0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello, welcome to the programme.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05You don't have to have years of experience
0:00:05 > 0:00:07to become a seasoned property developer.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08No, but if you ARE new to the game,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11make sure you know about the pitfalls before you start.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13And while you're doing your research, why not pop along,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16cos it might just suit you buying your home under the hammer.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Believe me, once you think you know everything about property,
0:00:45 > 0:00:49that's the time when something just crops up that you weren't expecting.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Will that happen today? Yes, I think it will.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Yes, let's see the three properties
0:00:53 > 0:00:55that went under the hammer on today's show.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58On today's show,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01there's a big surprise for these developers in Kent.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03He more or less rang us up and said,
0:01:03 > 0:01:05"Oh, actually, I've just won the bid."
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Hopefully, there'll be no nasty surprises
0:01:09 > 0:01:11for this developer in Stoke-on-Trent.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13The legal pack's quite good actually.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Anybody would be a fool not to read them.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19And in Newport, Wales, there'll be a pleasant surprise
0:01:19 > 0:01:22for the new owner of this house.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24One thing strikes you more than anything else
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and that's the incredible view.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30All these properties have been sold at auction.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33We'll find out who bought them and what they paid for them
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- when they went under the hammer. - You bought it. Well done.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42MUSIC: Walk On The Wild Side by Lou Reed
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Today I'm in the southeast of England.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Oh, the beautiful county of Kent,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53full of fields, farms and open countryside.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57A wealth of crops are grown in this county, from fruit to hops,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00and the majority of land is still agricultural,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04so it's no wonder Kent is known as the Garden of England.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11I'm between Leybourne and West Malling,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14but looking around this countryside surround,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16it feels like I could be miles from anywhere.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20# Hey, babe, take a walk on the wild side
0:02:21 > 0:02:25# I said hey, honey, take a walk on the wild side... #
0:02:27 > 0:02:29The property I'm here to see is tucked away
0:02:29 > 0:02:32down this little unpaved road here.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35It's a large detached two-storey building. It's here.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40It may look like an ordinary house, but it was last used as offices
0:02:40 > 0:02:44and it had a guide price at auction of £245,000.
0:02:49 > 0:02:50Ooh, dear.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55The interior really is a world away from what's going on out there.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57It's so corporate and officey.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Look, whiteboard, noticeboard, strip lighting,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04hard cord carpets, magnolia walls...
0:03:04 > 0:03:09It really does have that sort of worky, officey feel to it.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12You can tell that this was obviously a business until recently.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15But it must have been a home once upon a time
0:03:15 > 0:03:17because a fireplace like this...
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Well, it looks like this would have been somebody's dining room.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23So, I think you could convert this back.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26It would be a fantastic place to live
0:03:26 > 0:03:29because all I would do all day would be to look out there.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Look, horses in your front garden - how lovely!
0:03:35 > 0:03:37# Ride with me
0:03:38 > 0:03:43# Ride with me... #
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Well, if I can tear myself away from those lovely horses,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50we can take a trot around the ground floor.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55There's a second reception room, a handy downstairs loo
0:03:55 > 0:03:57and a sizeable kitchen.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Yet again, though, it's not quite the country range you'd imagine.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Still, with a larder that looks like this,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08no-one's going to steal your chutney!
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Well, a little bit disappointing outside.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15A bit on the small side,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19although there is a possibility you could extend to the side here
0:04:19 > 0:04:21because there is a fair bit of space.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25But even though you listen, you can't hear anything.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Beautiful countryside, birdsong.
0:04:28 > 0:04:34In the faint, faint distance, you can hear a slight hum of the M20.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38It's not annoying, but you definitely know it's there.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43At the moment, upstairs, there are five smallish offices
0:04:43 > 0:04:45which, if I were to guess,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48would have been three sizeable bedrooms at one point.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51But there's no bathroom, just a separate loo.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Having looked around and taken into account the out-of-the-way location,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01I think this property is best suited to being converted
0:05:01 > 0:05:05back from offices into a lovely residential home.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07It would be quite a straightforward conversion.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10You'd need to put in a bathroom or a few bathrooms somewhere
0:05:10 > 0:05:12and, of course, a nice kitchen downstairs.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Due to changes in the planning laws, back in 2013,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20you wouldn't even need planning permission to make the change here.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22All the work could be done
0:05:22 > 0:05:24under the current permitted development rights,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27so that's really good news for this property.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32However, there is one possible issue which should be investigated.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36The access road to the property is this little lane along here
0:05:36 > 0:05:39and it's lovely. But here's a tip.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42You really should check whether this is an adopted road,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45which means it's owned and maintained by the local council,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49or if it's a private unadopted road.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51If it's unadopted, it means it's likely
0:05:51 > 0:05:54that you and other properties along here
0:05:54 > 0:05:57are responsible for its upkeep and not the council.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00You can find out if that's the case by checking your title deeds
0:06:00 > 0:06:02or from the local authority.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04But if this is an unadopted road,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07you'll have to occasionally grab the shovel
0:06:07 > 0:06:10and fill in any potholes for yourselves.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13# Dig yourself, Lazarus
0:06:13 > 0:06:16# Dig yourself, Lazarus
0:06:16 > 0:06:20# Dig yourself, Lazarus Dig yourself... #
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Still, I don't think a little digging is too much to ask,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26especially if you can get this
0:06:26 > 0:06:30for anywhere near its guide price of £245,000.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33But what does an estate agent think of this house
0:06:33 > 0:06:35with an unusual interior?
0:06:36 > 0:06:38We've asked one along to find out.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43In its current form,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46it's really only three reasonable size bedrooms
0:06:46 > 0:06:51and I would think, for the location and the neighbouring properties,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55if you could bring this up to, say, a four, maybe five-bedroom spec,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59by putting a sizeable double-storey extension on the side,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03you could be looking as much as £650,000 to £700,000.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06So, it sounds like that extension I mentioned
0:07:06 > 0:07:08really should be considered an option.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11But what value would he put on the property
0:07:11 > 0:07:14if it was modernised but kept in its current layout?
0:07:14 > 0:07:18I would imagine, if the property remained as it is now
0:07:18 > 0:07:20and, obviously, completely renovated,
0:07:20 > 0:07:25I think you're looking at somewhere between £500,000 and £550,000.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29So, this used to be a house, now it's offices
0:07:29 > 0:07:34and I think the best option is to go back to being residential.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Just look around you - little Shetland ponies and horses
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and green fields. It would make a fabulous home
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and I think that a family would love living here.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Let's find out who bought this big old building at the auction.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51A substantial freehold two-floor detached building
0:07:51 > 0:07:53requiring modernisation. Lot 63.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54Where do you want to start me?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Shall we say nice and low, £200,000?
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Any takers at 200? Yes, thank you. £200,000 I have.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04210 in the aisle? 210. It's in the aisle at 210 now.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07220? 220 by the wall, while you were thinking about it.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11230? 230. 240? 240. 250?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14250 with the lady in the new place. 250. 260, sir? 260.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17270. 280?
0:08:17 > 0:08:20280. New place, standing. Thank you, 280.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24290, madam? 290. 300. 310.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26320. 330?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31No? 325, try and help you out? 325 anywhere else?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35325, new place. 330, sir?
0:08:35 > 0:08:40No. New bidder. £325,000. 330 anywhere else?
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Are we all done? £325,000 for the first,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47second...third and final time.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- At £325,000. Sold. - HE BANGS GAVEL
0:08:55 > 0:09:01That final bid of £325,000 came from Kent-based restaurateur Aftab,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05who was at the auction representing his three other partners.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09I met up with Aftab and one of the missing trio, Anhar,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12to find out what they had cooking for this place.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Congratulations, guys. Lovely to meet you both.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Now, Anhar, who found this and how have you ended up buying it?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23We all found it. We liked the property.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- There's four of us and we decided to do it as a group.- OK.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29On the auction day, we were all supposed to go
0:09:29 > 0:09:34but we were all a bit tied up, so Aftab went to the auction thinking
0:09:34 > 0:09:37that we were going to be there behind him, but we didn't turn up.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39So you were there on your own?
0:09:39 > 0:09:43I kept looking at the back to see what time they're coming
0:09:43 > 0:09:45and they wasn't behind me.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47He more or less rang us up and said "Oh, actually,
0:09:47 > 0:09:52"I've just won the bid." I was like, "Oh, really?"
0:09:52 > 0:09:54So, lucky for you, he did bid
0:09:54 > 0:09:56and you did get it at a fair price, didn't you?
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Less than the figure they told me.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- They told me £330,000 but I got it for £325,000.- So there you go.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07He got some spare change as well, which is fantastic.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- I think Aftab did well. - Yeah, you did well.- My first time.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- And his first time. - First time. Look at your prize.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20# Do you remember the first time?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23# I can't remember a worse time
0:10:24 > 0:10:29# But as long as you save a piece for me, oh, yeah... #
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Well, that's not an experience Aftab will forget in a hurry.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Let's hope he doesn't disappoint them with this property.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39But how did the four partners end up working together?
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- We are all in the restaurant trade. - Not together.- Different restaurants.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49You all have different restaurants? And how do you all know each other?
0:10:49 > 0:10:52In the Kent area, all the Indian restaurants tend to know each other.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- Do they?- And get-togethers and stuff like that.- So, there's four of you.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Yeah.- Who's going to play what role and do what?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01You've already done your fair share, Aftab,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03so I don't think you need to do any more.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Aftab lives local, so it's easier for him to gain access
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- and let builders in.- Yeah.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Rather than everybody having too many ideas,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I think it's just me and Aftab.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17We're just going to go round with the builders,
0:11:17 > 0:11:20get ideas and we're going to take it from there.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- What do you want to do with it? - Um...light refurbishment.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26I don't want to go over the top,
0:11:26 > 0:11:30in terms of spend money on extensions and stuff like that.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34Kitchen, bathrooms, clean out inside, painting, decorating.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Outside - touch-up, gardens. Put it straight back on the market.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41So what sort of budget have you guys got to spend here?
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Looking at around the 30 mark.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Yes, the doors are well and truly closed on this business
0:11:47 > 0:11:50as Aftab, Anhar and their partners have decided
0:11:50 > 0:11:54that this should become a residential property again
0:11:54 > 0:11:55and I couldn't agree more.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59£30,000 seems like a decent budget
0:11:59 > 0:12:01but there's a fair amount of work to do here.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Just out of interest, how much do you think
0:12:04 > 0:12:08you would like to market this property for once it's for sale?
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- Round about £550,000 to £525,000. - Have you done your research?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16We have. I asked the estate agent
0:12:16 > 0:12:19and they say the house will sell for £500,000 anyway.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22One of the things I've been speaking to Aftab as well
0:12:22 > 0:12:26is do we actually want to do anything to it
0:12:26 > 0:12:29or do we, if we get a good margin, sell it as it is?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Whoever buys it, let them do it to their taste.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34So we might come back and you might not have done anything.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Anything, and just sold it.- That's going to be really boring for us!
0:12:37 > 0:12:40I would like to do the works, but whatever we do,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42somebody else, it might not be to their taste.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- They'll probably rip it out and do it again.- Absolutely.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48And what is your timescale? How many months have you got?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50The builders, when they get started, four weeks.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Two to three weeks of planning. - Two to three weeks of planning.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- And four weeks getting it done. - Four weeks to crack on.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00So we'll be back fairly soon to see, do you completely give it
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- a big old refurb inside or not. - Yeah.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05What do you think you guys are going to do?
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- You'll have to wait and see. - You don't know, do you?!
0:13:08 > 0:13:09THEY LAUGH
0:13:09 > 0:13:11It's been lovely meeting you today
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- and I'm really excited to see the outcome.- Thank you very much.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- Lovely to see you.- Thank you. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Well, Aftab, Anhar and their business partners think
0:13:21 > 0:13:25they've bagged themselves a bargain here and I have to agree.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27If they play their cards right
0:13:27 > 0:13:29and refurbish this property as they plan,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31making it into a nice family home,
0:13:31 > 0:13:35then I think they could make a nice little profit.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40But they did mention they might do nothing at all and just sell it on.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44You can find out what happens to this house later in the programme.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54MUSIC: The Boys Of Summer by Don Henley
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Welcome to Hanley in Staffordshire.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Wait a minute, that's Don HEN-ley playing there.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Can we change that music, please?
0:14:03 > 0:14:06MUSIC: True by Spandau Ballet
0:14:07 > 0:14:10No! Now, that's Tony HAD-ley!
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Honestly, you just can't get the staff nowadays!
0:14:13 > 0:14:18Anyway, Hanley is one of six towns that makes up Stoke-on-Trent.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Traditionally a mining town, thanks to ongoing regeneration
0:14:22 > 0:14:26and a new bus station, Hanley has terrific links to other local towns,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29as well as Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37As you can tell by my surroundings, I'm on an old, traditional street
0:14:37 > 0:14:42with terrace houses aplenty and it's one of them I'm here to see today.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47It's a two-bed with a guide price of £28,000 plus. And here it is.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49And that's not the best start.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51That's a sure sign that this house has had
0:14:51 > 0:14:55some kind of subsidence issues. Let's take a look inside.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01We're straight into the front room.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Got double glazing, which is good, central heating as well.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08It has got a cold feeling. Let's see what's through here.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Into the second reception room.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14There's a bit of a cupboard under the stairs, just there.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16More central heating, which is good
0:15:16 > 0:15:19and there's a bit of a damp patch as well in the corner.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Stairs going up to the bedrooms.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24But it's a decent size second reception room.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Through here into the kitchen.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28As we come through here,
0:15:28 > 0:15:30the house would have stopped there, back in the day
0:15:30 > 0:15:34and this extension would have been put on a little bit later.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37However, the kitchen doesn't look in too bad condition.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41You could clean it up and actually get away with keeping some of this.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44I can see damp issues just there as well.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48As we go towards the back, there's a bit of a work area just there,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52into the new design feature just here in the bathroom.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54You've got a bath, toilet and sink
0:15:54 > 0:15:57and more damp towards the back of this extension as well.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01So, a good, classic, traditional layout downstairs
0:16:01 > 0:16:04with that extension adding some welcome extra space.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07But that damp does concern me.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11And out the back, I think I may have found the cause.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16As you can see behind me, there is a bow in that roof,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18which is a another sign of subsidence.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Stoke-on-Trent was heavily mined,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26so this probably is the most likely cause of subsidence.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30It does look as though some work has been done to address the problem,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32but that bowed roof doesn't seem right
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and I'd definitely get someone out to have a look at it.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38On a positive side, on the first floor,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40there are two good size bedrooms.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43You know, with this guide price of £28,000,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47with a bit of work, I think this could be a great investment
0:16:47 > 0:16:50but let's see what a local estate agent thinks.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53There looks as though there's possibly been
0:16:53 > 0:16:56a bit of subsidence in the past.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01It's not too surprising for the area and you can tell from the brickwork
0:17:01 > 0:17:04at the front, there definitely has been some repair work done.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08I think it would probably be best to have a specialist look at those.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12So, bearing in mind there's going to be both decorative
0:17:12 > 0:17:17and, potentially, structural work needed, let's get some valuations.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Once it's fully renovated, I think for the sales market,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23we could look at a figure of £60,000,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27and for the rental market, a figure of around £385 per calendar month.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33This house could be very attractive to quite a few people
0:17:33 > 0:17:35if that subsidence issue is sorted.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37However, after seeing that sagging roof,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39it does make me think it's a job half done.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Let's see who did their research and read the legal pack
0:17:42 > 0:17:44when it went under the hammer.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49Lot 28. Two-bedroom mid-terraced house, close to the city centre.
0:17:49 > 0:17:5125 to start on this one.
0:17:52 > 0:17:5725 bid. At £25,000. 26 can I see now?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Bid's at £25,000, seated second row.
0:17:59 > 0:18:0326. 27. 28.
0:18:03 > 0:18:0529? It's at 29...
0:18:05 > 0:18:08There was some determined bidding at this busy auction
0:18:08 > 0:18:13and the price soon moved up. We rejoin the bidding at £40,000.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16At £40,000, lady's bid, standing, at £40,000.
0:18:16 > 0:18:1841 anywhere else?
0:18:20 > 0:18:24If not, I'm selling it at £40,000 for the first time.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28£40,000 for the second time.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Third and final time...
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Half? £40,500...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36No? £40,500. Pointing at them now, then.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40At £40,500 once then, twice then.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45Third and final time, at £40,500...
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- HE BANGS GAVEL - You bought it. Well done.
0:18:47 > 0:18:53The successful bid of £40,500 came from Patricia and her husband, Clive.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57MUSIC: Mountain At My Gates by Foals
0:18:57 > 0:19:01Patricia currently lives in Kent but was brought up in Stoke
0:19:01 > 0:19:03and having recently retired,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06has started a property portfolio with Clive.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11I met up with her to find out what her plans were for this house.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Patricia, nice to meet you. Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Why this particular house, Patricia?
0:19:16 > 0:19:22Basically, it was cheap enough and I felt that the work...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25You know, we got it for a price that we know we can do the work on.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27As I say, I've got two others at the moment,
0:19:27 > 0:19:33so I didn't want to go too large cos I want to do that later on,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36buy something bigger, but I thought price was the right thing
0:19:36 > 0:19:38and we can put the value back in.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40So, what work are you going to do to the house?
0:19:40 > 0:19:44Well, sort the roof and the structural stuff out
0:19:44 > 0:19:49and then, once we've got that done, general things like electrics
0:19:49 > 0:19:53and I think the kitchen needs ripping out and putting back in,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57make everything neutral and flooring and that's it.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00That all sounds pretty straightforward,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03but what about that other structural headache?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Some kind of subsidence issues
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- you're going to have to address as well.- Subsidence, yes, we know.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Will that eat into your budget quite a lot?
0:20:12 > 0:20:13That won't eat too much into the budget
0:20:13 > 0:20:17cos I've already, obviously, had that looked at very vaguely,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20so I'm confident that won't be too much,
0:20:20 > 0:20:24but the roof is the big issue on this one.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28So, in the legal pack, was there the subsidence issue?
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Yes, the legal pack's quite good, actually.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Anybody would be a fool not to read them before going to auction
0:20:34 > 0:20:39and, obviously, we saw the property and we knew what the issues were.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Just two Hammer rules - you've got to read the legal pack
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- and view the property.- Yeah. - And you've done both.- Done both.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Well done. Did it not put you off at all when you read the legal pack
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- and the subsidence?- No, not at all.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It's Stoke-on-Trent, a lot of mining was going on in Stoke-on-Trent.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57There's a lot of mine seams around.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01There are issues, but a lot has settled now,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03so the problems are no longer there
0:21:03 > 0:21:06but, obviously, you've got to put right
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- what's gone wrong already. - Completely.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- # Don't do it- I done done it
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- # Don't do it- I done done it
0:21:14 > 0:21:15# I went and did it
0:21:15 > 0:21:19# Ooh, it sure was nice... #
0:21:20 > 0:21:25By reading the legal pack, Patricia has certainly done her homework
0:21:25 > 0:21:28and, combined with her local knowledge of the area,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30she's ready to move ahead.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32She's got a team of professionals ready to start
0:21:32 > 0:21:34and as for the budget...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- I'm confident we can do this for £10,000.- OK.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42And then your timescale will be what to finish it off?
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Because I'm not certain about the roofing and that,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48and the structural stuff, I think it's going to be about three months.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Which isn't too bad, is it, really?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52No, I'd like to think six, seven weeks,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- but I think I need to give myself time.- OK.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58So what are your plans for the house once all the work's complete?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00We're going to keep this one and rent it
0:22:00 > 0:22:03so I'm starting to build up the portfolio now.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05OK, is that what you intend to do?
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Do you intend to buy the properties in these areas
0:22:08 > 0:22:11and keep hold of them and try and build it or sometimes do you sell?
0:22:11 > 0:22:15We are intending to do that and we want to try, this year,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- to move up to about ten... - That's good.- ..within the next year.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Obviously, they won't all be from auction.
0:22:22 > 0:22:28But we will keep doing ones that are for selling on as well.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Originally from Stoke, Patricia's spent the last nine years abroad
0:22:32 > 0:22:36training teachers in China and the United Arab Emirates.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39After all this time away, she and her husband, Clive,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42are starting to feel the lure of their home city.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44How does it feel being back in Stoke?
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Obviously, our parents are still here, both our sets of parents
0:22:47 > 0:22:52and all the families are here, so we've always come back and visited.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56They've seen a lot more of me now, they've seen a lot more,
0:22:56 > 0:22:57so my mum and dad are happy
0:22:57 > 0:23:00and my mother-in-law and father-in-law are happy being here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05But we are now considering actually, eventually,
0:23:05 > 0:23:10probably in about four or five years, making our way back this way.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Ah, it's drawing you back in, isn't it?- Nearer to Manchester for United.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- Oh, I see! - So you are a United fan? We are.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20You mentioned off-air that you got up in the middle of the night
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- a couple of times.- Oh, three o'clock in the morning in China,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- watching Chelsea vs United, European Cups and things.- Proper supporters.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Proper supporters.- Good on you.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- I wish you lots of luck.- Thank you. - Hope it works out for you.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Good luck, Patricia.- Thank you.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Patricia and Clive viewed the property and read the legal pack
0:23:39 > 0:23:42and weren't put off by the subsidence issue.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45They've also got to tackle that roof and the damp.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Will they get it all done within that £10,000 budget?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50You can find out how they get on later in the programme.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Still to come, in Newport in Wales, this developer gets philosophical.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58It's a bit of a rollercoaster at times.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01We have plenty of downs, but you just have to roll with the punches.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07But will there be more downs than ups for this Stoke developer?
0:24:07 > 0:24:11More or less take the whole extension apart and start again.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17MUSIC: House In The Country by The Kinks
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Time now to return to the Kent countryside
0:24:20 > 0:24:25and this house near Leybourne with a guide price of £245,000.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32# House in the country and a big sports car... #
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Hang on there, it may have been in the countryside
0:24:35 > 0:24:37but, although it had been built as a house,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39it certainly wasn't a home,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42as it had been last used as a commercial property.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Bedrooms had been divided into small offices
0:24:46 > 0:24:49and although there were loos, there were certainly no bathrooms.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55But that's not to say it had to stay that way.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56I think you could convert this back.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59It would be a fantastic place to live
0:24:59 > 0:25:02because all I would do all day would be to look out there.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Look, horses in your front garden - how lovely!
0:25:06 > 0:25:10It was bought by a team of restaurateurs for £325,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13But although there were four of them working together,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16poor Aftab had been left on his own to go to the auction.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- £325,000. Sold. - HE BANGS GAVEL
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- Still, he seemed to do a good job. - I think Aftab did well.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- Yeah, you did well.- My first time. - And his first time.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31First time. Look at your prize.
0:25:31 > 0:25:38# The winner takes it all... #
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Of the four partners,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Aftab and Anhar were the two taking control of the project.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47They had a budget of £30,000
0:25:47 > 0:25:50and a timescale of around seven to eight weeks
0:25:50 > 0:25:54and they were so confident they'd got a good deal at the auction,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Anhar even thought about flipping the property
0:25:57 > 0:25:59without doing any work at all.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Well, five months later, we've returned.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Maybe this house will be a new country home
0:26:10 > 0:26:13or maybe the guys will have just sold it on.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21MUSIC: Love Story by Taylor Swift
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Oh, what a relief!
0:26:29 > 0:26:31I'll be honest, I would have been so disappointed
0:26:31 > 0:26:35if the guys had just flipped this. It had so much potential
0:26:35 > 0:26:40and that potential's been realised by the hard work of Aftab and Anhar.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Let's hear what they've done.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Refurbished the whole property -
0:26:45 > 0:26:47electrics, plumbing,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50created a new bathroom,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53um...plastering, painting,
0:26:53 > 0:26:57lighting - you name it, everything's been done on the property.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59All we need to do now is to sell it.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Well, I can't imagine that's going to take them long.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Upstairs, those five small offices have gone
0:27:06 > 0:27:09and been replaced with a new family bathroom
0:27:09 > 0:27:13and three great bedrooms, one with an en suite.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18Finally, this house has an interior that those views deserve.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22So, what made them decide to do all the work?
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Looking at the local market, looking at our competition,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30with some of the newer developers in and around the area,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34we just felt we had to up the standard of work we're doing here.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37It's a nice building from the outside
0:27:37 > 0:27:41but internally, we have gone for a more modern, crisp look.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Yeah, generally quite pleased with it.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47MUSIC: Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode
0:27:47 > 0:27:51It's always wise to learn as much as you can about your market.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53The house was bought by four partners in total,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56so how did they get on working together?
0:27:57 > 0:27:59The others are silent partners.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Aftab's been the main guy, in terms of being onsite.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07Well, I've been getting the builders, the plumbers,
0:28:07 > 0:28:11everyone, to carry out the work on this property
0:28:11 > 0:28:16and any change, I always ring up Anhar
0:28:16 > 0:28:20and say, "Look." And he says, "It's fine, just carry on."
0:28:20 > 0:28:22I feel sorry for the builders with Aftab here.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Poor old Aftab!
0:28:27 > 0:28:29First he was left to buy the property himself
0:28:29 > 0:28:32and now he was the one overseeing the project.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Still, I get the feeling he quite enjoyed
0:28:34 > 0:28:36the silence from the other partners,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40so he could just take charge and get on with things.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44The partners knew each other from running restaurants in the area.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46So, how was it juggling two jobs?
0:28:48 > 0:28:52It's been fine for me. Um, I don't know about Aftab!
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Well, it's been hard for me,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57but I took extra staff in my restaurant
0:28:57 > 0:29:01and so I've been more here than been there.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04When you're spending £100,000 on a property,
0:29:04 > 0:29:06there's a lot of poppadoms to sell, to be honest,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08otherwise it's not going to happen on its own.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12Wait a minute - £100,000?
0:29:12 > 0:29:17We originally budgeted for about £30,000, but that was a basic,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21before we actually showed any builders or anything like that.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24But having a look at the local area
0:29:24 > 0:29:26and what the property actually demands,
0:29:26 > 0:29:30we've more or less touched about £100,000 on this.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36All I needed to say was I just need some more money and that's it.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41That was the problem! Text message, not even a phone call, text message!
0:29:41 > 0:29:43"Another 15, please, this week."
0:29:43 > 0:29:47I was like, "God, I'm going to kill him! I'm going to kill him!"
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Well, I'm sorry about this,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I'm just going to have to drop a text to Martin and Dion.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54I mean, if it's worked for Aftab...
0:29:54 > 0:29:59Anyway, that £100,000 was on top of the £325,000 they paid at auction
0:29:59 > 0:30:02and the work took a total of four months.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05So, will it have all been worthwhile?
0:30:05 > 0:30:09We asked along two local estate agents to get their opinion.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14It's super. They've done a cracking job. A very high standard.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18Lovely fittings, fixtures. Decorating's good. Very good.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20The final project is marvellous.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23They've really worked hard, in very good taste,
0:30:23 > 0:30:27spent, I would say, quite a lot of money, but it's well worth it.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29The property is delightful.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33With a total spend of £425,000,
0:30:33 > 0:30:37do the four partners still stand to make a profit?
0:30:37 > 0:30:43If it were to rent, I would say about £1,700 per calendar month.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Should they decide to go to the rental market,
0:30:45 > 0:30:51then I would hope to achieve £1,650 per calendar month.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55I believe this property would sell for £550,000.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00In the current market, I would expect to achieve around £550,000.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04I'd be happy with something mid-range - £575,000, £580,000.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08But it's on the market now and we'll just wait and see.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13That valuation would give Aftab, Anhar and their two other partners
0:31:13 > 0:31:17a pre-tax profit of £125,000.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20And it sounds like this could be the first of many,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23if Aftab gets to take control again.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Yes, we will, because we are already looking to go into auction.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31I was quite happy with the result on this one,
0:31:31 > 0:31:33in terms of the group working together,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Aftab being onsite and taking care of...
0:31:37 > 0:31:40I'm quite happy with that scenario, to be honest.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47MUSIC: Dance The Night Away by The Mavericks
0:31:47 > 0:31:51The attractive coastal town of Newport in southeast Wales
0:31:51 > 0:31:53has been a port since medieval times
0:31:53 > 0:31:56when the Normans decided to build a castle here.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Legend says that in times gone by,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02in order to defeat the warrior that defended the castle,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06you'd have to move in time to the rhythm of the minstrels' music.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13# I just want to dance the night away... #
0:32:14 > 0:32:20Yes, well, on a more serious note, Newport's still incredibly popular,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23thanks, in no small part, to the views across the River Usk.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Just a 20-minute walk from the centre of Newport,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32with all its good road and rail links,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34is the property I'm here to see.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Three-bedroom detached,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39had a guide price of £95,000 plus. Let's take a look.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46So, in through the side... Whoa...
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Always a good design, that.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50In through the side entrance of the property,
0:32:50 > 0:32:56straight into the kitchen and well, you know, it's not bad, I suppose.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58I'm lying, aren't I?
0:32:58 > 0:33:01No, it definitely needs complete refurbishment.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03The house itself is 1930s.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07Some of it looks like it hasn't changed too much in that time
0:33:07 > 0:33:09but there's some nice features still there.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11I like those stained glass windows at the end of the hall.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14That's the main entrance to the property,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16but I bet that's the one you end up using all the time.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19But a classic design of its type.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24This living room, split in two by these folding doors.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Does that remind you of a house you lived in
0:33:27 > 0:33:29when you were a child? Or maybe you've got one of these still.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Yeah, very of its type, as are the fireplaces.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36It's...yeah...a bit of a time warp, to be honest,
0:33:36 > 0:33:40but how are we going to bring it bang up to date?
0:33:40 > 0:33:42I think open it up as much as possible.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45That wall there, to my mind, has got to go.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Create yourself a really big kitchen-living area here,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51maybe even some doors out onto the garden that way,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54and then the ground floor is getting sorted.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58There's certainly a lot to play with. Let's carry on looking round.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00# Anything could happen
0:34:00 > 0:34:03# Anything could happen
0:34:03 > 0:34:04# Anything could... #
0:34:04 > 0:34:07There's certainly plenty to reminisce about here,
0:34:07 > 0:34:12but this place has potential in spades and real scope to add value.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16There's that kitchen-reception room, begging to be opened up
0:34:16 > 0:34:20and the option to extend as well. So, plenty to think about then.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Let's see what else is on offer.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Upstairs, and pretty much like downstairs - that feeling
0:34:29 > 0:34:34of the place just needing a bit of modernisation is definitely there.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36But good space again.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40Three nice-sized bedrooms - smaller one there,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43larger one towards the front and another one towards the back.
0:34:43 > 0:34:48Bathroom with separate loo, again in need of modernisation, I think.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52Turquoise, in terms of the bath, is slightly yesterday.
0:34:52 > 0:34:58But do you keep them as two? Can you knock those together? Probably.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01My thoughts are to keep it separate, but I think you know that already.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05But coming upstairs here, one thing strikes you
0:35:05 > 0:35:08more than anything else and that's the incredible views
0:35:08 > 0:35:11that this house's location gives.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15From the front, views over Newport, and then towards the back here,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18surprise, surprise - actually, a pleasant surprise -
0:35:18 > 0:35:22fantastic views over this local park.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Those views are a real selling point but it's time I tore myself
0:35:26 > 0:35:30away from that lovely horizon and looked a little closer to home.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39So, quite an interesting design to the garden
0:35:39 > 0:35:42at the sort of back/ side of the house.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44The main part of it accessed
0:35:44 > 0:35:47via this fairly narrow little passageway here.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50You've got lots of concrete. It needs sorting out, obviously.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53It could be quite pleasant. You've got a little greenhouse etc.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Part of the problem is created by this absolutely enormous garage,
0:35:57 > 0:36:01so one of the things you could contemplate is knocking this down
0:36:01 > 0:36:04to give you easier access and maybe create a bit more garden.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08Well, garden's all well and good - I love gardens for sure -
0:36:08 > 0:36:11but I think that the extra space which this garage provides,
0:36:11 > 0:36:14not only for protecting your car, also a workshop area,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17maybe even an office or something you could build into that.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21On balance, I think that needs to stay.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23This house certainly gives you options
0:36:23 > 0:36:25and with that £95,000 plus guide price,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28you've probably realised I think
0:36:28 > 0:36:30this could be a good investment opportunity.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33We've asked along the local auctioneer who sold the property
0:36:33 > 0:36:36to find out what he thinks.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39The house is a great auction property.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41It's an honest house, a house that you come in
0:36:41 > 0:36:43and say, "Yes, it needs this and that doing,"
0:36:43 > 0:36:45but there shouldn't be any hidden secrets here.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48So, we agree on both counts.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51This is a good house but it's going to need work.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54How much does he think it would cost to bring this house up to scratch?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00I think you could easily spend £25,000 on this house.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02You could spend a bit less than that, perhaps,
0:37:02 > 0:37:04if you did a lot of the work yourself.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07You could spend a lot more than that if you decided to go top spec,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10but I would think about £25,000 is pretty fair.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14And once that money's spent, will there still be profit to be made?
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Let's get some valuations.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21If somebody were to sell this, they'd be looking to sell it
0:37:21 > 0:37:26in a modernised state for between £170,000 and £180,000.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28But if they were to rent it out,
0:37:28 > 0:37:33they'd rent it out for about £700 to £750 per calendar month.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37So a substantial house in a nice location
0:37:37 > 0:37:40and one that you could really add value to,
0:37:40 > 0:37:44so maybe this is a buy it, do it up and move it on scenario.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Let's see who bought it when it went under the hammer.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Lot number 39. Needs some updating.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Good views towards the front. Off-road parking and garage.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Start me at around £100,000, somebody. 100?
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Make it 90 then if you like. Wave a hand at me at 90. Thank you.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05At 90, I've got you there. 90. 92 behind? 92. 94?
0:38:05 > 0:38:0896. 98. And 100?
0:38:08 > 0:38:10100. 102. 104...
0:38:10 > 0:38:15Well, that guide price of £95,000 plus was passed in seconds.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17The bids keep coming thick and fast
0:38:17 > 0:38:20and we rejoin the bidding at £120,000.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23120. 121.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26122. 123. 124.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28125. 126.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31127. 128?
0:38:31 > 0:38:35No. At 127. £127,000, on my right-hand side then.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40First time, second time, third and last time, at £127,000.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- HE BANGS GAVEL - Well done, madam. Your number is 92.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50And that successful bid of £127,000
0:38:50 > 0:38:54came from full-time property developer Rhiannon.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00Rhiannon has a small portfolio she's developed in the four years
0:39:00 > 0:39:03since leaving her job as an architectural technologist.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07So, can we expect some major architectural changes here?
0:39:07 > 0:39:12I met up with her back at the property to find out.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14- Rhiannon, great to meet you. - Nice to meet you as well, Martin.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Congratulations. Tell me why you wanted to buy this place.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23I really liked the style of the house and the positioning in Newport.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25- The views are fantastic.- They are.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28This is a new direction for us
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- because we normally do them up to rent them.- OK.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- But this is to sell on.- Right. "We" - is that you and...?- My husband.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- So is it a family business, if you like?- Yeah, yeah.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42What you do all the time or have you got other jobs?
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- My husband's got another job. He does architectural plans.- Great.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- He's self-employed.- So what kind of projects do you normally take on?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51What do you normally look for?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53The last project we did was a three-storey house
0:39:53 > 0:39:59and we turned it into flats upstairs and offices downstairs
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- and I was looking for something a bit smaller.- Right.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06# Little bitty pretty one
0:40:06 > 0:40:09# Come on and talk to me
0:40:09 > 0:40:11# Lovey dovey lovey one
0:40:11 > 0:40:14# Come and sit on my knee... #
0:40:14 > 0:40:17So this will be a little bit smaller than past jobs
0:40:17 > 0:40:21but it could certainly still make Rhiannon a pretty penny
0:40:21 > 0:40:23if it all comes together.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Was she happy with what she paid at the auction?
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- I think I would have gone to £130,000.- Right.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32That was my top whack.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- You got it for within your budget, which is the main thing.- Yeah.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- You obviously still enjoy doing this.- I do enjoy doing it.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- It's a bit of a rollercoaster at times.- Have you had any downs?
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Oh, yeah, we have plenty of downs
0:40:44 > 0:40:47but you just have to roll with the punches, don't you?
0:40:47 > 0:40:51The finance for this place has been the down, so hopefully,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55- the renovation will be the... - What was the issue there?
0:40:55 > 0:40:59The mortgage fell flat because of the six-month rule.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04The property had been bought by the vendors four months ago
0:41:04 > 0:41:09and the company that we're getting a mortgage with wouldn't remortgage
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- if it had been sold within six months.- Wow.- So, it...
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- It caught you out then? - Yeah, well, it did a bit,
0:41:15 > 0:41:19but we're going to raise finance from a bridging loan.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23That six-month rule is something to watch out for,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25as it is definitely becoming more prevalent.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Basically, some lenders will not issue a mortgage on a property
0:41:29 > 0:41:33that's been owned by the previous owner for less than six months.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37With the relatively quick completion time of auction purchases,
0:41:37 > 0:41:39it's certainly worth knowing
0:41:39 > 0:41:42to make sure you definitely have your finances in place.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Rhiannon got round the problem with a bridging loan
0:41:45 > 0:41:49and now she has, what are her plans for this house?
0:41:49 > 0:41:54Strip the place out, remove the garage, tidy the garden,
0:41:54 > 0:42:00decorate throughout, new flooring and replace the kitchen and the bathroom
0:42:00 > 0:42:03in a manner that suits the house.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Possibly a small kitchen extension,
0:42:07 > 0:42:11so you can get a kitchen-diner in there and put nice lights in.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- I like a bit of bling on the ceiling.- A bit of bling!- Yeah, so...
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Any walls coming out? Walls between the kitchen and lounge?
0:42:19 > 0:42:21No, I'm not going to take that out.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24I did toy with it, to make a kitchen-diner,
0:42:24 > 0:42:29- but it'll be either that or the extension, one or the other.- OK.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- And take the garage down.- The garage is going?- Yes, the garage is going.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38- To be replaced by what?- That's the access to the main area of the garden
0:42:38 > 0:42:42and it's obscuring it from the house quite a lot,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45so just take it down and get rid of it.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Well, I'm glad she's not ruling out that open-plan kitchen,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52but I had better say goodbye to that garage.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55Rhiannon will get professionals in
0:42:55 > 0:42:58to handle any building, electrical and gas work,
0:42:58 > 0:43:00but as a full-time developer,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04she intends to do most of the decorating work herself.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08She's allocated herself a budget of £15,000 to £20,000,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10but what about timescale?
0:43:10 > 0:43:15Depending on whether we do the extension, four to eight weeks.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19Great. Congratulations. Good luck with it. Really nice to meet you.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22- I look forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you very much.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24Well, amongst other things,
0:43:24 > 0:43:26it was that view that did it for Rhiannon,
0:43:26 > 0:43:28but if it's brought her to this house,
0:43:28 > 0:43:31then all well and good, cos it is a good property
0:43:31 > 0:43:33and I'm sure she'll make some money out of it
0:43:33 > 0:43:35if she can stick to the budgets
0:43:35 > 0:43:38and sort the renovation out in a timely manner.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42How will she get on? You can find out later in the show.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Well, one of our properties has been picked up,
0:43:48 > 0:43:51dusted down and headed off in the right direction.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53It has, but what about the other two?
0:43:53 > 0:43:55Yeah, let's see what happened with those.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58We're back in Hanley in Stoke
0:43:58 > 0:44:02to see this two-bed terrace with a guide of £28,000 plus,
0:44:02 > 0:44:05and whilst I always try to look on the bright side,
0:44:05 > 0:44:09alarm bells were ringing before I even got inside.
0:44:09 > 0:44:10And that's not the best start.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14That's a sure sign this house has had some kind of subsidence issues.
0:44:14 > 0:44:19# If we sink, we lift our love... #
0:44:20 > 0:44:24Well, I hoped for any buyer's sake, that the sinking had stopped,
0:44:24 > 0:44:27but even then, the damage was there for all to see,
0:44:27 > 0:44:29especially if you glanced up at the roof.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34It was Patricia, along with her husband, Clive,
0:44:34 > 0:44:37who bought the property for £40,500
0:44:37 > 0:44:40and they weren't fazed by the problems.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43After all, they'd done their homework.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47So, in the legal pack, was there the subsidence issue?
0:44:47 > 0:44:49Yeah, the legal pack's quite good actually
0:44:49 > 0:44:53and anybody would be a fool not to read them before going to auction
0:44:53 > 0:44:58and, obviously, we saw the property and we knew what the issues were.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01Just two Hammer rules there - you've got to read the legal pack
0:45:01 > 0:45:02and view the property.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- Yeah.- And you've done both. - Done both.- Well done.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07# Take care of your homework, fella
0:45:07 > 0:45:10# If you don't somebody will
0:45:10 > 0:45:13# Whoa, yeah
0:45:13 > 0:45:15# All right... #
0:45:15 > 0:45:18She'd given herself a healthy budget of £10,000
0:45:18 > 0:45:21and a timescale of just three months,
0:45:21 > 0:45:25but adding some damp to treat and a complete modernisation,
0:45:25 > 0:45:27Patricia still faced an awful lot of work.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33Three months have passed. Has the work been done?
0:45:33 > 0:45:35We returned to find out.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- # Modern love- Walks beside me
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- # Modern love- Walks on by
0:45:42 > 0:45:47- # Modern love - Don't believe in modern love... #
0:45:49 > 0:45:52Well, from the outside to the inside, from top to bottom,
0:45:52 > 0:45:56it's been fully modernised and I'm moving it.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59But let's forget about looks just for a second.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02Is this house going to sink into the ground any time soon?
0:46:03 > 0:46:05We've obviously had a lot of subsidence.
0:46:05 > 0:46:10It's an area that has mine shafts nearby.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13The underpinning, we've had it all completely checked,
0:46:13 > 0:46:16so everything is OK with that now.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18But the roof was causing a lot of issues.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22Ah, yes, about that roof. Was it as troublesome as it looked?
0:46:23 > 0:46:26We had a lot of issues with the roof
0:46:26 > 0:46:30as we had damp all the way round the ceilings,
0:46:30 > 0:46:33we had water running down the walls,
0:46:33 > 0:46:37most of it being caused by, basically, tiles being loose,
0:46:37 > 0:46:43and we also needed to fit in all the new timbers and refelt it
0:46:43 > 0:46:48and tidy up on the top and it's solved the problem.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54Fixing a roof can be a big and costly job but it has to be done.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57Now that it's watertight, there's no damp getting in,
0:46:57 > 0:47:01the rooms are brighter, fresher and ready to be lived in.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05But unfortunately for Patricia, unbeknown to her,
0:47:05 > 0:47:09the wood structure in the extension had been attacked by a parasite.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14Well, you know, I think the first big thing that went wrong
0:47:14 > 0:47:17was the infestation we found.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21Basically, there was a few pieces of wood holding the house up, I think.
0:47:21 > 0:47:26It was so bad through the extension. We hadn't seen it.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29It was completely rotten.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32We had to, more or less, take the whole extension apart
0:47:32 > 0:47:37and start again, so it gave us a little bit more work to do.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41# I like kicking in the gutter and I'm wishing I was lucky
0:47:41 > 0:47:45# Wishing I was lucky Wishing I was lucky... #
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Oh, dear, it sounds like Patricia has been very unlucky.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55It just goes to show, it doesn't matter how much preparation you do,
0:47:55 > 0:47:59properties can still bring up some unwelcome surprises.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02But I have to say that the extension feels like a brand-new build
0:48:02 > 0:48:04because of all the work.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09And another positive was she seemed to land on her feet
0:48:09 > 0:48:11with her new builder.
0:48:13 > 0:48:19He took over the whole project with me and he's kept the costs down.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21As far as the budget goes,
0:48:21 > 0:48:24I didn't spend as much as I was expecting
0:48:24 > 0:48:27and it has taken the three months I said,
0:48:27 > 0:48:29although I didn't actually start it
0:48:29 > 0:48:32for a month after seeing you the first time
0:48:32 > 0:48:35because issues came up with the other property
0:48:35 > 0:48:37that I was doing up at the same time.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40Then the effort was put in here and then the last couple of weeks,
0:48:40 > 0:48:42I've been finishing off both of them.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45Her initial budget was £10,000
0:48:45 > 0:48:49and she ended up spending only £6,500, which is great news.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52That's on top of the £40,500 she spent
0:48:52 > 0:48:54when she purchased it at auction.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57She's looking to add to her growing rental portfolio,
0:48:57 > 0:49:00so will there still be an opportunity for a good income?
0:49:00 > 0:49:03We've asked along two local estate agents
0:49:03 > 0:49:06to cast their eye over the house and tell us what they think.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10I'm pleased with the rendering at the front
0:49:10 > 0:49:13and also the finish.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16There's been a lot of redecoration
0:49:16 > 0:49:18and new carpets have been put in.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21The exciting points of the property is it's got UPVC double glazing,
0:49:21 > 0:49:24combi boiler, it's neutral throughout,
0:49:24 > 0:49:25updated kitchen and bathroom.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29It would bode well in the property market at the moment.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32Let's see if it bodes just as well for Patricia.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35Time for those all-important valuations.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38If we were to sell the property,
0:49:38 > 0:49:44I would recommend a figure in the region of £60,000 to £65,000.
0:49:44 > 0:49:45In today's market, I would suggest
0:49:45 > 0:49:48that the property was worth in the region of £55,000.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50If I was to let this property,
0:49:50 > 0:49:55I would recommend a figure in the region of £395 per calendar month.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57In today's market,
0:49:57 > 0:50:01I would suggest the property would rent out at £375 per calendar month.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05I knew that the price was going to be £365, £385,
0:50:05 > 0:50:08so it's spot in the middle.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Those top valuations would give Patricia and Clive
0:50:11 > 0:50:15a pre-tax profit of £18,000 if they wanted to sell.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17Or if they still intended on renting,
0:50:17 > 0:50:19they could expect a yield of over 10%.
0:50:19 > 0:50:24After this success, the couple intend adding to their property portfolio,
0:50:24 > 0:50:27but will that involve more trips to the auction?
0:50:28 > 0:50:30Definitely. It's the fun part!
0:50:36 > 0:50:40It's back to Wales now and the coastal town of Newport.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43With a guide of £95,000 plus,
0:50:43 > 0:50:48this 1930s three-bed house was stuck in a bit of a time warp,
0:50:48 > 0:50:50needing a complete redecoration
0:50:50 > 0:50:54and, I thought, a bit of a layout change too.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58However, it did have one of those money-can't-buy features.
0:50:58 > 0:51:03And that's the incredible views that this house's location gives.
0:51:03 > 0:51:07From the front, views over Newport and then towards the back here,
0:51:07 > 0:51:10fantastic views over this local park.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13# I've got a room
0:51:16 > 0:51:18# I've got a room with a view... #
0:51:18 > 0:51:22And it was those views, along with an opportunity to add value,
0:51:22 > 0:51:25that attracted property developer Rhiannon
0:51:25 > 0:51:29and she bought the house for £127,000.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33There was a lot to do to this place to get it up to scratch
0:51:33 > 0:51:37but Rhiannon wasn't fazed.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40The last project we did was a three-storey house
0:51:40 > 0:51:45and we turned it into flats upstairs and offices downstairs
0:51:45 > 0:51:50- and I was looking for something a bit smaller.- Right.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52# That's a good little thing
0:51:53 > 0:51:55# It's a good little thing
0:51:55 > 0:51:58# And it's a good little thing Let's get this right for me. #
0:51:58 > 0:52:00Play that thing for me, boy.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05It may be smaller than some of her other projects,
0:52:05 > 0:52:08but with a budget of £15,000 to £20,000
0:52:08 > 0:52:10and a timescale of four to eight weeks,
0:52:10 > 0:52:14could this house prove to be a profitable venture for Rhiannon?
0:52:21 > 0:52:23Six months later,
0:52:23 > 0:52:27we've returned to Newport to meet up with Rhiannon to find out.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31MUSIC: Harder Than You Think by Public Enemy
0:52:38 > 0:52:41The dated decor in this '30s house has gone
0:52:41 > 0:52:44and though the bright, neutral paint and some of the furniture
0:52:44 > 0:52:47brings the styling bang up to date,
0:52:47 > 0:52:50Rhiannon has cleverly incorporated many of the original features,
0:52:50 > 0:52:54such as the doors and the fireplace.
0:52:54 > 0:52:59It looks so much better but it almost didn't happen at all.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01To cut a long storey short,
0:53:01 > 0:53:05there was hurdle upon hurdle with the finances and buying at auction,
0:53:05 > 0:53:08you're on a time limit and it's all very pressured
0:53:08 > 0:53:12but we'd overcome one hurdle, another one was put in our way.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14Overcome that one, then another one,
0:53:14 > 0:53:19and it did look like I was going to have to get a bridging loan
0:53:19 > 0:53:24but in the end, just got a normal mortgage and it all went through OK.
0:53:27 > 0:53:30Yes, dear viewer, I think there are two lessons to learn here.
0:53:30 > 0:53:35Number one - do everything to make sure your finances are in place,
0:53:35 > 0:53:39as the turnaround time on auction properties is normally 28 days
0:53:39 > 0:53:45or sometimes less. And number two - if you do have problems, persevere.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47Rhiannon's done a fantastic job
0:53:47 > 0:53:49bringing this outdated property bang up to date,
0:53:49 > 0:53:52no more so than in the new kitchen-diner.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57I didn't think the kitchen needed an extension.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00I thought with the wall down in between,
0:54:00 > 0:54:02that that was enough and at some point,
0:54:02 > 0:54:04you have the option of putting an extension on the side,
0:54:04 > 0:54:09so I thought the open-plan area is a nice family area
0:54:09 > 0:54:11and it's what people want.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14And she's not even quite finished yet.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18The next part of this will be taking half the garage down
0:54:18 > 0:54:21and decking the outside area at the back of the French doors
0:54:21 > 0:54:26to make a really nice outside alfresco area.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31Rhiannon seems justifiably proud of her work here
0:54:31 > 0:54:33and with more plans afoot, it does make me wonder
0:54:33 > 0:54:36if she's developed a bit of a fondness for this house.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39Does she intend to sell it?
0:54:39 > 0:54:43The plan was to sell the property, but now I'm not 100% sure.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46I'm going to wait till the valuations come in
0:54:46 > 0:54:49and see what rental I can achieve and take it from there.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54- # If she knew what she wants - He'd be giving it to her
0:54:54 > 0:54:57- # If she knew what she needs - He could give her that too
0:54:57 > 0:55:02# If she knew what she wants he'd be giving it to her
0:55:02 > 0:55:04# Giving it to her... #
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Nothing wrong with keeping your options open.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11So, having spent £127,000 at auction,
0:55:11 > 0:55:14how much has the development cost?
0:55:14 > 0:55:17The original budget was between £15,000 and £20,000
0:55:17 > 0:55:20and it came in at £15,000, so I'm really pleased with that.
0:55:20 > 0:55:24It's got a tidy profit margin on it.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27Between the problems completing the sale
0:55:27 > 0:55:31and inevitable delays that can happen on a large renovation,
0:55:31 > 0:55:35the work took a lot longer than the planned four to eight weeks.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38But then Rhiannon has kept to the low end of her budget
0:55:38 > 0:55:41and should she want to, she could use the money left over
0:55:41 > 0:55:44to change the garage and garden, going forward.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48But for the moment, we've asked along two local property experts
0:55:48 > 0:55:52to find out what they think of the house as it is.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55I think the main selling points are the views,
0:55:55 > 0:55:57certainly from the first-floor front bedroom,
0:55:57 > 0:56:00and also the location next to the park is great.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02You've got a lovely park on your doorstep,
0:56:02 > 0:56:04where you can let the kids out
0:56:04 > 0:56:07and watch them run around and have a great time.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10I think the layout of the property works well.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12Upstairs, you've got two really nice size rooms
0:56:12 > 0:56:14and a good size third bedroom.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16Downstairs, the windows are brilliant
0:56:16 > 0:56:18at the front of the property.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21There's some great views, which makes it really light and airy.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24And in its current condition, what could it be worth,
0:56:24 > 0:56:26were it to be sold?
0:56:27 > 0:56:31I would value this property for the sales market at £180,000.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33I think this property would achieve
0:56:33 > 0:56:37approximately £180,000 in the sales market.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40Having spent a total of £142,000,
0:56:40 > 0:56:45that would give Rhiannon a pre-tax profit of £38,000.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48And while that's not to be ignored, let's get a rental figure,
0:56:48 > 0:56:52- as that could now be an option too. - I think for rental purposes,
0:56:52 > 0:56:56this property would rent at £625 per calendar month.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59For the rental market, we have had a few other properties in this area
0:56:59 > 0:57:03which have achieved in the region of £900 per calendar month
0:57:03 > 0:57:05but for this property,
0:57:05 > 0:57:08because of a couple of different things like the garden,
0:57:08 > 0:57:10I believe it would achieve
0:57:10 > 0:57:14in the region of £750 to £795 per calendar month.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17As ever, property is not an exact science,
0:57:17 > 0:57:21but using those valuations, Rhiannon could get a yield
0:57:21 > 0:57:25of anywhere between 5% and 7% and perhaps even more,
0:57:25 > 0:57:28if she were to complete the work on the garden.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31So, has that helped Rhiannon make a decision?
0:57:31 > 0:57:34I'm not 100% sure what I'm going to do with the house yet.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37I might rent it for a bit, see if the market picks up a bit
0:57:37 > 0:57:41and then sell, but keep my options open.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43Well, with so many good options available,
0:57:43 > 0:57:46I think, regardless of the route she chooses,
0:57:46 > 0:57:48this can go down as a success.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51So, is it on to the next one?
0:57:52 > 0:57:56Definitely. Definitely buy another investment property.
0:57:56 > 0:57:59Buying at auction was a really exhilarating experience,
0:57:59 > 0:58:01I have to say. It was probably...
0:58:01 > 0:58:04I've never felt my heart thump like that ever before,
0:58:04 > 0:58:07so yeah, I'd definitely buy at auction again.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13Join us next time when we'll have more from Britain's auction rooms.
0:58:13 > 0:58:16- Don't miss it.- See you then. Goodbye.- Bye-bye.