0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello, and welcome to the show. Believe it or
0:00:03 > 0:00:06not, I'm quite a competitive person, and some people can be
0:00:06 > 0:00:09exactly the same as soon as they step into the auction room.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11But don't let it get the better of you. Make sure you do
0:00:11 > 0:00:12your research first.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16And once you have done that, then go to the local auction house
0:00:16 > 0:00:18and see if you can buy your home under the hammer.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Some people go to auction knowing exactly what they want.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Yes, and then they buy something completely different.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51That's correct. Sometimes you never know what's going to happen.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Let's find out what today's buyers bid on at auction.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59In Kent, I discover I can walk through walls.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Something I wasn't quite expecting is this, very open-plan.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10While in the Welsh valleys, I have a great new business idea.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Then, of course, there's the option at the back, to go for a ski slope.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17And in the outskirts of Birmingham,
0:01:17 > 0:01:21there's a cracking house that makes me a bit jumpy.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Maybe you'd have a spring in your step when you'd finished.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28All these properties have been sold at auction.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31We'll find out who bought them, and what they paid for them
0:01:31 > 0:01:33when they went under the hammer.
0:01:33 > 0:01:34Congratulations, madam.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Chatham, in Kent, started life as a small village
0:01:40 > 0:01:44but developed into a large town centred around the dockyard.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Like the rest of the UK, during the '20s and '30s,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Chatham benefited from an acceleration in house-building.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54The 1930s were a boom time for the semidetached house
0:01:54 > 0:01:57and thousands were built around the country,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00including those you can see in this Medway town.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04And it's a 1930s semi that I'm here to see.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08It's a modern style called a sun-trap house, named after
0:02:08 > 0:02:12its windows, which are supposed to let in as much light as possible.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Now, it had a guide price of 140-145,000, and although
0:02:16 > 0:02:18it looks a little tired on the outside,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21there's off-street parking, so that's a great start.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24I wonder if it will live up to its bright and cheery name
0:02:24 > 0:02:25on the inside.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28# Cloudy. #
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Well, it's definitely not a bright and cheery day.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32# Cloudy. #
0:02:32 > 0:02:36So, this will be a good test for the three-bedroom sun-trap house.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39# Cloudy. #
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Ooh! Well, it's certainly all about the windows in this house.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46And the front door that won't shut. There we go.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48So, you've got one, two, three lovely windows
0:02:48 > 0:02:50letting in loads of light,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53all on the right-hand side of the property.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Something I wasn't quite expecting is this, very open-plan.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Look, I can just walk straight through here because this
0:03:00 > 0:03:04wall has been knocked out to create that instant open-plan space.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06You've got the textured ceilings,
0:03:06 > 0:03:11so all of that needs to be thought of, and dodgy electrics, big-time.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Check these babies out! They are just hanging from the ceiling.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Loads of them, everywhere.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21So, one reception room, two reception rooms through here,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24I think I would like to put some doors on here, because maybe
0:03:24 > 0:03:27you need to create a bit more of a private space in this room.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29So, with a bit of rearranging
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and a bit of thought going on here, you could create a
0:03:31 > 0:03:35really nice family home, and what I love about it, it's so light.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39However, it's not all sunshine in here.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42# My brain is cloudy
0:03:42 > 0:03:45# My soul is upside-down
0:03:45 > 0:03:47# Terrible, terrible. #
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Now, apart from the old patio doors over here, they need replacing,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54I've seen something else that is just a little bit worrying.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Have a look down here.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Now, look, can you see these small, little holes in the wood?
0:04:00 > 0:04:03That is a sure sign of woodworm, which is
0:04:03 > 0:04:05not good news for this house.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07What happens is, woodworm larvae,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09they sort of burrow through this timber,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12potentially causing vast amounts of damage
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and weakening the structure here.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16That could be a costly issue to resolve,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18so I would get an expert in straightaway
0:04:18 > 0:04:21to have a little look and assess the level of damage here.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Now, you know me - I do like a bit of open-plan living.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29But I think this might just be too open-plan.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I hope there are some walls upstairs.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Ah, thank goodness - there are three bedrooms with walls.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Two are a very good size, as you'd expect in a house of this era,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39and there's also a smaller room.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Now, the bathroom, again, has generous proportions,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46though of course it could do with a little updating.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49The views from the house add to the feeling of space,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and while we're looking outside...
0:04:52 > 0:04:55So, we expect a '30s house to have a good-sized garden,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and this semi does not disappoint,
0:04:57 > 0:04:58even on a rainy day like today.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00So that brings me onto my next point -
0:05:00 > 0:05:02extension potential.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Now, the downside of this property -
0:05:04 > 0:05:07well, it's got a really small kitchen through here,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10but if you increase the footprint on the ground floor,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13you could have a lovely, large, open kitchen-diner
0:05:13 > 0:05:17with bifold doors out the back leading out into the garden.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I think that would really let the light flood into
0:05:20 > 0:05:22this sun-trap house.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We invited along a local property expert to find out her thoughts
0:05:28 > 0:05:30on the possibilities for this semi
0:05:30 > 0:05:34that had a guide price of £140,000 to £145,000.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37This is a really good-sized house,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41and is going to make a great project for somebody.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43It does need a huge amount of work,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46and it really depends how far they go with it.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49So, if the house was simply refurbished,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51what might it be worth?
0:05:51 > 0:05:54I think if you just did the normal renovation
0:05:54 > 0:05:57and put your new kitchen, bathroom and everything else into it,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59you're going to be looking in the region of about
0:05:59 > 0:06:04£220,000 to £230,000 for the property.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08I think if you decided to put a single-storey extension on it,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10you're going to be looking at somewhere around about
0:06:10 > 0:06:14£250,000 to £260,000.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18If you took it into a double extension,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22then you could be looking as much as £300,000 on the property.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I really like '30s houses,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28and although there's plenty of work to do here,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30it's a really good size,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33and once the ground-floor layout has been sorted out,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35it could be a lovely family home for somebody.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37So who saw the potential?
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Let's head to auction and find out.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46Lot 53 is the semi in Chatham.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49So where would you like to start me on this one? 140,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51145 is the guide price.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Start me at 140?
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I'm on the way. I did see you, sir, right in the corner.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57140 I've got. 142 if you like.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00142. 145?
0:07:00 > 0:07:01On the right...
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Despite a few empty seats at the front,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06the price climbed slowly but surely,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10and we rejoin with the bidding at £190,000.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11190.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15192. 194. Otherwise...
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Yeah, 194 I've got.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19At £194,000 I've got, then it's obviously going to be sold.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21196 I've got.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23198 behind? That was a very...
0:07:23 > 0:07:26That was a big shake of the head, wasn't it? 198.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29If there's no further advance, for the first time, then,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31at £196,000.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33For the second time at 196.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36If you're sure, all done, third and final time
0:07:36 > 0:07:38for £196,000, sitting down.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39GAVEL BANGS
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Well done, sir. It's yours at £196,000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Stealing that last bid of 196,000
0:07:46 > 0:07:48was Dave and his wife Dee.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Dee is a therapist and former sports coach,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53and Dave works in the construction industry.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56He's renovated properties in London before,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59but this is his first foray into the Kent market.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02I met them to find out their plans.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Dee and Dave, congratulations. - Thank you.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07How well do you guys know Chatham, and why did you want to buy here?
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Well, I don't know Chatham that well.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Dee probably knows it better than I do, because she comes from here.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14I come from London.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17I've got a building company up in London,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20which my two sons, Ben and Sam, run at the moment,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22cos I'm kind of semiretired.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25And we thought we'd have a bit of a dabble down in this area.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27So you saw this - this took your fancy,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29or was the price just right, Dee?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32No, the price wasn't right. There was a guy at the back
0:08:32 > 0:08:34and he was actually bidding up against us,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37and I knew we'd gone up a little bit too much.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40But he was adamant, competitive.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43So would you say you paid a little bit more than you wanted to
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- on the day?- Yes.- For sure, yeah. - And, Dee, why do you think that is?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Cos he wouldn't let it go, like a dog with a bone.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52So how much would you say you paid over the odds?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54How much more did you have to pay on this in the end?
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- I'd say 25,000 to 30,000.- Ooh, OK.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59So you've got to be really careful on how you now do this.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Yes and no. I mean, because I'm not one for skimping
0:09:02 > 0:09:04on the work we do on jobs we do.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06How are you going to change it,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- and are you going to add or take away anything?- Yeah.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11What I've got in my mind at the moment -
0:09:11 > 0:09:14bearing in mind that could change, cos I do change things a bit -
0:09:14 > 0:09:18closing the back section here and make a downstairs toilet.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Mm-hm.- Take the wall out in the other room there
0:09:20 > 0:09:22so it becomes a lounge right the way through.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Quite a big extension on the back, with a pitched roof on it.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Nice kitchen.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Central island etc is what the ladies like.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I do like to look after the women.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- That's very considerate of you. - It is, yeah.
0:09:36 > 0:09:37I think so.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40And nice bathroom upstairs etc.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Kind of a wow-factor bathroom.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44And I'm hoping that's going to do the trick.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Dave is planning a single-storey extension that will fall within permitted development,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51so although he'll need building regulation approval,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54he won't have to go through the full planning process.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55What about a hallway?
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Because obviously this house used to have a hallway,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01there would have been a wall behind you. Are you going to keep it
0:10:01 > 0:10:04as open as it is, or are you going to close up some of the spaces?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- No, we're going to leave it open. - So you're going to have a very open house.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Yeah. Put a porch on the front, in that sort of small area there,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13so you'll come into the porch and then into here.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14It doesn't always work for everybody.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I think sometimes one private room
0:10:17 > 0:10:19is something that I think families would like.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Hm. Yeah, you could well be right there.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24I mean, it might be a good idea to put a couple of doors there.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Dave is building a very flexible family-friendly space,
0:10:27 > 0:10:31but I do hope he creates some quiet space while he's at it.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32Since he works in construction,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Dave is not fazed by issues like woodworm.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37But even so, moving staircases
0:10:37 > 0:10:41and an extension and a wow kitchen and bathroom -
0:10:41 > 0:10:44they do have a lot to do here before they can sell it on.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45So what's their budget?
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I think between 20,000 and 30,000.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Wow, that's... I thought you might have been saying a little bit more,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- considering what you're going to be doing with the kitchen.- Maybe.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Well, I think because we've got everything at our fingertips anyway,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02because we've got it in London, we've got all the stuff there,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05we've got everything we can do and we've got experience in it,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07it shouldn't cost us that much money.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09So will you actually be doing the work here,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- or will your sons be coming down? - Sons will come down,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14but I'll still probably do some of the work here.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- You'll probably do the kitchen. - Yeah, probably.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I'd certainly do the stairs and things like that.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22As they say, a little help from my friends. They just don't know yet.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24What about a little help from Dee here?
0:11:24 > 0:11:26How are you going to be getting involved?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I do the final touches. I do the garden and I'll do...
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I'll make sure the decor's the right colour
0:11:31 > 0:11:33and make sure... The woman things, you know.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- How long do you think it's going to take you, Dee?- About eight weeks.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Really?! That's quick!
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Why do you think it's only going to be eight weeks?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Cos he maxes out the day.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46He doesn't do just a five- or six-hour day - he'll max it out
0:11:46 > 0:11:49and he'll keep it going as long as possible.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51If he has a target, he meets it.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Well, guys, it's been lovely meeting you today.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I can't wait to see what it looks like,
0:11:55 > 0:11:59and I really hope you do stick to your two-month timescale, because that'll be pretty quick.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Well, probably more like three months, I think.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Oh, no, hold on a minute! You're changing it!- Yeah, but you didn't ask me, you asked her.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08You said two months, you say three months - what will it be?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- Three months.- Lovely to meet you both. Dave, good luck.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- Thank you.- Dee, lovely to meet you. Well done.- Nice to meet you. Bye.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17So Dave and Dee admit they probably paid
0:12:17 > 0:12:18a bit over the odds at auction,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22and now they are relying on creating the wow factor
0:12:22 > 0:12:26in the kitchen and bathroom to try and make some profit here.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29How long will this project really take them?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Join me later in the programme and you can find out how they get on.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41There's a saying here in the valleys of South Wales.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44If you can see the hills, it's going to rain.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46If you can't see the hills, then it's already raining.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Possibly a little bit harsh -
0:12:48 > 0:12:51when it's sunny here, it is absolutely beautiful.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53I'm in Tylorstown.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Tylorstown was named after Alfred Tylor,
0:12:56 > 0:13:02whose coal rush turned a hamlet into a busy mining town until the '60s.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06For any would-be commuter, Cardiff is about a 40-minute drive,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09and this place has some really affordable property.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14So, what am I here to see?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17An old coal miner's cottage, perhaps?
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Nope. A standard terrace?
0:13:19 > 0:13:20Nuh-uh.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22This is a plot of land
0:13:22 > 0:13:25with planning permission for the building
0:13:25 > 0:13:28of two detached three-bedroom houses.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Guide price was 15,000 quid. Mmm!
0:13:33 > 0:13:35The price might be attractive,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38but it's very important not to lose the plot when buying one.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41There are lots of issues to be considered.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46# Among the trees I have lain
0:13:46 > 0:13:49# And passed my golden days
0:13:49 > 0:13:51# Among the trees
0:13:51 > 0:13:53# Watching all the rain
0:13:53 > 0:13:57# As it patterns the veranda
0:13:57 > 0:14:00# Then disappears again... #
0:14:02 > 0:14:05So, does this make a good building plot?
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Well, the bad news is, it's very, very hilly.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11The plot goes all the way back up there
0:14:11 > 0:14:13and the gradient is quite severe,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16so there is going to have to be a lot of digging out.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Basically, I think you're going to be left
0:14:18 > 0:14:20with a very, very hilly garden.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24On the plus side, though, you are fronting a road, so that's good.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27You're in an area of existing residential properties,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30which is also good, cos you'll have things like services,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34electricity, gas, sewerage and water etc on hand.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37And you know that this is a place that people want to live.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41But don't underestimate the amount of ground clearance you're going to have to do here.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43For a start, you've got to get rid of all these trees
0:14:43 > 0:14:45and their roots, dig in.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47I mean, it's all sounding quite expensive.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51So that budget is going to be all-important to keep an eye on.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53# And that is why
0:14:53 > 0:14:57# They call me Hawk-eye... #
0:14:58 > 0:15:00The plot is a bit overlooked,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03with a public footpath to one side,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06and there are houses perched above on a higher road at the back.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09As a plot, this isn't without its challenges.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15# They call me Hawk-eye... #
0:15:16 > 0:15:19So, what are the plans that have been passed?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Now, the fact that there are plans is a real big bonus.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25It's taken away months of negotiations with the council,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28with the planners, whatever. This is what's allowed, this is what you can do.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32You can basically get on and do it. You've got to get building regulations approval,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34but apart from that, go ahead. And what have we actually got?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Well, two houses, side-by-side. This is the front, this is the back.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41And then that all-important plot,
0:15:41 > 0:15:43and how it makes the most of the plot.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Now, this is the incredibly steep bit of the garden here.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48That remains, obviously, and what I imagine, then,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51is this bit where the houses are situated
0:15:51 > 0:15:52will be dug out to create a level plot.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55And you've got the two houses side-by-side. Three bedrooms,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57and there's a study as well. Integral garage.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00I mean, it all makes sense. The only thing you've got to be careful of,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04really, is going overboard on the build quality and the size,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06bearing in mind the area.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08And then, of course, there's the option at the back,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11to go for a ski slope.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15# For me, it's getting steep. #
0:16:16 > 0:16:19One thing that's not steep, though,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22is that £15,000 guide price.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27We invited a local estate agent
0:16:27 > 0:16:30to have a look over the plot and the plans.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Having seen the plans,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38I would have thought possibly semidetached would be
0:16:38 > 0:16:41more of a reasonable project on this site.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Detached, because of the location,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46really wouldn't add any benefit
0:16:46 > 0:16:48to the resale value.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51But the semis, obviously, with the costs involved in building,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55would make a significantly easier project,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57in my view.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Building two semis might well be a cheaper option,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03but you'd have to go through the planning process again.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08So what did he make of the plans that have already been passed?
0:17:08 > 0:17:10I think the plans themselves
0:17:10 > 0:17:12seem to offer a good option on accommodation.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Obviously the more accommodation that can be given,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18three to four bedrooms, would be beneficial.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23But on the whole, I think it's a good plan for this location.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28And what would a three-bed detached house be worth once built?
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I think at the moment, in the current market,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35a three-bedroom detached property
0:17:35 > 0:17:38would be in the region of £125,000.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42And what about letting those detached properties once built?
0:17:42 > 0:17:44In the current rental market,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47my assessment would be that the rent would be in the region
0:17:47 > 0:17:50of £550 per calendar month.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56So this plot of land is not without its issues,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58particularly the layout
0:17:58 > 0:18:01and the fact it's very steeply sloping. But on the plus side,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04it does have that all-important planning permission,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07which I'm sure tempted the buyers when it went under the hammer.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Onto lot number five in the catalogue.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Who is going to start me off?
0:18:15 > 0:18:16Who's got 10?
0:18:16 > 0:18:1810. Thank you, 10,000 is bid. 11?
0:18:18 > 0:18:2011 is bid. 12,000 is bid.
0:18:20 > 0:18:2213? 13,000.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Bidding crept up slowly, and we rejoin at 17,000.
0:18:26 > 0:18:2817? Yeah, 17 I've got.
0:18:29 > 0:18:3017 and a half?
0:18:30 > 0:18:3217,500 I have. 18?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Thank you, sir. 18,000 is bid.
0:18:34 > 0:18:3618,000.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37Come back in, sir?
0:18:37 > 0:18:40No? 18,000 on you, sir.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41OK, you're in the market.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43So I'll sell it at 18,000.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Last chance to come back in.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46I've got 18 here.
0:18:46 > 0:18:4818 I've got.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Last chance.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- GAVEL BANGS - You, sir.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56The final bid of £18,000 was made by Matthew,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00who was at the auction with dad and business partner Terry.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Matthew spends a lot of his time working abroad
0:19:03 > 0:19:05as a quantity surveyor,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08so it was left to former building surveyor Terry
0:19:08 > 0:19:11to explain why they wanted this particular plot of land.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Terry, good to meet you. Congratulations.- Thanks.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- Tell me why you wanted to buy this bit of land, then.- We didn't.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- HE LAUGHS - Oh, fair enough.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22I got told in no uncertain terms
0:19:22 > 0:19:24that I'm not allowed to buy any more land,
0:19:24 > 0:19:28and my son decided to start bidding at the last moment,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and he said, "Oh, I thought it was a good price."
0:19:31 > 0:19:33But who's told you you can't get any more?
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- My son.- Oh, he said you can't? And then he went and bought some?- Yeah.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- It was just too good a price, then?- Yeah.- Right.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- So you've got lots of land already? - Well, we've got bits and pieces.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44You know, we've got about four, five pieces,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47which I seem to have acquired over the last couple of months.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Fair enough. So is the idea, then, to just hold on to it
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- and do it in the future, or actually to get on with it?- No.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- In the next seven, ten days, we hope to start work.- Oh, wow.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58We'll clear all the trees, mince it all up,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01just throw it back to the ground, tidy the plot up,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03and then we'll start building.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06So your background, then - is it as a builder, or...?
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- Well, I started off as an apprentice bricklayer.- Right, that's useful.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Went to university, did a degree in building surveying.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Went out to the Middle East to work. Enjoyed that out there.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16And then having a chat with my boss one day,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19he said, "You need to get a few more qualifications."
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- So at the moment, I'm doing a law degree.- A law degree?!
0:20:22 > 0:20:23- Yeah, contract law.- Wow!
0:20:23 > 0:20:25So that finishes this year, with a bit of luck,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- if I can get my dissertation right! - God.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33# Terry's not a bit like you... #
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Well, Terry obviously likes to keep very busy,
0:20:36 > 0:20:38because he also owns a business
0:20:38 > 0:20:41which exports electronics to the Middle East.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44But for him and quantity surveyor son Matthew,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48property developing is an enjoyable sideline venture.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50So why this plot, then?
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- He just bought it. - HE LAUGHS
0:20:52 > 0:20:54I notice he's not here to defend himself!
0:20:54 > 0:20:56No, well...
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Well, it's his money, he can do what he likes with it.- Oh, is it? OK.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02He's the financer, so I'm only the gopher.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- But a gopher with great experience. - Yeah.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08So we get along great. We're a father-and-son team.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11And is the plan, then, to stick with what the plans are?
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Yes, we did think about changing it slightly,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15but the new regulations that have come in
0:21:15 > 0:21:18in the last couple of years means that we'd have to spend
0:21:18 > 0:21:22about an extra £10,000 on just getting the plans done.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25So what do you think the biggest challenges with this one are going to be?
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- The biggest challenge to start with is going to be clearing this land, I think.- Yes.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30And then we can see what we've got.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33And from there, I think it'll be straightforward.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36The building is everyday bread-and-butter stuff for us,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38so it's nothing that we can't cope with.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41And then, obviously, digging out a bit of the land,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I imagine, to get at least some flat,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- but leaving the majority of it as this ski slope?- Yeah.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51Basically, the way that I would do it
0:21:51 > 0:21:52is to clear the trees,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55go to the back, do the garden, make it into a nice slope.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Keep that flat piece of land here for our houses,
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and then build our houses, but make sure the gardens are finished
0:22:01 > 0:22:04sort of reasonably before. Cos we won't be able to get at them afterwards.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Yeah, I was just thinking that. That's good thinking, isn't it?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Cos you need to get the heavy diggers and all that kind of stuff in.- Yeah.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12That'd be awful, wouldn't it? If you'd built the houses
0:22:12 > 0:22:15and then think, "Oh, now, I need a JCB round the back... Oh."
0:22:15 > 0:22:17And there's no back entrance.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19As you most probably can see.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23# Baby, I can dig it... #
0:22:23 > 0:22:26See? A bit of forward planning always pays off.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30But there will be a lot of digging to do here to level the site.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Terry will be project-managing this build,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36but otherwise, he'll be very much hands-off.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39So what about the build cost, then?
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Talk me through the finances of it all.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Well, we've got a budget at the moment
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- which is 75,000 per house.- Right.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- We bought a lot of material a while ago.- Oh.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Bathrooms, kitchens, from a bankruptcy sale.- Oh, OK.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- So we bought that at really good cost.- Right.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01We've sort of done a rough calculation
0:23:01 > 0:23:03of the area of the houses,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- and we seem to think we can do it for 75.- OK.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10But we have got a contingency plan for about 15 on each.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12But wouldn't want to go much more than that.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- So what's the timescale? - The timescale would be six months,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- in a good way.- Right.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20But with the winter coming on -
0:23:20 > 0:23:24last year we had a lot of snow before Christmas,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26so there was a lot of time lost.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30So if that's the case this year, then it might take eight months.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Before we both get drenched, congratulations. Good luck with it.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Thank you very much.- I'll look forward to seeing how you get on. - Thank you.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Well, Terry and son Matthew didn't mean to buy this plot of land,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47but when they got to the auction, the price was just too good to miss.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49How will they get on developing
0:23:49 > 0:23:52this sloping site in Wales?
0:23:52 > 0:23:54You can find out later in the show.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Coming up - on the outskirts of Birmingham,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01I discover there are some tough choices to be made.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Maybe have to sacrifice a bedroom upstairs.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08And in the Welsh valleys,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11it's not exactly a welcome on that hillside.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13We started work. Within about two days,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15we were stopped by the council.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22We're back in Chatham in Kent...
0:24:24 > 0:24:28..to see what happened to that three-bed sun-trap semi.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32And there may not have been sunshine to trap,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35but there was plenty of space inside.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36So one reception room,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39two reception rooms through here -
0:24:39 > 0:24:41I think I would like to put some doors on here,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45because maybe you need to create a bit more of a private space.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47So you know, with a bit of rearranging and a bit of thought
0:24:47 > 0:24:50going on here, you could create a really nice family home.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54This house provided plenty of opportunities inside and out
0:24:54 > 0:24:56to add lots of value.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Now, the downside of this property -
0:25:00 > 0:25:02well, it's got a really small kitchen through here.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05But if you increase the footprint on the ground floor,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09you could have a lovely, large, open kitchen-diner
0:25:09 > 0:25:12with bifold doors out the back leading out into the garden.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16The house was bought by semiretired builder Dave
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and his wife Dee for 196,000,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22which Dee thought was a fair bit more than they should have paid.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25There was a guy at the back,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27and he was actually bidding up against us,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29and I knew we'd gone up a little bit too much.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32But he was adamant, competitive.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35So would you say you paid a little bit more
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- than you wanted to on the day? - Yes.- For sure, yeah.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39And, Dee, why do you think that is?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Cos he wouldn't let it go, like a dog with a bone.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Dave has been in the building trade all his working life,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48and he couldn't wait to get going on the house.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Take the wall out in the other room there
0:25:50 > 0:25:52so it becomes a lounge right the way through.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Quite a big extension on the back, with a pitched roof on it.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Nice kitchen.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Central island etc is what the ladies like.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02I do like to look after the women.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- That's very considerate of you. - It is, yeah.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08Well, while he was looking to be considerate, Dave was also hoping
0:26:08 > 0:26:13to achieve the wow factor here with a budget of £20,000 to £30,000.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16And while Dee thought they could turn it around in just eight weeks,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18husband Dave thought he'd need a month longer.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21A whopping eight months later,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24we're back, and Dave definitely has got me wowing.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26# Wow, wow, wow, wow
0:26:26 > 0:26:28# You got it
0:26:28 > 0:26:30# Wow, wow, wow, wow... #
0:26:32 > 0:26:34The house has indeed been transformed.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36It's bigger and brighter,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39and it's finally living up to its sun-trapped name.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Downstairs, the open-plan layout has been retained,
0:26:42 > 0:26:47and there's a brand-new extension with a brand-new kitchen.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54The supposedly semiretired Dave is busy now on another project.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56No rest for the wickedly busy, then!
0:26:56 > 0:26:59So Dee came along to tell us what they've been up to.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03The extension was my husband Dave's idea
0:27:03 > 0:27:05and to raise it as high as we can
0:27:05 > 0:27:07to give it the feeling of height.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09We kept everything in the permitted development,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13and as my husband is a builder, he knew the rules and regulations,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15so we stuck within that regime.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16# Wow, wow, wow, wow... #
0:27:16 > 0:27:20That was a very smart move, to stay within permitted development
0:27:20 > 0:27:24so they didn't have to wait for planning permission for the extension.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27And it didn't stop Dee from having some fun inside
0:27:27 > 0:27:29with that massive new kitchen.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34This is a floating island that we designed for the kitchen.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38It was my idea, and then Dave thought it wasn't very good.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41You can actually move it across the room,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44and you can actually put it in another place -
0:27:44 > 0:27:47you can use it as a breakfast bar at the side,
0:27:47 > 0:27:49or you can divide the kitchen.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50# Wow, wow, wow, wow... #
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Wow, I like that.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Dave didn't go for my suggestion in creating a separate quiet space,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59and he's left it open-plan throughout.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01But he has added a downstairs loo,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03which is always a welcome addition.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Upstairs, the three bedrooms are bright and fresh.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10And, of course, there's a luxurious new bathroom.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Throughout the house, they've replaced the wiring
0:28:12 > 0:28:15and the plumbing, and they've replastered every wall,
0:28:15 > 0:28:17and it looks absolutely fabulous.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20But why were they both so wrong about the timescale?
0:28:22 > 0:28:25We did give a timescale we shouldn't have done.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29But the reason being that we thought we had the team in place.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Of course, things happen, and our teams from London
0:28:32 > 0:28:35had to come down to help, predominantly at the weekends.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38In the end we got there. But a bit late.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39And since time is money,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43I'm guessing the original renovation budget took a bit of a hit as well.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48We aimed to do it within a 20,000 to 30,000 budget,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51but unfortunately, it all went over.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53It rose to about 40,000.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Well, it's not hard to see where the money has been spent.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58This really is a cracker.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00What is Dee most pleased with?
0:29:00 > 0:29:02I'm most pleased with the extension,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05cos I think it is a wow factor,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08and the light that's in this house -
0:29:08 > 0:29:10there's an amazing amount of light in this house.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12It's encouraging even on a dull day.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17Well, now, Dee thought they'd paid too much at auction - £196,000 -
0:29:17 > 0:29:20and now they've overspent on their budget as well.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25It brings their total spend on this semi to 236,000.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27So how does she feel about that now?
0:29:27 > 0:29:30We really are confident we've created the wow factor,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32because I think at the end of the day,
0:29:32 > 0:29:34it's the woman that buys the house.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- SHE CHUCKLES - I like your thinking, Dee,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39but I'm not sure Dave would agree.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Time to find out what two local property experts
0:29:42 > 0:29:43think of their work.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47The layout flows very well throughout the property.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49The open-plan is highly desired at the moment.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51The standard is very, very high quality.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53The decoration that has been done is very good,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56it's very appealing, nice neutral colours throughout.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58The main selling point of the property is that
0:29:58 > 0:30:01it's got a large downstairs living space,
0:30:01 > 0:30:02aided by the extension,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05and the large kitchen area
0:30:05 > 0:30:07would be great for entertaining.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Dave and Dee bought this house to sell on.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12So what about the all-important resale price?
0:30:12 > 0:30:17Will they make a profit on that £236,000 investment?
0:30:17 > 0:30:19In the sales market, I'd estimate
0:30:19 > 0:30:22this property could achieve up to £280,000.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24My sales valuation for this property
0:30:24 > 0:30:26would be about £240,000.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Well, that's quite a difference in valuations there,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33but the potential profit for Dee and Dave
0:30:33 > 0:30:36would be between 4,000 and 44,000.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39So have those figures changed Dee's mind?
0:30:41 > 0:30:43We would definitely sell.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45I would say top end if I could,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47because I think this is a growing house,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50so there's a lot that can be done with it.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53It's a blank canvas to a lot of people if they want to purchase it.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58And with this sun-trapped semi looking for a new owner,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01will Dee be putting her feet up and relaxing?
0:31:01 > 0:31:02What comes next?
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Probably looking for another house and another auction.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Perry Barr is only three miles north
0:31:13 > 0:31:16of the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre,
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and as well as the local shops and amenities on your doorstep,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22you also have the north campus of Birmingham City University.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27And what's more, it's only a mile away from my beloved Villa Park.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29What more could you possibly want from a property?
0:31:31 > 0:31:34The property I'm here to see is that close to the M6
0:31:34 > 0:31:36I can actually hear it,
0:31:36 > 0:31:39and it's a 15-minute walk away from Perry Barr train station.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41By the way, Perry Barr has a great dog track -
0:31:41 > 0:31:43been there several times.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Anyway, this is the property I'm here to see.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47It's a three-bed mid-terraced house
0:31:47 > 0:31:51with a guide price of £78,000 to £84,000.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55Just across the road there we've got quite a sizable allotment.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59But will this house have A LOT to offer?
0:32:01 > 0:32:03Oh, come on - it wasn't that bad!
0:32:07 > 0:32:10OK, I'm straight into the lounge front-room area.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13The stairs are going up to the bedrooms just there.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16What I do like is that off-street parking.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18It's a really good selling point.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Quite easily get two cars parked on there.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25And I did see a bit of strange sort of concrete guttering as well.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26Haven't seen that before.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Right, what have we got? Decent-size lounge.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Nice, big window there. Double-glazed window.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34You would have to redecorate in here.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Central heating as well.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39It's a sort of decent size,
0:32:39 > 0:32:42what you'd expect from an ex-local-authority house.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Through into the kitchen.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47You have got your bathroom downstairs here.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50I'm a huge fan of having bathrooms upstairs near the bedrooms.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54So, with that in mind, could you knock this down,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57give yourself a kitchen-dining area?
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Maybe have to sacrifice a bedroom upstairs,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03but that's just what I'd do. That's my preference.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Into the kitchen, which I think is a good size.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09You may have to take all this out and start again,
0:33:09 > 0:33:10give yourself a new kitchen.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Window looking out to the back garden as well.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15It's a decent size in here.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20And over here, you've got sort of a lack of plaster.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23It's falling away quite easily.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26So, yes, this would have to be reskimmed and redone.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28But apart from that,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31I think it's all right. I like it so far.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Let's investigate further.
0:33:33 > 0:33:34# No need to ask
0:33:34 > 0:33:37# He's a smooth operator
0:33:39 > 0:33:42# Smooth operator... #
0:33:42 > 0:33:46If you are thinking of reskimming, make sure you get several quotes
0:33:46 > 0:33:48if you're calling in a professional plasterer.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50There's no doubt fresh plaster
0:33:50 > 0:33:53makes a place look fresh and up to date.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55As would creating a big dining room.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57But if you're not buying this to live in,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59it's all about the money,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02and losing a bedroom to move a bathroom upstairs
0:34:02 > 0:34:05might not be the best move financially speaking.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08So upstairs we have the three bedrooms.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11From what I can see, this is the smaller of the three.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14There is a little sign of damp just there on the ceiling,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17but it's not enough to alarm me at all.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Another bedroom just there.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Both of those looking out onto the back garden.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Into what I would think is the main bedroom,
0:34:27 > 0:34:29it's the bigger of the three.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Completely need to redecorate this.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35New carpets, which would be pretty simple to do.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38I'm seeing there's a bit of a void over there, and a cupboard as well.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41So if you wanted to create a bathroom
0:34:41 > 0:34:43or some sort of washing area upstairs,
0:34:43 > 0:34:47you could quite easily knock this wall down, or part of it,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51build yourself a bit of an en-suite for this bedroom.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Although an en-suite would be nice,
0:34:53 > 0:34:57it might be a bit tight in here to get a full bathroom in.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Either way, if you're renting it out,
0:34:59 > 0:35:01it's probably not worth the hassle,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04and you probably wouldn't get your money back in the short term.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Out front, there's off-street parking,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10which a lot of people like and a lot of people don't.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12But it does add value.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14It doesn't make for the most attractive feature.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I like a bit of greenery myself.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18But it turns out there is some.
0:35:19 > 0:35:20No, not those.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Out in the back garden, and what a size back garden it is as well.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27It does go back a long way.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29It does look a bit of a jungle - it's overgrown,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32it's been left to its own devices.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34What I have noticed is there's an extension -
0:35:34 > 0:35:36a single extension on that side,
0:35:36 > 0:35:40and there's a double extension over there as well.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43My thoughts are, is it worth doing it -
0:35:43 > 0:35:46or doing the same, should I say - on this particular property?
0:35:46 > 0:35:48If you're going to buy to live in, then I would say yes.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Otherwise, maybe not.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53You've got to check on those ceiling prices within the area,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56just to see if it's worth spending that money
0:35:56 > 0:35:57and eating into your budget.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Apart from that, really nice back garden,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03I like the house, it would be easy to turn around.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Maybe you'd have a spring in your step when finished.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08- # Jump - Jump!
0:36:09 > 0:36:11# Go ahead and jump
0:36:13 > 0:36:14# Jump! #
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Well, before anybody does any jumping,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19I sought out those nasty-looking gutters.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23But a three-bed house for in between £78,000 to £84,000 -
0:36:23 > 0:36:26I reckon the bidders will be jumping all over this.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Let's see if a local estate agent agrees.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35My first impressions of this property are that it offers
0:36:35 > 0:36:38spacious accommodation, three well-proportioned bedrooms,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41and although it needs some cosmetic upgrading,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44generally it seems in quite decent order.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Some properties in this area have made these kitchens bigger
0:36:47 > 0:36:50by moving it into the bathroom, which is the room next to us,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52and put the bathroom upstairs.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54But that obviously then means you've only got two bedrooms.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56I personally would leave it as three bedrooms
0:36:56 > 0:37:00and a bathroom downstairs, so I wouldn't reconfigure at all.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03OK, but what about the possibility to extend?
0:37:03 > 0:37:07My thoughts on extending the property would be not to do that.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09The likely cost of a single storey
0:37:09 > 0:37:12would maybe be £15,000, £20,000.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Double storey, perhaps 30,000 or onwards.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18And it wouldn't reflect an increase in value to anything like that.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21There's always going to be a ceiling price for this style of house
0:37:21 > 0:37:24that it's likely to achieve. So the only person that would be likely
0:37:24 > 0:37:27to do an extension like that is someone that was going to live here
0:37:27 > 0:37:30for a good number of years to enjoy the benefit.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32As I suspected. But what kind of values
0:37:32 > 0:37:35would he place on the property in its current configuration
0:37:35 > 0:37:36after being renovated?
0:37:36 > 0:37:39My thoughts on the price of this property,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41when all the works have been completed satisfactorily,
0:37:41 > 0:37:45would be to market in the region of £130,000,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49and perhaps look to achieve somewhere in the region of £125,000.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Rental demand for this property will be high,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54and I'd imagine we should achieve a figure of between
0:37:54 > 0:37:57£600 and £625 per calendar month.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01So this is an ex-local-authority house,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04and as you know, we do love them on this show.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08Normally well built, solid and a good investment.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Now, there's not a lot of work that needs to be done in there,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14and I think it could be a pretty simple turnaround.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Let's see who saw it when it went under the hammer.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19This next lot is a three-bedroomed
0:38:19 > 0:38:22freehold mid-terraced house
0:38:22 > 0:38:24that we're offering with vacant possession.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27This lot came up almost at the end of the auction,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30but there were still some determined bidders about.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Where should we start, folks?
0:38:34 > 0:38:3575?
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Thank you, sir.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Is it 80?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41At 80, madam, and thank you. At 80.
0:38:41 > 0:38:4385? 85.
0:38:43 > 0:38:44And 90?
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Is that 86, is it? 86.
0:38:47 > 0:38:4987. 88.
0:38:49 > 0:38:5189. 90.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55The battle for this property narrowed to two determined bidders.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58We rejoin when the bids had soared to £108,000.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02108. 109? No?
0:39:02 > 0:39:04You've been a great bidder, sir.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06With you, madam, at 108.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09And are we all done? Sir, is it 109?
0:39:09 > 0:39:13No, you've been a great bidder, but I'm selling for 108,000.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15One, two, three.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Congratulations, madam.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Sticking it out and getting the three-bedroom property
0:39:20 > 0:39:25for £108,000, 24 grand over the guide price, was Karen.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Karen has experience in developing properties,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33but her day job is a childminder.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36So will she think renovating this property is child's play?
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Time to find out.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- Karen, nice to meet you.- Hello. - Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Tell me, why this house in particular?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49It's local to where I live, local to where my daughter lives,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52and it's a layout that I was looking for,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54and it has a drive, which I know adds value.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58I mean, off-street parking is fantastic, and a lot of it as well.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- Tell me, did you look just in this area for houses?- No.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07I'm registered with the auction, so they sent the catalogue.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09So I had a look through it,
0:40:09 > 0:40:12and I decided this was the main one that I wanted to go for.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Karen has regular tradespeople she uses,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18and they come in whenever needed.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21But she also has the support of her daughter and her husband's family.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23So plenty of help.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25The big question is...
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Can you tell us what you're going to do?
0:40:27 > 0:40:30We are going to put a new kitchen in.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33We'll have to rewire.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Recarpet, redecorate.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38We're thinking about putting an en-suite in the main bedroom
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- in the area that's over there. - OK, yes.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45And then general decoration,
0:40:45 > 0:40:46and do the garden.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Karen, did you ever think, at any stage,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52maybe knocking the kitchen through to have a kitchen-diner,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54getting rid of the bathroom down here,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56maybe moving the bathroom upstairs?
0:40:56 > 0:40:58No, it's never been a thought.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02I'm quite a fan of downstairs bathrooms anyway.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05But I wouldn't want to lose a bedroom,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08cos I know it'll devalue the house, and that's why we thought about
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- putting an en-suite in the main bedroom.- OK.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Karen has given this a lot of thought, and of course, she's right.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Not everyone will care that much about a downstairs bathroom,
0:41:18 > 0:41:22and some people don't like open-plan kitchens either.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27Karen knows her market, so I wonder if she's considered extending,
0:41:27 > 0:41:28just like the neighbours.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31We feel the kitchen is a decent size,
0:41:31 > 0:41:34and we want a quick turnaround.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37So we don't feel at this time
0:41:37 > 0:41:39that we want to extend.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41But as people that come to view it,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44they can also have that option if they want to, to extend,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46cos the garden is quite big.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Karen is keen to keep it simple, and I think that's a wise move.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53She's got a budget of in-between £7,000 to £10,000,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56and hopes to get the project turned around and finished
0:41:56 > 0:41:59within four to eight weeks, which is quite a tight timeframe.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02However, Karen has a secret weapon.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07I have a project manager who's an electrician as well,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09so he oversees the work,
0:42:09 > 0:42:14and he will get the needed qualified people in.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17And then myself and my family and friends,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20we will sort of be doing the cleaning up,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22the stripping of the wallpaper.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24Anything that needs doing, the running around,
0:42:24 > 0:42:29is what the rest of us that aren't qualified will be doing.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31So what family are going to get involved, Karen?
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- Well, I've got my daughter. - What's her name?- Amelia.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38And her husband, Jermaine. They live just down the road.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40And then my project manager
0:42:40 > 0:42:43is actually Jermaine's father,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46so obviously we're sort of related now.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49My brother is going to come and help.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52And then it's just friends
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and people that I've met before on my other builds
0:42:55 > 0:42:57that will be doing the work as well.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00What do you plan to do with the house when it's all finished?
0:43:00 > 0:43:03We're probably going to be looking down the rental line
0:43:03 > 0:43:06with this property. I'd be looking to make about ten,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10but I'd keep it at that and then wait for the property
0:43:10 > 0:43:14to rise in value, and then sell it further down the line.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16OK, so do it up, rent it out initially,
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- and then maybe down the line sell it.- Then sell it, yeah.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21So, Karen, I wish you all the best.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23I'm pretty sure you've got all your bases covered.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26All your friends and family helping you out - you'll get it right.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28- Yes, hopefully.- Good luck. - Thank you very much.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34Childminder Karen is used to dealing with screaming kids,
0:43:34 > 0:43:37so her team of builders, her friends and family
0:43:37 > 0:43:40will be easy to keep on top of.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43But I think this should be a pretty simple turnaround.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46You can find out how she gets on later on in the programme.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50Well, we've seen how one property turned out,
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- but there's no time to rest. - Yeah, what about the other two?
0:43:53 > 0:43:55Yeah, why don't we find out?
0:43:56 > 0:43:59It's time to return to the beautiful Welsh valleys -
0:43:59 > 0:44:01the Rhondda, to be exact -
0:44:01 > 0:44:04and a plot we saw earlier in Tylorstown.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08So, does this make a good building plot?
0:44:08 > 0:44:12Well, the bad news is, it's very, very hilly.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14The plot goes all the way back up there,
0:44:14 > 0:44:16and the gradient is quite severe.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18It wasn't all bad news, though.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22There was clearly access to a road and services.
0:44:22 > 0:44:26But clearing the trees and their roots was a big challenge.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29And the good news was the site came with planning permission
0:44:29 > 0:44:31for two detached houses.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33Now, the fact that there are plans is a real big bonus.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37It's taken away months of negotiations with the council,
0:44:37 > 0:44:39with the planners, whatever. This is what's allowed,
0:44:39 > 0:44:41this is what you can do. You can basically get on and do it.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44This is the incredibly steep bit of the garden here.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47That remains, obviously, and what I imagine, then,
0:44:47 > 0:44:49is this bit where the houses are situated
0:44:49 > 0:44:51will be dug out to create a level plot.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53And you've got the two houses side-by-side. Three bedrooms,
0:44:53 > 0:44:55and there's a study as well. Integral garage.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58I mean, it all makes sense.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01The plot was bought for £18,000 by Matthew,
0:45:01 > 0:45:04who attended the auction with his father, Terry.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06The twosome have developed several properties
0:45:06 > 0:45:09and have bought plots of land before,
0:45:09 > 0:45:13but they didn't intend buying this one - or so Terry thought.
0:45:13 > 0:45:14I got told in no uncertain terms
0:45:14 > 0:45:17that I'm not allowed to buy any more land,
0:45:17 > 0:45:20and my son decided to start bidding at the last moment,
0:45:20 > 0:45:24and he said, "Oh, I thought it was a good price."
0:45:24 > 0:45:27They set a budget of £75,000 for each house,
0:45:27 > 0:45:30and, like me, they reckoned with planning in place
0:45:30 > 0:45:33it should be relatively straightforward.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36And they thought they'd be done in six to eight months.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- The biggest challenge to start with is going to be clearing this land, I think.- Yes.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42And then we can see what we've got.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44And from there, I think it'll be straightforward.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46Well, straightforward is not the word,
0:45:46 > 0:45:49because it's now three years on.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54# It's been a long, long time... #
0:45:54 > 0:45:57It may have been a long time, but finally,
0:45:57 > 0:45:59here are two detached houses,
0:45:59 > 0:46:01nicely positioned on this steep plot.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04One of the houses has already been sold, and the other
0:46:04 > 0:46:07has just a few finishing touches awaiting completion.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11# It's been a long, long time... #
0:46:11 > 0:46:13Downstairs at the front of each house
0:46:13 > 0:46:15there's a decent-sized sitting room,
0:46:15 > 0:46:19and to the rear of the property, overlooking the mountain-cum-garden,
0:46:19 > 0:46:21there's a well-equipped kitchen-diner.
0:46:21 > 0:46:29# It's been a long, long time. #
0:46:29 > 0:46:32But why did it take so long to build these houses?
0:46:34 > 0:46:37Well, it was about a week after you left the first filming
0:46:37 > 0:46:38that we started work.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42Within about two days, we were stopped by the council
0:46:42 > 0:46:45because we failed to get the conditions met.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47There was a drainage condition
0:46:47 > 0:46:50under the new laws passed by the Welsh Assembly,
0:46:50 > 0:46:53and there were certain conditions put down that we had to meet -
0:46:53 > 0:46:56to say what type of slate we were using, what type of render,
0:46:56 > 0:46:59what type of bricks, these sort of things.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02Some of them were very easy, but the drainage one
0:47:02 > 0:47:05was the biggest problem of all, which took forever.
0:47:05 > 0:47:10# Every day when I wake up
0:47:11 > 0:47:16# I thank the Lord I'm Welsh. #
0:47:16 > 0:47:20It just goes to show that even experienced developers
0:47:20 > 0:47:23can get caught out by the unexpected.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26That six-to-eight-month timescale just proved too optimistic,
0:47:26 > 0:47:28and they had to adapt.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30With the problems we've had with the planning,
0:47:30 > 0:47:32the water and other things,
0:47:32 > 0:47:37we most probably lost somewhere in the region of 12 to 18 months.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40But also the jobs have been carried out
0:47:40 > 0:47:43like a hospital job, where when we're not busy,
0:47:43 > 0:47:45we'll come and work, and when we are busy,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48we get on with the other projects we've got on the go.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52With Matthew working abroad, it's been down to his father Terry
0:47:52 > 0:47:54and his team to keep going.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59Upstairs, there are three good-sized bedrooms,
0:47:59 > 0:48:02two of which have en-suite bathrooms.
0:48:04 > 0:48:05And there's a study here,
0:48:05 > 0:48:08which would easily double as a fourth bedroom.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13Finally, there's a large family bathroom up here
0:48:13 > 0:48:15to complete the package.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19Flexibility and patience have been key to this project's success,
0:48:19 > 0:48:21but dad Terry has been the one on site,
0:48:21 > 0:48:24and teamwork has been a big factor.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27Well, the work was mostly carried out by our crew
0:48:27 > 0:48:29which we regularly employ.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33I've been in, obviously, making sure that things are done properly.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Matt has been elusive, as he always is.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38He brings the money to the table,
0:48:38 > 0:48:41so that's the important part.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43Well, you can't build without the cash,
0:48:43 > 0:48:47so this partnership clearly works for the family team.
0:48:47 > 0:48:51But with all the delays and changes to foundations and designs,
0:48:51 > 0:48:55did their original budget of £75,000 per house stay fixed?
0:48:58 > 0:49:02I believe that we've now come out at around £80,000 per plot,
0:49:02 > 0:49:06so we spent about 160 on both properties.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08This father-and-son team have managed to stay
0:49:08 > 0:49:13within sight of their original total budget of 150,000,
0:49:13 > 0:49:16overspending by only £10,000,
0:49:16 > 0:49:19which is pretty good considering the changes they had to make.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23They bought the plot of land for £18,000,
0:49:23 > 0:49:26so their total spend is 178,000.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31It's time to find out what two local property experts
0:49:31 > 0:49:33think of their work.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35First impression of the properties,
0:49:35 > 0:49:38an excellent construction on a small site.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41The rooms are a good size. Good proportions.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46The layout proportion for this area is magnificent.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48The houses in this area are normally about 100 years old,
0:49:48 > 0:49:51so it's very unusual to get a new property.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53And with one house already sold,
0:49:53 > 0:49:57what do the estate agents think the remaining house could sell for?
0:49:58 > 0:50:00We know that the property next door
0:50:00 > 0:50:03has already sold for 134,000.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06This property is currently on the market for 135,000,
0:50:06 > 0:50:09and obviously I would have no problem with that valuation.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11If I was going to sell the houses
0:50:11 > 0:50:13not knowing that one had already been sold,
0:50:13 > 0:50:16I would probably have started around about 130 to achieve 120.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19So to get 134 is a very good price.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23If they also get around 134,000 for the second house,
0:50:23 > 0:50:26that would give them a total of 268,000.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29They'd then be heading for a profit of approximately £90,000
0:50:29 > 0:50:31minus taxes and expenses.
0:50:31 > 0:50:35When we first initially had them valued earlier in the year,
0:50:35 > 0:50:37they were valued at 150,000.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39We didn't get any response,
0:50:39 > 0:50:43so obviously we reduced the value to 135,
0:50:43 > 0:50:45and they seem to be selling at that price,
0:50:45 > 0:50:47so I think they're about right.
0:50:47 > 0:50:52And what's up next for the father-and-son property duo?
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Our next project is a bit bigger than this.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58It's a piece of an old school we bought up in Pontypridd.
0:50:58 > 0:51:03We're looking to build 21 units on it for a housing association.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06The project is already completely sold to the housing association,
0:51:06 > 0:51:09so it's just a case of getting there, getting started
0:51:09 > 0:51:11and getting it finished.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20Welcome back to Perry Barr, just three miles north of Birmingham,
0:51:20 > 0:51:22but more importantly, just a mile away
0:51:22 > 0:51:24from the magnificent Villa Park.
0:51:26 > 0:51:27I don't know if I mentioned that.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30Anyway, I was looking at this three-bed ex-local-authority
0:51:30 > 0:51:32mid-terraced house with a guide price
0:51:32 > 0:51:35of in-between £78,000 to £84,000.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40It needed a thorough modernisation, and the bathroom was downstairs -
0:51:40 > 0:51:44not my favourite layout, but I wasn't discounting it yet.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47If you wanted to create a bathroom
0:51:47 > 0:51:49or some kind of washing area upstairs,
0:51:49 > 0:51:52you could quite easily knock this wall down,
0:51:52 > 0:51:56build yourself a bit of an en-suite for this bedroom.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58# Moving on up
0:51:58 > 0:52:01# Nothing can stop me... #
0:52:01 > 0:52:04Whether you'd prefer to move the bathroom or add an en-suite,
0:52:04 > 0:52:07the point was, this place had options.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10It was bought by local childminder and developer Karen
0:52:10 > 0:52:14for £108,000, and she knew what she wanted to do.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19Karen, did you ever think of getting rid of the bathroom down here,
0:52:19 > 0:52:21maybe moving the bathroom upstairs?
0:52:21 > 0:52:23No, it's never been a thought.
0:52:23 > 0:52:25I wouldn't want to lose a bedroom,
0:52:25 > 0:52:27cos I know it'll devalue the house.
0:52:27 > 0:52:28# Don't speak
0:52:28 > 0:52:31# I know just what you're saying
0:52:31 > 0:52:34# So please stop explaining
0:52:34 > 0:52:37# Don't tell me cos it hurts... #
0:52:40 > 0:52:43That's fine - don't listen to my ideas, honestly.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45It's like being back on the pitch again.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48Anyway, keeping that extra bedroom
0:52:48 > 0:52:50would be a sensible move from Karen,
0:52:50 > 0:52:52as she wants to rent the property out.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55But would she be able to stick to that budget of seven to ten grand
0:52:55 > 0:52:57and the four-to-eight-week timescale?
0:53:05 > 0:53:07Two months later, we've returned
0:53:07 > 0:53:10to see if Karen has turned this terrace around.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16- # Turn the beat around - Ooh, I'm talkin' 'bout the beat
0:53:16 > 0:53:20- # Love to hear percussion - Ah, my, my, my, my
0:53:20 > 0:53:23- # Turn it upside down - Oh, yeah
0:53:23 > 0:53:28- # Love to hear percussion - Love to hear the beat, now... #
0:53:28 > 0:53:30This house was always well laid out,
0:53:30 > 0:53:34but now, with a complete modernisation, it looks the part.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38There's a new kitchen and a modern, bright finish.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41We caught up with Karen to find out exactly what she's done.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45We had a project manager, and he's an electrician,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48so he was able to do all the electrics.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52A plumber came in, he fitted the kitchen, did the bathroom.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54We had the plasterer in.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57We had the carpet fitter in and the floor guy,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00and then the rest of us that couldn't...
0:54:00 > 0:54:03we were just cleaning up after them and going to the shops
0:54:03 > 0:54:06and doing the teas and the coffees, biscuits etc.
0:54:08 > 0:54:09A real team effort, then.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11It certainly looks like they've done a good job.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13But where's that en-suite?
0:54:16 > 0:54:20No, we decided we weren't going to put an en-suite upstairs
0:54:20 > 0:54:22as originally intended.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25It was felt that it wouldn't add any value to the property
0:54:25 > 0:54:30and that the bathroom down here was OK for the purpose of renting.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35Well, this is a profit-making venture,
0:54:35 > 0:54:37so if an alteration isn't going to add value,
0:54:37 > 0:54:39there's very little point.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42On the other hand, Karen's made sure that practical problems
0:54:42 > 0:54:43have all been sorted.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46As well as updating the electrics and the plumbing,
0:54:46 > 0:54:49she's sorted out the guttering that was causing that damp upstairs.
0:54:49 > 0:54:51So is she pleased with the finish?
0:54:53 > 0:54:55I'm very happy with the finish.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58My project manager is quite a stickler
0:54:58 > 0:55:01for having things done properly, and that's what I like as well,
0:55:01 > 0:55:05because I feel more comfortable in offering it to somebody
0:55:05 > 0:55:07knowing that there are no underlying problems,
0:55:07 > 0:55:09all the work is done properly,
0:55:09 > 0:55:11and that it should last for quite a while.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15# It's got quality... #
0:55:18 > 0:55:19That's the attitude I like.
0:55:19 > 0:55:23But has she kept to her budget, even keeping to those high standards?
0:55:25 > 0:55:27We spent just over 12,000.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30When we finally had a go at the garden,
0:55:30 > 0:55:34it was full of weeds that were well overgrown,
0:55:34 > 0:55:36so we had to get all them dug up.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Then we had to returf it,
0:55:38 > 0:55:42we had to put in new fencing around it,
0:55:42 > 0:55:43cos the fencing wasn't there.
0:55:43 > 0:55:47We put new pipes along the guttering.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50And we went for a better-quality kitchen in the end.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54That's only two grand more
0:55:54 > 0:55:57than her original budget of seven to ten grand.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59And the work has only taken five weeks,
0:55:59 > 0:56:02which is within her four-to-eight-week timescale.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04Pretty much a success.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07It sounds like the attention to detail has been worthwhile.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11While we were in the process of doing up the work,
0:56:11 > 0:56:13somebody came and asked me -
0:56:13 > 0:56:16they said they had a friend that wanted to rent it,
0:56:16 > 0:56:19and would that be OK?
0:56:19 > 0:56:21So I said, "Yes, bring them round."
0:56:21 > 0:56:25So they came round, were impressed with the way the work was going,
0:56:25 > 0:56:28and so they came, signed the contract.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30And when we were done, they came and moved in.
0:56:32 > 0:56:35This house is obviously popular with possible tenants, then.
0:56:35 > 0:56:37But what do two local estate agents think
0:56:37 > 0:56:41of the terrace Karen bought for £108,000?
0:56:42 > 0:56:44The main selling points of this property, in my opinion,
0:56:44 > 0:56:49are the off-road parking, proximity to schools and to transport
0:56:49 > 0:56:50and all other amenities,
0:56:50 > 0:56:53plus three good-sized bedrooms ideal for a family.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57The work that they've carried out to it, it's quite good.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00They've done a nice kitchen and bathroom.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03You've got three decent bedrooms upstairs.
0:57:03 > 0:57:04Nice, long back garden.
0:57:04 > 0:57:08In fact, almost everything a family would want.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10Based on the agents' valuations,
0:57:10 > 0:57:15Karen's best potential profit is only around £5,000 from sales.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17But it's the rental she's really interested in.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20My thoughts on the rental value for this property
0:57:20 > 0:57:24would be in the region of £600 to £625 per calendar month.
0:57:24 > 0:57:28The rent on the property would fetch in the region
0:57:28 > 0:57:31of £575 per calendar month
0:57:31 > 0:57:33to £600 a calendar month.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36Well, they're slap-bang in the middle of what I was expecting,
0:57:36 > 0:57:39really, and I'm actually achieving 600,
0:57:39 > 0:57:40so I'm quite happy with that.
0:57:42 > 0:57:43Bang on target.
0:57:43 > 0:57:48That's great news, as the rent gives her a solid yield of 6%.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50So has Karen enjoyed the project?
0:57:50 > 0:57:53Yes, I've enjoyed buying it at the auction,
0:57:53 > 0:57:55I've enjoyed working on it.
0:57:55 > 0:57:56And everything's come together
0:57:56 > 0:57:59and it's tenanted, so it's a job well done.
0:58:02 > 0:58:03Well, there you go.
0:58:03 > 0:58:06More property owners that went for it and bought at auction.
0:58:06 > 0:58:08So, were you inspired?
0:58:08 > 0:58:10Join us next time for more Homes Under The Hammer.
0:58:10 > 0:58:12We'll see you then. Bye.