0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello. Welcome to the show.
0:00:03 > 0:00:04Now, a lot of people see property
0:00:04 > 0:00:07as an accessible way to invest in the future.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Yep. Whether you see it as a pension pot or an income,
0:00:10 > 0:00:11it can really pay dividends.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Yeah, the question is, where do you find your ideal project?
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Well, I think you should pop down to your local property auction
0:00:17 > 0:00:18and see what's on offer.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49Well, buying at auction is exciting, but you know what our mantra is.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Yes, it's research, research...
0:00:51 > 0:00:52and a bit more research.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56So, did our buyers take that advice? Did they follow that?
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Let's find out.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07The name of South London's Borough of Croydon
0:01:07 > 0:01:09means Valley of the Crocuses,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11and there is plenty of life springing up here.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Millions of pounds of regeneration money is taking root,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19so the future looks rosy indeed for this exciting area.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Now, I'm about a 10-minute drive from the centre of Croydon,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30so it's not really walking distance.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Although, being a bit further away, well,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35it means that you do get a nice, quiet residential street like this.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Well, I'm here to see a three-bed mid-terrace,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42and it had a guide price of £250,000 plus,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46and it's this one here with that lovely mint-green door.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48I quite like it, actually.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53I also like that stained glass. Things are looking promising.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Well, on the inside, what delights wait?
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Well, for starters, look at this bright orange carpet.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Rather unusual floor tiles.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05But the house feels like it's in quite good condition.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Maybe I would sort of open up here to reveal some spindles,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12because it does make this hallway feel rather closed in.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14But a really nice-size reception room.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16And if you can get an under-stairs loo,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18I always think it's worth it,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20because this is a family house, after all.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Kitchen through there, which is rather small.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25You've got a second reception room here,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27and something that I think works very well
0:02:27 > 0:02:30is when you take the wall down and you open up the space
0:02:30 > 0:02:33to have a kitchen and a diner all in one room,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36and I think that would work exceptionally well in this property.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38But, oh, look at these.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41I love these. I'm going to just get rid of that so you can see it.
0:02:41 > 0:02:42Hold on a minute.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43Let's pull that back
0:02:43 > 0:02:47to reveal some really, really beautiful, wooden
0:02:47 > 0:02:51traditional little doors leading out to that garden.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55They are so beautifully made. I absolutely adore them.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58So, some really nice little features in this house.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00And there's obviously no central heating in this room,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02just this gas fire,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05but something that I haven't seen for so long
0:03:05 > 0:03:07on this programme - look down here.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11It's an original little air vent. They're absolutely amazing.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Wow. Not seen those for many years.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16They were used to help get the fire started.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20But obviously there's a lot you can do to improve this property,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22but it certainly feels loved and cared for,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25and I think this could be a really nice, happy home.
0:03:28 > 0:03:29Well, it's been a long time since
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I last saw character features like these,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34and the last time this house had a renovation
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Peggy Lee was still in her prime.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42# It's been a long, long time.. #
0:03:42 > 0:03:44You see, you can keep character features
0:03:44 > 0:03:48and bring in the modern touches with an open-plan kitchen/diner,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and you can still have the luxury of an additional living area.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Now, what can you do upstairs?
0:03:55 > 0:04:00I still can't get over how lovely and clean and tidy this house is,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02so what have we got upstairs?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Two really good-size bedrooms, a box room and a bathroom.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09And, oh, my goodness, there's some colours going on up here.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13You've got a peachy bathroom suite with a citrus-yellow bedroom,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15a pale pink bedroom through there
0:04:15 > 0:04:19with a bright sunglasses-orange bedroom at the front there.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22So, I suppose it's safe to say that upstairs, yeah,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24you've really got all the colours of the rainbow.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29For me, to get the real riches out of this house,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31it has to be the end of the rainbow.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36You need to neutralise the decor here to have any hope of resale.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38But the layout certainly works.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41You can add value outside too -
0:04:41 > 0:04:44not through an extension out in the back garden,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47but with off-street parking out the front.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52You'll need to speak to your local council and find out
0:04:52 > 0:04:54whether you'll need planning permission,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57which you will if you do intend to drop the curb like this.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Next, get free quotes from tradesmen and only pay them in full
0:05:01 > 0:05:04when you're satisfied with the job they've done.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08And finally, when your lovely, new driveway is done, well,
0:05:08 > 0:05:13invite along a local agent and get your property revalued.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Hopefully it'll be well worth the time and money spent.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22And speaking of local agents, we invited one along
0:05:22 > 0:05:24to give us his opinion as to what this property,
0:05:24 > 0:05:29guided at £250,000 plus, could be worth after renovation.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34I think the desirability of this road isn't as popular
0:05:34 > 0:05:37as it's in between Croydon and Thornton Heath,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40however the property will still sell and will still hold value.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Once renovated, I believe this property would sell
0:05:43 > 0:05:46in the region of £370,000 to £380,000.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49So, despite the location,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53there is good sales profit potential if you can keep costs low.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56But how about rentals?
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I believe if you're looking to achieve a rental figure,
0:05:59 > 0:06:04£1,350 per calendar month to £1,400 per calendar month.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Well, all you regular viewers know how I love to knock a wall down,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13and the good news is, well, you can do that here if you want to.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Not only that, there are plenty of other ways
0:06:16 > 0:06:18you can improve this colourful terrace
0:06:18 > 0:06:19which will make it blossom.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Who wanted to create a blooming, lovely property?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Let's head to auction and find out.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Unfortunately, we can't bring you the footage for this auction lot,
0:06:32 > 0:06:37but I can tell you that the successful bid was £285,000,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and the successful bidder was Henry.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46This is property number four for the professional developer.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50So, what did he have planned for this one?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Henry, lovely meeting you today.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53Nice to meet you, finally.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- Congratulations. Well done. - Thank you. Thank you.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58In the property now, walking around today,
0:06:58 > 0:07:00it's in such good condition.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02It's really clean and tidy.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05I know it's dated, but it's really a lovely little house, isn't it?
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- It is. It is a very nice house. It's well-kept...- Yeah.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11..I must say, so I was quite happy about that.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- Very nice house.- So, did you view it before you decided to buy it?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Yes, I did. I viewed twice. - So you did all your homework for me?
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- Every bit of it. - So, tell me what you did.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Well, one, I read the legal pack twice,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26and I viewed twice.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Saw it, liked this, and decided, "I'm going to go for it."
0:07:29 > 0:07:30Why have you bought it?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Couple of years ago I bought a property for us to live in,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35my family.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Done it up, realised, "I think I'm a bit good at this thing,"
0:07:38 > 0:07:41so I decided then, "From now on, I'm going to start buying property."
0:07:41 > 0:07:46So, I bought one and two, liked it, and this is my fourth one now.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- So...- And that's because you think you're a bit good at it.
0:07:49 > 0:07:50I think I'm good at it,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53so changed up my job now, so this is my job.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55So, what did you use to do?
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Before, I used to build bathrooms, renovate bathrooms.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03General renovations, so now I renovate properties.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05So, what is it you want to do with this property?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07I mean, where are you going to start?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10One, I'm going to completely rewire, build a new kitchen.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12I'm going to knock down the wall
0:08:12 > 0:08:15between the kitchen and the sitting room,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18make an open-plan kitchen/diner.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23I want to put an under-stairs toilet and new doors in the back,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25and just general renovation in here.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29So, in other words, I'll strip it all out, get it all replastered,
0:08:29 > 0:08:30get it rewired.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Everything. New plumbing if possible and new radiators.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36And do you do everything?
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- I do most of the work myself. - Really?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I only work with labourers.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44I have an electrician who comes in and does all the rewiring.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46I have a boiler man.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49He comes in, he does all the gas work on the boiler.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Apart from that, everything else I do them myself.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54- So, it's purely Henry's job. - Yes, indeed.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- Now, along here, it's a nightmare to park.- Mm.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58Everybody has got driveways
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- and you find yourself parking across them.- Yeah.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04What are you going to do? Because your driveway hasn't been dropped.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08It hasn't been, but I'm looking at the cost and maybe
0:09:08 > 0:09:11if it can fit into my budget, I will think about it.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13What is your budget?
0:09:13 > 0:09:15For this whole house, at the moment it's 25.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- Ooh!- What?- Ooh!
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- 25,000. - Do you think you can do it on that?
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Oh, yeah.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Henry seems convinced that budget will do it,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31and he's certainly game to graft himself to keep costs down,
0:09:31 > 0:09:35and plans a three-month timescale before looking to the resale market.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36Despite his confidence,
0:09:36 > 0:09:41I'm sure there's one issue that he is dreading.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43What about all the painting? Who does all the painting?
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- I do them myself.- Doesn't it all get in your lovely hair?
0:09:46 > 0:09:48I'm a bit worried about the dreadlocks.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53No, normally when I'm at work, my dreads are in a small hat.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56It's all coiled up on top of the head
0:09:56 > 0:09:59because the hardest problem is to clean it.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03So, to avoid all the calamity, it's best to keep it tied up.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06So, you can't afford to get any paint in these,
0:10:06 > 0:10:07otherwise you'd never get it out.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Well, yes. It would take a long time to come out, actually.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12It's been so lovely meeting you,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- and I'm really excited to see the outcome.- Yes.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- Well done, Henry. - Nice to meet you too.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Lovely to meet you. Good luck.- Yes.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Well, I think Henry has got some great ideas for this terrace,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23and he's also right man for the job
0:10:23 > 0:10:26as he can keep costs down by doing a lot of the work himself.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30However, will all go as smoothly as he hopes?
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Fingers crossed he doesn't drop paint in those dreadlocks.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38Join me later on the programme and you can find out how Henry gets on.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45This churchyard in Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme
0:10:45 > 0:10:49is the last resting place of Scottish missionary and physician
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Dr Henry Faulds,
0:10:51 > 0:10:56who left this world broke and embittered by the lack
0:10:56 > 0:11:00of recognition for his role in the ground-breaking discovery
0:11:00 > 0:11:03that every individual has unique fingerprints
0:11:03 > 0:11:06and could be used to catch criminals.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Well, it doesn't take much investigation,
0:11:09 > 0:11:10criminal or otherwise,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13to realise the property I'm here to see
0:11:13 > 0:11:15sounds like a bit of a steal.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16Yes.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20£85,000 plus was the guide price for this three-bedroom semi
0:11:20 > 0:11:22in a really desirable area.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Ooh.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Can't wait to get my dabs on this one
0:11:26 > 0:11:31and get undercover as it is quite a windy day today.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Nice double door. Keep the drafts and the cold out.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Into your sort of entrance area here.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40It's a nice open feel, so we like that as a start.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Stairs up to the bedrooms.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44And then quite an interesting layout. I like this.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46You've got a front sitting room here,
0:11:46 > 0:11:50and then...a rear sitting room here. Now, why do I like this?
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Well, you've got a door there, door there..
0:11:52 > 0:11:55You can go round and round in circles.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56I like houses that you can do that.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I mean, not to an excessive amount, but...
0:11:58 > 0:12:01through here to the kitchen.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03This is a family house.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08It's crying out for a really big, open, family kitchen/living area,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and what you've got is this space which just doesn't work.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15It gets worse cos you've got a bathroom at the back there.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Well, actually not a bathroom, just the toilet.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Walls need to be knocked down, don't they?
0:12:20 > 0:12:25Possibly that one to create a really nice open-plan kitchen/living area.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29And possibly that one to create a really good,
0:12:29 > 0:12:33useful sort of utility area at the back.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36So, things to be done.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41The through-lounge dining/kitchen is ideal for modern living
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and would maximise the usable space.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45But before removing any walls,
0:12:45 > 0:12:49have a structural engineer confirm that they are not load-bearing,
0:12:49 > 0:12:53or if they are, to calculate what level of steel work is needed.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Well, upstairs, and layout.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Well, interesting. I actually quite like it.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08Two really good-size double bedrooms and one smaller bedroom.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10That's probably not a bad way to go.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13At least those two bedrooms are a really nice size and, yeah,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15sort of a box room if you needed it.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18What doesn't work so well, though, is this. It's a bathroom.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Well, that's good news. It's upstairs.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23What isn't here is the toilet.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28So, what are we going to do? First job, move the loo up here.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Or better still, perhaps,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38have a loo downstairs and add one up here,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42because there is a bathroom, but it doesn't have a toilet.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44That's not peachy.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Well, at the back of the property,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55quite a few Heath Robinson-style constructions,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58but a very steeply banked garden.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02And what a great surprise it is. It's in a bit of a...
0:14:02 > 0:14:07Well, it needs a tidy up, basically, but a really nice amount of space.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09So, a bonus.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Just need a bit of a bonfire.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15There is certainly plenty of wood supply
0:14:15 > 0:14:17scattered around the garden next to the garage
0:14:17 > 0:14:20and the side of the house.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22In fact, the more you look around the property,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25the more you see the eclectic collection
0:14:25 > 0:14:27of various wooden constructions,
0:14:27 > 0:14:31but somebody must have loved it at some stage.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34# Can love me like you
0:14:34 > 0:14:36# Sha-la-la-la, ooh-ooh
0:14:36 > 0:14:38# Sha-la-la-la... #
0:14:41 > 0:14:44So, also at the back of the property there is this door.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Now, what do you think this leads to?
0:14:46 > 0:14:50A downstairs loo? Coal shed perhaps?
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Hmm. You would definitely be wrong.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Um, it's huge,
0:14:56 > 0:14:59and it sort of disappears underneath the house.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00It's a bit spooky, this.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04You've got this little area here, and as you continue backwards,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06we're now right underneath the house.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09You've got this little further area here.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12It goes on even further there. So, what could this be?
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Well, I don't know. A little workshop area.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Knock a few walls around, turn it into, I don't know,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20a play room or whatever.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23But it's just a nice little bonus.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26There is bags of space down here.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It would make a nice wine cellar -
0:15:28 > 0:15:31large enough even for the most voracious of wine collectors.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35The interconnecting rooms just keep going on and on.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42We called in a local estate agent to get her thoughts
0:15:42 > 0:15:45on the property and its valuation.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49The area of is Wolstanton a popular residential area.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52It's got a well-regarded primary school,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55and this property is close to local amenities,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58which is really suitable for all families
0:15:58 > 0:16:01that could potentially buy it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06Once renovated, what market value would this house command?
0:16:06 > 0:16:13Once renovated, this property could achieve a price of £140,000.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Well, it's a lot of house in a nice area,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19so despite the fact it does need some work,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22I'm sure it would've been a very popular lot
0:16:22 > 0:16:24when it went under the hammer.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Lot 79.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27What's this, 75?
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Madam bidding. Yeah, 75.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35At 75. 80 bid. At £80,000. £85,000.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39One, you're saying. That's 86.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Swiftly passing the £85,000 guide price,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46bids are coming in from all around the room
0:16:46 > 0:16:48and from an internet bidder,
0:16:48 > 0:16:53and we rejoin the bidding at £105,500.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55£105,500?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Yeah? £105,500. 106.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Do you want to go 107?
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Yeah? 107.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Shaking his head. 107. Madam at the back wall, at £107,000.
0:17:07 > 0:17:13£107,000 once, £107,000 twice.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Third and final time at £107,000.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19You bought it. Well done.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22The top bid came from Ruth, an operations manager,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25as a joint purchase with her husband Ant
0:17:25 > 0:17:27who's a fitness instructor.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I met the couple back at their new purchase
0:17:30 > 0:17:33to find out what they were going to do with it.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Ruth, Ant, great to meet you both. Congratulations.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Tell me why you wanted to buy this place.- To live in it.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- Oh, great.- We sold our house back in August and we've been looking for
0:17:45 > 0:17:48somewhere to live in this area, but it's all quite expensive.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50We've got this for quite a lot cheaper,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- even though it needs a lot of work doing.- Yeah.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Have you been renting somewhere for the last few months?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- No, we've been in between parents... - Oh, wow.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- ..for the past two, three months. - Just you or kids as well?
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- No, we've got a little girl as well. - How old is she?- She's five.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- What she called?- Evey. Evey. Yeah. - Nice name.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11So, what were you looking for when you were trying to find somewhere?
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Well, we wanted three bedrooms, didn't we?
0:18:14 > 0:18:16We wanted somewhere with a drive and somewhere with a big garden,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19and, you know, this has got everything
0:18:19 > 0:18:20that we were looking for.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22And somewhere that we can make our own as well.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Well, it was a bold move to sell first and then rely on parents,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27and there is really no doubt
0:18:27 > 0:18:30that it is going to be a great family home,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33but there is a lot of work to do yet.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36So, talk me through exactly what you're going to do, then,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38to get it to how you want it to be.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Well, first of all the kitchen is too small,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44so we're going to knock a wall down in the kitchen,
0:18:44 > 0:18:45make the kitchen bigger.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48We need the toilet moving from downstairs to upstairs.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Going to completely rejig the bathroom,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53so we're going to completely change the layout of the bathroom
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- and have a shower and a toilet... - Oh, great.- ..and a sink up there.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58But once you've done that,
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- you end up with a place to your design and fairly new.- Yeah.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Yeah, but we want to keep some of the old features.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09I really like the door handles, and, you know, some of the lights
0:19:09 > 0:19:10and things like that.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12You know, the older stuff that's in here
0:19:12 > 0:19:13rather than it being really modern.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- So, we want to mix it up a bit, don't we?- Mm.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20So, what about the area underneath? That's quite interesting, isn't it?
0:19:20 > 0:19:21Yeah.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22When we came to look at the house,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25there was a door around the side with a padlock on,
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- and we didn't know what was under there.- Oh, wow.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29So, we bought the house without knowing,
0:19:29 > 0:19:30and then when we bought it,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Ruth came and had a look at the house
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and it turns out there's a big basement down there.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- Yeah. Massive. What a bonus.- Yeah.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38So, what's that going to be, then?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- That's my space... - HE LAUGHS
0:19:41 > 0:19:43..for just tinkering with things.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Good storage area as well, and it's nice and dry as well,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- which is a bonus.- Yeah. Brilliant.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50So, were there any surprises
0:19:50 > 0:19:52other than the cellar about the house?
0:19:52 > 0:19:54When we came and looked round and saw the radiators
0:19:54 > 0:19:56and we saw the tank in the bathroom,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59we presumed that it had got central heating,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01and so then to find out that it hadn't got a gas supply
0:20:01 > 0:20:04has been an added expense that we didn't initially expect.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Right. It's all driven from the back boiler, then?
0:20:07 > 0:20:08Yep, from the coal fire.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11You see the radiators, you sort of assume somewhere there must be...
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Mm. Yeah. That was unexpected, but, you know,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18it doesn't take too long to get it done, and then...
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- And you'll be able to get a modern, very economical boiler.- Yes. Yeah.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Yeah.- Yeah. So, that'll be better.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28Ruth and Ant would like to get the house liveable in three months
0:20:28 > 0:20:30and then move in and complete the rest of the jobs,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33all within a budget of £10,000.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37# Hard work... #
0:20:37 > 0:20:38Well, we want definitely the bathroom,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40obviously the rewiring,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42get the heating in, get the bathroom in.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Perhaps do the kitchen while we're in here...
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Oh, right. OK. Brilliant.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47..and we're round a bit,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- so, yeah, it should be all right, shouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52One thing you certainly don't need is shelves.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54No! SHE LAUGHS
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- Or doors.- Or doors. - Well, congratulations, both of you.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Thank you.- Thank you. - Good luck with it.- Yeah.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- We look forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you.- Thanks very much.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Well, a bit of work to be done to sort this place out,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12but how great that Ruth, Ant and of course Evey
0:21:12 > 0:21:16have found somewhere that can become a really lovely family home.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20You can find out how they get on later in the show.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29I was in Croydon, South East London earlier in the show
0:21:29 > 0:21:32where I saw this three-bed mid-terrace
0:21:32 > 0:21:34packed with character features
0:21:34 > 0:21:39from stained-glass to patio doors to little air vents by the fire,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42but it also had a cramped kitchen
0:21:42 > 0:21:45and a kaleidoscope of colours upstairs.
0:21:45 > 0:21:51A lot of potential for the guide price of £250,000 plus.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Obviously, there's a lot you can do to improve this property,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58but it certainly feels loved and cared for
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and I think this could be a really nice, happy home.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03# Talk to me, baby.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05# You're doing fine, Henry
0:22:05 > 0:22:07# The way you jump and rock
0:22:07 > 0:22:09# All right... #
0:22:09 > 0:22:12And Henry was doing fine.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15This was the property developer's fourth property,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17and it cost him £285,000.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20He planned to do most of the renovation himself
0:22:20 > 0:22:22at the risk of his luscious locks.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I'm a bit worried about the dreadlocks.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31No, normally when I'm at work my dreads are in a small hat.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34It's all coiled up on top of the head.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38And Henry's head had thought of plenty of other bright ideas
0:22:38 > 0:22:41as he planned to create a kitchen/diner,
0:22:41 > 0:22:46add an under-stairs toilet and complete a full modern refurb.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49But could he do it on a budget of 25 grand
0:22:49 > 0:22:52and in a very quick turnaround of three months
0:22:52 > 0:22:54before he looks to sell on?
0:22:55 > 0:22:57Well, just under four months on,
0:22:57 > 0:23:01and it looks like Henry is all right.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03# I will be yours
0:23:07 > 0:23:09# I'll pay for you... #
0:23:16 > 0:23:18The back living room has been opened up
0:23:18 > 0:23:21for a sizable and luminous kitchen/diner.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Gone are the original French doors which I rather liked,
0:23:25 > 0:23:29but the original stained-glass has been retained.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33The house benefits from the promised under-stair toilet,
0:23:33 > 0:23:34and likewise upstairs
0:23:34 > 0:23:38former bathroom fitter Henry has shown off his skills.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45The mouldy peach suite is now much more contemporary.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46Much like the bedrooms,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49where Henry has gone somewhere over the rainbow of colours
0:23:49 > 0:23:53that were here to a place that is more calming and neutral.
0:23:53 > 0:23:59Overall, this house has been brought into the modern age, and I love it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01# This modern love
0:24:04 > 0:24:07# Breaks me... #
0:24:08 > 0:24:10And I particularly like the modern feel of the heart
0:24:10 > 0:24:13of this house - the kitchen/diner.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Well, before, there was a wall here.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20What we did, we took this wall down
0:24:20 > 0:24:23so that we could have an open-plan kitchen here.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25And I'm very happy with it.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29So, the door used to be here to come into the kitchen,
0:24:29 > 0:24:34and I changed the door around in order to fit all the pieces in
0:24:34 > 0:24:40as well as put in a beam above to support the upstairs wall.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44And this is what we get out of it, which I'm very happy with.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48A great modern touch,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51as is the downstairs loo under the stairs.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56And Henry certainly moved through the renovation in time -
0:24:56 > 0:25:00just three weeks over his ambitious three-month timescale.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03But did he stick to his 25 grand budget?
0:25:06 > 0:25:11I was very confident I could do it within the 25,000 range.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Unfortunately, I couldn't do it within the 25,000.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I tried my best to,
0:25:16 > 0:25:20but instead I went over to £28,000
0:25:20 > 0:25:25to get it all finished to the standard that it is in.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Well, I think that overspend is no big deal,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29given the lovely finish,
0:25:29 > 0:25:31and the house should make an exciting prospect
0:25:31 > 0:25:33for the resale market.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Most of the properties that I've done
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I've always tried to do them to a bit of a high standard.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41When the people come in
0:25:41 > 0:25:43and everyone is going like, "Wow, wow, wow,"
0:25:43 > 0:25:47everyone is happy and that makes me feel good.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53But will two local estate agents get the wow factor?
0:25:53 > 0:25:57I'll start with the agent that saw it before Henry's handiwork.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I think the vendor has done very well.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04The property looks really good and I think the decision
0:26:04 > 0:26:07to open up the kitchen to the diner has worked well for the property
0:26:07 > 0:26:09cos it allows a lot of light to come through the patio doors
0:26:09 > 0:26:11from the garden to the kitchen and living room.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13I think it's a really good refurb.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15I like what they've done with the kitchen.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18It is compact, but opening it out does give a feeling of space.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19And on top of that,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22the integral appliances mean it's practical as well.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Probably the only thing it lacks is off-street parking,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26which is tight on the street, so...
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Henry bought this house for 285,000
0:26:30 > 0:26:32and has spent 28 grand on it.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36That's a total of £313,000.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40He currently has it on the market for £380,000,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42but could he do better than that?
0:26:45 > 0:26:47I believe this property on the sales market,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50we'd be looking to achieve in the region of £380,000
0:26:50 > 0:26:52to £390,000.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55For sales, this property will achieve £400,000.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00Wow. That's very good. Very, very impressive. Very nice. That's good.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04I agree, Henry. Very impressive.
0:27:04 > 0:27:10£400,000 could mean a potential profit of £87,000
0:27:10 > 0:27:12before the usual taxes and expenses.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Only one thing could spoil this project,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17and that's the thing I dreaded.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Did any paint get in his lovely hair?
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Not one bit at all because I always wrap my dreads up
0:27:24 > 0:27:28into a small stocking before I start work
0:27:28 > 0:27:31because it's hard to keep them clean.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33So, the first thing I do, I always skim.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36So, there was no paint in my dreads, Lucy. Sorry about that.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44DION: Lying amid the Pennines in Greater Manchester
0:27:44 > 0:27:47is the town Oldham.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52During the Industrial Revolution, Oldham was known as Spindleopolis
0:27:52 > 0:27:56as its booming cotton industry meant it had more spindles
0:27:56 > 0:27:58than any other town in the world.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02We're here in Moorside which is north of Oldham
0:28:02 > 0:28:04in this residential area,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08which is a mix of terraced houses and the odd detached house.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11And it's one of those odd detached houses I'm here to see.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16It's odd cos it's the only one in the street. And here it is.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22# All by myself
0:28:22 > 0:28:24# Don't want to be
0:28:24 > 0:28:30# All by myself
0:28:30 > 0:28:31# Any more... #
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Don't worry.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39This two-bed detached guided at £40,000 to £50,000
0:28:39 > 0:28:43won't be lonely for too long, as I'm about to give it some company
0:28:43 > 0:28:45and see what it's like inside.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53We're straight into porchway.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55I do like a porchway, cos it sort of keeps the cold out
0:28:55 > 0:28:59and the warm in, and there's two doors of safety there as well,
0:28:59 > 0:29:00which I do like.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03OK, we're straight into the lounge, front room area.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06We have got double glazing just there,
0:29:06 > 0:29:09a gas fire and a few old original features
0:29:09 > 0:29:11with the coving around the side.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Into the second reception room.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15It's a little bit smaller,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19and I'm already thinking to myself, "Could you knock that down?"
0:29:19 > 0:29:21I'd imagine that is definitely a weight-bearing wall.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25You might have to stick an RSJ in, but it's worth investigating.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26Get yourself some more space.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Gas fire again. This looks like a bit of damp as well,
0:29:30 > 0:29:35which has seeped in possibly through the pointing, maybe.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37But if you're looking for space,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39you can quite easily knock a wall down,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43create a big room if it's viable to do so and if you need it.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Into the kitchen, and it's very small.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49I would be looking to...
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Yeah, maybe you could extend the kitchen that way,
0:29:52 > 0:29:54create a bit more space in here,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57or you could actually block that door off...
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Excuse me.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01..and you can put your outside door
0:30:01 > 0:30:06just there just to create a bit more surface space in the kitchen itself.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09But not a bad start so far. Let's check out upstairs.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15OK, upstairs we have got two bedrooms,
0:30:15 > 0:30:20the first of which is here at the front of the house,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22and it's a really nice-size bedroom.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Radiator as well.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26That's a good start. A good first bedroom.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28So, into the second bedroom,
0:30:28 > 0:30:30and again, it's a good-size bedroom.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33There are a few more signs of damp,
0:30:33 > 0:30:37but nothing that's really alarming me.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42OK, then, down into the bathroom, which is a reasonable-size bathroom.
0:30:42 > 0:30:43You would have to start again.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47This looks very dated in a nice aqua colour,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49but you could quite easily start again in here,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52put a brand-new bathroom in, no problem at all.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55But I did notice something.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58This crack here, which is a significant crack.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01It starts right at the bottom, goes...
0:31:03 > 0:31:05..all the way...
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I would imagine, as well, it's under there as well.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Now, a rule of thumb is...
0:31:12 > 0:31:14I've got big hands
0:31:14 > 0:31:17and it can quite easily find its way
0:31:17 > 0:31:19in that significant space there.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23That is something that is concerning me.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Get that checked out. First thing you do.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29# And the cracks began to show
0:31:29 > 0:31:34# Show, show, show, show, show... #
0:31:37 > 0:31:39I think I'd want to get a structural engineer
0:31:39 > 0:31:40to look at this.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43There is a chance it could be as a result of movement
0:31:43 > 0:31:44from way back,
0:31:44 > 0:31:47but there's a chance it could be more serious.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Let's investigate a little bit further.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54So, I just wanted to come out just to see if there's any signs
0:31:54 > 0:31:57of that crack on the outside, and there is.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59It's going from top to bottom,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02and it's quite a significant-size crack as well.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04What could've caused that?
0:32:04 > 0:32:06I can see that there's drainage along here.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10That may have hindered the house and maybe moved it slightly.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14I can also see that somebody has actually tried
0:32:14 > 0:32:16to fill it in as well.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21And I can also, I think... Yes, somebody has actually tried to...
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Well, they have.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24They've underpinned it already,
0:32:24 > 0:32:28so it's already been addressed, the issue.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Whether it's doing its job, we're not sure, but I would always,
0:32:31 > 0:32:33always recommend you get a survey,
0:32:33 > 0:32:35get it checked out cos you just don't know
0:32:35 > 0:32:38how deep this is.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Apart from that, I'm quite happy with this house.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48So, the guide price is 40 to 50 grand.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51What does a local estate agent think it needs
0:32:51 > 0:32:53to bring it back up to scratch?
0:32:53 > 0:32:55It needs a full refurbishment throughout,
0:32:55 > 0:32:57so new kitchen, new bathroom.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59I would imagine it will need a rewire,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02a new central heating system put in throughout.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Obviously, decoration, floor coverings.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08There is a possibility to extend at the back as well.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12It's a pretty long list and could be a bit of a money pit
0:33:12 > 0:33:14if that crack is still an issue.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Let's go the whole hog.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20What could it sell for once renovated with an extension?
0:33:20 > 0:33:23If the property was refurbished throughout
0:33:23 > 0:33:24with an extension to the rear,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27I would suggest an asking price at £95,000.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32And the agent thinks the rental income
0:33:32 > 0:33:34will be around £425 per calendar month
0:33:34 > 0:33:36without an extension.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45This is a first for me - the only house on the street.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47But it does have a couple of issues.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49That crack down the side of the house
0:33:49 > 0:33:51looks like it's been underpinned,
0:33:51 > 0:33:53but I'd definitely get it double-checked.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56And there's a few splatters of dump around, but nothing major.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Let's see who wanted it when it went under the hammer.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03Two-bedroom detached house. Need a bid. 40, anyone?
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Can't sell it without one. 35 here.
0:34:05 > 0:34:11At 35 on bid. At 35 on bid now. 36. 37. 38.
0:34:11 > 0:34:1339. 39 on bid.
0:34:13 > 0:34:1740. 41. 42. 43.
0:34:17 > 0:34:2044. 45. 46?
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Not sure. Here at 45.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25At £45,000 it'll be done.
0:34:25 > 0:34:2845,500. 46?
0:34:28 > 0:34:32No. Are we all out at 45,500?
0:34:32 > 0:34:35First time. Second time.
0:34:35 > 0:34:3846.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40And a half? 47?
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Might buy it. 47. And a half?
0:34:45 > 0:34:49You're out. You're in. Told you. Back in at 47,500.
0:34:49 > 0:34:5148? Not sure.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55With you in the back row, £47,500.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58With you and against you two. First time to you, sir.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Second time to you.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Third and final time, back row at £47,500.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Oh. You just missed it.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11You wouldn't miss the last bus home, would you?
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Oh, dear.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16And that's why you have to have your top limit firmly in your head
0:35:16 > 0:35:18before you go to auction.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Someone has missed the bus there,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23but successful bidder Talal jumped aboard this opportunity
0:35:23 > 0:35:26with a successful bid of £47,500.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Talal is a man of many talents.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32He's a property developer and was an electrician to trade,
0:35:32 > 0:35:34but I've been told he has another business,
0:35:34 > 0:35:36so I'm intrigued.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38So, Talal, away from your property developing,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40what other businesses or work are you involved in?
0:35:40 > 0:35:42We manufacture coffins
0:35:42 > 0:35:46and supply to different mosques and funeral services,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48and that's the full-time trade.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- It's a full-time trade that's never going to go out of business.- No.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57# Why are you looking grave... #
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Well, let's hope he hasn't made a grave mistake
0:36:00 > 0:36:02in buying this property,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04which does need a fair bit of work doing.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08I want to know if he has nailed down his plans for this place.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11This wall is going out. Walls are going out.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16- Want to make some extension in the kitchen.- Mm.- New bathroom.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21Maybe a third bedroom, but we're not sure yet.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- So, you mentioned a third bedroom. - Yes.- Where are you thinking?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- Loft. Loft conversion. - In the loft?- Yes.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31We've got space there for a staircase anyway, so we'll try.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36Talal has plenty of plans, but does he have plenty of dough?
0:36:36 > 0:36:39About £15,000 to £20,000.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40That's a big budget.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43But just if you want to make something nice,
0:36:43 > 0:36:44you have to spend money.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48If you cut corners, it will be just patches everywhere,
0:36:48 > 0:36:49the way it is now.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Don't want to do that.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53I'm glad Talal wants to give this place a great finish,
0:36:53 > 0:36:57but how long is it going to take?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00If we don't do the third, the loft conversion,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03then I'll say two months,
0:37:03 > 0:37:07but if we do the loft, then maybe three months.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11But we will be in the roundabout figure of two to three months then,
0:37:11 > 0:37:12because the builders are ready.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15They can crack on in two or three days' time.
0:37:15 > 0:37:16Oh, yes.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18And talking of cracks,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20what about the large one down the side of the house?
0:37:23 > 0:37:27It's not as serious as it looks because it's maybe nothing,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31or maybe something far more serious, but the structural engineer
0:37:31 > 0:37:35will be here tomorrow and hopefully we will get that sorted.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Good job.
0:37:38 > 0:37:39So, with so much to do,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43Talal is going to tackle a lot of the work himself.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I'm a handyman, so I can do everything.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Got no problem. - You're a dab hand. You know...
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Yeah, so hopefully will be here every day.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56You won't see this shirt...
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- HE LAUGHS Nice clean shirt.- Yeah, yeah.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01- You'll see dirty ones every day. - Oh, wow. Good man.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- Well, I hope your instinct is right. - Yeah.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06You liked what you've seen and you've gone for it.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- And it's right in front of you. - Talal, I wish you all the best.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Thank you so much.- Good luck. Hope it works out.- Thank you.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16So, Talal is a cool customer
0:38:16 > 0:38:19and any problems this house has don't seem to faze him at all,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22but it's a little bit different to building coffins.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Anyway, his timescale is three months
0:38:24 > 0:38:27if he builds that loft extension,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30and he's got a healthy budget of £20,000.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Will he get it all finished in time and will he come in under budget?
0:38:33 > 0:38:35You can find out later in the programme.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47Earlier, I was wandering in Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme
0:38:47 > 0:38:51to see a three-bed semidetached guided at £85,000 -
0:38:51 > 0:38:53and one with an interesting layout.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00You've got a front sitting room here and then...
0:39:00 > 0:39:01a rear sitting room here.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Why do I like this? Well, you've got a door there, door there.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06You can go round and round in circles.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10I like houses that you can do that. I mean, not to an excessive amount.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12# Here's to never ending circles
0:39:12 > 0:39:16# And building them on top of me... #
0:39:16 > 0:39:19The rest of the house was enough to make your head spin too -
0:39:19 > 0:39:23a toilet downstairs and bathroom upstairs without toilet.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Well, under the house there was a spacious
0:39:29 > 0:39:33and slightly spooky cellar area filled with more doors
0:39:33 > 0:39:36than a conference for Jim Morrison impersonators.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40And don't get me started on the salvage look of the back garden.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46But Ruth and her husband Ant were keen to get started
0:39:46 > 0:39:50on their £107,000 purchase as they had a pressing reason
0:39:50 > 0:39:52for buying the property.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56We sold our house back in August and we've been looking for somewhere
0:39:56 > 0:39:57to live in this area, but...
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Have you been renting somewhere for the last two or three months?
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- No. We've been in between parents... - Oh, wow.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- ..for the past two or three months. - Just you or kids as well?
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- No, we've got a little girl as well. - How old is she?
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- She's five. - What she called? Evey.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14But before this was to be a lovely family home,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17they had a number of issues to address -
0:40:17 > 0:40:21the absence of central heating, a full rewire and, well,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24just doing something with the layout -
0:40:24 > 0:40:27all on a ten grand budget and in six months.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29We're now back 16 months on,
0:40:29 > 0:40:34and I really hope they've brought new life into their new home.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38# In your new home, new life
0:40:38 > 0:40:42# A new place to hide
0:40:42 > 0:40:50# A new home and a new life... #
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Well, there is a huge difference to the house,
0:40:55 > 0:40:59and downstairs, while the living room hasn't changed,
0:40:59 > 0:41:03it has benefited from replastering and thoughtful decor.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05And it's the warm heart of the new home,
0:41:05 > 0:41:09partly due to the new central heating system.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12When we came and looked at the house and we saw the radiators,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15we just presumed that there was central heating,
0:41:15 > 0:41:19but then on discovering, you know, it was fired by a coal fire
0:41:19 > 0:41:22with the back burner and not actually linked to the gas
0:41:22 > 0:41:24was quite a big surprise.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29You know, nearly £700 worth of unexpected surprise.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Upstairs in the bedrooms,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35the cocoon of '60s decor has been shed
0:41:35 > 0:41:37to let something more modern emerge.
0:41:40 > 0:41:46And the bathroom finally has a toilet and a stylish finish too.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48The bathroom was one of the biggest changes.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51We had to strip everything out back down to the brick
0:41:51 > 0:41:52and we bought the new bathroom suite
0:41:52 > 0:41:54and Ant has actually done all of that work.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57He's tiled it, he's put the bathroom suite in.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59We had to have some help with the plumbing of it,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01but everything else, you know,
0:42:01 > 0:42:03we've done ourselves, and got a nice bathroom now.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10At the back, husband has got his man cave.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Hmm, somehow I don't think that's it,
0:42:12 > 0:42:16although it's nice to see a finished wooden structure in the garden.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21Ant's actual personal space is the cellar under the house,
0:42:21 > 0:42:24and it took a bit of work to get it into shape.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28So, my husband actually pulled out 32 doors from underneath there.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30I have decisions on the decorations upstairs
0:42:30 > 0:42:35and Ant has the man cave downstairs for all of his stuff.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39Ants are often comfortable underground, in my experience, Ruth.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43The family were able to move in after six months of hard work
0:42:43 > 0:42:46and have been making additional improvements since,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48including a full rewire.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54The kitchen remains the one part of the house that requires finishing.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58However, taking the wall out has created so much more space.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00In the lower part of the kitchen,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03there was a toilet and also a pantry
0:43:03 > 0:43:05with makeshift shelves.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09So, we ripped all of that out and then knocked through
0:43:09 > 0:43:12so that we've now, you know, an extra space for the kitchen.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16It is now getting an actual fitted kitchen in there,
0:43:16 > 0:43:18but just ran out of money at the minute for that
0:43:18 > 0:43:19so that's on the waiting this.
0:43:19 > 0:43:24Which brings us to their £10,000 budget.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28I think we've probably stuck to about the ten grand,
0:43:28 > 0:43:32because although we had extra expense with the gas mains,
0:43:32 > 0:43:34we've got lots of things discounted.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38The house has added so much to their lives,
0:43:38 > 0:43:41but have they added value to it?
0:43:41 > 0:43:43Having spent £17,000,
0:43:43 > 0:43:45I'm wondering if two local estate agents
0:43:45 > 0:43:51can give the family an extra bonus when it comes to the resale values.
0:43:51 > 0:43:52As the property is at present,
0:43:52 > 0:43:54we'd look to place the property on the market
0:43:54 > 0:43:58within the region of £125,000 to £130,000.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02If the works were completed, especially the kitchen area,
0:44:02 > 0:44:06it may possibly feature a higher value of £140,000.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09I would say in its current condition,
0:44:09 > 0:44:14I would suggest figures of £130,000,
0:44:14 > 0:44:17and once improved, £140,000.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19Yeah, that sounds pretty good.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22I mean, a lot more than what we paid for it,
0:44:22 > 0:44:24you know, which is always a bonus.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28But, you know, this is somewhere that we want to invest more in
0:44:28 > 0:44:29and stay for a long time.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34So, currently the family could stand to make a pre-tax profit
0:44:34 > 0:44:37of £13,000 on the resale market,
0:44:37 > 0:44:40with a potential for more once the kitchen is finished.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43But this wasn't an auction story about making money.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45It was about a family finding a home,
0:44:45 > 0:44:49and the auction room is somewhere Ruth would advocate.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53Don't be put off by going to auction
0:44:53 > 0:44:55cos there are a lot of property developers there
0:44:55 > 0:44:58and it is a bit scary, but it can work out really well
0:44:58 > 0:45:00in the end and you can get, you know, a really nice property
0:45:00 > 0:45:02and make your own mark on it.
0:45:02 > 0:45:03So, yeah, definitely go ahead with it.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13DION: Let's take ourselves back to Oldham again
0:45:13 > 0:45:18where I saw a two-bed detached house guided at £40,000 to £50,000.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23It was a very unusual street and house
0:45:23 > 0:45:26because it sat on its lonesome.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28# I think we're alone now
0:45:28 > 0:45:32# There doesn't seem to be anyone around... #
0:45:33 > 0:45:37Inside, I was glad no-one was around to see this.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40Extensive damp, no kitchen, and, well,
0:45:40 > 0:45:44I'd rather there was no bathroom based on this colour scheme.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46One very concerning issue -
0:45:46 > 0:45:49a crack running the whole length of the house.
0:45:49 > 0:45:51The house had previously been underpinned,
0:45:51 > 0:45:55but I was worried that it hadn't been resolved.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58It didn't deter Talal paying 100 grand for it.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00He was formerly an electrician,
0:46:00 > 0:46:03but now he'd moved into a more unusual job.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08We manufacture coffins
0:46:08 > 0:46:12and supply to different mosques and funeral services,
0:46:12 > 0:46:14and that's the full-time trade.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18Touch wood, Talal would create a house with a cottage feel,
0:46:18 > 0:46:20adding a third bedroom in the loft space
0:46:20 > 0:46:22and extending the kitchen
0:46:22 > 0:46:26all for a budget of 20 grand and a timescale of two months.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29Optimistic in my opinion,
0:46:29 > 0:46:33even if he's doing most of the work himself.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37So, what have we got seven months down the line?
0:46:42 > 0:46:46We have a transformed exterior Very impressive.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49Inside, he's taken down the living room wall
0:46:49 > 0:46:52to create an open-plan space.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55That non-kitchen has been extended
0:46:55 > 0:46:57and it's now a much more workable space,
0:46:57 > 0:47:01with fantastic skylights to give the place a more modern airy feel.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04And there is a feeling of continuity
0:47:04 > 0:47:08thanks to Talal's use of one particular material.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11# All turned out as great as it could
0:47:11 > 0:47:13# Knock on wood
0:47:13 > 0:47:16# Things are going just as they should
0:47:16 > 0:47:19# Knock on wood... #
0:47:19 > 0:47:23So far, so very good, and upstairs, the staircase is really stylish,
0:47:23 > 0:47:28with exposed beams giving some more country comforts.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32Both existing bedrooms benefit from a replaster,
0:47:32 > 0:47:36and there's no more damp after Talal's fixed the roof.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38The bathroom is now a third bedroom,
0:47:38 > 0:47:41and Talal has stolen some more space from that bigger bedroom
0:47:41 > 0:47:42to build a beautiful new bathroom.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47No window in this bathroom, but don't worry.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48Talal has a solution.
0:47:52 > 0:47:54Everything looks great,
0:47:54 > 0:47:57and Talal is the man who did just about all of it.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59Everything is new.
0:47:59 > 0:48:03The boiler, electrics - everything is brand-new.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07The only work I didn't do is joinery, plaster and skimming.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10Everything else I've tried to do it myself.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14I'm very impressed with his handiwork
0:48:14 > 0:48:17and really impressed by the new extension.
0:48:17 > 0:48:18In this room, since you've been here,
0:48:18 > 0:48:22we've moved the wall which was separating the two rooms.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25We extended the kitchen,
0:48:25 > 0:48:28put a new kitchen in because the old kitchen was too small.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32And put some skylights in, a new patio door.
0:48:32 > 0:48:37And put a new fireplace in, all new plaster, new skimming,
0:48:37 > 0:48:41new flooring, new staircase.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43Everything.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45But what about that worrying crack?
0:48:47 > 0:48:49You know, with the crack, we called a couple of experts
0:48:49 > 0:48:53and they've said it's been underpinned before.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55Just filled it up with the render.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58It's fine now. For eight months, it didn't show up again.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03The work has taken seven months rather than three,
0:49:03 > 0:49:05and there's still some snagging to do.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08There was a delay due to high winds and difficult weather, though,
0:49:08 > 0:49:10which hampered the work on the exterior -
0:49:10 > 0:49:12which I do like, by the way.
0:49:12 > 0:49:17It looks unusual, but very homely. Tell us all about it, Talal.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19We put a stone effect outside.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22It's called rendering. It's a machine.
0:49:22 > 0:49:23It's a blasting machine.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26You blast it and then craft it with the hand.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29It must have been pricey.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33So, did he stick to his 20 grand budget?
0:49:33 > 0:49:37I think the total we have spent, about £23,000.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40A three grand overspend is not too bad,
0:49:40 > 0:49:45and once Talal is finished, he plans to get it on the market.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47So, it's time to find out if all his hard work
0:49:47 > 0:49:50and attention to detail has paid off.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53What do two local estate agents think of his work?
0:49:53 > 0:49:55First impression of the property,
0:49:55 > 0:49:57it's been renovated to a high standard.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00The kitchen extension is quite good.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03It adds value to the house, along with the high ceiling
0:50:03 > 0:50:05and the natural light that's coming in from above.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08And they've fixed and fitted the kitchen
0:50:08 > 0:50:10to a very high quality and high standard.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14The new layout gives a good amount of space
0:50:14 > 0:50:16and even though some space
0:50:16 > 0:50:18has been taken off one of the bedrooms,
0:50:18 > 0:50:23it's still a decent size and there are three reasonable-sized bedrooms
0:50:23 > 0:50:24in the property now.
0:50:24 > 0:50:29Talal's total spend is £70,500, so what kind of figures
0:50:29 > 0:50:32can he expect from the rental and resale market?
0:50:33 > 0:50:40I would expect the sales value to be between £120,000 and £125,000,
0:50:40 > 0:50:44and the rental value between £575 per calendar month
0:50:44 > 0:50:46and £600 per calendar month.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49If I was to market this property for sale today,
0:50:49 > 0:50:53I'd be looking to achieve around £125,000.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56The rental market for this property I believe would be
0:50:56 > 0:50:59around £650 per calendar month
0:50:59 > 0:51:03up to potentially £700 per calendar month.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07Those top figures could mean a potential pre-tax profit
0:51:07 > 0:51:11of around £50,000, or a 12% yield.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14Is Talal happy with those figures,
0:51:14 > 0:51:17and will it make him consider renting?
0:51:17 > 0:51:20Very good. After this work, it's good profit.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23We're going to sell it and I want somebody to move in here
0:51:23 > 0:51:27first-hand and enjoy their life here.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33Talal and Naseema have brought their sons Zachariah and Yahiah
0:51:33 > 0:51:36along to admire their dad's handiwork, so now it's all done,
0:51:36 > 0:51:38what advice would he pass on?
0:51:42 > 0:51:44It's not easy. It's not very straightforward.
0:51:44 > 0:51:48It looks nice on the TV, but realistically it's very hard.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50If you don't know what you're doing,
0:51:50 > 0:51:53don't even think to go in the auction.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58Well, as we have seen,
0:51:58 > 0:52:02property developing can be exciting but also quite a lot of hard work.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04Yeah, but it can be financially rewarding as well
0:52:04 > 0:52:07and a real nice feeling when you turn a property around.
0:52:07 > 0:52:08Absolutely, Dion.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11So, why not join us next time for more Homes Under The Hammer?
0:52:11 > 0:52:12- See- you then. Bye-bye.- Goodbye.