0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello, and welcome to the show.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Now, property auctions might be for you
0:00:06 > 0:00:09if you're the kind of person who likes to get things done quickly.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Yeah, it might only be four weeks before you get the keys in your hands.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Yes, but how quickly you go after that, well, it depends on you.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19So, do you fancy buying YOUR home under the hammer?
0:00:46 > 0:00:48There are as many stories as there are auction lots
0:00:48 > 0:00:50and if only we had time to hear them all.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Yeah, that could be a really long show. But we do have three.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Yeah, let's have a look at what they are.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00In this two-bed terrace house in Tyne & Wear,
0:01:00 > 0:01:02I'm getting a bit touchy-feely.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06And these cupboards, we had these in Leicester back in the '70s.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09But there's nothing softly-softly about my approach to this
0:01:09 > 0:01:11semidetached in Dudley.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Get rid of this wall, get rid of that wall there, Bob's your uncle.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18And in Kent,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22I'm the one who's in danger of being knocked over by the smell.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24Well, I know it used to be a fruit and veg shop.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26You can smell...cabbages.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30All of these properties are being sold at auction.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33We'll find out who bought them and what they paid for them
0:01:33 > 0:01:35when they went under the hammer.
0:01:35 > 0:01:36Well done, sir.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44The iconic Angel of the North looks over
0:01:44 > 0:01:46the town of Birtley in Tyne & Wear.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49# Does an angel
0:01:50 > 0:01:55# Contemplate my fate? #
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Erected over a disused coal mine,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Anthony Gormley's famous statue symbolises the area's
0:02:01 > 0:02:05transition from the industrial to the information age.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09It took four years to construct, at a cost of £800,000.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14The property I'm here to see today is slightly less expensive.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20It's a two-bed, mid-terrace house with a guide price of £50,000.
0:02:20 > 0:02:21Let's take a look.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Right, straight into the lounge, front room area here.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33It is a bit dated, not everybody's taste.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35And the beams here, looks like they've tried to create
0:02:35 > 0:02:38a bit of a cottage feeling in this property.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Stairs going up to the bedrooms.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Through into the kitchen where...
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Bit of a '70s feeling continuing in here.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Small dining area just there.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55And a corner hob and cooker which is definitely, definitely '70s feeling.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57The green as well gives it that touch.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02And these cupboards, we had these in Leicester back in the '70s again.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05But it's an odd shape.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Now, I wonder what's behind here?
0:03:08 > 0:03:10I'll give you a minute to have a guess at that
0:03:10 > 0:03:13while I pop upstairs and have a look around.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15# (Guessing games)
0:03:15 > 0:03:18# I don't play those guessing games... #
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Upstairs to the two bedrooms.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22You've got a bathroom here to my left.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24It looks like somebody's already tried to renovate that
0:03:24 > 0:03:27and tidy that up.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Another bedroom there.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Some wardrobe space as well, which is always handy.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Big wardrobe space, actually. Into the master bedroom.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Here, you'd quite easily get a double bed in here and some wardrobes.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42It doesn't look too bad, but there is a big damp patch there.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44You have to get that looked at as soon as possible,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47find out the cause of that.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50And a door frame which doesn't look straight to me.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54So that could be subsidence, maybe? Get that checked as well.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57I'm not... Is it my eyes? Are we level here?
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Or is it just me being a bit wonky? I'm not quite sure.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03# (Guessing games)
0:04:03 > 0:04:05# I don't want to play no... #
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Anyway, back to the mystery room.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11If you guessed a garage, then you get top marks.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15But this particular garage is a bit of a puzzle.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19No other house on the street has one, as there are plenty of spaces
0:04:19 > 0:04:22to park at the front and the back of these properties.
0:04:22 > 0:04:23So, if you don't need a garage,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27you could always reclaim that space and make a bigger kitchen.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31And that's my tuppence worth.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34But I'm interested to hear what our local estate agent has
0:04:34 > 0:04:37to say about the potential of this house.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41The rooms are a good size, it's a really popular street.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44There are some good things going for it, the kitchen's a good size,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47the bathroom's not terrible.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Yeah, it's got double glazing.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Yeah, there are some good things going for it.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I would look to really rebalance the living space and the sleeping space.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59It seems that the garage cuts into that kitchen and that would make
0:04:59 > 0:05:01a great dining kitchen, so taking away the garage,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05there's plenty of on-street parking, so no need to have that there.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08If it was my property, I would take it to a reasonable standard.
0:05:08 > 0:05:09It doesn't have to be too high,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12there's plenty of tenant demand in the area.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16And really, I would let that for four-to-five years.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18In four-to-five years, the valuation on sale's going to be
0:05:18 > 0:05:21so much higher, so it would definitely be worth
0:05:21 > 0:05:24keeping hold of this for quite some time.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30And what is the potential value of this property on the current market?
0:05:31 > 0:05:36I think after this property's been renovated, it will achieve 85,000.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39It should go on maybe even to £90,000.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Taken to a good condition, this property on the rental market
0:05:43 > 0:05:47would achieve £500 per calendar month.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52This is your basic two-up two-down house in need of some modernisation.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Now, I think it's perfect for a first-time buyer.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Let's see who fancied it when it went to auction.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Two-bedroom terraced property, garage to the rear.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Anybody here for this? Say £50,000 to start?
0:06:05 > 0:06:07At 50 am I bid?
0:06:07 > 0:06:09At £50,000, I need a bid.
0:06:09 > 0:06:1345 then? 40? Start me... Know where we start.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16At £40,000, anybody?
0:06:16 > 0:06:18I'll take it away if there's no bids...
0:06:18 > 0:06:20At 40... 40 here, just beat you to it, sir.
0:06:20 > 0:06:26Can I say 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,
0:06:26 > 0:06:3047, 48, 49, 50?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33You're out. Here at 49.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35At £49,000, are we all done?
0:06:35 > 0:06:40Are you sure then? At £49,000, first time...
0:06:40 > 0:06:4249, 50, new bidder.
0:06:42 > 0:06:4751, 52, 53, 54, 55,
0:06:47 > 0:06:5256, 57, 58, 59?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Not sure with you, sir, at 58.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I'll take a half, if it helps?
0:06:57 > 0:06:5958-and-a-half, 59?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01No, here at 58, 500.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06Been with me all the way then, at £58,500, with you,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10against you too, first-time, second time, third time and you're done...
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Selling it, are you sure, sir?
0:07:13 > 0:07:14Well done, sir.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18With some determined bidding on display,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21it was Joanne and 16-year-old son Luke
0:07:21 > 0:07:24who came out on top with a final bid of 58½ grand.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31Joanne bought the flat with her husband Colin, who works in France.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34I met up with them back at the house to find out their plans.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Joanne and Luke. Congratulations, first and foremost. Well done.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Thank you.- Tell us about your auction experience? Who went?
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Well, we went, didn't we? - Yes, the whole family.
0:07:47 > 0:07:53We took my mam along and my sister and also Luke's younger brother.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- So, Luke, you knew how much to bid? - Yeah.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01His dad had told him how much to bid, so I held his hand every time
0:08:01 > 0:08:03he had to go up £1,000!
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- I just squeezed his hand every time!- Oh, wow.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- So, yeah.- Proper family auction day out.- Yeah. It was a good night!
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Connecting all the way through! - Yeah.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Don't do it and then you can do it, that's very clever!
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Yeah.- Very clever. Would you go again?
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Oh, definitely, yeah.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- It was an excellent experience, yeah.- Good man.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Well, you've got your property now, the one you wanted.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25What are you going to do with it?
0:08:25 > 0:08:30Well, we're going to skim all the walls, replastering them all,
0:08:30 > 0:08:35new kitchen, new bathroom, we're hoping to save the electrics,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- but we're going to get a new box in. - Fuse board, yeah.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Yeah, new fuse board.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Save the plumbing...
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Who's going to do the work?
0:08:43 > 0:08:47I'm looking at you now thinking you're going to do it, is he going to do it?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- No!- You're not going to do it? - Luke's dad.- Well, er, yeah.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53My dad's a plumber anyway, so he'll do all the plumbing.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56He'll get an electrician into check the fuse board,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58once we've finished.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02But me and my mam will do most of the main work, yeah.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08With dad Colin having to spend most of his time in France,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12it sounds like 16-year-old son Luke is taking on a huge
0:09:12 > 0:09:14responsibility with this renovation.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17But help's always at the end of the phone.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22So there'll be lots of conversations between your dad and yourselves?
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- Yeah.- Overseas conversations, "Can I do this, can I do that?"
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Is that how it will be?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Yeah, I'll ask him for some advice on stuff,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32but I'll just try and get as much done as I can by myself.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- And Luke goes to school around the corner from here.- Yeah.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37So it is handy.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40He's always wanting to come from school, do some work,
0:09:40 > 0:09:46and so I'm just going to let him do a lot of the work on his own.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- I've got other things to do. - THEY LAUGH
0:09:48 > 0:09:51I never would've guessed you're at school, Luke.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54You're speaking like you know you doing, you've got everything under control.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Yeah.- Mum's just keeping a watchful eye over you?- Yeah.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- You're very mature.- Well, I've done quite a lot of work with my dad.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02I fitted a roof with him in France.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05I'm used to doing quite a lot of work with my dad, yeah.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Is it something you'd like to take forward in the UK,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10as in property developer, maybe when you leave school?
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Maybe, yeah. I don't know.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Well, I want to work in, like, media once I leave school,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17but I might work a bit with my dad. Yeah, definitely.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- He's taught you well. And you, of course, Mum.- Oh, yes.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I think, with living... Well, we lived in France for seven years.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29So I think we learnt to do a lot because, you know,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31you've got to do the work on your own there.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33You've got the freedom to do it.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Obviously, you've got... You're not next-door to people,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38you can just get on with it.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Obviously, it makes a little bit of a difference when it's 80 degrees outside.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- Yes. Shorts and T-shirt. - Yeah, yeah.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47But, just, you know... You've done all sorts, haven't you?
0:10:47 > 0:10:48Oh, yeah, everything.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52He's grown up being bathed in a little sink,
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- where things have been renovated around him.- Around us, yeah.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59So, I think, he's got it already in his blood.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Joanne and Colin have set aside a budget of £8,000,
0:11:05 > 0:11:09but finding the time to complete the work is a harder estimate.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14Colin will use his limited time back in the UK to do as much as he can,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17but Luke will have to juggle DIY and schoolwork.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21You should be a tired young man, after school.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Yeah, well, I'll be working a lot of weekends on it, yeah.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26When the holidays come up,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I'll, hopefully, work right through my holidays,
0:11:28 > 0:11:29getting a lot done.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34Yeah, but after school every day, I'll be down getting bits done.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36I'll try and find time for my mates
0:11:36 > 0:11:39but this will take a big part of my life.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43Maybe your mates can be drawn in. You know, maybe they can give you a hand.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46As long as it's not like a painting party.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49It's a great responsibility for you.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Are you happy to take on the responsibility?- Really happy, yeah.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57Just getting as much experience in different things as I can. Yeah.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I think I need to take a step back
0:11:59 > 0:12:03and let Luke start doing things for himself now.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08- I think it's good for him, for school, and...- You've got the reins.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- You've well and truly got the reins. - Definitely.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- So you spent seven years in France with your father.- Yeah.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16You obviously speak French,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18so I'm going to give you time to show off now. OK?
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Just in case there's any girls watching.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24What are you going to do with the bathrooms and kitchens, Luke?
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Erm, je vais les remplacer et je vais tous les dechirer.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Les remplacer, tres bien.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Now, if I was you, I'd have answered exactly the same way.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- Good luck, young man.- Thanks a lot. - Thank you very much, thank you.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42What a brave young man Luke is, taking on this property
0:12:42 > 0:12:43as his first project.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Now, his father is away in France
0:12:45 > 0:12:48but his mum is going to be right there by his side.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49I think he'll be OK.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52You can find out how he gets on later on in the programme.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00I'm in the West Midland town of Dudley, that's sometimes
0:13:00 > 0:13:03referred to as the capital of the Black Country.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06A couple of miles from the town centre
0:13:06 > 0:13:08is a residential suburb called Woodsetton,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12which is the birthplace of industrial pioneer Abraham Darby
0:13:12 > 0:13:16who developed the process of smelting iron ore using coke.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19# This is a industry... #
0:13:22 > 0:13:25So, a nice quiet residential street
0:13:25 > 0:13:31and up for auction with a guide price of £68,000-£73,000 was what?
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Well, it was that.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Three-bed, semi-detached, off-street parking, which is good.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Garden could do with a bit of tender loving care, but not bad condition.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Let's have a look.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Well, good news, it's got double glazing.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52Although it is looking a little bit grubby.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57That said, so is, er...the house on first glance.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01A bit of damp in the corner there. You've got polystyrene tiles.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02They've definitely got to go.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05I quite like this reasonable-sized entrance foyer, here,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09with stairs up to your bedrooms, fairly classic layout.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Front sitting room there.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Then, as you progress into the property - huh! - kitchen.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Really small for the house, that.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19I'll come back to that in a second,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21in terms of what we might be able to do.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Because, as you travel on, you come into this room here,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26a rear sitting room. So, what's the plan?
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Well, this house is, I think, just crying out to be made open-plan.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34Get rid of this wall. Make a really big, sort of, lounge area here.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Even better, get rid of that wall, there,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39to create a sort of kitchen-living area.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Stick a set of patio doors in there and Bob's your uncle.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Open-plan is definitely the way forward
0:14:48 > 0:14:50for this ground floor layout,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54provided you don't knock down any load-bearing walls, of course.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58And my search for extra space continues beyond the kitchen.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06So, out the back door from the kitchen
0:15:06 > 0:15:09and a possible way of getting some extra space in here.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12At the moment, you got this strange little lean-to affair
0:15:12 > 0:15:14with a roof that really isn't working,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16but there is a bit of useful space
0:15:16 > 0:15:19and I've seen it where this is integrated
0:15:19 > 0:15:21quite successfully into the kitchen.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Put a better roof on here, create a really nice,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25sort of, utility area here.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28That, I think, would enhance this pretty well.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Otherwise, just knock it down.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Upstairs, you'll be delighted to hear,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36there's another demolition opportunity.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37As well as three bedrooms,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41we have a bathroom and, right next-door, we have a loo.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43The choice is yours
0:15:43 > 0:15:45but wouldn't it make more sense to knock down
0:15:45 > 0:15:47that separating wall, perhaps?
0:15:50 > 0:15:53# Reunited and it feels so good... #
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Well, at the back of the property, a real nice-sized garden.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01You could definitely do things with this.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03It's obviously been cleared,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05which is going to save you a bit of effort.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06But one bit - ahem! -
0:16:06 > 0:16:10of the garden that hasn't been cleared is the greenhouse.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Absolutely...fantastic!
0:16:17 > 0:16:22# People in glass houses Don't throw stones, no, no, no. #
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Apart from the opportunity to open a bramble jelly factory,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31I think this house has lots of potential.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Let's see if a local property expert agrees with me?
0:16:35 > 0:16:37It's a nice-sized family property.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42To renovate the property back to, what I would term, habitable,
0:16:42 > 0:16:46you'd probably want to go for a new kitchen, a new bathroom,
0:16:46 > 0:16:47toilet,...
0:16:47 > 0:16:52Erm...central heating doesn't look too bad. I'd get it checked out.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56After that, it's more decoration than anything else.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04And what about potential sales and rental values?
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Once the property has been renovated,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10I would imagine that the property would sell
0:17:10 > 0:17:13in the region of £125,000.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15If you were to take the rental route,
0:17:15 > 0:17:20you'd achieve somewhere in the region of £550 per calendar month.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Well, yes, it could do with a bit of modernisation
0:17:24 > 0:17:27and, certainly, some of the downstairs walls could come out,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29but, apart from that, this is a good house
0:17:29 > 0:17:31that would make a really nice family home
0:17:31 > 0:17:34and, potentially, a bit of profit for somebody.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Let's see who bought it when it went under the hammer.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41It's a vacant freehold, semi-detached property.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43How much for that? Ought to be 80,
0:17:43 > 0:17:47but you can start me on less than that. 75, anywhere?
0:17:47 > 0:17:49No-one fancied that starting price
0:17:49 > 0:17:51and, so, to get the bidding started,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55the auctioneer dropped down to £50,000.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58We rejoin the action with the price sitting back up at 70,000.
0:18:00 > 0:18:0270, sir? 70.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Five, sir?
0:18:04 > 0:18:05Two, sir?
0:18:05 > 0:18:07One, sir?
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Yes.
0:18:08 > 0:18:1071.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Are you sure, sir? I have 72.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16At £71,000. Do I hear two anywhere? It's cheap.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20First hand, 72. Thank you very much, sir. 73, now, sir?
0:18:20 > 0:18:24No. 72 is there. Do I hear 72,500? Anywhere?
0:18:24 > 0:18:28At 72,500, at the back, the lady has come back in. 73?
0:18:28 > 0:18:30500, madam?
0:18:30 > 0:18:3273,500?
0:18:32 > 0:18:33Yes. 74, sir?
0:18:34 > 0:18:3674 bid.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37Can I say 75?
0:18:37 > 0:18:38Or 74,500?
0:18:39 > 0:18:42At £74,000. The bid is on my left.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46It is being sold, make no mistake. Fresh bid at 75. 76, sir?
0:18:47 > 0:18:5376. 77, right at the back, sir? 77. 78. 78. 79?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57£78,000 is there.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59For the first time, then, and being sold.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Second time.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Third and the very last time. You're all done.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Bid on the left, sir. It's yours.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06BANGS GAVEL
0:19:06 > 0:19:09For 74... £78,000, even! Your number, please. 270.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13The successful bidder was Mohammed
0:19:13 > 0:19:18and that £78,000 bid just bought him his first ever auction property.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20He joined me back of the house to tell me
0:19:20 > 0:19:23why he wanted to invest his money here.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27# It feels like the first time... #
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- Mohammed, good to meet you.- Good to meet you, too.- Congratulations.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Tell me why you wanted to buy this place?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Er,...well, I've seen a good potential in this property.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41I think there's a lot of works to do.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42And...
0:19:42 > 0:19:46We can convert it to a nice living place for a family. So...
0:19:46 > 0:19:50OK. What was it about it you particularly liked?
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- Well, I didn't like anything about it, other than potential.- OK.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Something to convert...
0:19:57 > 0:20:01In terms of more, like, larger rooms,
0:20:01 > 0:20:06and upstairs, like, larger bathroom, and, erm, kitchen and all that.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Right. So you saw the ability to modify it to your specifications?
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Yeah, that's right. - In terms of property developing,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15is this something you've done a lot of?
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Not for myself but I used to run a company that used to do
0:20:19 > 0:20:23a lot of work like this, in terms of conversion and extension.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27So, yes, quite familiar with this kind of work
0:20:27 > 0:20:30and quite confident that we can make something nice out of this.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- But is this the first one you have done for yourself?- For myself, yes.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- Right, so why now?- Why now?
0:20:35 > 0:20:40Well, with the help of my friend, now it's been possible to do this.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44And I hope that I can do this to the best possible, really.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Right.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- # Feels like the first time - Feels like the very first time!- #
0:20:52 > 0:20:55With childhood friend Marcus supplying the finance,
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Mohammed will be responsible for the day-to-day work.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01# Open up the door! #
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Any resulting profit will be split equally.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08So, tell me what you're going to do to it?
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Obviously, we're going to knock this wall down
0:21:11 > 0:21:14and convert this to one large living room
0:21:14 > 0:21:17and, probably, the open kitchen.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18Upstairs, again,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21we're going to knock the wall between the bathrooms out.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24And make it nicer looking.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Taking everything down and replace the new things.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Right. OK. And outside?
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Outside, as well, yeah. A lot of work to be done. In the garden.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35For sure. What about the little strange extension?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37What are you going to do with that?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40We're just going to have to change the roof and let the sun sink in.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Not much more than that. Yeah.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46So, who's going to do the work?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Well, it's going to be mainly me.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I'm prepared to do most of the work required.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58But with the help of my friends and, probably, some other workers.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01So, what kind of jobs can you actually do?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Well, I can do plumbing. I can do any aspects of plumbing.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- Plumbing, OK. Are you a plumber? - Erm...not by trade but...
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Well, the thing is, I can carry out this kind of work.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- I have done it in the past.- Right.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16So, what's the sort of timescale?
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Well, I give it about two months. Yeah. About eight weeks.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- It should be all done. - And what about a budget?
0:22:21 > 0:22:26Budget? For my budget, is about 15,000.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- Yeah. I hope that I can round it up to 15,000. All in.- Yeah?
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Then the idea is to, what?
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Is it to rent it out or to sell it on?
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Well, the idea is to sell it.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38As soon as possible.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40As soon as it is finished, put it back to market
0:22:40 > 0:22:43and go to the next job. So, that's what we want to do.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46But, by the look of it, I don't know, at the end of the day,
0:22:46 > 0:22:50if it comes to something that is to my taste and my wife's,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- so, maybe, we move in.- Oh, really? Oh, wow. Have you got a family?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- Well, just married.- OK.- But, yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- It would make a lovely family house, actually.- It would be.- Oh, great.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04So lots of options. So, can you see yourself doing more of this?
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Erm, yes. Possibly.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10In the future. Let's see how it goes on this one.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14And, then, at the end of the show, we can, probably, get back to this.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15Yeah. Good idea.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- Well, congratulations. - Thank you.- Good luck with it.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- Cheers. Thank you.- We'll see how you get on.- Yeah, thank you.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25So, Mohammed doesn't like too much about the house
0:23:25 > 0:23:27as it currently stands but he loves its potential.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32So much so that he could see himself and his wife living here.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36How will they get on sorting it out? You can find out. Later in the show.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Still to come,
0:23:39 > 0:23:43the buyer of this shop premises in Kent receives some alarming news.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47There was a possibility that I might be sued for breach of contract.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52And there's a decision to be made in Dudley.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54We want to sell it, but if the missus like it,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56we might take it for ourselves.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57Let's see what she thinks.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05But first it's back to Tyne and Wear where earlier in the programme
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I visited this two bedroom terraced house in Birtley,
0:24:08 > 0:24:13a few miles south of Gateshead. It actually felt like coming home.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16# So come on home... #
0:24:16 > 0:24:18A bit of a '70s feeling there.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21It is a bit dated, not to everybody's taste.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25And these cupboards, we had these in Leicester back in the '70s.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29One thing my house in Leicester didn't have was a garage
0:24:29 > 0:24:32squeezed in beside the kitchen, but despite that I thought
0:24:32 > 0:24:36for the guide price of £50,000 this place had potential.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43It was Joanne and son Luke that came out on top at the auction
0:24:43 > 0:24:46with a final bid of 58½ grand.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48They too were coming home.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Having lived in France for seven years,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54but husband Colin was staying behind to fulfil work commitments.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59With Colin only able to work on the house on his trips back to England
0:24:59 > 0:25:02and Joanne taking time to look after her father,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06the success of the project was resting largely in the capable hands
0:25:06 > 0:25:08of 16-year-old Luke.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I'll be working a lot of weekends on it, yeah.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I'll try and find time for me mates, but, yeah,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19this will take a big part of me life.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21A tall order for a lad of 16,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25but Luke has been surrounded by DIY since the day he was born.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- You've done all sorts, haven't you? - Oh, yeah. Everything.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32He's grown up being bathed in a little sink
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- where things are being renovated around him.- Yeah.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38So I think he's got it already in his blood.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42STAR WARS THEME PLAYS
0:25:42 > 0:25:45A young man named Luke with an unfulfilled destiny
0:25:45 > 0:25:48whose father lurks in the background,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51and all that's missing is a Millennium Falcon
0:25:51 > 0:25:53parked in the garage.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57Luke, it's time to use the Force.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00But obviously get your dad to do the plumbing.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Eight months have passed and we're back to see
0:26:03 > 0:26:08if this refurbishment will be the new hope or a bit of a Phantom Menace.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31Wow! That's certainly a makeover with added warp factor.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35With really high quality finishing, this is a job that Joanne, Luke
0:26:35 > 0:26:38and dad Colin can be really proud of.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41The '70s kitchen has been brought right up to date
0:26:41 > 0:26:44and the introduction of a breakfast bar
0:26:44 > 0:26:48and bench seat adds a touch of class to this impressive room.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51And that's not the only change in the kitchen.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54This part here was a bit of a dead space,
0:26:54 > 0:27:00so we decided to put a stud wall up and make it into a utility room.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04It's obviously got room for a dishwasher, washer machine,
0:27:04 > 0:27:08dryer, just a good useful space, so I think it really works.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12And upstairs the leaky roof has been fixed
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and the bedrooms have been completely revamped.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22We first of all fixed the staircase cos that needed some attention.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26We've carpeted throughout and then in the bedrooms
0:27:26 > 0:27:30we ripped the old wardrobes out, just to give more space
0:27:30 > 0:27:35cos they were old-fashioned and plastered throughout
0:27:35 > 0:27:38and it's just gave the place a new lease of life.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41MUSIC: "Teenage Kicks" By THE UNDERTONES
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Now, as any teenager will tell you, kicks are important.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Well, how did Luke get on juggling school,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50friends, and the massive DIY project?
0:27:52 > 0:27:57I recently got a Saturday job, it's a struggle to find the time
0:27:57 > 0:28:01to work on this place, but I helped out as much as I could.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06any time me mam asked us to do some work I would come over,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09or after school she'll pick us up and take us straight here.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13So I found the time to do it, but it has been busy.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- It's been a rush cos he's been doing his GCSE exams as well.- Yeah.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19So we've just sort of had to fit in...
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Trying to juggle everything, yeah.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Pretty good juggling then, apart from hiring an electrician
0:28:28 > 0:28:30and a plasterer, the family have dealt
0:28:30 > 0:28:32with every aspect of this project.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Although it's been eight months since they've purchased the house
0:28:35 > 0:28:38they've actually only spent nine weeks completing the work.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42But how much did they end up spending on the refurbishment?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45The budget originally was 8,000
0:28:45 > 0:28:49and we've spent just around 6,300.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54We on Homes Under The Hammer don't often see projects completed
0:28:54 > 0:28:57under budget, so I doff my cap to these guys.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01But will congratulations be forthcoming
0:29:01 > 0:29:03from these two local estate agents
0:29:03 > 0:29:07when they've had a look around the property?
0:29:07 > 0:29:09This is my first time at the property
0:29:09 > 0:29:13and I think the property has been renovated to a very high standard,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15combining both old with the new.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18It looks like it's been done to a really high standard, nice finish.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Use of different colours and some different materials,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22so very good, yeah.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23I think the utility room's going to be
0:29:23 > 0:29:25a great advantage to the property.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28Obviously additional storage to get the washing machine,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30fridge freezer out the way.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34That's a unanimous approval for the quality of refurbishment here.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Well, how does all the hard work translate into value on the sales
0:29:38 > 0:29:40and rental market?
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Purchased for £58,500, Joanne and Colin have spent
0:29:44 > 0:29:52another £6,300 on improvements, bringing a total spend to £64,800.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55I would put this property onto the open market
0:29:55 > 0:29:57of offers in the region of £89,950.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00For sale I would think you're going to be looking
0:30:00 > 0:30:02somewhere around £90,000.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05We were looking at more than that, so let's see what happens.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11Joanne has a price in mind, and it's not £90,000.
0:30:11 > 0:30:18However, a sale at that price will realise a pre-tax profit of £25,200.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22That's not a bad return in a small space of time. What about rental?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27For rental we'd be looking in the region of £500 per calendar month.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31I would put this property onto the rental market
0:30:31 > 0:30:33for £495 per calendar month.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Some food for thought there.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38A rental income of £500 per calendar month equates to
0:30:38 > 0:30:42a yield of slightly over 9% - that's a good investment.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Are they tempted to follow the agents' advice
0:30:45 > 0:30:48and hold on to the property for a few years?
0:30:48 > 0:30:51That's better than what we thought.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55That actually is a little bit higher than we thought for rental.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59But obviously rental is not something that you wanted to do,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02so we'll just see what happens.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06So the house is up for sale now and most people might be tempted
0:31:06 > 0:31:11to put their feet up and relax for a few months, but not this family.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16Since we saw you last, Colin's moved back over from France.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19We've bought another house at auction, so me
0:31:19 > 0:31:23and Luke's going to be starting that tomorrow.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27And Luke and Colin have bought another house in France,
0:31:27 > 0:31:32the opportunity came along and it was too good to miss.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36So they're going over in August for a month to start the work.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41So we've got a lot of work to go.
0:31:50 > 0:31:56# I've found sunshine and I found you... #
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Sitting on the outer reaches of the Thames estuary in northeast Kent
0:31:59 > 0:32:02is the village of Birchington-on-Sea.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04It's a lively place
0:32:04 > 0:32:08and in summer day-trippers flock to the nearby beach at Minnis Bay.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Now not far from Minnis Bay in the village of Birchington
0:32:14 > 0:32:17is the lot I'm here to see.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Well, it's quite something. It's unusual.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25It's a stone's throw from the sea, and at just £40,000 to £42,000...
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Well, look, you've got this rather lovely empty shop.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32It's got a basement and it's got an office.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34I can't wait to investigate.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41Well, this shop really is bursting with character. Wow!
0:32:41 > 0:32:45It's got quite a '20s influence if you look up, look at the wallpaper.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48The one thing I recognise instantly is that
0:32:48 > 0:32:53I know it used to be a fruit and veg shop - you can smell cabbage.
0:32:53 > 0:32:54You can still smell them!
0:32:54 > 0:32:57You can imagine them all lined up along here -
0:32:57 > 0:32:59apples, pears and plums.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Look, over here as well. All the wares in the window.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05How lovely it would have been in its time?
0:33:05 > 0:33:08But obviously this little area has quietened down.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10It's a secondary part of the high street
0:33:10 > 0:33:13because the main footfall is further up the road,
0:33:13 > 0:33:17so you've got to think carefully what would you use this shop for.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18It's a very big shop.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22You've got a lot of frontage here and there's also room out the back.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28Now I think this might have been the office. It's a fantastic room.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30It's quite spacious.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Although, I think something a little sinister has been going on upstairs.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36The flat is privately owned,
0:33:36 > 0:33:38so it might be worth chatting to the neighbours about
0:33:38 > 0:33:41whether they've had a washing machine leak or a bath overflow.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45So some work to do in this area, and before you go get excited
0:33:45 > 0:33:46looking out there thinking,
0:33:46 > 0:33:50"Wow, we could have a big extension. Look at that garden."
0:33:50 > 0:33:53We can't. That doesn't belong to this shop.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55What you do get with this shop
0:33:55 > 0:33:58is that little bit of land just out there.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02# It's a golden opportunity. #
0:34:02 > 0:34:03Yeah, OK.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07Well, it's not much, but that thin sliver of garden could make
0:34:07 > 0:34:10all the difference as could the basement downstairs.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Yes, it's dank and its dingy, but there's definitely something
0:34:13 > 0:34:16sweeter in the air than the smell of old cabbages.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20Do I detect the faintest whiff of an investment opportunity?
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Walking around to the back of the property.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Well, it just puts it all into perspective.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29It shows you what state it's in.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32I mean, the render is literally falling off the walls,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34exposing the brickwork.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36The windows are in a very bad state,
0:34:36 > 0:34:41but you get a good bird's-eye view of the little bit of back yard
0:34:41 > 0:34:44that you've got, or garden, let's call it.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48But when you stand here you can see you've got the back of the shop,
0:34:48 > 0:34:51you've got the big shop area, you've got the basement downstairs,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54you've got this little bit of land
0:34:54 > 0:34:57than you could potentially build out.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Can I smell residential opportunities?
0:34:59 > 0:35:01I think so.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10With nothing on the shelves but dust and empty boxes,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12this shop doesn't fire the imagination,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14but look at the building's footprint.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17See beyond the decay and you might decide that
0:35:17 > 0:35:21a £40,000 investment here could bear fruit in the future.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26What will a local estate agent think of this
0:35:26 > 0:35:29fascinating old fruit and veg shop?
0:35:29 > 0:35:32I think it's in a fantastic location.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34I think it's got a lot of potential,
0:35:34 > 0:35:37but I do feel there's a little bit of work to be done, but once
0:35:37 > 0:35:38that work is completed
0:35:38 > 0:35:42I think there's a lot to be taken on here.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45I think it's a case of just increasing the back
0:35:45 > 0:35:49and then it does become a possibility to extend
0:35:49 > 0:35:52the back to become a one-bedroom flat to keep the shop,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55the commercial property at the front.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56The agent feels that
0:35:56 > 0:35:59if a one-bedroom flat were added to the rear of the property
0:35:59 > 0:36:03it could rent for around £450 a month,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05and the shop for around £800 a month,
0:36:05 > 0:36:09giving a total rental income of £1,250.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15And he gives approximate sales values of £50,000 for the shop
0:36:15 > 0:36:18and £80,000 for the proposed one bed flat.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22This is an exciting opportunity
0:36:22 > 0:36:26because I think by stealing some of the shop space,
0:36:26 > 0:36:31using that little room at the back and the basement and maybe extending
0:36:31 > 0:36:34out into the yard, well, subject to planning permission,
0:36:34 > 0:36:38could you create some residential units here,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40maybe a flat or two?
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Let's see who wanted to buy this and what they were thinking
0:36:43 > 0:36:46when we went to auction.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Start me at the bottom of the guide.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50£40,000, do I see?
0:36:50 > 0:36:5240, anywhere? 40, can I say?
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Give me £30,000, then.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57£30,000 for this property.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00£30,000, I'm on the way. 32.
0:37:00 > 0:37:0332. 34. 36.
0:37:04 > 0:37:1038. 38. 38. 40, now.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14I'm looking for £40,000. At 40, I have.
0:37:14 > 0:37:1742, now. 42.
0:37:17 > 0:37:2142. Shake of the head. 42. £40,000 is the bid.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24You're both out. There's three of you out.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Lady's bid of £40,000.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Do I see 42 anywhere?
0:37:29 > 0:37:3142 for any of you.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Well, then, at £40,000 I shall be selling.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37For the first time at £40,000.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41For the second time at £40,000.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46Both out. Third and final time at £40,000.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48You quite sure you're all done?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Sold, madam. J422.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57The lady making that successful bid of £40,000 was Jenny,
0:37:57 > 0:38:02a retired shop owner who has been investing in property for 18 years.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05What does she plan to do with her latest purchase?
0:38:05 > 0:38:08I met her back at the shop to find out.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12# Let's talk... #
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Jenny, lovely to meet you today.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- Congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19So why the old, empty shop? What was it that took your eye about this?
0:38:19 > 0:38:23I think basically it was the price and it was local
0:38:23 > 0:38:25so I can work on it from home.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28Just pop in and see how things are going when the builders start.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Are you from this area?
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Originally from London, but I've been down here for about 30 years.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Tell me, what do you think you're going to do
0:38:37 > 0:38:39with something like this?
0:38:39 > 0:38:45Well, hopefully let it and so just do a basic refurbishment
0:38:45 > 0:38:47and tidy it up
0:38:47 > 0:38:50and then put the 'To Let' board up and see what happens.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53The only thing that I've been thinking in my mind is,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55it's not the main high street.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58You've got every single shop you can possibly imagine and then
0:38:58 > 0:39:02just a little bit further along are a smattering of a few shops here.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06What sort of potential does it have as a shop?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09I've been discussing it with the neighbours
0:39:09 > 0:39:13and they think maybe a craft shop or a cycle shop.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Because it's going to be something
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- that's not 100% reliant upon footfall, really.- Yes.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Because there's plenty of parking outside and I think
0:39:22 > 0:39:29if people advertise well something like a party shop might go.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31# Kick it... #
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Yeah, party shop isn't a bad idea.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37But on such a quiet part of the high street I'd be worried that
0:39:37 > 0:39:41it might have to fight for survival in fact...
0:39:41 > 0:39:45# You gotta fight for your right
0:39:45 > 0:39:50# To party... #
0:39:50 > 0:39:52But whatever the future holds for the shop there is still
0:39:52 > 0:39:56the tantalising prospect of some residential development.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Has Jenny been thinking along those lines?
0:39:59 > 0:40:02Hopefully I'm going to have two
0:40:02 > 0:40:06one bedroom self-contained flats at the back.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10I've had a chat with the local planning officer and he seems
0:40:10 > 0:40:13to think there shouldn't be any problems at any stage with that.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16I mean, it will be great to get two flats,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18but how spacious will they be and how much building
0:40:18 > 0:40:22are you going to have to do to get those flats looking right?
0:40:22 > 0:40:25They measure about 32 square metres.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29And to have a one-bedroom flat you need 40 square metres,
0:40:29 > 0:40:33so I'm hoping to take some space off the back of the shop for this one
0:40:33 > 0:40:37and come in further into the basement on the downstairs one.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40When you bid for this on auction day,
0:40:40 > 0:40:41you took a bit of a punt, really.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- Did you know what you wanted to do with it?- Yes.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49Obviously I came to view it and I wasn't overly impressed,
0:40:49 > 0:40:51but then I walked around the back
0:40:51 > 0:40:55and saw what the neighbours had done and they'd both built on
0:40:55 > 0:41:00either side, so I thought there was plenty of scope to make it bigger.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05So for £40,000 you've got a lot with quite a lot of potential.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Yes, with three lots of rent, hopefully at the end of the day.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Now if you think that sounds too good to be true you might
0:41:15 > 0:41:18just be right because there's a bit of a rotten apple that comes
0:41:18 > 0:41:23with this fruit shop - there doesn't appear to be any title deeds.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28I didn't realise until a couple of days before completion
0:41:28 > 0:41:34my solicitor pointed out that it had never been registered.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36- So it didn't have any title deeds? - No.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- So it didn't belong to anybody?- No.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- And not even you after you'd paid for it?- No.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43You'd spent £40,000
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- and you didn't have a piece of paper saying it was yours?- Quite right.
0:41:47 > 0:41:48So then what happened?
0:41:48 > 0:41:52I had the option of completing or not completing.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56My solicitor said there was a possibility that
0:41:56 > 0:42:00I might be sued for breach of contract if I didn't continue,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03and as I only had a day to think about it I said,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05"I'll just carry on."
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Have you managed to sort it and is it rectifiable?
0:42:08 > 0:42:13All the legal pack has been sent off to the land registry
0:42:13 > 0:42:18and hopefully they'll just register it as a new registration.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- So you did take a bit of a risk, didn't you?- I did.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23But it might end up paying off if you can get permission
0:42:23 > 0:42:25to convert this with two flats on the back.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- Yes.- What sort of budget have you got for that work?
0:42:28 > 0:42:31I think between £50,000 and £60,000,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34that will be for the shop and the two flats.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Have you got a plan B?- Yes.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39If I don't get planning permission
0:42:39 > 0:42:42I'd probably just put it back up for sale
0:42:42 > 0:42:45once I've got the title deeds sorted out.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Have you got anybody that's going to help you do this
0:42:47 > 0:42:49or is this solely your own venture?
0:42:49 > 0:42:53It's my venture. I have a builder that I use regularly.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58He's coming along this afternoon and can start pricing things up.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00Jenny, I can't wait to see the outcome and I really would like
0:43:00 > 0:43:05to see two flats here and a lovely shop, whatever it may be.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- Lovely to meet you. - Thank you very much.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10There's a lot going on with this property.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14No title deeds, no planning permission. Wow!
0:43:14 > 0:43:16Nothing fazes this lady.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20But if she does get planning permission for flats, well,
0:43:20 > 0:43:23she'll be getting three rentals, and that is a great return
0:43:23 > 0:43:26for your investment, certainly not to be sniffed at.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29Will it all come together for Jenny's enterprise?
0:43:29 > 0:43:33You can find out how she gets on later in the programme.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41Well, I love seeing how many ways there are to renovate properties.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44- We've seen one, but how have the other two done?- Let's find out.
0:43:47 > 0:43:52It's time to go back to the West Midlands and the town of Dudley.
0:43:54 > 0:43:59Early in the programme I viewed this three bedroom semidetached house
0:43:59 > 0:44:03up for auction at a guide price of £68,000 to £73,000,
0:44:03 > 0:44:08and by my reckoning it was a prime candidate for layout change.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12Get rid of this wall, make a really big lounge area here.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14But even better,
0:44:14 > 0:44:17get rid of that wall to create a kitchen/living area.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22At the auction, Mohammed was the last man standing
0:44:22 > 0:44:28and his bid of £78,000 secured his first ever auction purchase.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31With silent partner Marcus providing the cash,
0:44:31 > 0:44:34it was left to Mohammed to provide the labour.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39I used to run a company that used to do a lot of work like this
0:44:39 > 0:44:41in terms of conversion and extension.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44So, yes, quite familiar with this kind of work
0:44:44 > 0:44:48and quite confident that we can make something nice out of this.
0:44:49 > 0:44:54With a maximum budget of £15,000 and quite a few walls to knock through,
0:44:54 > 0:44:57it looked like Mohammed would have his hands full
0:44:57 > 0:44:59for the next couple of months.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06Well, we're back eight months later to see the results.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22Looks like the sledgehammer has been doing overtime in here.
0:45:22 > 0:45:27The two reception rooms and kitchen are now one enormous open-plan area.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30And the feeling of space is heightened with
0:45:30 > 0:45:34the addition of sliding patio doors leading into the back garden.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38With the removal of the supporting wall the weight of the upper floor
0:45:38 > 0:45:44is now taken by this reinforced steel joist, or RSJ.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49My favourite part of this project is this LED lights which
0:45:49 > 0:45:56we managed to run a box around it, to make it look like a box.
0:45:56 > 0:46:02But we actually hide the RSJ beams, so I think it's a nice feature.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09But the sledgehammer hasn't just been swinging downstairs.
0:46:09 > 0:46:14Upstairs, Mohammed was just as keen to create as much space as possible.
0:46:15 > 0:46:20Upstairs we took the chimney breast out of the bedrooms
0:46:20 > 0:46:24and there used to be a wall between the two small bathrooms,
0:46:24 > 0:46:30we took that off and it's now as one bathroom.
0:46:30 > 0:46:35Three piece and two windows and all tiled and everything new.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40The dreaded polystyrene tiles have all been removed, the walls
0:46:40 > 0:46:42and ceilings reskimmed and decorated
0:46:42 > 0:46:45and new carpet has been laid throughout.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49But the renovation has been more than just cosmetic.
0:46:49 > 0:46:54The electrics, plumbing and heating have all been renewed.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57To the side of the house the utility area has been tiled up
0:46:57 > 0:47:00and outside the front of the house has been enhanced
0:47:00 > 0:47:02by the addition of a canopy.
0:47:04 > 0:47:09At the back in the garden although the decking adds a wow factor,
0:47:09 > 0:47:13some additional landscaping work wouldn't go amiss.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15And standing at the back of the garden
0:47:15 > 0:47:17is something I almost didn't recognise.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24Like a heavily-bearded friend who's recently had a shave,
0:47:24 > 0:47:28the greenhouse looks half decent without all the brambles.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30# I'm still standing
0:47:30 > 0:47:32# Yeah, yeah, yeah... #
0:47:34 > 0:47:37The greenhouse remains intact,
0:47:37 > 0:47:41but can the same be said for Mohammed's £15,000 budget?
0:47:41 > 0:47:44We ended up spending about £20,000
0:47:44 > 0:47:47and originally we wanted to spend about 15,
0:47:47 > 0:47:51so I think we overspent a little bit,
0:47:51 > 0:47:54but we wanted to do a nice job and we don't mind about that.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59So five grand over budget and with work commitments
0:47:59 > 0:48:03and other delays the plan schedule of two months
0:48:03 > 0:48:06has also slipped by a matter of four months.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10But regardless, Mohammed is certainly happy with the end result.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16What will two local property experts make of Mohammed's handiwork,
0:48:16 > 0:48:19and more importantly do they predict a worthwhile return
0:48:19 > 0:48:24on the total investment of £98,000?
0:48:24 > 0:48:26I really like the changes made to the properly.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29The owner was most definitely right in knocking through
0:48:29 > 0:48:31the kitchen/lounge...diner,
0:48:31 > 0:48:34before it was three small, pokey rooms.
0:48:34 > 0:48:38The new layout now suits modern living a lot better.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43And the upstairs, they've altered the bathroom
0:48:43 > 0:48:46and toilet accommodation now into one large room,
0:48:46 > 0:48:48which again is much more suitable.
0:48:48 > 0:48:52Rather than having two small rooms they've got one nice size one now.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55So thumbs up for open planned living,
0:48:55 > 0:49:00but is there a demand for this type of property in the local market?
0:49:00 > 0:49:04The property market's recently taken a boom time, as it were,
0:49:04 > 0:49:06and most of all the local agents are now struggling to get
0:49:06 > 0:49:08instructions in, not selling them.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11The sales and lettings market is particularly buoyant at the moment
0:49:11 > 0:49:16and I would imagine that this property will appeal to both markets.
0:49:16 > 0:49:17Good news, then.
0:49:17 > 0:49:22So what about the all-important valuations, starting with rental?
0:49:22 > 0:49:26On the rental market I would market this property
0:49:26 > 0:49:28at £575 per calendar month.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31I would imagine that the rental on it would achieve
0:49:31 > 0:49:37something between £575 and £600 per calendar month.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41At the moment we're now looking to rent this property.
0:49:41 > 0:49:46But if we were, I think 600 sounds a bit reasonable.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49It doesn't sound like Mohammed is tempted by that potential yield
0:49:49 > 0:49:53of over 7%, but what about sales?
0:49:53 > 0:49:56If the property's marketed for sale then
0:49:56 > 0:49:58I would imagine it would achieve
0:49:58 > 0:50:01in the region of £120,000 to £125,000.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03On the sales market I would market this property
0:50:03 > 0:50:06at offers in the region of £125,000.
0:50:06 > 0:50:10I was hoping for a little bit more, in the region of 130.
0:50:10 > 0:50:15But as long as we can achieve 125, sounds all right.
0:50:15 > 0:50:19A sale of £125,000 would net Mohammed
0:50:19 > 0:50:24and Marcus a profit of £27,000 before tax and fees.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26But before they sell there's one other person to include
0:50:26 > 0:50:29in the decision making.
0:50:29 > 0:50:33So the plan originally was that we want to sell it,
0:50:33 > 0:50:35but if we liked it, if my missus like it,
0:50:35 > 0:50:38then we might take it for ourselves.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41Still, she hasn't been here since it's just finished
0:50:41 > 0:50:44a couple of days ago and let's she what she thinks.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46# And soon you will find
0:50:46 > 0:50:48# That there comes a time for making your mind up
0:50:48 > 0:50:51# For making your mind up... #
0:50:56 > 0:51:00Back now to Kent and the village of Birchington-on-Sea
0:51:00 > 0:51:03where earlier in the programme I explored this former greengrocers
0:51:03 > 0:51:06not far from the village centre.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10Lying empty for a number of years,
0:51:10 > 0:51:13this shop was no longer the place to find your five a day.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16But a look around the back convinced me that there was potential
0:51:16 > 0:51:19for a healthy profit.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22You've got the back of the shop, you've got the big shop area,
0:51:22 > 0:51:27you've got the basement downstairs, you've got this little bit of land
0:51:27 > 0:51:29that you could potentially build out.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32Can I smell residential opportunities?
0:51:32 > 0:51:34I think so.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39Well, 40 grand was all it took to buy this auction lot
0:51:39 > 0:51:42and the new owner was Jenny, who had been investing in property
0:51:42 > 0:51:45since her retirement in 1997.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50Her plans to build two one bedroom flats at the back
0:51:50 > 0:51:54of the property and rent out the shop came to a sudden stop
0:51:54 > 0:51:58when her solicitor noticed a slight problem with the paperwork.
0:51:59 > 0:52:02I think there might be a problem with the title deed.
0:52:02 > 0:52:09My solicitor pointed out that it had never been registered.
0:52:12 > 0:52:13Yikes!
0:52:13 > 0:52:16Turns out the £40,000 was a bit of a gamble,
0:52:16 > 0:52:19so before anything could progress the property would need to be
0:52:19 > 0:52:24filled in Jenny's name on the land registry which meant more money,
0:52:24 > 0:52:26more time and more worry.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31# Casino Queen... #
0:52:31 > 0:52:33It's been almost a year since our first visit.
0:52:33 > 0:52:36Has Jenny's proposed development come to fruition
0:52:36 > 0:52:39or did the whole thing slip up on a banana skin?
0:52:45 > 0:52:48Well, it's all change at the front of the property.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55And a new tenant has taken the lease and is now a camping shop.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02But at the back there are no signs of any development.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04Here's Jenny to tell us why.
0:53:08 > 0:53:13I was going to build, but I found it quite stressful cos it took
0:53:13 > 0:53:18almost a year to get as far as I got now.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22We had to go to the land registry and re-register the property
0:53:22 > 0:53:27and that took 4½ months.
0:53:27 > 0:53:30But it was more than just dealing with the land registry
0:53:30 > 0:53:32that caused delays.
0:53:32 > 0:53:37I had plans drawn up initially for the two one bedroom flats,
0:53:37 > 0:53:41but we had a slight issue with the drainage,
0:53:41 > 0:53:46so when I spoke to the builder we decided to change to one
0:53:46 > 0:53:51two-bedroom flat which we applied to the council for the planning,
0:53:51 > 0:53:54that took about two months to come through.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00Beset by inevitable delays on the planning front,
0:54:00 > 0:54:04the reality of leasing out the shop was straightforward by comparison.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08I found the tenant through word of mouth.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10Somebody said I was letting
0:54:10 > 0:54:16and he was looking for something in this area because he's local.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20We got together over a coffee and thrashed out a little agreement.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23The condition of the empty shop meant that
0:54:23 > 0:54:28improvements had to be made before the tenant could move in.
0:54:28 > 0:54:33It needed complete refurbishment, so we had the walls skimmed,
0:54:33 > 0:54:37new suspended ceiling put in,
0:54:37 > 0:54:40rewiring and the cloakroom area.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45Jenny has spent £5,000 on building work,
0:54:45 > 0:54:47plus a further two grand in fees.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Adding these to the original purchase price
0:54:50 > 0:54:53and her total spend comes to 47,000.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55With the deeds now registered in her name
0:54:55 > 0:54:59and planning permission granted for a two-bedroom flat
0:54:59 > 0:55:01Jenny could continue with the project,
0:55:01 > 0:55:05but after a frustrating year she's come to a decision.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09The gentleman that's renting the shop
0:55:09 > 0:55:13showed an interest in purchasing the whole property.
0:55:13 > 0:55:18I thought it's probably better to sell and go and put my feet up.
0:55:18 > 0:55:23# It's time I took a holiday... #
0:55:23 > 0:55:25So the deal to complete the sale
0:55:25 > 0:55:27of the freehold has still to be finalised,
0:55:27 > 0:55:30but it looks like Jenny may get her wish
0:55:30 > 0:55:32for some time to put her feet up.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38Here are two people afforded no such luxury.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41Estate agents are on their feet all day
0:55:41 > 0:55:43and we've invited them to stroll over
0:55:43 > 0:55:46and take a look around Jenny's property.
0:55:46 > 0:55:47I think looking at the shop
0:55:47 > 0:55:50the majority of the work's happened there.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53You've now got a really good unit that's been rented out.
0:55:53 > 0:55:58I think it's very good, obviously not much has happened at the rear.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00I think that the work in the shop has been carried out
0:56:00 > 0:56:02to a fairly good standard.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04I can see that some plastering has been carried out,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06some wiring and some additional heating,
0:56:06 > 0:56:10which certainly makes it a more saleable property.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12Now I'm sure you all love hypotheticals,
0:56:12 > 0:56:17so let's get some values on the basis that a two bed flat
0:56:17 > 0:56:20does eventually get built onto the rear of the shop.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24I would be expecting the flat on its own to be
0:56:24 > 0:56:27worth in the region of around about £120,000.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30You're then adding on the retail space which
0:56:30 > 0:56:33I would expect it to be in the region of 60.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36So between them you could be looking up to £200,000.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39The retail price to include the shop,
0:56:39 > 0:56:44the freehold and the two bedroom apartment would be £195,000.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48Assuming building costs of around £40,000
0:56:48 > 0:56:51and adding the £47,000 that Jenny has already spent,
0:56:51 > 0:56:58a sale of £200,000 could net a pre-tax profit of £113,000.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01Hypothetically speaking.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04But Jenny is in the process of selling the property as is,
0:57:04 > 0:57:06complete with planning permission.
0:57:06 > 0:57:10So how much do the agents reckon this is worth on the sales market?
0:57:11 > 0:57:14The price for the shop, the freehold
0:57:14 > 0:57:18and including the planning permission would be £90,000.
0:57:18 > 0:57:23I would expect it to be worth in the region of around about £100,000.
0:57:23 > 0:57:28I'm very pleased with those valuations, it's what I expected.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31If Jenny sells for £100,000,
0:57:31 > 0:57:37that would make her a tidy profit of 53,000 before tax and expenses.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40If that isn't a good excuse to put your feet up,
0:57:40 > 0:57:42I don't know what is, Jenny.
0:57:42 > 0:57:44How will she reflect on her experience?
0:57:44 > 0:57:49It has been quite a challenge, but it's been enjoyable
0:57:49 > 0:57:52and hopefully it will come to a happy ending.
0:57:56 > 0:57:57Have we given you food for thought
0:57:57 > 0:58:00if you're thinking about visiting your local property auction?
0:58:00 > 0:58:02Well, even if you're planning on staying right
0:58:02 > 0:58:05there at home there is a way for you to share in the excitement.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08Yeah, go on. Get involved. You, sitting on your sofa.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11Join us next time for more Homes Under The Hammer.
0:58:11 > 0:58:13- See you then.- Bye.- Bye.