind of extension to sort out that problem.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52While you are at it, sort out this problem too.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Up here, obviously some signs of damp.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56My guess is it's penetrating damp.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00We are in a very exposed position here so probably wind
0:05:00 > 0:05:01and rain driving in through the walls.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03One of the disadvantages,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05I guess, about being out in the middle of nowhere.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Get that sorted out, get some kind of rendering on the outside sorted
0:05:09 > 0:05:12and that would go away. All in all, a few things to do.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18At the rear of the property, THAT is
0:05:18 > 0:05:22what somebody is going to buy this house for.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27Fantastic. You can actually even see down to the sea.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Feels a bit confusing at the moment which bit of this land you own.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Your solicitor would definitely have to check that out.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Something else they might want to look into is which
0:05:36 > 0:05:39bits of the various hotchpotch extensions that the house has
0:05:39 > 0:05:42obviously had over the years have actually had planning permission.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Again, your solicitor should check that out or you must read
0:05:46 > 0:05:47the legal pack before you buy it.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Although the views are fantastic, the balcony
0:05:53 > 0:05:56and staircase look a bit rickety to me.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58The roof, at least, has been redone.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01So the drips on the bedroom ceiling tiles should now be
0:06:01 > 0:06:03a thing of the past.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08But with things like these I always recommend a structural survey.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13We asked a local agent who knows the property to come and have a look.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24The farmhouse was essentially the homestead to a modest farming
0:06:24 > 0:06:26enterprise hereabouts.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29It dates back to around 1800s.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33It doesn't have fields and stuff with it now.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37But it has a small garden area that happily is getting
0:06:37 > 0:06:42the views of the coast from the rear, which is the major hook.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47The local beaches are really well thought of by the surfing community.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Especially those who don't really feel the need to have the
0:06:50 > 0:06:54hubbub of Newquay around them when they are enjoying their sport.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56So, ideal for a surfer,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59but would it have to be a surfer with building skills?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03There are signs of a bit of structural movement.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Particularly where the single-storey extension, where we stood,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09is joined to the house.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12There is a look of it perhaps not actually being joined to the house.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16But, assuming that that was put right and the house was refurbished to
0:07:16 > 0:07:21a high standard, what could the new owner expect in the rental market?
0:07:21 > 0:07:27The property would let out at approximately £650-£675
0:07:27 > 0:07:29per calendar month.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32If the house was refurbished and put up for resale,
0:07:32 > 0:07:33how much could it fetch?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37The resale value of the property,
0:07:37 > 0:07:43making the very best of what's here already, would be £285,000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47And what would adding a large extension at the rear
0:07:47 > 0:07:50of the property do to those values?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52If extended to give a four-bedroom
0:07:52 > 0:07:55lovely house, great views, blah-blah,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59you could be looking towards £350,000 in value,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01but I don't think quite.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03On the rental front,
0:08:03 > 0:08:08that great big house would probably achieve £750 per calendar month.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14A few planning issues to clarify, but apart from that,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17I think you have a fantastic opportunity here.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20It's a great house in an absolutely gorgeous location.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Let's find out who fell in love it when it went under the hammer.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27We move on to lot number two. Starting the bidding at £150,000.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32150. 150. £5,000. 160 it is here.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35£160,000. 165. I can go 170.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39You're out. 175 at the table.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42180 I have. Any advance on 180?
0:08:42 > 0:08:43182, sir?
0:08:43 > 0:08:45182. 182. 184. I need 186, sir.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50I've got 186. £186,000 at the table.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52188. Go 190, please, sir.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56190. Still at the table at 190.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00192. 192. I need 194, sir. 194. 194.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05At £194,000. I'll take 195.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Need 196.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09197. Go 198.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13198. 199. Go 200. Got £200,000.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Seated at the back of the room, not in front of me.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17£200,000. Any advance?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20It's yours at the moment, at the back of the room, at £200,000.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Looking for 201.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23It's got to be worth 201. Someone?
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Finished at £200,000.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28BANGS GAVEL
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Sold to the gentleman right at the back of the room.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Congratulations to you, sir.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35In actual fact, the gentleman at the back was bidding on behalf
0:09:35 > 0:09:40of his son, Steve, who is now the owner of his dream house.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42I met up with him back there.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Steve, lovely to meet you. Congratulations. Hi, thanks.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Tell me why you wanted to buy this place.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51This place is actually in exactly the right spot for me.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53All my life I've been really interested in surfing.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55It's been a big passion of mine.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59To be able to live up here and have a project for myself over
0:09:59 > 0:10:01the next year or two is really quite exciting.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- What is it about surfing that you like so much?- The challenge.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Sense of achievement.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Sometimes the ocean can be quite a force to be reckoned with
0:10:11 > 0:10:14and it's the challenge of meeting that
0:10:14 > 0:10:18and sometimes sneaking away with the odd crafty wave
0:10:18 > 0:10:21that you thought was going to get you, but you actually avoid it
0:10:21 > 0:10:24and you come out with a smile on your face.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27OK. So why this house then?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29I'm by the sea and that's where I want to be.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32With the elements, the water and that wind.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Looking forward to a good buffeting.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38So the idea is to do it up by yourself and live in it?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Yes. Yes.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Hopefully, fingers crossed, I'll be moving in almost straightaway.
0:10:44 > 0:10:50# It's a genuine fact that the surfers rule... #
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Steve has already purchased and renovated one property.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58And the recent sale of that property has allowed him
0:10:58 > 0:11:01to move on with this purchase.
0:11:01 > 0:11:07Steve is very practical and works at a concrete production company.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11# It's a genuine fact that the surfers rule... #
0:11:12 > 0:11:15So, what are you going to do to sort this place out?
0:11:15 > 0:11:19I've got some kind of penetrating damp issue upstairs.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22First, I need to ascertain if I need to stop
0:11:22 > 0:11:27and seal anything coming through or whether that's old damage
0:11:27 > 0:11:29that's just not been treated internally.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32I'd like to come through the bedrooms upstairs.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Generally coming through with a brighten up, freshen up,
0:11:35 > 0:11:39new floorings, new timbers, that can have thing.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- What kind of timescale have you got? - Probably about 12 months.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Possibly trickling over that. Because it is just me on my own.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50I could come home from work and do five hours' work.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53But I'd probably last until about Thursday on the first week
0:11:53 > 0:11:56and I'd just be asleep. It would be too much.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58What about the budget for the work that is going on?
0:11:58 > 0:12:01That's going to be kind of an ongoing thing.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04I've really not got a lot of funds sat now.
0:12:04 > 0:12:05Now I've purchased this house,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07it's pretty much all my eggs in one basket.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10I don't know what it's going to cost in the end.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13I'm estimating to spend probably a further 20,000,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15maybe 25,000 on developing the house.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18This is the second house you have owned.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Can you see yourself being here for a long?
0:12:21 > 0:12:24I could see myself being here for a good, long time.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I've got no real need to be anywhere else.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28No real want to be anywhere else.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31It's really where my heart has been for quite a lot of years.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Listen, congratulations, well done. Good luck with it all.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- We look forward to seeing how you get on.- Yeah, thank you.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Well, a house overlooking the sea. It's a dream for Steve.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45And how fantastic that he has got this place.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48However, I am a little bit concerned that the amount of effort
0:12:48 > 0:12:50and time it's going to take to sort it out means
0:12:50 > 0:12:54he might not have as much time for surfing as he might like.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57You can find out how he gets on sorting this place out
0:12:57 > 0:12:58later in the show.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04If you're not looking for a remote seaside retreat,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08maybe Chingford, right on the edge of East London, is more your style.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Only 30 minutes by train into the city,
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Chingford also boasts a cast of famous characters.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17The Kray twins are buried here.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20TV personality Alan Davies grew up here.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Winston Churchill was a former MP.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27And former England hero David Beckham also hails from Chingford.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30It certainly has star quality.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34Let's see what star property was up for auction today.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38I know it's a two-bedroom ground floor flat,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40with a garden and garage.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44All for a guide price of £195,000-plus.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48It's up this pretty planted flowery path. Oops.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54The good news with this flat starts before you even step in the door,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56with this beautiful garden.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00The leasehold property has a ground rent of £250 per year,
0:14:00 > 0:14:06but it comes with brand-new 143 year lease.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07You get this big garage space.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11And round the back, there's even more garden.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Perfect to stop and smell the roses.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16# Oh, wow
0:14:16 > 0:14:17# Look at you now
0:14:17 > 0:14:19# Flowers in the window
0:14:19 > 0:14:21# Such a lovely day
0:14:21 > 0:14:24# And I'm glad you feel the same... #
0:14:24 > 0:14:29Corridor! Very long indeed. Love it!
0:14:29 > 0:14:33What these properties, in character, usually lack,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36they definitely make up for in space. Look at it.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39A bit peachy, but we can remedy that.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41We've got a nice sized room behind me.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Along the corridor, storage heaters,
0:14:43 > 0:14:47so there is obviously no gas central heating in here.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49A huge storage space there. Really big.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54You've got a nice bedroom. Bit dated. You need to change that.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58Fantastic bathroom. Even the tiles I would keep in there.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02And the sitting room. Look at this. It's enormous.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Beautiful square room.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Again, you'd need to sort some of the colours out.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10The carpets could do with a change. There's a few bugs in the corner.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I think there might be a bit of an infestation underneath that
0:15:13 > 0:15:16carpet there. I'd certainly have a look and see what's causing that.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18But, you know, there is a little fireplace here.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21You could change it, you could keep it, you could paint it.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Doors leading out to a very pretty garden.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26What's not to like?
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It's all rather good, isn't it? That's all I can say.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33This flat could be really something.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36But it does need freshening up and redecorating.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Whoever buys this will need to strip out these old units
0:15:39 > 0:15:41and fitted wardrobes.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46But once you've done that, this is a really great space.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51You know, this is the kind of flat that you could have
0:15:51 > 0:15:53all your mates over and you wouldn't know they were here.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Really, it just feels enormous.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58And I'm going to say something that I've very rarely
0:15:58 > 0:16:02say on Homes Under The Hammer, I wouldn't knock this wall down.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06Oh, no! I think I would keep this kitchen contained as it is.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08There is quite a lot of wasted space as well.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Get rid of the old tank here. You could have a combi boiler up there.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15That would free up all this back wall.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17You could put some nice kitchen units in its place.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21It's all looking a little tired as it is, but with a little bit of a
0:16:21 > 0:16:23modern update, bit of money spent in here,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25it could be a really great kitchen.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Lots of space inside and lots of space outside.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Let's see what local property expert thinks of this blooming
0:16:34 > 0:16:36marvellous property.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41First impressions of the property, generally pretty good.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46It doesn't need too much work to bring it up to a good
0:16:46 > 0:16:49standard for either resale or lettings.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It's a good location. It's a ground floor
0:16:52 > 0:16:56so it's going to appeal to quite a large clientele database.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Either the investor market for rental or first-time buyer market,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02looking to get onto the ladder.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04With regards to work that needs to be carried out,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08generally there's not too much. It's just redecorate throughout.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11The only issue that someone possibly might want to change would be
0:17:11 > 0:17:14putting in gas central heating, if there is gas plumbed into it.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18It has electric heating and generally people would sooner have gas
0:17:18 > 0:17:20central heating rather than electric.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23I think, with regards to refurbishing it,
0:17:23 > 0:17:24it doesn't need an awful lot of money.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27I'd say no more than 5,000 as a maximum price.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Maybe not even that amount. Once refurbished,
0:17:30 > 0:17:36the property will be worth a value between £270-£275,000.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37For the rental market,
0:17:37 > 0:17:42the property would be valued in the region of £1,100 per calendar month.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44This is a great site.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Straightforward make over by the looks of things.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50And I think it's good for a first-time renovator or
0:17:50 > 0:17:53someone looking to get this property just turned around quickly.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57But buyer beware - the properties that don't need a lot done, they
0:17:57 > 0:18:01are sometimes the ones that tend not to have too much profit margin.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Budgets have to be kept tight.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Let's see who wanted to give this property make over
0:18:06 > 0:18:08when it went under the hammer.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13Two bed ground-floor unit. Sole use of a rear garden.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Plus you have a garage. 250 on this.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19250. 250.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Not going to go below 180. 180.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25180 with you. 185 behind.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28190. 195.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31200 with the denim.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33205. 206.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37207. Lost you. 206. New spot.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39207. Well done.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40208.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42208?
0:18:42 > 0:18:46208 on my right? 207 with you. 207.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50First-time. 208 on the front. 209.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53210.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55211.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56212.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57213.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00214. 215.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04215. 216.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07You haven't bought anything yet.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Blimey. You're not going to get anything this way. 216.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12You've got to go a bit more! 217.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16218.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18218.
0:19:18 > 0:19:19217 at the back.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22218 elsewhere?
0:19:23 > 0:19:27218 you spot. Well done. 219.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30In the front. 220?
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Round it off? 220?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34221 anywhere?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37If not, 220. Have you all done?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Sold. 220. Well done.
0:19:42 > 0:19:48The successful bidders, at £220,000, were Zeki and Hassan.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53# It's a family affair... #
0:19:53 > 0:19:58This father and daughter duo are part of a family company.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01I went along to meet them, to find out their plans.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Zeki and Hassan, lovely to meet you both. Congratulations.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08You have only just seen the property today, now, haven't you?
0:20:08 > 0:20:09- Yes.- Yes, that's right.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12So you bought this, without even viewing it, on auction day?
0:20:12 > 0:20:16We viewed the outside but we weren't able to view the inside,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20unfortunately, before the auction. It was a bit of a risk.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23What is it like? Now you've seen inside, what do you think?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Are you happy?
0:20:25 > 0:20:30Yes, I'm quite happy. Only the kitchen needs a lot done.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- And the sitting-room. - We have been lucky.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38On the day of the auction, we had a list of properties that we did
0:20:38 > 0:20:40go and see but we weren't able to get any of those.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42This was the one that was meant for us.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Why have you bought this? Is this a development for you?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Are you bought property developers? What's the story behind this?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Basically, about two years ago we had a bit of a family meeting
0:20:51 > 0:20:57and decided that for the future, my dad is obviously getting older
0:20:57 > 0:20:59and he wants to leave something for his children.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02So my brother, sister and I decided to all get on board
0:21:02 > 0:21:07and invest our money into buying and selling property.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10So this really is a family venture?
0:21:10 > 0:21:12That's right. Yes, it is.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14What's your involvement going to be?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Or are you just going to be there for advice?
0:21:16 > 0:21:22Some advice and a lot of work doing. I'm going to do all the work.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23Some you are quite a handyman, Hassan?
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- I am, yes. I am. - What is the plan with this property?
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Are you looking to rent it out or do it up and sell it on?
0:21:30 > 0:21:37The initial plan is to do it up to a good standard and sell it on.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Depending on what the valuation will be and the market,
0:21:41 > 0:21:46we either sell it or if that's not an option, we will put some tenants in.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48How much are you going to spend on the renovations here?
0:21:48 > 0:21:50What do you think, Dad?
0:21:50 > 0:21:54I would say we're going to need about 8,000 to spend in here.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58There's no central heating. Some of the wiring will need changing.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00And the flooring.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03I think we need 8,000 for that.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05I'm thinking you might spend a little bit more than you
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- guys are thinking at this stage. - Oh, no.- We are not going...
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- I mean, I'm in charge of the money. - She's in charge of the money.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Even if I go beyond eight... - He will have to pay.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Yeah, she's not going to pay.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22So I'd rather go under eight than over eight.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27Originally, we didn't really want to spend more than 5,000.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Even the fact we've gone up to eight is an increase.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34So that is it, you will not be spending more than £8,000?
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- No.- No.- Less but not more. - So how long is it going to take you?
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- I'm hoping... - Three months.- ..Two weeks.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44What?!
0:22:44 > 0:22:45Two months, two weeks!
0:22:45 > 0:22:49Look, two months, I'm not going to be out of work for two months.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- I know, but... - No, no, no. Two weeks.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56He is optimistic, I am realistic. We will go with two months.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Optimistic, realistic, pessimistic?- No, no, no.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03I'm an optimist but he is a bit OTT with that.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04Realistically, dad...
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- Realistically, two weeks. - Two months.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10I love it! Two weeks, two months. Oh, what's it going to be?
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- I will get two weeks off from my work.- And you won't stop?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16And I won't stop. I'll come here.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Obviously I will get some help as well.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I'll finish it in two weeks.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23# Potato, potahto
0:23:23 > 0:23:25# Tomato, tomahto
0:23:25 > 0:23:28# Let's call the whole thing off... #
0:23:28 > 0:23:33Two weeks or two months, well, I'm sure they'll work it out.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36But there is still one thing that's bugging me.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39You've got a few little bugs in the lounge area, on the floor
0:23:39 > 0:23:42and all around the carpets. What do you think that is?
0:23:42 > 0:23:48I think it's from the carpets. There is some stain on the carpet.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I don't know exactly what it is but that stain
0:23:51 > 0:23:54has got all the moths coming in. But nothing to worry about.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58It's nothing to worry about. That carpet. The carpets are going to go.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00It's been lovely meeting you both. Good luck with this project.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- BOTH: Thank you. - So lovely to see you.- And thank you.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09This property may have been a bit of a last-ditch effort to buy
0:24:09 > 0:24:13a property that day, but Zeki and the family company, well, they may
0:24:13 > 0:24:18have just got away with it and found themselves a nice, easy renovation.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23The question is, will it be two weeks or will it be two months?
0:24:23 > 0:24:27You can join me later in the programme to find out what happens.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Still to come...
0:24:31 > 0:24:34In London, how to be right and wrong at the same time.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38It was nice to both be wrong by the same degree.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45And in Faversham, the buyer takes a relaxed view to renovation.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48The thing about a house like this is, it's never really finished.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56# Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world... #
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Back now to the North Cornwall coast and the hamlet of Towan Cross,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07close to one of Cornwall's top surfing beaches.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Earlier, this three-bedroom detached farmhouse was bought by surfer
0:25:11 > 0:25:16Steve, as his perfectly located dream home, for £200,000.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21His plan, to move in and restore it bit by bit.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24All my life I've been really interested in surfing.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25It's been a big passion of mine.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29So to be able to live up here and have a project for myself over
0:25:29 > 0:25:32the next year or two is really quite exciting.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- What is it about surfing that you like so much?- The challenge.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37A sense of achievement.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40But due to unforeseen legal issues,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43the property was unexpectedly withdrawn from sale.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Three years later, we are back to pick up the story.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52The house was actually put back onto the open market,
0:25:52 > 0:25:57this is post-auction, the hammer had gone down and I'd signed my deposit.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02And I was very excited about the prospect of having my project
0:26:02 > 0:26:06and my new home, getting in there and getting stuck in.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Eventually Steve did manage to purchase the property,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12but at a higher price. £210,000.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16£10,000 more than his original bid.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20But, in doing so, Stevie used up all his restoration funds
0:26:20 > 0:26:22and his problems were only just beginning.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30I was told, when I purchased the property, that a surveyor had taken
0:26:30 > 0:26:34a look at the place and actually told them it was worth £1.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39There were subsidence issues with the house.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42The gable end wall and chimney were parting company
0:26:42 > 0:26:44with the rest of the house.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47With the property un-mortgageable and without a budget,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Steve was in a very difficult position.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57I was pretty shocked and frightened by the surveyor's report.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00But I really believed in myself and what I could see.
0:27:00 > 0:27:06I believed I could fix the problem without too much grief.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13Steve erected scaffolding and decided to backfill the wall's cavity,
0:27:13 > 0:27:18from foundation to roof. No small undertaking.
0:27:18 > 0:27:24I really had to open up the wall, possibly a 3 feet wide cavity,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26and backfill everything.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Dropping a new chimney flue down at the same time.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33That's to stabilise the end of the house, basically.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36There was a risk that the house could fall down.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38I was fully aware of that.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41That, thankfully, seems to be holding nicely.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Everything feels safe.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Having stopped the house from falling down,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49next Steve decided to deal with the damp.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51But with no money for specialist trades,
0:27:51 > 0:27:55and having to buy materials piecemeal, there were no quick fixes.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Almost three years of living in a house with an ingress of water.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Water actually coming down the walls during storms.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I actually ended up with pneumonia,
0:28:08 > 0:28:13which put me in a bit of a mess for a while.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18But when I thought I was going to fail, somehow I kept going
0:28:18 > 0:28:23and it's made me more confident as a person.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26I'm less concerned about the opinions of others.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28And judging by the results,
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Steve has every right to have a new-found confidence.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37# Cos I know that I can
0:28:37 > 0:28:42# I know that I can
0:28:42 > 0:28:46# I might wait a lifetime
0:28:46 > 0:28:50# To make my lifetime plan
0:28:51 > 0:28:55# It's better late than never
0:28:55 > 0:28:58# I'll do all I can
0:29:01 > 0:29:05# And I know that I can
0:29:05 > 0:29:08# I know that I can
0:29:10 > 0:29:15# Cos I know that I can
0:29:15 > 0:29:19# I know that I can... #
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Steve stripped some of the walls of plaster and repointed the
0:29:25 > 0:29:29underlying stonework, to make feature walls throughout the property.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33But inevitably, the lack of funds has curtailed his plans to expand
0:29:33 > 0:29:35and move the bathroom upstairs.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38But a quick paint job can make a lot of difference.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57It may have taken almost twice as long as anticipated, but the work
0:29:57 > 0:30:01and care that Steve has invested in this property is clear to see.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04And it's something that even the passersby have noticed.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10One lady in particular stop and said, "Could I just comment on how
0:30:10 > 0:30:13"nice it is to see this house getting some love."
0:30:13 > 0:30:15That was enough for me.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Steve certainly did pour love, as well as his heart and soul,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21into this property.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Let's see what two local estate agents make of all his hard work,
0:30:25 > 0:30:30and if the £210,000 purchase price, plus the £8,000 that Steve
0:30:30 > 0:30:35estimates he spent on renovations, will bring him a well-earned return.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37He still has to complete the lounge
0:30:37 > 0:30:40but what sort of rental figure could he expect once that's done?
0:30:42 > 0:30:46Roughly £700-£750 per calendar month
0:30:46 > 0:30:50would be your short, medium to long term rental.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52In the rental market,
0:30:52 > 0:30:56I'd be looking at achieving £950 per calendar month.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01Taking the average, that would give Steve a 4.6% yield on his investment.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05I think that's probably where I'll end up heading,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08putting the house into rental and taking a holiday.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Out of interest, if Steve was to resell?
0:31:12 > 0:31:17You're looking at around £300,000 as being the cake.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20There is a bit of a thing that you could generate
0:31:20 > 0:31:22by doing a few odds jobs.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27For resale, I would be looking at a value between 280 and £290,000.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Again, taking the average, that would give Steve a potential
0:31:31 > 0:31:35profit of £74,500, before the usual fees and taxes.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42That's much better than I would have expected. Very happy with that.
0:31:42 > 0:31:43Very happy with that.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Although I still don't think it would sway me to sell the place.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50As I explained, it really does feel like home.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55I would really like to maybe raise a family
0:31:55 > 0:31:57and enjoy the space where I'm at.
0:31:57 > 0:32:04And maybe give my children the life that I've had.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Just have a happy time.
0:32:06 > 0:32:12With a renovation story like that, Steve, that sounds like a great plan.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21I'm in Faversham in Kent, one of England's most charming
0:32:21 > 0:32:26and historic market towns. A great commuter town for a London.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Faversham is a lively place with an active community life,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32plenty of clubs, societies and events,
0:32:32 > 0:32:36and the town centre boasts many independent shops.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39In the late 19th century, Faversham was the main centre
0:32:39 > 0:32:43of the explosives industry of the UK.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46The first gunpowder plant was established here
0:32:46 > 0:32:48in the 16th century.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Let's hope this property gives us some bang for our buck today.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Now, the properties along here are mostly terraces, as you can see.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00But oh, no, not the one I'm here to see.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04It's this rather substantial Grade 2 listed building.
0:33:04 > 0:33:10It had a guide price of £220-£225,000.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Intrigued? Follow me inside and I will tell you more.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16# More, more, more
0:33:16 > 0:33:19# How do you like it? How do you like it?
0:33:19 > 0:33:21# More, more, more
0:33:21 > 0:33:23# How do you like it... #
0:33:23 > 0:33:26I do like it, although the outside does look a bit tired,
0:33:26 > 0:33:29with a few cracks in the plasterwork.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31A quick peek around the back
0:33:31 > 0:33:33and you can see that there is a new extension.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Yep, there's more to this place than you think.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41OK, this is what you call a hallway.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Wow! Look at that beautiful arch!
0:33:45 > 0:33:50Although it does feel very clinical, it's got that commercial feel
0:33:50 > 0:33:53to it, there's lots of strip lighting everywhere.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56That's because it was previously used as a youth centre.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00This place is just a vast and echoey. Echoey.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- SOUND ECHOES:- Echo!
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Brilliant.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10It looks as though somebody has already started the work here.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Look at these beautiful original sash windows.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16They are just my favourite style of window.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19And the further through the house you go,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21it's just feels more commercial.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25I mean, you've got more strip lighting under this office style
0:34:25 > 0:34:27area at the top here.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31Kitchen, it's a bit weird. You've got yellow woodchip wallpaper.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33This is where, it's just feels to me
0:34:33 > 0:34:37as though I've been transported back to my old secondary school.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39It has a corridor feel to it.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43This is where the original part of the house and the new part meet.
0:34:43 > 0:34:48We've got a couple of loos over here. Some other redundant spaces.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52What do you think this room is going to be?
0:34:52 > 0:34:56Ta-da! A sports hall, of course. It's massive!
0:34:56 > 0:34:59If you thought that room was echoey, listen to this!
0:34:59 > 0:35:02SOUND ECHOES
0:35:02 > 0:35:06But I'm sorry. I need to just quickly do something. Bear with me.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15Oh!
0:35:15 > 0:35:17# Slam dunk the funk Put it up
0:35:17 > 0:35:19# If you got that feeling
0:35:19 > 0:35:20# Slam dunk the funk... #
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Oh, all right. I don't think I'm going to be signing with the
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Harlem Globetrotters any time soon.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29But this place scores in every sense.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32It is huge, and with D1 business classing,
0:35:32 > 0:35:35it has plenty of commercial options.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38On the rest of the ground floor, you even get a lift too.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Two bathrooms and three more good-sized rooms, all of them
0:35:42 > 0:35:44screaming potential.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46But they do require such a lot of work
0:35:46 > 0:35:49so any buyer had better be handy.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Now that is what you call an arch window.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Look at that, it's magnificent!
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Sadly, you have to look out onto that sports hall with the asbestos
0:35:59 > 0:36:01roof, but you can't have everything.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Up these steps and you've got an amazing landing space.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08Again, exactly what you would expect in a house like this.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11All the rooms leading off have just got amazing proportions,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13lovely ceiling height.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16They've all got the original sash windows.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Then through here, into the room at the front of the building,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21and there is just so much light coming in.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25Quite interesting because you can see somebody has started to
0:36:25 > 0:36:27rip down the fake walls.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Look. These walls have been put on but they've taken off.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34And over here, you can see the original cornicing.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And my, that is absolutely stunning.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43Can you imagine what this place would look like once all these fake
0:36:43 > 0:36:47walls have been ripped off and the original features put back in?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49The longer I'm walking around this house,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51I'm falling in love with it even more.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53I'm thinking, to do it real justice,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56I think this should be a family home again.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59I would love to see it as a family home.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02# You spin me right round, baby
0:37:02 > 0:37:04# Right round
0:37:04 > 0:37:05# Like a record, baby
0:37:05 > 0:37:07# Right round, round, round... #
0:37:07 > 0:37:10For the record, this is a first for me -
0:37:10 > 0:37:14a defunct sound recording studio on the first floor!
0:37:14 > 0:37:15Wow!
0:37:15 > 0:37:16And three other rooms.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I know you might be surprised about me
0:37:18 > 0:37:21thinking this should be a home rather than a commercial property,
0:37:21 > 0:37:25but these rooms are all just so fabulous in their proportions.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29There is a basement as well. This space just goes on and on.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32But there are some problems with this property.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35This little alley is the only outdoor area.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38And to build a garden, you'd have to lose the gym and all
0:37:38 > 0:37:40that asbestos roof.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43My head is spinning with possibilities.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47Time to ask a local property expert for his thoughts.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51It's possible this property could be used for alternate commercial use.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Dental surgery, doctor's surgery, physiotherapy.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58But, for the sort of capital costs, I think
0:37:58 > 0:38:01it's most likely to go back to residential.
0:38:01 > 0:38:07At the back is the large gymnasium which has a variety of uses.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Could be ancillary to this -
0:38:09 > 0:38:13as a studio or commercial use for work from home.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17If this was renovated into offices and still had a commercial use,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21it would have a rental value of, say, £10,000 per annum.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24If this were converted back into a residential dwelling,
0:38:24 > 0:38:29I think its value then would be £550-£600,000.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31As a four-bedroom house, once renovated,
0:38:31 > 0:38:36the rental value here would be in the region of £1,500 per calendar month.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Well, there is a lot of work to do.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41And this could be a challenging project.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45But I've no doubt this could be a handsome, gorgeous property
0:38:45 > 0:38:48when all its character is fully exposed.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Let's see who agreed when we went to the auction.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Loads of accommodation. Arranged mainly in two buildings.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Lots of possibilities for future uses,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59subject to planning on this one. Would do you want to start me?
0:38:59 > 0:39:00Guide price is 220.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02£220,000. Where do you want to start me?
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Start me at 200 then, don't really mind. £200,000. Straight in at 200.
0:39:05 > 0:39:11At 200. And 10. 210. 210.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13At £200,000. 210 I have. 210.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17I saw 210. 215 if you like. 215.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22220. 225. And 30. 230.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26And five. 235. And 40.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29'This was the last lot of the day, but after a slow start,
0:39:29 > 0:39:31'things began to hot up.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35'We rejoin the bidding at £300,000.'
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Is that 300?
0:39:37 > 0:39:43Yes, 300. And 10. And 20. 320.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45And 30. And 40.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50And 50. 350 sitting down. 360.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52£360,000.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57'The bidding became a battle between some very determined parties.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01'And that guide price of £220,000 became a distant memory.'
0:40:01 > 0:40:03370.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05370. You're sitting in the middle.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08'We rejoin the bidding when it reached 400,000.'
0:40:10 > 0:40:14400,000. Keep with it. 400, it's with you.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17405 now. With you at 405 now.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19405. 410.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23At £410,000, it's back with you.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25For the first time...
0:40:25 > 0:40:28At £410,000 for the second time...
0:40:32 > 0:40:36This is your last chance. 410. It's with you. Third and final time.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38If you are sure you're all done...
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- At £410,000... - BANGS GAVEL
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Well done, sir. It's yours at 410. Well done.
0:40:43 > 0:40:49'The successful bidder, at £410,000 - more than £185,000 more than
0:40:49 > 0:40:52'the upper guide price - was film-maker Paul.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58'I'm hoping, like me,
0:40:58 > 0:41:02'Paul will want to restore this place to its former glory.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04'I met him there to find out what his plans
0:41:04 > 0:41:06'for this unique property were.'
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Paul, I've gone weak at the knees with this house.
0:41:09 > 0:41:15I absolutely love it. Why did you buy this? How did you find this?
0:41:15 > 0:41:16And what have you bought it for?
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Weak at the knees is a very good reaction.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24Ladies don't go weak at the knees very often with me nowadays.
0:41:24 > 0:41:30I bought it from the catalogue. I obviously viewed it before I bid.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35But I thought, this can be a home. This is a Georgian house.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39I'm so glad you said that because straightaway, walking around here,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42I would love to see this as a home because it's just so handsome.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45It's got wonderful windows.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47The configuration of the rooms is pretty much as it
0:41:47 > 0:41:52was 200 to 250 years ago. The rooms are the Georgian proportion.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55All you need to do is strip it out, go back to the basics.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Are you going to be replacing things like the sash windows?
0:41:57 > 0:42:01This is Grade 2 listed, which means that all the exterior is
0:42:01 > 0:42:04subject to council approval and control.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07I wouldn't want to replace the sash windows.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11I'd like to intimate them with the double glazing behind.
0:42:11 > 0:42:12But judiciously
0:42:12 > 0:42:15so that it doesn't interfere with the look from the outside.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20'I am really excited that someone with artistic sensibilities has
0:42:20 > 0:42:21'bought this house.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24'And he seems to have found a use for that gym.'
0:42:27 > 0:42:30I don't see it as a gym, I see it as a studio.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33The gymnasium is going to become your studio?
0:42:33 > 0:42:34I do three things.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38I'm a photographer, a film-maker, and an artist.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41And that studio will be used for all those functions.
0:42:41 > 0:42:441,500 square feet of wonderful space. Where do you get that?
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Do you know what that would cost in London?
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Paul seems undaunted by the size of this house.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53And that's because he's overseen some demanding developments,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55such as converting a warehouse.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00He has a budget of £150,000 and a timescale of nine months.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03But is he worried about planning permission?
0:43:03 > 0:43:08I can see no reason to object to it going back to what it was,
0:43:08 > 0:43:11which is a residential family home.
0:43:11 > 0:43:17It's preserved under Grade 2 listing with an exterior like that.
0:43:17 > 0:43:22At the moment, it's like a cake with a beautiful outside
0:43:22 > 0:43:25and a deteriorating interior.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29What I'm going to do is match the inside to the outside.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34Paul's creative vision is certainly shining through.
0:43:34 > 0:43:35And so, I have to ask...
0:43:37 > 0:43:40Paul, I'm really intrigued to find out about your film-making.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44Yes, yes, yes. I've worked with Paul Scofield, Dirk Bogarde,
0:43:44 > 0:43:46lots of quite well known actors.
0:43:46 > 0:43:51I directed Tom Baker's exit from Doctor Who.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55I've done about 35 to 40 arts documentaries.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Paul, I could stand here and talk to you all day.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00I'm going to be keeping a very close eye on this building.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02I'm so happy for you.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04It has certainly fallen into the right hands.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08Good luck with this project. Cannot wait to see the outcome. Well done.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12- Come back soon.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15You can join me later on in the show to see
0:44:15 > 0:44:18if Paul does create his picture-perfect home here.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23It's really fascinating, Martin,
0:44:23 > 0:44:26just seeing the way people renovate their properties.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30Yes, well, we've seen one, let's see how the other two buyers got on.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36Earlier on in the show, I was in Chingford.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38We were with Zeki and Hassan,
0:44:38 > 0:44:42who bought this two-bedroom ground floor flat for 220,000.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46They agreed the budget was £8,000 but there was one thing
0:44:46 > 0:44:48they couldn't agree on.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51So, come on, how long is it going to take you?
0:44:51 > 0:44:54- I'm hoping...- Three months... - Two weeks.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56What?!
0:44:56 > 0:44:58Two months, two weeks.
0:44:58 > 0:44:59Realistically, Dad...
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- Realistically, two weeks. - Two months.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04I love it! Two weeks. Two months.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10Well, I think since we are back four weeks later, optimistic dad,
0:45:10 > 0:45:14Hassan, might have been closer to the mark than daughter, Zeki.
0:45:14 > 0:45:19Outside looks promising. A much tidier garden overall.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21But the real changes are inside.
0:45:23 > 0:45:29# There could never be a father loved his daughter
0:45:29 > 0:45:31# More than I love you... #
0:45:31 > 0:45:33And it's in the all-important kitchen
0:45:33 > 0:45:36that Hassan's hard work really shows.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39Before we started the kitchen,
0:45:39 > 0:45:44we decided to knock the walls down to make more space.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47We got the old system out
0:45:47 > 0:45:51so we might as well just change the whole kitchen.
0:45:51 > 0:45:57It looks nice and brand-new. We changed the hob and the oven.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00We changed the cabinets and everything.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05So, all in all, you know, it's a brand-new kitchen.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08# Take a seat in this dream kitchen
0:46:08 > 0:46:12# You can wipe your feet and dry your hair. #
0:46:15 > 0:46:18But it's not just the kitchen that's looking good.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21The living room is now a heavenly white,
0:46:21 > 0:46:25matching the radiators which is another big change in this flat.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Part of updating the property, we would need to change
0:46:30 > 0:46:35the entire electric heating system that was here in place.
0:46:35 > 0:46:40That involved having a brand-new combi boiler put in
0:46:40 > 0:46:43and changing everything over to gas,
0:46:43 > 0:46:46where previously it had been electric.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48So, yeah, we're really pleased we did that
0:46:48 > 0:46:52because the new radiators are white, they're slim,
0:46:52 > 0:46:54they are a lot more modern.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58It's kind of made a big difference in each room
0:46:58 > 0:47:01and also in the hallway there was a big brown,
0:47:01 > 0:47:05beige electric heater on the side and it was an eyesore.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08So these are a lot more aesthetically pleasing
0:47:08 > 0:47:10and you actually forget they're even in the room.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14The heating change is a smart investment.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18And another smart investment has been to renovate the two bedrooms
0:47:18 > 0:47:20making them both light and airy.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31I liked the tiles in the bathroom
0:47:31 > 0:47:34so I'm glad those and the white suite have stayed.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37Now, let's talk about timescale.
0:47:37 > 0:47:43It took four weeks which basically was half the time that I said
0:47:43 > 0:47:45- and double the time...- That I said.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49Yeah, so it was nice to both be wrong by the same degree.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53So dad and daughter are both wrong.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56But they finish this place to a very high standard.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00I'm just hoping they were right on the budget of £8,000.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06You said £8,000, didn't you? And we came in at £6,000, so just under.
0:48:06 > 0:48:11I really wanted it to be lower than that but we had to spend
0:48:11 > 0:48:15the extra money on the kitchen, and that we don't regret.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22A great renovation. Under budget and in just four weeks.
0:48:22 > 0:48:30Now let's see what two local property experts think of the job.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34First impression of the property is that it's been done
0:48:34 > 0:48:36to a good standard. Good refurbishment.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40You can see that it's been whitewashed all throughout
0:48:40 > 0:48:43and given it a nice bright and airy feel.
0:48:43 > 0:48:44The main benefits of this property
0:48:44 > 0:48:48is that it comes with a good-sized garden, two good double-sized rooms,
0:48:48 > 0:48:50and it comes with a garage as well.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52The land is an excellent size.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55The kitchen, fitted kitchen is really, really good.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Got double glazed windows, gas central heating...
0:48:57 > 0:48:59It's an excellent property.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01If I were to put this property on the market,
0:49:01 > 0:49:05it would achieve anywhere between £230-250,000.
0:49:05 > 0:49:10This property for sale could achieve between £240-250,000.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13Yeah, that's a little bit disappointing because, um...
0:49:14 > 0:49:18..it's the same valuation as what we had before
0:49:18 > 0:49:22we had anything done to the property.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24So obviously we have spent money
0:49:24 > 0:49:28and so we would have hoped that we could have maybe got a bit more,
0:49:28 > 0:49:34but it makes sense because obviously the stamp duty barrier is 250.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38Having spent a total of £226,000,
0:49:38 > 0:49:44that top valuation of £250,000 gives Zeki and Hassan's family business
0:49:44 > 0:49:50a profit of £24,000, minus the usual taxes and expenses.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53Maybe they'll fare better in the rental market.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56If I was to put it on the rental market, I suppose it would achieve
0:49:56 > 0:50:00anywhere between £1,000-1,100 per calendar month.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02For rental purposes, this property could
0:50:02 > 0:50:07achieve between £1,000-1,100 per calendar month.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09At £1,100 per calendar month,
0:50:09 > 0:50:13that would give them a yield of nearly 6%. So what's the verdict?
0:50:13 > 0:50:16Can the optimist and the realistic agree on this one?
0:50:18 > 0:50:23- We are going to be looking at renting it probably for a year.- Yeah.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26And then re-valuing it and see if it makes a difference.
0:50:29 > 0:50:33For the moment, this property will be added to the family portfolio.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36But what have they learned from this particular project?
0:50:38 > 0:50:40If you're going to go for something,
0:50:40 > 0:50:43maybe had this had a bit more scope for, like, an extension
0:50:43 > 0:50:47or some sort of other structural conversions
0:50:47 > 0:50:48we could've made more on it.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51But obviously we would've had to spend more.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54But when it's something like this, there's not much in it
0:50:54 > 0:50:57so I would just say to anyone thinking about doing it
0:50:57 > 0:51:00maybe this sort of property is more suited
0:51:00 > 0:51:04to investment for rental purposes as opposed to selling on.
0:51:08 > 0:51:12Earlier, I was in Faversham in Kent to see this wonderful
0:51:12 > 0:51:16Grade II listed 15 room Georgian property
0:51:16 > 0:51:20which had some original features and its own gymnasium.
0:51:20 > 0:51:25It was bought for £410,000 by artist and film-maker, Paul.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32I've worked with Paul Scofield, Bogarde, lots of, you know,
0:51:32 > 0:51:38quite well-known actors. I directed Tom Baker's exit from Doctor Who.
0:51:38 > 0:51:43And I've done about 35 to 40 arts documentaries.
0:51:44 > 0:51:48Four months later, we've returned to see how he's getting on.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56For Paul, one of the most important reasons for buying the house
0:51:56 > 0:52:00was the gym, which he was planning to make into his work space.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03So unsurprisingly, that's what he has tackled first.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23Paul has kept the asbestos roof, but he's steam cleaned it
0:52:23 > 0:52:27and covered it with three coats of sealant, now making it safe.
0:52:29 > 0:52:34This gymnasium is now a studio for me as an artist/film-maker,
0:52:34 > 0:52:36and it's perfect.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38I couldn't really ask for anything better.
0:52:38 > 0:52:43We've left just one hoop on the wall to show what it was.
0:52:43 > 0:52:47I put it in a mezzanine floor to work and to bring
0:52:47 > 0:52:53the level of my artistic endeavours up to where the light is best.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56That's also good for storage, and desks, and computers,
0:52:56 > 0:52:57and things like that.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01It gives a fantastic view down into the studio space.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05Artists tend to use the space that they've got
0:53:05 > 0:53:06so the studio is a big thing.
0:53:08 > 0:53:13It certainly is big. Paul has a huge canvas to play with here.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15So now the studio is up and running,
0:53:15 > 0:53:20what about that stunning Georgian family house it's attached to?
0:53:20 > 0:53:22Here, in one of the reception rooms,
0:53:22 > 0:53:24you can see that Paul is keeping to his promise
0:53:24 > 0:53:27of restoring the house to its stately
0:53:27 > 0:53:30and imposing original beauty.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35What I want to do is to make sure that the changes I impose
0:53:35 > 0:53:39upon the house are in the character of the original architecture.
0:53:39 > 0:53:44I want to make sure it's got those touches that make it personal to me.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47So, it'll never really be finished.
0:53:47 > 0:53:50One wants to keep the best of the past.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52We're going back to Georgian colours.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54And the whole point about this project for me
0:53:54 > 0:53:58is that it's a 1790 Georgian house.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01And the rest of the house?
0:54:01 > 0:54:05Well, it's still very much an unfinished masterpiece.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07Paul is stripping everything back
0:54:07 > 0:54:10to uncover the original Georgian features.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13And I am really glad to hear that those old sash windows
0:54:13 > 0:54:16are in good enough shape to be repaired.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19And fireplaces and cornicing that were hidden behind panels
0:54:19 > 0:54:23and old stud walls are gradually being unearthed.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34Thankfully, the plumbing isn't going to be Georgian.
0:54:34 > 0:54:38Paul is converting the former music studio to a wet room.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42So singing in the shower might be mandatory here.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46And how's of this size can soon eat up so much of your money,
0:54:46 > 0:54:48so I'm wondering how the budget is bearing up.
0:54:48 > 0:54:52When I said £150,000, I was hoping it would be less.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54And I think it will be.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56I'm probably spending about £10,000 a month
0:54:56 > 0:55:01and I've spent something between £40-45,000 so far.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04But I think if you look and see what's been achieved with that,
0:55:04 > 0:55:06it's not bad.
0:55:06 > 0:55:07We're into month four.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11I reckoned it would be a nine-month at least.
0:55:11 > 0:55:17Everybody who comes in now feels that we're doing quite well.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22Now it's time for two more guests to give their opinion
0:55:22 > 0:55:24about how Paul is doing.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27What have they got to say about this unusual property
0:55:27 > 0:55:30and the project in progress?
0:55:32 > 0:55:34The combination of the gym
0:55:34 > 0:55:37and the residential house is absolutely unique.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40There are other properties, many in the town,
0:55:40 > 0:55:42but this is genuinely unique, I think.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45This would work very, very well as a family home.
0:55:45 > 0:55:46The only thing I think,
0:55:46 > 0:55:48especially if it's for a family market,
0:55:48 > 0:55:50I perhaps would have changed the gym layout
0:55:50 > 0:55:51so that you could create a garden
0:55:51 > 0:55:54and possibly some garaging space there as well.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56I think then you really would attract the family market.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58I really like what's happening here.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02All the renovations are coming on extremely well.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06All the nice, original features are being preserved and enhanced,
0:56:06 > 0:56:08and it's looking really good.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11You've got that really useful building in the back which has got
0:56:11 > 0:56:14a wide variety of uses, but obviously you do need to have
0:56:14 > 0:56:17the appropriate planning consent for whatever use you're going to adopt.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22This house could have taken shape in dozens of ways
0:56:22 > 0:56:26but it's clear that everyone thinks it's fabulous.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Well, the agents think that as a family home it could rent
0:56:29 > 0:56:34for between £1,800-2,500 per calendar month.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38The top figure giving a yield of 5%.
0:56:38 > 0:56:42But that is not part of the plan as far as Paul is concerned.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45If Paul does spend £150,000 on this house
0:56:45 > 0:56:49on top of his purchase price of £410,000,
0:56:49 > 0:56:53that would mean an investment of £560,000.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56Would he get his money back if he sold it on?
0:56:57 > 0:57:00I think the value of the house when completed
0:57:00 > 0:57:03is going to be in the order of £600,000.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06I think the property renovated with the gym as it is,
0:57:06 > 0:57:11you could look to resell the property for roundabout £650,000.
0:57:11 > 0:57:13If you renovated it and took the gym away
0:57:13 > 0:57:15creating a lovely garden for a family,
0:57:15 > 0:57:18I believe it could go for £700,000.
0:57:18 > 0:57:19This is undervalued.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22I think that it's worth, in my opinion,
0:57:22 > 0:57:27now £600,000 in its current state.
0:57:27 > 0:57:33# That's a picture no artist could paint
0:57:33 > 0:57:40# A picture so lovely, so real. #
0:57:40 > 0:57:44I don't think Paul and his passion will be parted any time soon,
0:57:44 > 0:57:46no matter what the price.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49After all, this is, as the agent said earlier,
0:57:49 > 0:57:52a unique and lovely house.
0:57:54 > 0:57:56I won't give this up in a hurry at all.
0:57:56 > 0:57:59I think they'll have to trundle me out in a box, frankly.
0:58:00 > 0:58:02Probably one that I designed myself.
0:58:05 > 0:58:07Well, we hope we've given you something to think about
0:58:07 > 0:58:09if you're planning to visit an auction soon.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11And even if you're not.
0:58:11 > 0:58:12Join us next time
0:58:12 > 0:58:16when we'll meet more people who did, here on Homes Under The Hammer.
0:58:16 > 0:58:18- Goodbye.- Goodbye.