0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to the programme.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Now, you might not fancy a big old project to renovate.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07No, but you can always start small
0:00:07 > 0:00:09and build up to something much grander if you wish.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Yes, and you might find that perfect property at your local auction.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42The auction room can seem fast and furious.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46It's all about preparation, research and holding your nerve.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50So, let's see who did just that and got what they were looking for
0:00:50 > 0:00:52on today's show.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Today, at a quaint cottage in the beautiful Malvern Hills
0:00:56 > 0:01:00of Worcestershire, I've got a small issue with a tiny door.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03It's starting to get a bit silly, isn't it?
0:01:04 > 0:01:08In Stoke, a door in a two-bed house could be a real pain.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11That's a health and safety issue right there.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Definitely get that changed.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15And on the coast, down in Dover, Kent,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19I'm spoiled for choice at this flat and commercial premises.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Now, which door do I go in first?
0:01:24 > 0:01:26All of these properties have been sold at auction.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29We'll find out who got them and what they paid for them
0:01:29 > 0:01:31when they went under the hammer.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32You bought it, well done.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39The spa town of Malvern in Worcestershire
0:01:39 > 0:01:41has given us many things -
0:01:41 > 0:01:47spring water, Morgan three-wheel sports cars and Sir Edward Elgar.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49He had strong links with Worcestershire
0:01:49 > 0:01:51and lived in and around Malvern.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56His Nimrod Variation is now synonymous with Remembrance Day.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06I love quaint English towns like this.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11You're just a stone's throw from the little centre of the town,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15lots of nice pubs, views over the Vale of Evesham.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17I mean, it is absolutely stunning.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Will the property I'm here to see live up to the expectations?
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Well, hopefully.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26It's a two-bedroom cottage, guide price 105 to 115,000 quid.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Sounds a bit quirky. Let's have a look.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40This cottage, that backs on the end
0:02:40 > 0:02:43of a short terrace, is certainly different.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47For starters, the windows are laid out in a rather peculiar way.
0:02:52 > 0:02:53So, you already know, don't you?
0:02:53 > 0:02:57This is going to be slightly unusual inside and sure enough...
0:02:57 > 0:02:58Oh, my goodness.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02You don't have to go very far to see big problems with damp.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Look at that. Wow.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07OK, so we're going to be on the lookout for that throughout the rest
0:03:07 > 0:03:10of the property, but through the front door into this little sort of
0:03:10 > 0:03:13area here. That, believe it or not, is the kitchen.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18Very long and sort of thin, but what you kind of expect -
0:03:18 > 0:03:21in an unusual position and very oddly shaped.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Oops!
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Not too good if you're a slightly large, tall person.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Very, very low door height.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31But in this room here.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34You know, I think we're going to have to throw the definition
0:03:34 > 0:03:37of what rooms are out of the window, cos I do not know what this room is.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40It's a sort of middle room thing. So let's call it that, then.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Here, into the middle room thing, it's a pretty good size.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Round that way there's a downstairs loo, which is good news,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and then here, stairs down to the cellar, so that's good.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Let's continue our explore into...
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Well, I don't know, let's call it middle room number two here.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Lots of unusual features again.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58Oh, I don't like that.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Damp over there. It seems like it's coming in absolutely everywhere.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04But it's just so quirky, isn't it? Don't you love it?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06This little feature here, I don't know what that is.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09It's a hole in the wall. It's completely barking mad.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13It was mad when I was walking up and it's even dafter when you get in.
0:04:13 > 0:04:14I love it!
0:04:14 > 0:04:17# I don't care, I love it
0:04:17 > 0:04:19# I don't care... #
0:04:19 > 0:04:22The layout might not be for everyone, but I don't care.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26And, yes, I do have eclectic taste.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31# I love it. #
0:04:31 > 0:04:35So, up a narrow and slightly quirky staircase, to the upstairs.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38My goodness, what is in store up here?
0:04:38 > 0:04:41I can't wait! A bedroom over that way.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42More signs of damp towards the top there.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44There's damp on every single wall, it seems.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47It does seem like it's been freshly painted.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49That always worries me. What else has been covered up?
0:04:49 > 0:04:51But...one nice thing you have got,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54lots of storage. And aren't these doors beautiful?
0:04:54 > 0:04:59Absolutely lovely. Sort of a nice additional feature, which gives
0:04:59 > 0:05:01even more character to the place.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07Wow.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Tiny bathroom.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Look at the size of that bath.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I don't think there's enough head height to give you a shower, either.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Hmm. OK. Compromise.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26Well, down here, into the second bedroom,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29and it's starting to get a bit silly, isn't it?
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I mean, look at this door and into this room!
0:05:33 > 0:05:35I don't know, it's like a doll's house, isn't it?
0:05:35 > 0:05:38It's amazing. It's amazing.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Whether you could live with it on a permanent basis, I'm not so sure.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47It's easy to see from up here that someone has already started working
0:05:47 > 0:05:53on the leaky roof, but I'm heading as low as you can possibly go.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58Well, down into the cellar and it's actually a half-decent sized room
0:05:58 > 0:06:02for a change. It looks like it's had something on the floor, like...
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Oops. That's kind of fun.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Dead sticky now. That's the residue of the glue
0:06:07 > 0:06:11used to glue the carpet or whatever down, but the moment you walk down
0:06:11 > 0:06:13here, apart from the fact you go, "Ooh, it's nice and cool,"
0:06:13 > 0:06:17is you're hit by the overwhelming smell of damp, so like the rest
0:06:17 > 0:06:19of the property, not surprising, I guess,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22the cellar is also in a bit of a state.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26So, the house, really, first and foremost, needs to be, basically,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29dehumidified, certainly down here, and then whatever it is,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33wherever it is that that water, that rain, that damp,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35whatever it is that's coming in,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38you've got to sort that out first before you do anything else.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45We've invited a local estate agent to view the property and give some
0:06:45 > 0:06:48valuations on the different options, plus some background
0:06:48 > 0:06:49on the area and its people.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Great Malvern's a lovely place to live.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Very popular place for, mainly, retirement people,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59but also you've got the holiday let market, as well, here.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03Which can be very lucrative, if there is enough demand.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05How about valuations?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07When the property has been fully refurbished,
0:07:07 > 0:07:12I would value this property at around £150,000-£160,000.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17The rental value on this particular property would be around £650
0:07:17 > 0:07:20per calendar month to £700 per calendar month.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24And the dream scenario, if you could generate year-round bookings?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27On the holiday let market,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30this property would fetch around £600 per week.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Well, they don't come much more quirky than this, do they?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39And this is exactly the sort of property that somebody,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41or probably quite a few people,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43would have fallen absolutely in love with,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46despite the fact it could be a potential money pit.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Who cares? Let's see who bought it, when it went under the hammer.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Lot 96.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Great Malvern.
0:07:54 > 0:07:5660?
0:07:56 > 0:07:57That must tempt somebody.
0:07:57 > 0:08:0160,000, I'm bid at standing, at £60,000 only.
0:08:01 > 0:08:0270, sir. Thank you.
0:08:02 > 0:08:0370. 80, sir.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07The lot came towards the end of the auction,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09but there were still enough interested bidders
0:08:09 > 0:08:11to take the price upwards.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16We rejoin the bidding at £120,000.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18120, yes, sir.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19122, thank you.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21124. Three if you like.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24122,000, then.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27For the first time. For the second time at £122,000.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Third and the very last time.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31Fresh bidder again, 123.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33124, sir.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36125, sir, 125.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37126.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Another one, sir. 126, six.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41127.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43No. As you wish. £126,000.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46First, second and third time. I shall go on no longer.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49And so going, going, gone.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52And your number, sir, is...?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54491, thank you.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55Thank you, all.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59The couple wielding paddle 491 were husband and wife
0:08:59 > 0:09:00Jeff and Di.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06They've refurbished properties and rented them out in the past.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Di trotted up the many steps approaching the house
0:09:08 > 0:09:10to meet me and talk about their plans.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Di, really good to meet you. - Pleased to meet you.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17So, you were one of those people who fell in love with this place, then?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Yeah, absolutely. It's so pretty, how could you not?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Well, indeed. Tell me about your relationship with this house, then.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24How did you know about it?
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Well, I've lived in Malvern for a long time.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29My husband's been a builder in Malvern for 35 years.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- Wow.- So we really know the area.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33So when it came up for auction,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36we only spotted it at the last moment, so we didn't even get
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- a chance to have a look at it.- No!
0:09:38 > 0:09:40No, I know. Mad.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42On the whole, we could have done a lot worse.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43- Right.- And, yeah, it's all right.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46In terms of what you paid, were you happy with that or...?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49We were. I don't think we'd have gone any higher.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50If anybody had bid above us,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53then I think that was the point we were going to stop.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Right. Did you go above your budget or...?- Slightly.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56How slightly?
0:09:56 > 0:09:59About £5,000 on what we agreed, but...
0:09:59 > 0:10:02So, what was it about it? Cos you only saw it from the outside,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05so let's just talk, what was it about the outside
0:10:05 > 0:10:07that you thought, "Oh, yeah, we must have this?"
0:10:07 > 0:10:09It's got bags of character, even from the outside.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10And it's so quirky.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14If you turn right out of here, you go straight up to the hills,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17St Ann's Well and the Beacon, turn left out of here,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21you're straight into the town, where you've got one of the best theatres
0:10:21 > 0:10:24around, great dining, great shops, and we thought,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- maybe one day we might live in it, as well, so...- Right.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30So, one day you might live in it. So, what's the plan in the meantime?
0:10:30 > 0:10:32If I get my way, it's going to be a holiday let.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34It's a perfect holiday let.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36If my husband gets his way, we'll sell it.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- But I'm not going to let that happen.- Sell it?!
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I know. I don't think he'll be able to.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44What, you mean, he won't be ALLOWED to?
0:10:45 > 0:10:49I'm hoping he'll love it so much, he won't be able to part with it.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Hmm, a risky strategy, that one.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55I suppose it depends on how much he likes fixing
0:10:55 > 0:10:57all the types of damp known to man.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00So, you saw it from the outside, then.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Didn't see it inside until you'd bought it?
0:11:02 > 0:11:04No. We had a quick look at the auction pack,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06just a quick scan of it, before we bid.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- What, the legal pack?- Yes.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11A legal pack on something like this could be completely crazy!
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- It could have all sorts of rights of ways and covenants...- Yeah.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17..and easements and goodness knows what.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18- Yeah, that's right.- But...
0:11:18 > 0:11:21A quick scan, we couldn't see any thing major,
0:11:21 > 0:11:22kept our fingers crossed and...
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Oh, no!- I know.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26And what about the rooms?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Down here, it's fine, but the kitchen's a bit kind of quirky.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- It is.- Upstairs, though, the bathroom and the second bedroom...
0:11:32 > 0:11:34I know. It's cute.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36You're a lost cause, aren't you?
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's character,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41but I don't want to take any of that away, cos it's lovely.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44But the bathroom's not exactly practical, is it?
0:11:44 > 0:11:47It's not, no. What we're going to do, hopefully,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51we're going to move the boiler into the kitchen and try and put a shower
0:11:51 > 0:11:55in where the boiler is at the moment cos everybody wants a shower.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58You might want a nice, quirky, old building,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00you still want your modern-day comforts.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Right. Especially if you're going to let it out to holiday-makers.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Yeah, exactly, yeah.- You mentioned your husband's a builder?- Yes.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- So, is he going to do all the work, then?- He is, yes.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Him and the contractors that he works with.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- Does he have a budget? - We're looking, at the moment,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16we think we can do it between 20 and 22.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19What have you discovered, in terms of the damp and where
0:12:19 > 0:12:22it's coming from, and how are you going to resolve it?
0:12:22 > 0:12:26There's some water ingress in the main room, which is from the roof.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29And is it you who started work on the roof already?
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Yes. It was the first thing we wanted to take a look at,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34cos we knew that would be the big... the big thing to deal with.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37There's some rising damp we can deal with.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40A lot of the damp in the cellar looks really scary,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43but in actual fact, there was a leak from the downstairs loo
0:12:43 > 0:12:44and that's all it is.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46So, once that's dried out,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48we'll replace the floor and that should pretty much deal with it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Right. So do you have any idea of timescales for sorting it?
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- We're hoping three months.- Listen, I'm really delighted for you.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56Lovely to meet you. Good luck with it.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- Can't wait to see how it turns out.- Thank you very much.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Well, there you go, as you might have predicted,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Di and her husband completely falling in love with this place.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Well, I say her husband, will he really be able to let go of this
0:13:09 > 0:13:11once it's sorted out? That's the big question.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14In the meantime, lots of work to be done,
0:13:14 > 0:13:16but they don't seem too daunted, and, yeah...
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I can't wait to see how it turns out.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21You can find out later in the show.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Chell in Staffordshire is a bustling suburb of Stoke-on-Trent.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It has a good mix of housing stock and lots of green space,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36with Tunstall Park nearby.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40Then, there is the structure
0:13:40 > 0:13:43built in 1907 by the Adams family.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45But, no, it isn't creepy and kooky.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47It's a quite nice, stylish clock tower.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Now, the property I'm here to see is an end-of-terrace post-war house.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Now, it does have a modern feel to it,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01but it also has some of the design features from the traditional
0:14:01 > 0:14:04terraced houses within the area.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07And here it is. It's got two bedrooms
0:14:07 > 0:14:10and it has a guide price of £49,000, plus an added bonus -
0:14:10 > 0:14:12a bit of off-street parking.
0:14:19 > 0:14:25OK. We have got some very colourful carpet to start off with.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Stairs going up to your bedrooms, just there.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Into the lounge and these doors, or this door, should I say,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33will definitely have to change.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35That's a health and safety issue right there.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Definitely get that changed. Nice big window, lots of light coming in.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Double glazed window, as well, which is great.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Central heating. I'm listing lots of stuff here.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46So, very good start.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47Good-sized room, as well.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51You've got an old-fashioned, sort of, '70s fireplace.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Bit of storage, some shelving space in here.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Looks like there may be a bit of damp or maybe a bit of mould,
0:14:59 > 0:15:00due to lack of ventilation.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04It might have been closed and shut down for some time this house, so...
0:15:04 > 0:15:06And, there seems to be quite a large
0:15:06 > 0:15:09crack at the top there, as well, so...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I may come back to that, but that's quite alarming.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16OK, through the back, we've got the kitchen.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Out here, we've got a downstairs toilet, which is good news,
0:15:19 > 0:15:23and the back door, going out to the back garden.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Kitchen's a good size. It is dated. It is a little bit old-fashioned.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Wouldn't take much to take it out,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33put a brand-new kitchen suite in here, but you do get a feeling
0:15:33 > 0:15:34that it's been looked after,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37it's been given a lot of TLC over the years.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41The only issues I've seen so far is that little bit of damp and mould
0:15:41 > 0:15:43and that crack, but that is it.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Lick of paint, new carpets, brand-new kitchen,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48you'd be sorted down here.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Out back, the garden has been well landscaped,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56but it's still a bit overgrown.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58With 'gnome' messing around,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00it's time to fly upstairs.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06OK, coming up the stairs, you've got what looks like wood,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08but it's not, it's actually wallpaper.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Bathroom here, at the top of the stairs.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14No bath at all, but a really nice, large shower.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16And I see there's a water tank, as well.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18If you wanted to try and reconfigure that, put a bath in,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21you could quite easily try and get a combi in there.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Two bedrooms. You've got a yellow bedroom there,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28looking out onto the back of the house, which is a good size.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32In here, we have got the front bedroom
0:16:32 > 0:16:39and I've seen, for the first time upstairs, a wall without wood chip.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Get a shot of that, whatever you do.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42Good-size room, anyway.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Purple carpet, you want to get rid of that.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Period fireplace, over there.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47Only a small one, but quite sweet.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49You could actually tidy that up, as well.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I'm liking what I'm seeing.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55And there's not really anything here that's making me think,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57"I'm a bit frightened."
0:16:59 > 0:17:00Well, I take that back.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Everyone is scared of the prospect of chipping away at wood chip
0:17:04 > 0:17:07and there might be something else to be worried about,
0:17:07 > 0:17:08on closer inspection.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13One thing I have noticed, there does seem to be
0:17:13 > 0:17:15quite a few cracks in this ceiling.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19As you can see, all the way along and all the way through to
0:17:19 > 0:17:22the centre here, and there seems to be...
0:17:22 > 0:17:23Especially here.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25There's even a little bit of movement there, as well.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29It might be nothing. It might just be a bow in the plasterwork.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31I do know that, back in the day,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33there was a lot of mining in these parts.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35It might have something to do with it, it might not.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37But it's always good to get it checked out
0:17:37 > 0:17:39and definitely read the legal pack.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47I mention mining, as the cause could be subsidence or the house moving.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50If it's historic, nothing to worry about.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53But if the house is slipping into an old mine shaft,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56then picture the cracks getting worse and then some.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12An agent from the auction house that sold the property
0:18:12 > 0:18:13can give us a second opinion.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17It is an old property.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21There is some signs of cracking, that can clearly be seen.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25But, really, a buyer would be prudent to investigate that
0:18:25 > 0:18:26prior to auction and possibly look
0:18:26 > 0:18:29to get an opinion from a professional surveyor.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32There is some signs of damp downstairs and, potentially,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36there would be a timber and damp investigation also required.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Wise words. Worth repeating.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41What else does this house need?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44The property itself really just requires
0:18:44 > 0:18:46some modernisation and improvement.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Depending on the specification,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50I would expect most people
0:18:50 > 0:18:54would look to spend in the region of £15,000 on a full refurbishment.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01So, get it at the 49 grand guide price and you could be looking at
0:19:01 > 0:19:04a £64,000 total spend.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Would it be worth it for sale or rental?
0:19:07 > 0:19:09After refurbishments,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13I would look to market this property in the region of £95,000 or,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17alternatively, rental income in the region of £450 per calendar month.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21This property could be a bit of a...
0:19:21 > 0:19:23coo.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28There isn't an awful lot that needs to be done to this house.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32This should be a really nice, or could be, a really nice family home.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35But who was lucky enough to get it when it went under the hammer?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Lot number two.
0:19:41 > 0:19:4240, to start?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Got to... 40 bid, seated, thank you.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49£40,000. 45, can I see now?
0:19:49 > 0:19:50At £40,000.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Who with the 45? 45 bid now.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55At 45. 50, sir.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Sluggish to start, so the auctioneer dropped the guide price,
0:19:59 > 0:20:05but things were soon looking up and we rejoin the bidding at £53,000.
0:20:05 > 0:20:0953. 54. 55.
0:20:09 > 0:20:1256. 57.
0:20:12 > 0:20:1458? 58.
0:20:14 > 0:20:1659. 60.
0:20:18 > 0:20:2060.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Shaking his head. 60. 61, lady now.
0:20:22 > 0:20:2562, anywhere else?
0:20:25 > 0:20:28If not, £61,000 once,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31£61,000 twice, third and final...
0:20:32 > 0:20:3462.
0:20:34 > 0:20:3863, madam? 63.
0:20:38 > 0:20:3964, sir. No? Still with you, madam.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42At 63,000, all done now.
0:20:42 > 0:20:4463 once, twice, third and last time.
0:20:44 > 0:20:4663,000.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49You've bought it, madam, well done.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52The winning bid of 63 grand was by Alison.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56For her and her partner Steve,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59this marks the first venture into property development,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02so what did they have planned for the new house?
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Alison, nice to meet you.- And you too.- Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08What attracted you to it in the first place?
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Well, it was a nice, sunny day, I just came past,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13looked through the window and thought, "That's the one for me."
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Hold it, hold it a minute. You looked through the window?- Yep.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Did you view it before you bought it?
0:21:17 > 0:21:21No, just came past, looked through the window and thought, right spot,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24looked sunny, looked nice, looked happy, so that was it.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25So lucky!
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- You should always view your property, shouldn't you?- You should.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Did you read the legal pack? - I did, yes.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32- I did do.- Well done.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- That's one out of two, I'll accept that.- Yeah.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I've been in lots of houses now.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40This is one of the houses, probably the best house I've seen.
0:21:40 > 0:21:41- It's in great shape.- It is.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45From the outside it looks really pretty, quite easy to live in.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Inside, obviously, quite outdated.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52And so I thought for a first step into the market,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54this is the best type of house to get.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56First place to dip your toe into.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57That's it.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01# They call you lady luck
0:22:02 > 0:22:07# But there is room for doubt... #
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Alison is a lucky lady, in my opinion.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Even if you do read the legal pack,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15you should always view the property before parting with your cash.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Thankfully, the pair have landed on their feet here.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23So what are you going to do, from top to bottom?
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Upstairs, probably re-plaster the bedrooms.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Totally refurbish the bathroom.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Come down the stairs, remove all that awful wallpaper on the stairs.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Not your taste?- No!
0:22:35 > 0:22:40Downstairs, probably replace all the kitchen, downstairs toilet,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44take out the fireplace in here and generally redecorate.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Structurally, it seems pretty sound. - Pretty sound.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50I have seen a little bit of damp,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54maybe mould in the downstairs cupboard and a few cracks, as well.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55- Yes.- Any concerns?
0:22:55 > 0:22:58No, I don't think it's anything to be too concerned about.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01I think the house has been empty for a few months
0:23:01 > 0:23:03so it's only to be expected, really.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06My other half is quite experienced with houses like this.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08He's been a gas engineer.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10He trains gas engineers now,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12so he's done a bit of everything, really.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17So he was OK with it all, so I trust his judgment.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20What kind of budget have you given yourself?
0:23:20 > 0:23:23About 8,000, maybe a little bit more.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Not quite sure, really, just see how it goes.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29And how long are you hoping all the work's going to take you to do?
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- Probably about 12 weeks.- OK. - Maximum.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- That's not too bad, is it?- No, we'll give ourselves a bit of space.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- We're both still working so... - OK.- It's just got to be fitted in.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Alison works in a bank as an anti-money-laundering officer.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46No surprises, then, that she is well-placed to project manage
0:23:46 > 0:23:48and keep those numbers tight,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51but she does plan to get her hands dirty, as well.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55How are you going to squeeze it in, all this work?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Well, I only work three days a week, so outside of that,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01I'll be here every day scraping the wallpaper off,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04taking tiles off, and he'll be here at the weekends.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06What enticed you into the property world?
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Mainly because I'm getting to an age where I've got to think about
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- retirement one day.- No, no, no.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- I am, yes. - Cut, I'm not accepting that.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Yeah. So I just thought, it's something there
0:24:16 > 0:24:20to boost my pension for when I do eventually retire.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22So is this the first of many, then?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- It could be. - Is that what you're hoping?
0:24:24 > 0:24:26It depends on how it goes.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28If we make a profit, then, yes.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- For your first one, I think you fell on your feet.- Hope so.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- I wish you all the best, Alison. - Thank you. Yep.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- And the same to Steve, as well. - Thank you. I'll pass it on.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- Good luck, good luck.- Thank you.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Despite only looking through the window,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Alison and Steve have got themselves a really nice house.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49They did read the legal pack, though, so no nasty surprises.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52As a first project goes, this should be pretty straightforward.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55You can find out how they get on later in the programme.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Still to come, at this two-bed maisonette and ground-floor shop
0:25:01 > 0:25:04in Dover, Kent, I've got something pretty exciting to show you.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Have a look at this.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10And have Alison and Steve found a balance
0:25:10 > 0:25:12at their two-bed house in Stoke?
0:25:12 > 0:25:16It's just keeping a level head and not going overboard on things.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Time now to get back to the glorious Malvern Hills in Worcestershire and
0:25:24 > 0:25:27this curious cottage that really took my fancy,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29even though it was far from perfect.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32The moment you walk down here,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35you're hit by this overwhelming smell of damp.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37'There was a small problem upstairs.'
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Tiny bathroom. Look at the size of that bath.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44'And back downstairs...' Don't like that.
0:25:44 > 0:25:45Damp over there and it seems like
0:25:45 > 0:25:47it's coming in absolutely everywhere,
0:25:47 > 0:25:48but it's just so quirky, isn't it?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Don't you love it? This little feature here.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Don't know what that is, there's a hole in the wall.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55It's completely barking mad.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58It was mad when I was walking up and it's even dafter when you get in.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59I love it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06The cottage was bought, damp and all, for £126,000 by Di and Jeff,
0:26:06 > 0:26:07who is, luckily, a builder.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11But there were some differences of opinion.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13If I get my way, it's going to be a holiday let.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15It's a perfect holiday let.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17If my husband gets his way, we'll sell it.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20But I'm not going to let that happen.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22- Sell it?!- I know.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24I don't think he'll be able to.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26What, you mean, he won't be allowed to?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29I'm hoping he'll love it so much, he won't be able to part with it.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I know who I'd put my money on!
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Ideally, long term, Di would them to live here
0:26:37 > 0:26:41and they budgeted £20,000-£22,000 to restore and rejuvenate it.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46So do you have any idea of timescales for sorting it?
0:26:46 > 0:26:48We're hoping three months.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Well, eight months later and they've been busy re-rendering the outside,
0:26:52 > 0:26:57repainting the outside and fitting a new door with a new shower fitted,
0:26:57 > 0:26:58just as planned.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02# I'm coming home, I'm coming home
0:27:04 > 0:27:09# Cos this life that I've been living ain't my own... #
0:27:09 > 0:27:12The cellar eventually dried out enough to be re-floored
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and the kitchen was spruced up with new units added.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23# I'm coming home
0:27:23 > 0:27:26# Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah
0:27:26 > 0:27:29# I'm coming home
0:27:29 > 0:27:32# Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. #
0:27:33 > 0:27:38The damp in the downstairs rooms dried out after the roof repair
0:27:38 > 0:27:41and the traditional boarding and neutral colour schemes
0:27:41 > 0:27:44makes all the rooms much fresher.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46The damp in the back bedroom is gone.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48In fact, all the damp is gone.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Result.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54The bathroom also has a new sink and fittings.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12If you think the ceiling in the front bedroom is a bit higher,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14that's because it is.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17In redoing the roof and re-forming the ceiling,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20a bit more height and roof insulation were achievable.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24So, how did the couple fare with the heavy workload?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32It was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35We'd find one thing that was great and we didn't have to spend money on
0:28:35 > 0:28:38and then we'd find something else that cost a fortune.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42So, it was exciting and stressful, but there was nothing major.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44I think, we were very lucky in the end
0:28:44 > 0:28:48because we hadn't seen the property before we bought it.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50I think we came off lightly, to be fair.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Well, you can say that again.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57What was it like filling skips, with all those stairs and no path?
0:28:59 > 0:29:01The access to the property can be a bit difficult
0:29:01 > 0:29:05because it's on the side of a hill so, yeah, there were problems.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Fortunately, our neighbours have been absolutely wonderful
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and we couldn't have done it without them.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14They've been so patient when we've had scaffolding at the side
0:29:14 > 0:29:16of the building or needing to park everywhere.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18They've just been so accommodating.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I don't want to sell the house cos I want to keep the neighbours!
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Well, we all appreciate good neighbours.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28So, what did Di get stuck into on the project?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31I made quite a few of the decisions on how we were going to do things
0:29:31 > 0:29:35and got involved in a few arguments about it, too.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38But, yes, I think I kept an eye on the money
0:29:38 > 0:29:42and would have spent more if Jeff hadn't stopped me.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46So did Jeff manage to keep you to that £20-£22,000 budget?
0:29:46 > 0:29:50We ended up spending between 28 and 30,000, we think.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52But we had to get the roof done
0:29:52 > 0:29:56which we didn't know how much that was really going to cost
0:29:56 > 0:29:58until they came and did it.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02And then we had to take the ceilings down upstairs and redo the ceilings,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05and that was an additional cost we hadn't anticipated.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11We called in two local estate agents to give us valuations and opinions
0:30:11 > 0:30:12on the restoration job.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17I think they've done a really good job.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21They've kept it nice and neutral in terms of decoration but they've kept
0:30:21 > 0:30:24an awful lot of character, and that's what people are looking for
0:30:24 > 0:30:26when they're moving to locations like this.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30The buyers have done an excellent job in renovating this cottage
0:30:30 > 0:30:32combining contemporary living
0:30:32 > 0:30:35yet still retaining its original charm and character.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38So that's thumbs up from the agents.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41But Di and Jeff have spent a lot on this cottage.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45The total investment is now around £156,000.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Would they get their money back if they sold it?
0:30:51 > 0:30:54We would probably put it on the market somewhere around the £220,000
0:30:54 > 0:30:58mark and look to achieve somewhere between £200,000
0:30:58 > 0:30:59and the asking price.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02If this cottage went on to the open market,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05I think it would sell for a figure of around £200,000.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10That could mean a potential profit of up to £64,000
0:31:10 > 0:31:12minus taxes and fees,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14if they were to crack that top figure.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21I feel vindicated because we knew it was a difficult one to price,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24but we know the area so we felt confident
0:31:24 > 0:31:25we were doing the right thing and,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27yeah, we're very happy with those prices.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33The rental estimates were between 700 and £750 per calendar month.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37The top figure would give the couple a yield just short of 6%.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43We've done some research and we felt that that would, hopefully, be where
0:31:43 > 0:31:48we'd pitch it for rental, so very happy with that, as well.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52The agents valued the holiday let at an average of £600 per week
0:31:52 > 0:31:55over the year. If the cottage were let for the whole year,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59ambitious as that sounds, it would produce a yield of 20%.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03I think that would be what we'd like to achieve so, yeah,
0:32:03 > 0:32:05very happy all-round with all of those.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06And who wouldn't be?
0:32:06 > 0:32:11So have there been any decisions yet on the future use of the property?
0:32:11 > 0:32:14We still don't know what we want to do.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17We've had a few offers even though we haven't marketed it.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20A lot of interest, but we've also fallen in love with it,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22which we knew we were going to,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25so we still don't know whether to rent it as a holiday let
0:32:25 > 0:32:27or sell it. We've got to make a decision.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Dover in Kent is famous for one thing.
0:32:37 > 0:32:38You guessed it.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41The local port of Dover, which is the nearest port to France,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44and the world's busiest by passenger numbers.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47No, that's not what it's most famous for.
0:32:47 > 0:32:53That would be Dover Castle built by Henry II in 1189.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Still not it? Is it more famous for the beach?
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Its range of architecture, perhaps?
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Well, I can't think of anything else it's famous for.
0:33:02 > 0:33:08# There'll be bluebirds over
0:33:08 > 0:33:13# The white cliffs of Dover... #
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Ah, yes, that would be it, then.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19So what's up for auction in this sunny seaside town?
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Well, it's a slightly unusual listing.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It's a two-bed maisonette on the upper floor,
0:33:25 > 0:33:29but this lot comes with its very own shop, too.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32So, for a guide price of £90-£95,000,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36you get the flat up there and the lease for what appears to be a
0:33:36 > 0:33:39successful little business down here.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Now, which door do I go in first?
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Yep, to the first flat, which you gain the freehold of,
0:33:48 > 0:33:50should you buy it.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53It's worth remembering that flats above shops are often difficult
0:33:53 > 0:33:56to mortgage, so rather than getting two properties,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58you might just get a financial headache.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02So let's have a look around and see what you do get.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05So this is the living accommodation above the shop.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Now, it's a maisonette, which means it's split level,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09it's on two floors.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11You've got your sleeping accommodation upstairs.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15The kitchen area here, the high street just out there.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19And, actually, because of this double glazing, it's not too noisy.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21But it could do with a bit of a refurb.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Possibly a new kitchen, a lick of paint, some new lino,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28not sure about these textured walls,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31so it does need a bit of a spruce, some new carpets, perhaps.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34But what you do have are some really nice views of Dover.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Have a look at this.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42Yes, spectacular views, I'm sure you'll agree.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45But mind your step, as this roof is in poor condition
0:34:45 > 0:34:48and unlikely to pass current safety regulations.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52The condition upstairs is much the same as the downstairs.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55A new bathroom suite and some modern decor wouldn't go amiss
0:34:55 > 0:34:57in the flat's two bedrooms.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02The other thing you are taking on with this lot
0:35:02 > 0:35:04is the lease of a gaming shop downstairs,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07with good outdoor space and good facilities
0:35:07 > 0:35:10and proportions in the shop itself.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15It's currently bringing in around £3,500 in rent, but the commercial
0:35:15 > 0:35:17sector isn't exactly healthy right now,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21so taking it on could be a bit of a gamble.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24So when it comes to commercial property, well,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26that is a whole different affair,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29with an average of 16 shops closing a day.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33The number of retail premises that remained empty in 2014
0:35:33 > 0:35:36almost tripled to 987,
0:35:36 > 0:35:41so having an established, successful trader already in place
0:35:41 > 0:35:45and wanting to stay here, well, for commercial property,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48that could make this only part-vacant lot
0:35:48 > 0:35:50something to really celebrate.
0:35:50 > 0:35:58MUSIC: Board Game by Collapsed Lung
0:36:02 > 0:36:03Because of the shop's income,
0:36:03 > 0:36:06it opens up plenty of possibilities with the flat.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12We invited a local property expert along to ask him what he would do
0:36:12 > 0:36:14with the property.
0:36:18 > 0:36:19For long-term investment,
0:36:19 > 0:36:24I would keep both the properties let and benefit from the dual income.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Get the flat renovated and a tenant in it.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Before buying a property like this
0:36:29 > 0:36:31with an existing tenant in a place,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34it's always worth making enquiries
0:36:34 > 0:36:37on the status of the tenancy,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40the rent history and that there's been no breaches of the agreement.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45The agent thinks that you can spend a maximum of 10 grand here,
0:36:45 > 0:36:50so your total outlay including the top guide price would be £105,000.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53What kind of return could we get for that?
0:36:53 > 0:36:54With the building fully let,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58the income potential here is something of the order of 800,
0:36:58 > 0:37:00£850 per calendar month.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06At £850 per calendar month, that could be a 10% yield,
0:37:06 > 0:37:08or would you be better off selling the flat and
0:37:08 > 0:37:11shop lease?
0:37:11 > 0:37:12Presuming it's fully let,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15then the value is going to be about £100,000.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18Based on the figures so far,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20there's not much, if any, room for profit.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23You're going to need all your pieces in the right place
0:37:23 > 0:37:25to make this one work.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34This certainly isn't a simple project for a novice developer,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36with the residential flat upstairs
0:37:36 > 0:37:39and this commercial property down here,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41plus, you've got an ongoing lease.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Well, there's certainly a lot to get your head around here
0:37:43 > 0:37:46and if you want to make a profit on this, well,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48you'll really need to know what you're doing.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52So, who was up for the challenge and wanted to play with this property
0:37:52 > 0:37:54when it went under the hammer?
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Right, lot 16.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Good little lot here.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Start wherever you like.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07£90,000, perhaps.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09So you've got the shop and a vacant maisonette above,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12and I'm looking for £90,000.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13Give me 80, then.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15It's in Dover. £80,000.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17£80,000, I've got.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18£80,000.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20And five now, can I say?
0:38:20 > 0:38:2285, do I see?
0:38:22 > 0:38:2385 bid, I have.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25£90,000 is against you.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26At £90,000 bid.
0:38:26 > 0:38:2895 now, if you like.
0:38:28 > 0:38:2995 do, I see?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31At 95, do I see?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33At £90,000, second row back.
0:38:33 > 0:38:3495 I'm looking for.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It's here to be sold at £90,000.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40For the first time, then, at £90,000.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45In the second row back, for the second time at £90,000,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48third and final time at £90,000, are we all done and happy?
0:38:48 > 0:38:50All done? Yours at 90,000.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Well, sir, you certainly beat everyone on that, didn't you?
0:38:53 > 0:38:56A bid at the low end of the guide price of £90,000 was enough for the
0:38:56 > 0:39:00business partnership of Mike and Andrea to secure the properties.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Andrea is a personal trainer, while Mike is semi-retired,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08running an estate agency in London.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10This was their first auction purchase.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12So what was their plan?
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Mike and Andrea, congratulations, lovely to meet you both.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- And yourself.- Nice to meet you. - So, I want to know, what was the interest?
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Why did you want to buy this?
0:39:19 > 0:39:22It's a nice, spacious flat, reasonably clean,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24doesn't require too much work.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Well, it requires all the fun work, which is putting in new kitchens,
0:39:27 > 0:39:28new bathrooms where you can.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Me and Andrea are going to help to get things like that done,
0:39:31 > 0:39:36and very much so. The shop came with it, but the shop pays some rent
0:39:36 > 0:39:39so there is some sort of income coming in
0:39:39 > 0:39:43and we just felt that as a package, if it went for the right price,
0:39:43 > 0:39:44it was worth paying.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47So you've obviously got the shop with the tenant in situ now.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50So are you happy to keep the shop as it is downstairs
0:39:50 > 0:39:51and keep the tenant?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53We're not sure. We'll...
0:39:53 > 0:39:58We know that we want to do up the flat and either sell it or let it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00More likely sell it, if we can get the right price.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Once we've done that,
0:40:02 > 0:40:04we will then look at whether or not
0:40:04 > 0:40:06we should sell on the shop down below to somebody
0:40:06 > 0:40:09who is more interested in commercial or whether to keep it as
0:40:09 > 0:40:10a small investment.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16So the dice can keep rolling in the shop for now as Mike and Andrea want
0:40:16 > 0:40:20to make their money on the flat, be that through selling or renting.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24What are you going to do to try and turn this flat around?
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Because it is incredibly dated.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Well, obviously, in the first place,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31we were thinking to change the kitchen,
0:40:31 > 0:40:34change the bathrooms,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37but in the end, we will do minimum work.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Originally, we were going to do the whole lot,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42and we have a budget of about 14,000, something like that,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44in order to do everything and lovely new kitchens.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48But we've spoken to a couple of local agents since we bought it and
0:40:48 > 0:40:52they've more or less said, yes, that would add maybe 15,000 to the value.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57But you're spending 12, 14, 15,000 in order to do it.
0:40:57 > 0:40:58We're looking at almost three options.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02One is luxe, do the whole lot, make it a beautiful flat,
0:41:02 > 0:41:04and we could do that within the budget that we planned
0:41:04 > 0:41:07from the very beginning, and that was where we were starting.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The second is to do a reasonable amount,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12to make it look a lot cleaner and nicer.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15The third one, though, which was the advice of one or the two agents that
0:41:15 > 0:41:18we spoke to, was, in fact, I wouldn't bother to do anything.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20They actually felt you could let this as it is.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23They actually thought you could sell this as it is
0:41:23 > 0:41:25for this market and this area.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Now, I was surprised, but I've got to be tempted to give them a chance
0:41:28 > 0:41:31to do that and see if they can do what they've said and if they do
0:41:31 > 0:41:34achieve what they said, that would be wonderful news
0:41:34 > 0:41:36and if they don't, we do our work.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39So is it almost experimental at this stage, isn't it?
0:41:39 > 0:41:40You don't quite know what to do.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Well, it's not experimental.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44It's incremental.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48In other words, if we start off with an agent who comes in and says
0:41:48 > 0:41:51we can sell it now for this good price...
0:41:51 > 0:41:52- It's gone.- ..give them a chance. - Yes.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54If after six weeks...
0:41:54 > 0:41:56It's going to be a bit boring for us, though, cos when we come back
0:41:56 > 0:41:59we're not going to be seeing anything spectacular.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- I'm sorry about that. - I want to know about that!
0:42:01 > 0:42:04I know, but equally you will be seeing something of a different
0:42:04 > 0:42:06way that you can do it sometimes.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08So whatever plan they may choose,
0:42:08 > 0:42:12Mike and Andrea plan to fix the flat roof terrace and estimate that it
0:42:12 > 0:42:16will cost £2,000, but they have a maximum budget of 15 grand
0:42:16 > 0:42:18should they go for the luxe option
0:42:18 > 0:42:24and hoping any work won't take any longer than six weeks.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26It's a prudent business partnership,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28born out of - what's the phrase? -
0:42:28 > 0:42:30a conscience uncoupling.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Well, we'd reached the end of marriage, I suppose,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37at the very best way of putting it, but still good friends.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39We had to sell the property in order to split the money up,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42as you have to do at the end of a marriage,
0:42:42 > 0:42:46and we did that together and we did up a property in London,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49which was the one that we had as a home, and we enjoyed doing it
0:42:49 > 0:42:51and we felt it went well.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53We felt that the product that we sold at the end
0:42:53 > 0:42:55was really very nice.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Why not see if we can do that again as a business?
0:42:57 > 0:42:59- So you're working together as a business now?- Yes.- Yes.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02And obviously you're both doing very well and enjoying it.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Well, we'll see...what's going to happen after this.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- This is your first investment together unmarried?- Yes.- Yes.
0:43:08 > 0:43:09And you've both agreed so far
0:43:09 > 0:43:11that this is the right investment for you?
0:43:11 > 0:43:14We both agreed it looked the right investment.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16We'll know if it was the right investment in a few months' time.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- When we come back and see, we'll find out.- That's right.- That's right.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Guys, this is such an interesting lot. What will you do here?
0:43:22 > 0:43:24It'll be good to see when we come back. Thank you so much.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26Great meeting you, Mike. Andrea, thank you.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29- Nice to meet you.- Good luck.- Nice to meet you, too.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34Well, this unusual lot has been bought by an unusual couple.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37But Mike and Andrea have made a way to make their separation work
0:43:37 > 0:43:40and they still enjoy working together,
0:43:40 > 0:43:43so I suspect they will make this property work, too,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46but which option will they go with?
0:43:46 > 0:43:49Join me later in the programme and you can find out.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54Well, that's one of our buyers sorted.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56We still have two more to come.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59Yes, stick with us to see if everything went to plan.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01Yeah, and if it didn't, did they still make a profit?
0:44:06 > 0:44:09Earlier in the show, I was in Chell,
0:44:09 > 0:44:11a Staffordshire suburb of Stoke-on-Trent,
0:44:11 > 0:44:16and this end-terrace two-bed was guided at £49,000 plus.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Dated decor betrayed the house's age,
0:44:21 > 0:44:25but it had clearly been loved, with only a few problems.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31The only issues I've seen so far is that little bit of damp and mould
0:44:31 > 0:44:33and that crack, but that is it.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36Lick of paint, new carpets, brand-new kitchen,
0:44:36 > 0:44:38you'd be sorted down here.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41# You wear it well
0:44:41 > 0:44:45# Little old-fashioned, but that's all right. #
0:44:48 > 0:44:51Eager to get this house a new lease of life was Alison,
0:44:51 > 0:44:55who purchased the house for £63,000 with her partner Steve.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00Alison had only seen the property through the window
0:45:00 > 0:45:03before she made her bid for it, but I reckon she was lucky.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07This house wasn't money down the drain,
0:45:07 > 0:45:11which is just as well, as this is part of Alison's pension plan.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20I'm getting to an age where I've got to think about retirement one day.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- No, no, no.- I am, yes. - Cut, I'm not accepting that!
0:45:23 > 0:45:27Yep, so I just thought it's something there to boost my pension.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29Is this the first of many, then?
0:45:29 > 0:45:31- It could be. - Is that what you're hoping?
0:45:31 > 0:45:33It depends on how it goes.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37Time to find out if it has been a success, then.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39Six months later, we are back.
0:45:43 > 0:45:44The outside has had some work,
0:45:44 > 0:45:49with the driveway being re-laid and some security lights fitted.
0:45:49 > 0:45:50What about the inside?
0:45:52 > 0:45:54Well, the living room is more neutral
0:45:54 > 0:45:56and the dated fireplace has gone.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01I seem to recall Alison was not keen on the wooded wallpaper.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Upstairs, there is a bigger bathroom,
0:46:09 > 0:46:12thanks to the removal of the water tank
0:46:12 > 0:46:15and the bedrooms have been replastered,
0:46:15 > 0:46:17plus no more dated carpet.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19Thankfully, there is new flooring throughout.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26The downstairs bathroom's '50s feel has been flushed away.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28And the highlight for me,
0:46:28 > 0:46:31a very bold kitchen, where the colour schemes
0:46:31 > 0:46:33would make you green with envy.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50Steve is a gas engineer, so I'm sure he's made this kitchen
0:46:50 > 0:46:52greener in more ways than one.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58So, I've took out the old inefficient boiler that was in the corner,
0:46:58 > 0:47:01put in a more modern combi boiler in the downstairs loo.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04We've refitted the kitchen totally with new cupboards,
0:47:04 > 0:47:08allowed space for a washing machine by the sink and levelled the floor
0:47:08 > 0:47:10up, which was totally uneven.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16Upgrading the boiler and replacing the heating adds value,
0:47:16 > 0:47:20but it also allowed for that bigger bathroom.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23We took out the old central heating system that was linked
0:47:23 > 0:47:25and they had it standing there, and all the tank work.
0:47:25 > 0:47:30So we've revamped that by moving the toilet slightly, tiling it,
0:47:30 > 0:47:32fitting a bath with a shower over it,
0:47:32 > 0:47:36making the room generally bigger by relocating the door.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39Alison and Steve certainly haven't stayed superficial
0:47:39 > 0:47:40with this renovation,
0:47:40 > 0:47:43with a major rewire and plastering throughout.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47That has fixed the problems with the damp
0:47:47 > 0:47:50and the cracks which have turned out to be nothing serious.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53All seriously skilled trades, though, so who has done the work?
0:47:55 > 0:47:58Steve did all the gas and the plumbing work.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02I did a lot of taking off the plaster, repainting,
0:48:02 > 0:48:06but we did get somebody in qualified to do the electrics
0:48:06 > 0:48:10and we did get some help with the labour on re-laying the drive,
0:48:10 > 0:48:13but apart from that, we did most of the work ourselves.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19How has hiring outside contractors impacted on the eight grand budget?
0:48:21 > 0:48:23We have spent closer to 10,000,
0:48:23 > 0:48:26but we are quite pleased about that
0:48:26 > 0:48:30because everybody sets themselves a budget, but in reality,
0:48:30 > 0:48:32you always set it lower than you think.
0:48:32 > 0:48:36And it's well within our budget to have done that.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38I know all too well, Alison.
0:48:38 > 0:48:39They always cost more than you think
0:48:39 > 0:48:42and it often takes longer than expected.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45Case in point here, with the work taking four months,
0:48:45 > 0:48:46rather than the planned three.
0:48:46 > 0:48:50Have they learned any other lessons from their first project together?
0:48:52 > 0:48:57I think the most important thing to learn is to cost each of the jobs
0:48:57 > 0:48:59before you actually do them
0:48:59 > 0:49:03and to control what you'd like to do because sometimes what you'd like
0:49:03 > 0:49:06to do to a property isn't necessarily going to
0:49:06 > 0:49:08make any money, but apart from that,
0:49:08 > 0:49:11it's just keeping a level head and not going overboard on things.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16Spoken like a seasoned professional, Alison.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19The couple are planning to sell their first development,
0:49:19 > 0:49:22and that means they'll need the thoughts and valuations
0:49:22 > 0:49:24of two local estate agents.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27Let's start with the agent that saw it before the renovation.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32This is my second visit to the property.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35It's been done to a reasonable standard, it's neutral, clean,
0:49:35 > 0:49:37fresh all the way through and it's what
0:49:37 > 0:49:39you really would expect for this type of property.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42I think the selling point of this property is that it's
0:49:42 > 0:49:45in a good area, it's in a good commutable location
0:49:45 > 0:49:47and it's been done to a very good standard
0:49:47 > 0:49:49and it would suit first-time buyers.
0:49:51 > 0:49:55Alison and Steve spent a total of £73,000 here.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58So can they make a profit for their pension on the sales market?
0:50:01 > 0:50:03I would expect this property to achieve somewhere in the region
0:50:03 > 0:50:06of £85-£90,000.
0:50:06 > 0:50:10I would place the property on the market in the region of £90,000.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13The sales figures, we're really quite pleased with.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15That's probably a bit more than what we were expecting,
0:50:15 > 0:50:17so that's quite nice, isn't it?
0:50:17 > 0:50:20Yeah. I'm happy with that cos we had hoped for at least 85,
0:50:20 > 0:50:22but if we can squeeze a bit more out of it,
0:50:22 > 0:50:26everybody is happy with a bit more pound in the pocket, aren't they?
0:50:28 > 0:50:30More pounds in your pocket, indeed, Steve.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32At a resale value of £90,000,
0:50:32 > 0:50:35you'll need some pretty big pockets, too,
0:50:35 > 0:50:39as that gives them a £17,000 profit before usual taxes and expenses.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44With this having gone well, are they going to tackle another?
0:50:47 > 0:50:51Turn a quick sale on it, get into another property and move forward.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53Probably a larger scale if we could but, you know,
0:50:53 > 0:50:56you got to get some money in to make that happen.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00Ambitious, I like it. And good luck to you both.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12We're docking in Dover in Kent, where earlier in the show,
0:51:12 > 0:51:17I saw an unusual lot guided at 90 to 95,000.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19Half of the lot was a maisonette flat
0:51:19 > 0:51:22that needed modernising and work on its roof terrace area.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26The other half was the lease for the downstairs shop
0:51:26 > 0:51:28that was already tenanted,
0:51:28 > 0:51:32so a property of two halves, and it was bought by Andrea and Mike
0:51:32 > 0:51:36for bang-on the lower end of the guide price of £90,000.
0:51:36 > 0:51:45# I know what you want, you want the better of two halves. #
0:51:45 > 0:51:48And talking of halves, these two had been each other's better halves,
0:51:48 > 0:51:50having once been married.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53However, they actually discovered a joint talent and love for property
0:51:53 > 0:51:56development while settling their divorce.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00Having bought this flat to do up and sell, after taking advice,
0:52:00 > 0:52:02they had to decide on a game plan.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04We're looking at almost three options.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08One is luxe, do the whole lot, make it a beautiful flat.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12The second is to do a reasonable amount to make it look a lot cleaner
0:52:12 > 0:52:14and nicer. The third one, though,
0:52:14 > 0:52:17which was the advice of one or two of the agents that we spoke to was,
0:52:17 > 0:52:19in fact, I wouldn't bother to do anything.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21They actually felt you could let this as it is.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24They actually thought you could sell this as it is for this market
0:52:24 > 0:52:26and this area. If after six weeks...
0:52:26 > 0:52:29It's going to be a bit boring for us, though, cos when we come back,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32- we're not going to be seeing anything spectacular.- I'm sorry about that.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34- I want to know about that. - I know, but, equally,
0:52:34 > 0:52:36you will be seeing something of a different way that
0:52:36 > 0:52:38you can do it sometimes.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41So, would we see a very different way of doing things?
0:52:41 > 0:52:45Nine months on, way over their six- to eight-week timescale,
0:52:45 > 0:52:50we're back, and I would like to see option number one, the full refurb.
0:52:50 > 0:52:54Don't break my heart, Mike and Andrea.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58# I should have known from the start... #
0:52:58 > 0:53:02I had a feeling at the beginning that it would be minimal work,
0:53:02 > 0:53:05and the couple's only major undertaking had been to repair
0:53:05 > 0:53:06the roof terrace.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09Worse still, the games shop downstairs has gone.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20# Quit playing games with my heart. #
0:53:20 > 0:53:25With Andrea busy with work, it falls to Mike to explain what's happened.
0:53:29 > 0:53:34All we've really done is to look at the balcony outside, which is a nice
0:53:34 > 0:53:37large open area, we've put some balustrades in around there,
0:53:37 > 0:53:39we've improved the surface there
0:53:39 > 0:53:41so it doesn't leak into the shop down below.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44Beyond that, we've made sure that the boiler's safe,
0:53:44 > 0:53:45made sure the electrics are safe.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47But it's been small things like that.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51Unfortunately, as far as the shop's concerned, the tenant had to leave.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54She was a lovely tenant to have.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56We were really sorry to lose her,
0:53:56 > 0:53:58but for personal reasons and to her business,
0:53:58 > 0:54:01she had to give notice, so the shop is, at the moment, empty.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07So why did they opt to do only the minimum work?
0:54:09 > 0:54:12Well, we really wanted to renovate the maisonette at the beginning
0:54:12 > 0:54:14partly because we thought it would improve the value
0:54:14 > 0:54:18and partly cos, again, it would be part of us doing the part of the job
0:54:18 > 0:54:21we love which is actually refurbishing and getting it right.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25But the advice we got from almost every local agent was it would not
0:54:25 > 0:54:29increase the value of the flat by the amount of money we spent.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32And there is no point in doing extra work in order to make less money.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36I agree, Mike. I have a motto.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38Don't just speculate to accumulate,
0:54:38 > 0:54:40speculate where appropriate.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43It must be true because it rhymes and everything, doesn't it?
0:54:43 > 0:54:48No. OK, their budget was £15,000 for the full works and two grand for
0:54:48 > 0:54:52just the roof, so what did they spend in the end?
0:54:52 > 0:54:53Now, THAT rhymes.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Our total refurbishment budget, if we can call it refurbishment,
0:54:58 > 0:55:02has come in at about 2,900, £3,000.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06But why has it taken nine months to get to this point?
0:55:08 > 0:55:10Well, the works were done within the six to eight weeks
0:55:10 > 0:55:14that we were talking about, then we spoke to the local agents.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16Basically, we've been reducing the price
0:55:16 > 0:55:20until we got back down to a more realistic price, which is about now.
0:55:22 > 0:55:26So, six to eight weeks to do the work and seven months on the market,
0:55:26 > 0:55:29but I'm pleased to say there is a happy end to the story.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34And we've actually ended up finding
0:55:34 > 0:55:38a buyer for both the shop and the flat together for 119,000.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40And we're fairly happy with that.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48£119,000 would give Mike and Andrea
0:55:48 > 0:55:54a £26,000 pre-tax profit against their total £93,000 spend.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58Time to ask two local estate agents if there was more they could
0:55:58 > 0:55:59have done to increase the price.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07My first impressions are it's very spacious,
0:56:07 > 0:56:08it's got a lot of potential.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11If I were putting the property on the market,
0:56:11 > 0:56:12I would suggest to neutralise upstairs
0:56:12 > 0:56:16because I think that is beneficial to any prospective purchaser.
0:56:16 > 0:56:21Selling the property as a whole is the best solution.
0:56:21 > 0:56:22For example, if we did
0:56:22 > 0:56:24sell the flat on its own,
0:56:24 > 0:56:28I believe the mortgage company might have problems with lending,
0:56:28 > 0:56:30and that's due to the nature of the unknown factor
0:56:30 > 0:56:32of what that shop could be.
0:56:33 > 0:56:38Top tips, but is £119,000 the right price?
0:56:38 > 0:56:40Is there room for more profit?
0:56:40 > 0:56:45Is there more profit possible against that £93,000 spent?
0:56:47 > 0:56:50I believe the figure that we could sell the whole property on for
0:56:50 > 0:56:53would be around about £125,000.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55If this whole property was put on the open market,
0:56:55 > 0:56:58I would be expecting to achieve
0:56:58 > 0:57:01between 125,000 and £130,000.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04That sounds reasonably realistic.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06We had advice to put it on for more.
0:57:06 > 0:57:10We had an offer for the maisonette on its own for 80,000.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12But we've decided to proceed with an offer
0:57:12 > 0:57:14for the whole property instead.
0:57:15 > 0:57:22£130,000 would be a 37 grand profit before the usual taxes and expenses.
0:57:22 > 0:57:26Maybe they could achieve that by following the estate agent tips.
0:57:26 > 0:57:29But Mike and Andrea are keen to complete the deal
0:57:29 > 0:57:31and move on to another property
0:57:31 > 0:57:33they can really get their teeth into.
0:57:37 > 0:57:41Unfortunately, Andrea can't be here today because she's working, but if
0:57:41 > 0:57:44she was here, I think she'd say that she is happy with the way
0:57:44 > 0:57:47that things have gone generally, but we hope that the next one we buy,
0:57:47 > 0:57:50she can put more of her own stamp on it
0:57:50 > 0:57:53in terms of the renovation work, etc.
0:57:57 > 0:58:00Well, no matter how simple things seem at the outset,
0:58:00 > 0:58:03there can be problems when you get into property.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05Ah, yes, you've got to be prepared for the things
0:58:05 > 0:58:06you didn't see coming.
0:58:06 > 0:58:08Yes, so for more tales of the unexpected,
0:58:08 > 0:58:11join us here again for more Homes Under The Hammer.
0:58:11 > 0:58:13- Goodbye.- Goodbye.- Goodbye.