0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello. Across the country, it can sometimes be hard finding
0:00:04 > 0:00:07a property bargain, but they are out there.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Yeah, getting a good return on your investment requires
0:00:10 > 0:00:13research, research, oh, and one more thing, research.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16So, where do you start? How about your local property auction?
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Now, the stories behind auction buys are often fascinating.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Yeah, why did people choose their properties and what are their plans?
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Yeah, well, it's time to find out.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Here are the three properties on today's show.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55In the Borrowash, Derbyshire,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58this three-bedroom semi's bathroom gets me on my soapbox.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02I don't know why, but it just feels wrong!
0:01:03 > 0:01:06This three-bed mid-terrace in West Bromwich
0:01:06 > 0:01:09has plenty of scope for drying out.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10There is a little bit of water.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15And we're leaving the best for last
0:01:15 > 0:01:17with this quirky house on the Isle of Sheppey.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20We've followed it for years now, and it's finally finished.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23How he's got up and done it some mornings, I don't know.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- £1,000...- All these properties have been sold at auction.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30We'll find out who bought them and what they paid for them
0:01:30 > 0:01:32when they went Under The Hammer.
0:01:32 > 0:01:33All done, sold.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45I'm in the village of the Borrowash wash, in Derbyshire,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49a good commutable distance from towns and cities
0:01:49 > 0:01:51like Derby and Nottingham.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54So, I'm sure this was a very popular lot at auction.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58£115,000 plus was the guide price for a three-bed semi.
0:01:58 > 0:01:59Let's have a look.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Well, hello. That's a nice start, isn't it?
0:02:08 > 0:02:11And my guess is that there was an inner door here
0:02:11 > 0:02:13because it's a strange place for a step.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16That's been taken away and you've just got this porch area
0:02:16 > 0:02:17but it gives a really nice feel
0:02:17 > 0:02:20the moment you walk in through that front door.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Really open, lots of light coming in through that window.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26So, we like that. Living room there to the left.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Kitchen over there, looks like it's in a bit of a sorry old state,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32and then through into your rear sitting room.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Again, a very classic layout for this kind of 1930s property.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39So, the first thing I'm looking at is what can we remove,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41because by making it more open plan,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44we're going to immediately make the property feel a lot bigger.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47So, that wall has to go and maybe that wall.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49There's a fire breast in the middle.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Oh, knock it all down, make it completely open plan! We love it.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Yeah, all right, I know not everyone loves it.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Maybe you need a separate room that's free from the kids' mess.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01I get that.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05But this kitchen is tiny, so at the very least,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08knocking through to the dining space is a must.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12But taking out the chimney breast is a skilled job
0:03:12 > 0:03:15because you need to support the chimney up above.
0:03:15 > 0:03:16Talking of which...
0:03:18 > 0:03:22# Too many walls have been built in between us... #
0:03:26 > 0:03:30When you've walked around as many properties as I have over the years,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33there are some things which just strike you as being wrong.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Now you may think I'm being completely ridiculous,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39but it just seems a bit weird that the bathroom,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41although it's upstairs, which is a good thing,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45is at the front of the property, and it's got this massive window.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49It just... I don't know why, but it just feels wrong.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Now, if you're currently in a house with a bathroom at the front,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55at this point shout, "Gobbledygook," at the television.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57OK, right, quite a lot of you, then.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Well, anyway, to me, it's in the wrong place.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02# Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble
0:04:02 > 0:04:05# Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble... #
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Something else that shouldn't be here is a large amount of mould,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12which can be an indication of a larger issue.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14This could just be poor ventilation, though,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17which might be easily sorted with a good deep clean.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20But it's best to get an expert round to have a butchers
0:04:20 > 0:04:23and make sure that you aren't buying a turkey.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27OK, lose the turkey music!
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS - Thank you.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Now, there are three bedrooms up here.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34One at the front, where it should be,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37and the other two are decent-sized and at the back.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Time for a look outside.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42A really good tip is to look around the street
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and see what other people have done because they've probably
0:04:45 > 0:04:47lived here for years and they might have done something
0:04:47 > 0:04:51which really enhances the value or usability of their properties.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Well, there's a classic example of that here in the fact that,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57as you can see, the next-door neighbours have got their cars
0:04:57 > 0:05:00parked on the front of their houses, and certainly,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I don't think you'd be losing too much in terms of amenity space
0:05:04 > 0:05:06if you actually did exactly the same here.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08You have to take out this wall.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10The biggest issue is that you've got to drop the curb,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12as you can see with what they've done there.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15So basically, the pavement has an edge to it.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17You've got to get the council to come along and do that
0:05:17 > 0:05:19and you've got to apply for planning permission.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21It's not expensive, though.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25The whole process is going to cost you about £1,000 as an guesstimate.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28But the amount of money it would add to the value of the property
0:05:28 > 0:05:29way exceeds that.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33# Drop it like it's hot Drop it like it's hot
0:05:33 > 0:05:35# Drop it like it's hot... #
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Well, despite what it looks like,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41I haven't nipped out to the local park.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44This is actually the garden of the property
0:05:44 > 0:05:48and a little bit overgrown, for sure, but a really nice size.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51So strim this back, what a change it would make.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Obviously, a few bits and pieces of maintenance needs to be done.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56But while I am out here, I'm just checking,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58is there potential for an extension?
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Well, glancing as you should, at the neighbouring properties,
0:06:01 > 0:06:02that one's got an extension.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04The one to the right there has got one, so yes,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07there is obviously a precedent set for doing an extension.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10It would all come down therefore to what you wanted the house for.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13If you were going to live in it, extra space, perhaps.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14Financially, does it make sense?
0:06:14 > 0:06:17All decisions that will be made basically by the new buyer.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21You really do need to decide how much work you want to do
0:06:21 > 0:06:24on this property before you bid on it.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27We asked along the auctioneer who sold it to give us his thoughts.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35If you were to do the job properly here, you have two start with
0:06:35 > 0:06:39damp-proofing because there is rising damp in one or two places.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41You've got to look at decorating,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44you've got to take out one or two old fireplaces.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46You've got to refit the kitchen,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49shower room really probably needs improving as well.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53So, the list begins to be quite lengthy.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56So, what do the numbers sound like when crunched?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00So, if you renovate this as it is now, the same footprint
0:07:00 > 0:07:03and you spend £12,000 to £15,000 on it,
0:07:03 > 0:07:08I would say it would have a value of between £155,000 and £160,000,
0:07:08 > 0:07:12bearing in mind, of course, it has no off-road parking at the moment,
0:07:12 > 0:07:14neither does it have a driveway or garage space.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17It also doesn't have an extension.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20How much could that change its value?
0:07:21 > 0:07:26You could probably push its value up to 175,000, 180,000,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28and you'll realise from that equation,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30that actually it would cost you more to extend it
0:07:30 > 0:07:33than it would put on the value of the property.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Well, I think this house presents
0:07:35 > 0:07:38somewhat of a fantastic opportunity, don't you?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Really good size, nice location.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Yeah, great one to go for.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Let's see who agreed when it went under the hammer.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47We've got a three-bedroom semidetached house
0:07:47 > 0:07:48with scope for extension.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Bid me where you like. 105.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52105 I've got, thank you.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54At £105,000.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57106. 107.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59108. 109.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01110.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Competition is stiff, not only in the room
0:08:03 > 0:08:05but also with a telephone bidder.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09We rejoin the bidding at £132,500.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14132.5, 133, 133.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17500 at the back. 134.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21134,000 front row bid, out on the phone.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25£134,000, once.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27500.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29134.5.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31135?
0:08:31 > 0:08:36£135,000 for the first time,
0:08:36 > 0:08:37second time,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39third chance, all finished.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Sold at 135 here, thank you.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46After a bidding war with a phone bidder, the buyers were Chris
0:08:46 > 0:08:52and his wife, Cheryl, getting the semi for £135,000.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Chris has been working as a landlord
0:08:56 > 0:08:58and an estate agent for 32 years.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01His company has around 57 properties
0:09:01 > 0:09:03and Cheryl helps with the design,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05so I might even get a few tips from them.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Cheryl, Chris, great to meet you both.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Good to meet you too, Martin. - And you, Martin.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Congratulations. Tell me why you wanted to buy this place.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19We buy houses and then do them up and then rent them out
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- rather than by them up and sell them.- OK.- So we've actually...
0:09:22 > 0:09:25There was also, the person that wants to rent this property
0:09:25 > 0:09:27was in the room at the time.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28- In the auction room.- Really?
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Yep, he viewed it before we bought it
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and he wants to obviously move in,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35so he's going to wait the six, eight weeks.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37When it's done, he moves in with his family.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40He's rented from me before and their landlord is selling,
0:09:40 > 0:09:41- so he needs another house.- Right.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Yeah, we like the house, we like the road and the area
0:09:44 > 0:09:47and he liked the house and the road, so it works perfect.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48So, are you going to let him
0:09:48 > 0:09:50choose the colours of things that you do and stuff like that?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Good question, Martin.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54He wants a long-term let, and the longest let's two years,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57but he'll probably stay ten years so he and his wife have already said,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00"Can we have a bath in the place?" Cos it's only a shower.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02"And could we have some influence on the colours of the walls
0:10:02 > 0:10:05"and the carpets cos we want it for a little while?"
0:10:05 > 0:10:07So, yeah. In this case, we would, yes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08Sounds like a perfect arrangement.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11The tenant gets what they want and Chris and Cheryl
0:10:11 > 0:10:13get John and his family as long-term tenants.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19As well as following the family's wishes on the decor
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and the bathroom, there will be a new kitchen fitted
0:10:22 > 0:10:24and it would appear they've given the layout
0:10:24 > 0:10:27a bit of thought, but not a lot.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32This wall's got to come out, I think, and make it more open plan.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Uh-huh.- I think, do you?- Yeah.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Or go the other way, knock the kitchen into the dining room. Maybe.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Yes, and also, there's only one little window in the kitchen,
0:10:40 > 0:10:42it's quite small and there's a coal bunker out the back
0:10:42 > 0:10:44which will never be used,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46so we could push it back. We might make it a better space
0:10:46 > 0:10:49because people want more modern kitchens now, don't they?
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- That's what everyone likes. - Don't mind us.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Carry on having your conversations! You carry on, I'll...
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Just let me know when you're finished, that's good.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00It's a good time to have plans what you're going to do,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02in the middle of an interview, absolutely perfect.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Good, I'm glad we've helped in some way. That's good!
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Now you know what he's doing anyway. - Yes!
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- I don't think he knows himself yet, to be honest.- That's classic.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- So, what's the budget for all that? - 25, 30 grand.- Right.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18We've got our own builders, they'll come in and do it.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21And if they say they'll take six weeks, they'll take nine weeks.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23So, I think it will take about...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- It can't take longer than ten.- No.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26Cos otherwise, they'll have nowhere to live,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28so it's got to be a six to eight weeks.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31The pressure is on then if tenant John and his family
0:11:31 > 0:11:32are not to be homeless.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36But I'm wondering about that rising damp issue that the agent raised.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39To be honest with you, now is the time to address it
0:11:39 > 0:11:41because obviously we're going to be stripping it right back,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44stripping the wallpaper off back to the plaster.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45I'm hoping it's isolated.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48But you've factored that into your budget anyway?
0:11:48 > 0:11:53I haven't really, but we basically factor every, about £30,000.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55If we get away lightly, it's 25.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56If it's going to be 32,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59because we're not selling on straightaway, there's enough there.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00As long as we make...
0:12:00 > 0:12:03If we've got leeway of £10,000 or £20,000 profit,
0:12:03 > 0:12:04we know we've bought right then.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Chris is definitely a landlord who looks to the long-term
0:12:10 > 0:12:13when it comes to investment, with an eye on big returns.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Every 12 years, property seems to double in value.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21So, we would think in 12 years, it might be worth £300,000.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- I think that's what most landlords work on the basis of.- Hmm.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27So, that's the exciting thing.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Prices can always go down, of course, as well as up,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32but over the long-term, you're probably right.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34The best thing to do is if the prices go down,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37don't sell cos then it's a paper loss or gain, isn't it?
0:12:37 > 0:12:39So, I'm hoping that at the time when we're ready to sell
0:12:39 > 0:12:44or when our son inherits it, the prices will be at the right price.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45So, that's it.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48I think everybody, if they had five properties,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50then they could be financially independent cos that'll
0:12:50 > 0:12:52give you approximately 30 grand a year income.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55So, I think if everybody can do that, it'll be as good as a pension.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Congratulations. Lovely to meet you both.- And you.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- I hope it's a great success. - Thanks, Martin.- And yes.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- Thanks, Martin.- I'll forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you!
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Well, some good advice from Chris and Cheryl there.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10And they certainly seem to know what they're doing.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13What a dream scenario to have the person who's going to rent it
0:13:13 > 0:13:15lined up and raring to go
0:13:15 > 0:13:17and also going to give some input on what you do.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20They don't come along very often, but if you can find them,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22boy, are they good news.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23How will they get on?
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Will it all basically go to plan? You can find out later in the show.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36This grand public building is West Bromwich Town Hall.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Completed in 1875, this Grade II listed building
0:13:40 > 0:13:42currently serves the town as a popular venue
0:13:42 > 0:13:44for a wide variety of events.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Not far from the centre of West Brom
0:13:49 > 0:13:52with great road and rail links to Birmingham and Wolverhampton,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56both being under 25 minutes away, is the property I'm here to see.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Now, it's a three-bed mid-terrace house, and here it is.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03It's not quite the Town Hall,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06but what do you expect for a guide price
0:14:06 > 0:14:08of in between £29,000 and £34,000?
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Let's get inside and see what you get for your money.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Before I do, off-street parking, good start.
0:14:19 > 0:14:25OK, we are straight into the front room area.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Here, I can see, that there, a bit of a crack.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31That could be signs of a bit of movement.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Not a good start, looks like there may be a bit of damp as well.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Look at this, looks like an original fireplace as well.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41And these original doors, I do like them.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Through a bit of a hallway, another door here.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48You've got a bit of storage in there and you can actually see,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50if I step back here,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53you can actually get these doors back to their former glory,
0:14:53 > 0:14:54maybe strip that paint off.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56They would look really smart.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Into the second reception room, got a galley kitchen through there,
0:15:00 > 0:15:02and at the end of the galley kitchen, you've got the bathroom.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05It looks like it all needs replacing.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Get some new floor in, get the walls sorted out,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11nice brand-new kitchen and bathroom suite and that will be sorted.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Still haven't seen any central heating as yet.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15I've seen a few damp patches.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20Old gas fire as well here, that would need to come out.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25And I have noticed down here that there is a little bit of water,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27which is a little bit worrying.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31So, I've seen a few issues that would need to be sorted out
0:15:31 > 0:15:32by the professionals.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37# All the ducks are swimming in the water... #
0:15:37 > 0:15:40The amount of moisture I've found might not be enough for the ducks,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43but is more than enough to set my alarm bells ringing.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46The lack of central heating obviously doesn't help,
0:15:46 > 0:15:50nor does the fact that this house has been empty for quite some time.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Moisture downstairs but what's the situation upstairs?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59OK, upstairs, the three bedrooms.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02I can see here, this bedroom at the front, it's a double bedroom,
0:16:02 > 0:16:03it's a nice sized bedroom.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06I can see there's more signs of damp as well.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10All over the house, the wallpaper seems to be falling off the walls.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13This is a smaller bedroom, more of a single bedroom here.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16More of the same on the ceiling as well.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21Over the hallway, into what I consider to be the master bedroom.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23I think you'd possibly want to
0:16:23 > 0:16:26rewire your television cable coming in.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29More signs of a damp up there as well.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30As I look down there,
0:16:30 > 0:16:34those leaves in the guttering won't be helping the issue either.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37But I think it's a decent-sized house, some really nice
0:16:37 > 0:16:39original features, but it's not without its issues.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44The back garden is a reasonable size or will be
0:16:44 > 0:16:47when the remains of that shed get cleared away.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48Looking back at the house,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51I'm surprised to see that the roof appears to be fairly new.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55But something else has caught my eye.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Several of the houses have dormer extensions.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Perhaps something for the new owner to consider.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Let's hear what a local property expert says
0:17:04 > 0:17:06about this West Bromwich house.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Well, this property, it's in a nice sort of area,
0:17:10 > 0:17:11some good homes around it.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It does need some work doing to it,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15but on the whole, it's quite a nice house.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18To renovate this property fully with a new bathroom, kitchen,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20central heating and cosmetic work,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24I'd estimate a spend of around £15,000 to £20,000.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28The agent estimates that once renovated,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31the house could be worth in between 85 and 90 grand
0:17:31 > 0:17:33on the sales market
0:17:33 > 0:17:37and could achieve a rental of around £550 per calendar month.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39But if the new owner added a loft extension,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42what could that add to the value of the house?
0:17:42 > 0:17:45If the property was to be extended into the loft,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48obviously it would depend what sort of accommodation is provided,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52but I'd expect it to add a value of maybe £10,000 or £15,000.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55This could be a great house.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58There's a couple of things in here I really like - the size
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and some of the old features.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02But there's two things that have got me worried -
0:18:02 > 0:18:05the damp and the signs of movement.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Let's see who wasn't worried when it went under the hammer.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Lot 44. Nice three-bedroom mid-terrace house.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Where shall we start, folks?
0:18:15 > 0:18:1740,000 anywhere?
0:18:17 > 0:18:21At 40,000 and thank you. At 40,000, I'm bid.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24The West Midlands public seem fairly unenthusiastic
0:18:24 > 0:18:25about this lot.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28But eventually, two bidders did push the price up gradually.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31We rejoin the bidding at 65 grand.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35At 65,000 with just the one bid, can I see your number, sir?
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Are you listening to some sounds at the same time, sir?
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Number 854, on sale to you at 65,000,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45for the first time.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49He's come back to me at 66. 67, sir? 67.
0:18:49 > 0:18:5468? £67,000, we're on sale.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56One, two, three.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58That's yours, sir. Congratulations.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00You can turn the music back on now, sir.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Benjamin, who made the final bid of £67,000,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09seemed to be just as interested in his music choices
0:19:09 > 0:19:11as his property choices.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14I'm a bit surprised he's so relaxed since it was the first time
0:19:14 > 0:19:18he'd bought at auction and he paid double the guide price.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21So it didn't exactly go for a song.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24# Blame it on the music... #
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you. - Congratulations, sir.- Thank you.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30What made you buy this particular house?
0:19:30 > 0:19:31Well, me and my business partner,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35we decided to go into some property investment.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40We were looking at certain houses which we could achieve, upon sale,
0:19:40 > 0:19:44a profit of between 10,000 to 20,000 after the renovation costs
0:19:44 > 0:19:45as well as the purchase price.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48These were one of the properties in the auction catalogue
0:19:48 > 0:19:49that fit the criteria.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Was there anything else in the auction catalogue
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- that may have enticed you in? - Yeah, there was a few.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57I was quite surprised because when we got into the auction,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59a lot of them were going way above the guide price,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01double the guide price.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04So, when this one came into budget, no-one else was bidding,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07I just decided to take a cheeky bid, yeah.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- Had a hand up thinking shall I or shan't I?- Indeed, indeed.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Did you stick to your budget at auction?
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- Were you happy with what you paid? - Yeah, I was happy with what I paid.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18We knew that...
0:20:18 > 0:20:20I had a quick conversation with him throughout the day
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and said that we had to take it up.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- Initially, our budget was 60k.- OK.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26We took it up by an additional ten to cap it at 70,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28but this came under at 67.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- So, yeah, it was good.- Good man. Did you view the property first?
0:20:31 > 0:20:32No, unfortunately not.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34OK, you see, normally, that's a yellow card there,
0:20:34 > 0:20:36but I'll leave it, don't worry.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Indeed, the reason why was because it was the night before
0:20:39 > 0:20:43the auction and we managed to get the legal pack online,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46look through it, did the calculations,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49see what properties go for around the area.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53And you know, it managed to fit the criteria.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55So, we just hoped for the best, trusted in God.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59And, you know, just put our hand up and got the property in the end.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Oh, you read the legal packs so that's one thing,
0:21:01 > 0:21:02you've definitely got to do that.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- Yeah, I've learned that from you. - Without a doubt!- Exactly.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09So, tell us, what was it about property that enticed you in?
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Um, more the returns,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15because I know a few people that's gone into it in the past.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19It's something in which they have done well over recent years,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23so I just said, "It's my time to shine," essentially.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24So, what were you doing
0:21:24 > 0:21:26before you decided to venture into this property world?
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Well, I'm a chartered accountant.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31So, day-to-day job is crunching figures and balancing books
0:21:31 > 0:21:33and everything else.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35So, yeah, my background is in accountancy.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37So you know you're going to have to look after the figures
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- on these kind of ventures, don't you?- Indeed.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- As long as the numbers make sense. - THEY LAUGH
0:21:43 > 0:21:46The numbers must make sense because chartered accountant
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Benjamin's business partner Abi is also a chartered accountant.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53What's more, Abi has some renovation expertise.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57However, Benjamin is going to do the project managing on this one,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00so no prizes for guessing what Abi's role's going to be.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03He will be watching the figures, essentially.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06The budget is where there's things that need to be done
0:22:06 > 0:22:09by certain time periods and with certain budgets,
0:22:09 > 0:22:10so he'll be watching that side of things.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- So, you'll keep an eye on each other?- Indeed, yeah, for sure.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16# Oh, I've got my eye on you... #
0:22:18 > 0:22:21These two accountants had better get their figures right.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22No pressure, lads.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26So what do Benjamin and Abi's changes add up to?
0:22:26 > 0:22:29What we're going to do essentially is take off all the wallpaper,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32re-plaster the whole place, decorate and everything else.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35We know that there's issues with damp, so we're going to see to that.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Essentially, there is no central heating in the property,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42so getting that reinstalled, radiators in every single room.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Completely rip out the bathroom as well as the kitchen,
0:22:46 > 0:22:51redo all of that, re-plaster, paint it up and a complete overhaul.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Bit of movement potentially and damp, are they worrying you?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Well, before actually getting a property,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01we made a few calls knowing that there was some history
0:23:01 > 0:23:04in terms of this being a coal-mining area.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08So, we've gone and received some quotes from builders
0:23:08 > 0:23:11and seen how much it will be to rectify the situation itself.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14The damp side of things doesn't worry me too much.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16We've got experienced builders, good builders on hand,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- mates rates as well, so... - HE LAUGHS
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- Hope so, they say that now. - Indeed, indeed.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25I've got to let him sign on the dotted lines, yeah.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27But it's not too much of a concern.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28How much is your budget?
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Well, initially, we said worst-case scenario,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34we could spend up to 20 grand to do the whole work.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39But after seeing it today, probably go within 15 if you could,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41especially if that makes risk.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- I'm sure it's nice if you can come under budget.- Yeah, exactly.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46But we've got provisions in place.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47Just in case we go over,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50we've discovered some things along the way because, you know,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53we're not going to play naive, that there will be some surprises.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56So, we will just see what we can do. But initially, around the 20k mark.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58And what's your time scale?
0:23:58 > 0:24:02We said if we can get everything completed between four to six weeks.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'll be here on most evenings as well as weekends.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09We'll see what we can do, yeah. But initially, four to six weeks.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13Quite a tight timescale? A lot of work to be done front and back.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Absolutely, absolutely. But, you know, I'm a hard worker.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19I'll get my hands dirty if necessary and, yeah,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22really crack the whip with the builders and everyone else.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Sounds like you've got everything sorted.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Business partner's going to look after the figures.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- You're going to project manage the whole place.- That's right.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31I wish you all the best. Can't wait to see how you get on.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Cheers, thank you.- Take care. - Thanks, man.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Ben and Abi, both trained accountants.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37So, the finances should be looked after.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41But four to six weeks to get all this work done? I'm not too sure.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43You can find out how they get on later in the programme.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Coming up, the conclusion to one couple's long struggle
0:24:48 > 0:24:50with this Isle of Sheppey money pit.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54Even doing it yourselves, it just runs away with the money.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59And we find out how accountant Benjamin
0:24:59 > 0:25:02coped with the damp problems on his first renovation in West Bromwich.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Will he stay on budget?
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Back now to Borrowash, Derbyshire, where earlier,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16this three-bedroom semi sold at auction for 135,000.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22So, the first thing I'm looking at is what can we remove?
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Because by making it more open plan,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27we're going to immediately make the property feel a lot bigger.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30So, that wall has to go and maybe that wall,
0:25:30 > 0:25:32there's a fire breast in the middle.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Oh, knock it all down, make it completely open plan, we love it!
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Someone else who loved it were the new owners, Chris and Cheryl,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41who already had a tenant lined up.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43They were still making plans, though,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46even when I was trying to interview them.
0:25:46 > 0:25:47I think, do you?
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Or go the other way, knock the kitchen into the dining room, maybe.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53And also, there's only one little window in the kitchen,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55it's quite small, and there's a coal bunker out the back
0:25:55 > 0:25:57which will never be used, so we could push it back.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59We might make it a better space,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01cos people want more modern kitchens now, don't they?
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- That's what everyone likes. - Don't mind us!
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Carry on having your conversations! It's all right, you carry on.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Just let me know when you've finished, that's good.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11'Tsk. Well, they've finished now.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14'They planned a two-month refurbishment,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16'and we're back five months later.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19'The coal bunker at the back has given way to this
0:26:19 > 0:26:21'single-storey extension.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24'The aim, to create a modern kitchen in place of this one.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27'Have they succeeded? Well, judge for yourself.'
0:26:31 > 0:26:36# Till I found you
0:26:38 > 0:26:43# Till I found you... #
0:26:45 > 0:26:49The nine-foot extension gives much more space for units
0:26:49 > 0:26:53and allows the kitchen to flow into what was the rear reception room.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Now, thanks to the roof windows and French doors,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59a much brighter seating and dining area.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03For a bit of further explanation, here's Chris.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06This is the original kitchen here, this is where it ended
0:27:06 > 0:27:09and this was the coal house, a little bit of the coal house.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12So, there was a window here and that was the extent of the kitchen.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15So, what we wanted to do is open it up,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17and so the best way we thought was to take this back.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20But obviously, you've still got this long narrow area,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22so we decided to make a feature of this wall
0:27:22 > 0:27:26which would pull back into here and open this family area up
0:27:26 > 0:27:29and then obviously, put the double French doors opening for the summer.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34And then these tiles here complement this off-white coloured kitchen
0:27:34 > 0:27:36that we've used before in other properties.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39But the thing that works the best really is the double Velux lights
0:27:39 > 0:27:41which match in with all the window and the kitchen,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44so it brings natural light in.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46In fact, the whole of the back of the house
0:27:46 > 0:27:47is now much, much brighter.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51And new tiles make a feature of the fireplace in the front reception.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59# Till I found you... #
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Chris and his builder did discover and cure the damp in the house.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09There's no sign of it in the new bathroom, which is still,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11to my thinking, in the wrong place.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14But at least the toilet isn't in front of the window.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16In fact, the new layout is the same
0:28:16 > 0:28:20as when the houses were first built, according to Chris.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27New paintwork and carpeting make the landing much more lush.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34In the master bedroom, the feature fireplace theme continues,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38and a Juliet balcony above the single-storey extension
0:28:38 > 0:28:41affords great views over the back garden.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50The second bedroom is now clean and bright,
0:28:50 > 0:28:51also with a feature fireplace.
0:28:54 > 0:28:55As you may have guessed,
0:28:55 > 0:28:57their tenant, John, has already moved in,
0:28:57 > 0:28:58along with his wife, Adele,
0:28:58 > 0:29:01and their three-year-old daughter, Lily May.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Finally upstairs, the smallest bedroom is adequate
0:29:09 > 0:29:12with a little room even for storage.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15But no room in this room for a featured fireplace.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23But there was room to add another in the rear seating area,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27design features being Cheryl's department.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Each night, Chris and I would sit down and discuss things.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32You know, go through the ideas.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36The farmhouse door to give it a bit of a nice feel to it.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40You know, the lovely slates on the walls to give it a nice, lovely,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43cosy but contemporary feel to it, really.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44I think it looks amazing.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48You know, everyone wants the open-plan living nowadays,
0:29:48 > 0:29:52and with the families, it makes everything flow nice and easy.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55So, yeah, I'm really pleased, I think it looks fab.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Delays finishing off a commercial property project
0:29:58 > 0:30:01meant a later start than originally planned.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04The property sat empty after we purchased it at auction
0:30:04 > 0:30:06for three weeks.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08So, the total timescale was about ten weeks,
0:30:08 > 0:30:09almost three months.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12But when the four builders were actually working on it
0:30:12 > 0:30:15and they were employed by us, it was seven weeks,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18so they were able to do what they said.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22It just took longer, nearly three months, because we started late.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23Did the work mean
0:30:23 > 0:30:28the original £25,000 to £30,000 budget was exceeded?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30The actual costs were more than we thought,
0:30:30 > 0:30:33and it took a little bit longer than we thought.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37So, we've probably spent 30,000 to 35,000 on it
0:30:37 > 0:30:39rather than 25,000 to 30,000.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43But we wanted to make sure all the finishing touches were right,
0:30:43 > 0:30:45so we spent the extra money on that.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50ime to find out if two local property experts
0:30:50 > 0:30:54think Chris and Cheryl's finishing touches are just right.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Let's find out what they thought of the property.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00I was quite surprised, really.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02The extension has really made the house,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04especially with the balcony from the master bedroom
0:31:04 > 0:31:07overlooking the fields, very nice touch.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11My first impressions of the property are really good, I'm very impressed.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13They've gone further than I was expecting.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15The extension is a pleasant surprise as well.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Although they're renting out,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20would the couple have made a profit had they decided to sell?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23They spent a total of 170,000.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27I would market this property for £190,000.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29If I were to place this on the open market,
0:31:29 > 0:31:34I'd recommend an asking price of £189,950.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Not bad, a £20,000 gain.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Enough room for profit, taxes and expenses.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42I think that's more than we expected, really,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45because I thought it would probably be £175,000.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50So, 190, 189, yeah, great. But we're not selling.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53OK, we get the picture, but I'm sure you'd like to know
0:31:53 > 0:31:56whether they're getting a good rental value.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58On the rental market, I would offer this property
0:31:58 > 0:32:00at £700 per calendar month.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02On the rental market, this is likely to achieve
0:32:02 > 0:32:05in the region of £725 per calendar month.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07I think the valuers have got it spot on.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10I don't think it's a difficult one to value
0:32:10 > 0:32:12cos it's a three-bed semi that's been extended a little bit.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19So, John's really going to be evicted, cos he pays 625!
0:32:19 > 0:32:20He doesn't mean that.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24John has been involved on this rather personalised refurbishment
0:32:24 > 0:32:25from the get-go.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28So, what does he make of his new home?
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Chris promised me it would be a really stunning house,
0:32:30 > 0:32:34said it would be worth the wait, and it certainly has been.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37And my wife and daughter love the house as well.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39So, yeah, we're really happy,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41we can see ourselves being here for a long time.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44So, it's happy landlord, happy tenant, happy families
0:32:44 > 0:32:46and happy days.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57The Isle of Sheppey in the Thames estuary,
0:32:57 > 0:33:02off the North Kent coast, was where I found myself back in April 2014.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05I'm just a few hundred yards from the beach
0:33:05 > 0:33:09and with this kind of remote location, well, it's hard to believe
0:33:09 > 0:33:10you are less than two hours
0:33:10 > 0:33:12from Central London by train.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15And with such great links to the capital, well,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19perhaps we shouldn't be surprised with the average selling price
0:33:19 > 0:33:23in this postcode - well, it's been a whopping 23% increase
0:33:23 > 0:33:25in the last year.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Suddenly, there seems to be an added appeal to this property
0:33:29 > 0:33:30I'm here to see.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Well, here it is. It's a 1930s four-bedroom detached house.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36You get a lot of house and garden
0:33:36 > 0:33:40for the guide price of £130,000 to £140,000.
0:33:40 > 0:33:41I'm excited!
0:33:43 > 0:33:47I thought the house was big, but it was this huge garden
0:33:47 > 0:33:49and private driveway that impressed me the most,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53with space off to the side just ripe for development.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04Whoa! OK, lots going on the minute you walk into the hallway.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09We've got overhead beams, a spiral staircase of sorts.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10Rather unusual.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Behind me, a huge sunny room, which goes into the bay window
0:34:14 > 0:34:17at the front, another room to the side here.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20You know, I'm not sure about these. Do we like them?
0:34:20 > 0:34:23I just think they're always a bit precarious in the middle
0:34:23 > 0:34:26of the night when the lights are off and you're trying to come down.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28I think I'm more of a traditional stair girl.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30And in here, the lounge, wow.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33I mean, this really is a cracking space.
0:34:33 > 0:34:38Fantastic for entertaining. Sliding doors at the end. And, of course,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41with a whole mishmash of characters in this property,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43a Gothic fireplace!
0:34:43 > 0:34:46I remember thinking I like Gothic architecture,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49but I prefer it on churches rather than the living room.
0:34:51 > 0:34:52In the bright and airy kitchen
0:34:52 > 0:34:55was an added platform booster for the breakfast bar.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00Two good size bedrooms and a decent sized bathroom meant downstairs
0:35:00 > 0:35:06was done, and I had no option but to brave that big old staircase.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08# And I'm running up the spiral staircase
0:35:08 > 0:35:11# I can't reach the top
0:35:11 > 0:35:13# I'm running up the spiral staircase
0:35:13 > 0:35:15# And I'm too scared to stop... #
0:35:16 > 0:35:18So upstairs, we have two bedrooms,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20one to the front here which is the double
0:35:20 > 0:35:23and a rather unusual one here at the back.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Be careful of the sloping ceilings, of course,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28because there are loads of them, here as well.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32But you know, it's very angular, it's a bit awkward
0:35:32 > 0:35:35and you've got your beams back upstairs as well.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Now through here, this is quite funny
0:35:37 > 0:35:40because there's the shower, but you have to go round here
0:35:40 > 0:35:44to get over it to the loo and the bidet and here we are again.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46It's great, isn't it?
0:35:46 > 0:35:48I mean, why would you just put a shower there,
0:35:48 > 0:35:51in the middle of the room, like a telephone box?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Not the best use of space.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00I kept thinking about the use of a large outside space too.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Hmm, I like this house, I think.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09It's in decent condition and there are lots of options.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Take a look out here.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Now, in addition to the space at the front,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15that is quite a sizeable garden,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19and the detached garage, which also belongs to the property as well,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22you could see this garden out here as an opportunity
0:36:22 > 0:36:24to just extend and go crazy.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27You could even think about extending upwards
0:36:27 > 0:36:29and sorting out all those space problems upstairs.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34But if I was feeling in a really sledgehammer happy kind of mood,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36you could just knock down this garage
0:36:36 > 0:36:40and completely create a decent building plot!
0:36:40 > 0:36:42How about that?
0:36:42 > 0:36:44It's all worth thinking about if you want to
0:36:44 > 0:36:47wring as much potential profit from this auction lot.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52The couple who could see the potential were retired builder Derek
0:36:52 > 0:36:54and his wife, Lorna.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56I met Lorna back at the house.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- Lorna, congratulations. - Thank you, thank you.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- Wow, this is such an unusual house. - I know, I know.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Tell me what attracted you to it?
0:37:05 > 0:37:07We saw it in the auction catalogue.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- My husband wanted to look, I didn't want to look.- Why not?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14I thought it was a bit far out, but then I said, "OK, we'll come,"
0:37:14 > 0:37:16and just sort of fell in love with it.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- So, where were you based originally? - At the moment, we're in Dover.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Prior to that, we were in France, and prior to that, Spain.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Prior to that, Lincolnshire, where we had a pub.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Prior to Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Northampton.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- I think we're a bit nomadic. - Really?- And like a challenge.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- Well, you've certainly got a challenge here.- Yes, very much so.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39# They call me the wanderer
0:37:39 > 0:37:41# Yeah, the wanderer
0:37:41 > 0:37:44# I roam around, around, around... #
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Lorna and Derek have certainly done some wandering.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49But was this quirky house going to be the one
0:37:49 > 0:37:52that would break their nomadic natures?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57So, it was obviously love at first sight for you.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59But is this going to be a home that you're going to
0:37:59 > 0:38:02live in yourselves or more of a project?
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Primarily for us, we would do it with us in mind.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08But bear in mind that if we need to sell it,
0:38:08 > 0:38:11we can't do anything too drastic.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Erm, the kitchen we're planning to open right up
0:38:15 > 0:38:18and have a big kitchen day room.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20And possibly make the lounge
0:38:20 > 0:38:23into a dining area one end because it's huge.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27I mean, it is huge. And then it's a bathroom downstairs
0:38:27 > 0:38:29and two bedrooms downstairs.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Both have got a sink in, which is a bit odd,
0:38:31 > 0:38:35but at least you've got water and drainage in different parts
0:38:35 > 0:38:39of the house so you're not limited as to where you can put things.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43So, we might change the layout of the bedrooms and the bathroom.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48And upstairs, clearly we've got to do something with that bathroom.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- And that bedroom with all those sloping ceilings everywhere!- I know.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54You won't want to get up in the night and bang your head.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58Yeah, I think we're not sure if we're going to reconfigure upstairs.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01We haven't decided on that one yet.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11It's plenty big enough for us. And I think even for a family,
0:39:11 > 0:39:12it's big enough.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16Erm, we are thinking of possibly applying for permission
0:39:16 > 0:39:18on a building plot.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20So, Lorna, what sort of budget have you got to spend here?
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- We're thinking 40.- OK. - We paid 158.- Right.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28And we don't really want to spend any more than 200,000.
0:39:30 > 0:39:3540,000 was a healthy budget, and with a relaxed 12-month timescale,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38the work should have been possible, especially as Derek
0:39:38 > 0:39:42was a retired builder and the couple weren't wasting any time.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46The plan is that we're going to have a bed
0:39:46 > 0:39:48delivered in a couple of days' time
0:39:48 > 0:39:52and we're going to camp here two or three days a week to make a start.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- It's going to be fun! - And then... I know!
0:39:55 > 0:39:57And then we'll move, we'll sell our house where we are,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00put it on the market, and when that sells, we'll move over.
0:40:00 > 0:40:01Lorna, I've loved meeting you today.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Good luck with this project
0:40:03 > 0:40:06and I cannot wait to see how you tackle the inside of that house.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- Thanks so much.- Good luck!
0:40:10 > 0:40:1112 months later,
0:40:11 > 0:40:12we returned to see
0:40:12 > 0:40:15if the quirky house had become a home.
0:40:26 > 0:40:27Well, it looked like it to me.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Lorna took us through the changes in the kitchen/dining area.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Erm, I would say this room is the major change.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40If you remember, here we had a raised area,
0:40:40 > 0:40:44so basically, the kitchen was just this square.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46We just put a new floor down,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49we were going to do a utility area there,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52but I felt it was going to encroach on the lovely space.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55And so, we've gone for integrated units, hidden everything away
0:40:55 > 0:40:58and managed to keep the room as one.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02There was a new focal point to the kitchen - an island!
0:41:04 > 0:41:07We did this because this obviously is structural.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09And we had to work with it,
0:41:09 > 0:41:13so I wanted an island because it's nice for me to work
0:41:13 > 0:41:16and someone's sat there having a glass of wine chatting.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18It's just a lovely space
0:41:18 > 0:41:20and it's my favourite room in the house, I would say.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25The lounge focal point was much less imposing.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29The fireplace, we just had to live with it. It was quite a large room.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34To be honest, I was struggling to how I was going to furnish it,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36but that problem didn't arise
0:41:36 > 0:41:39because we stole the end of it to replace the fourth bedroom.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44If you're confused, like I was, well, Lorna went on to explain.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48There were two bedrooms downstairs, one of which
0:41:48 > 0:41:52we stole to make a bathroom, so then we've taken the end
0:41:52 > 0:41:57of the lounge and made it into the replacement bedroom, if you like.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00This room is more or less as it was,
0:42:00 > 0:42:04with the exception of the bay window, which we've replaced.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06All the windows have been replaced in the house now.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10Another window here which gives you a double aspect.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16Upstairs remained unfinished, but they had plans to renovate
0:42:16 > 0:42:21two existing bedrooms and the phone box shower en suite.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24But the access to upstairs had certainly changed.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Those dreaded metal spiral stairs had gone.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31The spiral staircase, it was a no-no from day one.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33We realised we'd have to replace it.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Not as easy as one would think because of the nature
0:42:36 > 0:42:40of the shape of the stairwell, it was very difficult.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43The guy that did it did an amazing job.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Lorna's husband, Derek, a retired builder,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48had tackled most of the rest of the work,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51but would there be enough budget left to finish?
0:42:51 > 0:42:53My God, the budget.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Oops, yep. It was a raw nerve.
0:42:56 > 0:42:57Yes, I said 40,000,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I think that could have been wishful thinking again.
0:43:00 > 0:43:07We're 50% up on that. It's about 60, but that does include
0:43:07 > 0:43:11all the materials we have outside to do all the patio areas outside.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15We've already bought all the stuff for upstairs, or in the bathroom.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17Hopefully 60,000 will do it.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20But the budget cloud had a potential silver lining,
0:43:20 > 0:43:22they'd gained planning permission
0:43:22 > 0:43:26to build a three-bedroom chalet bungalow in place of the garage.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31So, we're hoping to perhaps build that ourselves
0:43:31 > 0:43:34or get a price for it from a builder to do it.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36We haven't really decided as yet.
0:43:37 > 0:43:43Back in May 2015, Derek and Lorna had a total spend of 218,000.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47They had just valued the existing property,
0:43:47 > 0:43:50that's with the upstairs unfinished and the patios to be done,
0:43:50 > 0:43:54at between £260,000 to £270,000.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59Going with the top figure, that's a gain in value of £52,000.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02But would they be able to finish the upstairs
0:44:02 > 0:44:04without any further spend?
0:44:04 > 0:44:06Or would they go ahead with the chalet bungalow
0:44:06 > 0:44:07in place of the garage?
0:44:08 > 0:44:11You can find out later on in the programme.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20Well, we've seen how one property turned out,
0:44:20 > 0:44:21but what about the other two?
0:44:21 > 0:44:23Yes, was it cruise control or rocky road?
0:44:23 > 0:44:25I think it's time we found out.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31Time to head back to West Brom and this three-bed mid-terrace,
0:44:31 > 0:44:33which had one or two areas of concern for me
0:44:33 > 0:44:35when I saw it earlier.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42That there, bit of a crack. That could be signs of a bit of movement.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45Not a good start, looks like there may be a bit of damp as well.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48Look at this, looks like an original fireplace as well.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51There was no central heating
0:44:51 > 0:44:54and the property had been unoccupied for some time.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56But that didn't put off London-based
0:44:56 > 0:44:58chartered accountant Benjamin,
0:44:58 > 0:45:02who along with his business partner Abi, paid £67,000
0:45:02 > 0:45:04in order to renovate and resell this new asset.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11What was it about property that enticed you in, then?
0:45:11 > 0:45:13- Erm, more the returns.- OK.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16Because I know few people that's gone into it in the past
0:45:16 > 0:45:20and it's something in which they have done well over recent years.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23So, I just said, "It's my time to shine," essentially.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25THEY LAUGH
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Over the years, this house must have seen many owners,
0:45:29 > 0:45:32who would have loved it at the time.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Which is a roundabout way of me introducing
0:45:34 > 0:45:36the concept of lovers into the story,
0:45:36 > 0:45:39probably because they've got to play a piece of music
0:45:39 > 0:45:41that wouldn't have worked otherwise.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44# All the lovers... #
0:45:44 > 0:45:45See? Told you.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49# That have gone before
0:45:49 > 0:45:52# They don't compare
0:45:54 > 0:45:56# To you... #
0:45:57 > 0:45:59This kitchen may be narrow and long,
0:45:59 > 0:46:03but this galley is fully featured, bright and tastefully tiled.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14The bathroom is fitted to the highest standards
0:46:14 > 0:46:19and, like all rooms in the house, has been taken back to the brick.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23For a first-time renovation, what's Benjamin's account of the results?
0:46:23 > 0:46:27Just the comparison of how it was before to how it is now
0:46:27 > 0:46:29and how it's all come about is a very good feeling.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33After a structural engineer's report,
0:46:33 > 0:46:35a section of the cracked front wall
0:46:35 > 0:46:38was taken down and rebuilt inside and out.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Let's go upstairs.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43# And I'll take you there I'll take you higher! #
0:46:43 > 0:46:45No, thanks. I've got bad knees, Kylie.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48# All the lovers
0:46:49 > 0:46:53# That have gone before
0:46:53 > 0:46:56# They don't compare
0:46:58 > 0:47:01# To you... #
0:47:01 > 0:47:03By keeping the bathroom downstairs,
0:47:03 > 0:47:06all three bedrooms remained a decent size.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13The faulty gutters were attended to, and the misalignment of doors
0:47:13 > 0:47:16were responsible for much of the damp problems.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18How did Benjamin get involved?
0:47:20 > 0:47:24I was here maybe every other day,
0:47:24 > 0:47:26but it was difficult
0:47:26 > 0:47:28but I took on the role of doing the project managing
0:47:28 > 0:47:31and doing the...running the whole show.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33It was challenging at first,
0:47:33 > 0:47:35but over time, the journey became easier.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38One of the things we discussed was a possible loft conversion,
0:47:38 > 0:47:41so why didn't they go ahead with that?
0:47:42 > 0:47:46Because it was a quick flip in terms of a project.
0:47:46 > 0:47:47We didn't want to do too much
0:47:47 > 0:47:50and we were aware that there's a ceiling price in the area,
0:47:50 > 0:47:53so instead, we decided to go for a higher spec internally.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58Taking the ceiling price into account is really important.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02It's too easy to get carried away and spend more than you can recoup.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05You have to consider not just the money
0:48:05 > 0:48:07but the time needed for structural changes.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10For these things, partners have to communicate.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14We always consulted each other before making a final decision.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17I would get his expertise because he's been in the industry
0:48:17 > 0:48:19for a long time and this is something I'm very new to,
0:48:19 > 0:48:21being my first project.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24The plan was for a four to six week timescale.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26But how long did it actually take?
0:48:26 > 0:48:28We came in at eight weeks, but in between, there was
0:48:28 > 0:48:32some seasonal holidays as well where the builders and other tradespeople
0:48:32 > 0:48:35took some time off. So, yeah, eight weeks we managed to do it in.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39You'd expect two accountants to get the numbers right.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41They had 15 to 20 grand in the budget.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44Now, don't disappoint me, Benjamin.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47We came in just under 15,000, all inclusive of renovation costs
0:48:47 > 0:48:49and fees as well.
0:48:49 > 0:48:50I knew you wouldn't let me down.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53So, when it came to spending your money instead of counting
0:48:53 > 0:48:55someone else's, how did that feel?
0:48:57 > 0:48:58It's a wonderful feeling,
0:48:58 > 0:49:02knowing that if you put your mind to it, hard work and dedication,
0:49:02 > 0:49:05that you can achieve results, so it's a fantastic feeling.
0:49:06 > 0:49:07Time for reckoning now.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11We've invited two local estate agents along to view the house,
0:49:11 > 0:49:14give us some opinions and reveal the bottom line.
0:49:14 > 0:49:15It's a very nice house,
0:49:15 > 0:49:19it's clearly been done to a particularly high standard.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22Gone back to the brick on a lot of it by the looks of it,
0:49:22 > 0:49:24re-plastered, new heating, new windows, that sort of thing.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26That's the sort of thing people will be looking for,
0:49:26 > 0:49:29something that doesn't need any work in the current market,
0:49:29 > 0:49:32something they can move straight into, very well presented.
0:49:32 > 0:49:34It's got obviously two reception rooms,
0:49:34 > 0:49:36it's got a lovely kitchen and brand-new bathroom
0:49:36 > 0:49:38and three good-sized bedrooms.
0:49:38 > 0:49:39Good to go, really.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44This project was always aimed at the resale market.
0:49:44 > 0:49:49So, let's see if Benjamin and Abi have made a profit or loss.
0:49:49 > 0:49:54They spent £67,000 at auction, a further 15 grand in refurbishment.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57That's a total of £82,000.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59So, what's it worth now?
0:50:00 > 0:50:03A property like this would probably achieve somewhere
0:50:03 > 0:50:06between £120,000 and £125,000
0:50:06 > 0:50:09and pretty close to the asking price, I would expect,
0:50:09 > 0:50:10due to its condition.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13I value the property to go on the market at £125,000.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18Erm, yeah, it's in the ballpark of what we anticipated.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21Just under the stamp duty threshold. So, yeah, it's pretty good.
0:50:23 > 0:50:24Good point, Benjamin.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28Because the property's value is below the current stamp duty
0:50:28 > 0:50:32threshold of 125 grand of England, Wales and Northern Ireland,
0:50:32 > 0:50:35the buyer would have no initial stamp duty costs,
0:50:35 > 0:50:39which of course, increases the attractiveness of the property.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42So, those figures would give a decent pre-tax profit
0:50:42 > 0:50:44of around £43,000.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46What's the formula going forward?
0:50:48 > 0:50:49As long as the numbers make sense
0:50:49 > 0:50:52and there's enough profit in there for us
0:50:52 > 0:50:55after all costs have been taken into consideration,
0:50:55 > 0:50:58to the realistic sales price, it's a good investment, yeah.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00Spoken like a true accountant,
0:51:00 > 0:51:03and the chaps are just finishing their second property.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05This time, it's a bit closer to home, in Essex.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17Earlier on the Isle of Sheppey off the North Kent coast,
0:51:17 > 0:51:20we were catching up on the unfolding story of a quirky
0:51:20 > 0:51:23detached house bought by Lorna and Derek.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26We saw how they gradually changed their house
0:51:26 > 0:51:29since 2014 over the best part of a year.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34In 2015, the downstairs was complete,
0:51:34 > 0:51:36leaving the upstairs rooms for later.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39They'd hoped to do the lot for 40,000.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43But when we saw them at this stage, they'd spent 60 grand.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47But that did include materials to finish the job, or so they'd hoped.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51It was up to Derek the builder to make it all happen.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53But the big news when we last saw them
0:51:53 > 0:51:57in May 2015 was that they had planning permission
0:51:57 > 0:52:01to demolish the garage and build a three-bedroom chalet bungalow.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08We're back, ten months later, to see how they got on.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13It would be difficult for the front bedroom's colour scheme
0:52:13 > 0:52:14not to be much more neutral.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20With luxury carpeting in the bedrooms,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23it's an improvement worth shouting from the rooftops.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26# You got me singing, baby
0:52:26 > 0:52:29# Doo-doo, doo-doo doo! Doo-doo, doo-doo doo doo!
0:52:29 > 0:52:31# Doo-doo, doo-doo doo! #
0:52:31 > 0:52:34The rear master bedroom with an en-suite shower thrown in
0:52:34 > 0:52:36has had a matching treatment.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38If you don't like square walls or ceilings,
0:52:38 > 0:52:41this room is right up your street.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57It clearly would take a great deal of vision to spot
0:52:57 > 0:53:00the potential in a room as challenging as this one.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03# I knew it right from the start
0:53:03 > 0:53:06# You're some kind of heaven That's all that I need... #
0:53:06 > 0:53:10The entrance to the en-suite is now much more user-friendly
0:53:10 > 0:53:12than its former incarnation.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15Here's Lorna to explain how the telephone box
0:53:15 > 0:53:17became an unobtainable number.
0:53:20 > 0:53:22Erm, quite a lot's changed in here.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25Where I am now, there was the telephone box
0:53:25 > 0:53:27which was the walk-in shower.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29We now have a nice, big, open shower.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31We've put a bit more light in here
0:53:31 > 0:53:33in so much as we've put a skylight in.
0:53:33 > 0:53:37And you can just see the sea, if you stand up where I am now.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42All we have now is just the sink and the loo, just a nice simple
0:53:42 > 0:53:43but functional bathroom.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47With the bidet gone and the space now clear,
0:53:47 > 0:53:49it's a much better arrangement.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59And the tiled floor here shows how Derek has been spending his time.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05As does the new raised patio area to the front of the house.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18The back patio too has been totally redone.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25# Some kind of heaven! #
0:54:25 > 0:54:29All in all, quite a workload for Derek to take on.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32How he's got up and done it some mornings, I don't know.
0:54:32 > 0:54:37But he's done it and he has actually said that this is his last project.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Well, it's almost two years since embarking on the venture,
0:54:40 > 0:54:43but now that it's finished, what's the best bit?
0:54:43 > 0:54:47It's nice to get up in the mornings now and say, "What shall we do?"
0:54:47 > 0:54:49rather than, "What do we have to do?"
0:54:51 > 0:54:54Oh, dear. It seems this renovation has taken its toll.
0:54:54 > 0:54:59Moving on, the initial budget at the outset was £40,000.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02This had increased to 60,000 last time we visited.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04How's the budget now?
0:55:04 > 0:55:06It's about 68.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09Erm, I don't really know where it's gone, quite frankly.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13But even doing it yourselves, it just runs away with the money.
0:55:13 > 0:55:18We have had a fence put out the front and the patio's all been done
0:55:18 > 0:55:22and the bathroom, and it just...just disappears.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25I don't know, Lorna. I can see where the money's gone.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29You and Derek have created a lovely house, and that reminds me,
0:55:29 > 0:55:32what about the plans for the three-bedroom chalet bungalow
0:55:32 > 0:55:34on the site of the garage?
0:55:34 > 0:55:36We've decided not to build
0:55:36 > 0:55:41because we don't really want to invest our time or money in it.
0:55:41 > 0:55:45So, now we're thinking of marketing the house with a building plot.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49Well, who better to tell us
0:55:49 > 0:55:52if that's a good idea than two local estate agents?
0:55:52 > 0:55:55We've invited them along to view all that's on offer
0:55:55 > 0:55:57and give us their views and valuations.
0:55:59 > 0:56:00So, selling the bungalow
0:56:00 > 0:56:01with the building plot,
0:56:01 > 0:56:06I'd put a figure of £350,000 to £360,000.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10The value I would place on this property with the plot included
0:56:10 > 0:56:13would be in the region of £350,000.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17At the top valuation, Lorna and Derek would have achieved
0:56:17 > 0:56:22an increase in value of £134,000 after deducting their costs.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25However, the agents both advised that selling the house
0:56:25 > 0:56:29and plot combined would only appeal to a very niche market.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32So, it looks like a plan B is needed.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35Plan B, if it doesn't sell,
0:56:35 > 0:56:38then we will sell the building plot off and then
0:56:38 > 0:56:42we will remain here until such times as somebody has built,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45because in our opinion, people don't...
0:56:45 > 0:56:48perhaps wouldn't be interested in the house
0:56:48 > 0:56:51not knowing what's going to be built next door.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54That's just our take on it, anyway.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57And both our agents agree with that take on it.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59So, what would the plot with planning permission
0:56:59 > 0:57:01be worth on its own?
0:57:01 > 0:57:05If they were just to sell the building plot on its own,
0:57:05 > 0:57:08I would expect anything from
0:57:08 > 0:57:12£70,000 to £75,000 to be achievable.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15The building plot next door, currently as it stands,
0:57:15 > 0:57:20would be in the region as a value of around about £60,000 to £65,000.
0:57:20 > 0:57:24We have actually had a valuation from another agent,
0:57:24 > 0:57:26and it's been a lot higher.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30Hmm, but it's a strategy that has its own risks.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33The purchaser of the plot may not be in a rush to develop it
0:57:33 > 0:57:36and that would mean living next to a building site
0:57:36 > 0:57:37when work does commence.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40And having lived in one for nearly two years,
0:57:40 > 0:57:43it would not be an option I'd rush to take.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46So, has Lorna got any words of wisdom for any novices
0:57:46 > 0:57:49wanting to go down the renovation route?
0:57:51 > 0:57:55It's not an easy road, but at the end of the day,
0:57:55 > 0:57:56the more you can do yourself,
0:57:56 > 0:57:59obviously the better financially it is,
0:57:59 > 0:58:03although we seem to have spent far more than we'd anticipated.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05But that's the story of our lives, unfortunately.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08Well, here's hoping that Lorna and Derek sell soon
0:58:08 > 0:58:10and find somewhere ready to move into
0:58:10 > 0:58:13for the next leg of their nomadic lifestyle.
0:58:18 > 0:58:22Well, the auction action goes on all year round.
0:58:22 > 0:58:24Yep, and we'll be there to follow the stories.
0:58:24 > 0:58:27Yeah, so join us next time for Homes Under The Hammer. Goodbye.
0:58:27 > 0:58:28- Goodbye.- Goodbye.