Episode 42

Download Subtitles

Transcript

0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to the show.

0:00:03 > 0:00:05One of my favourite things about housing stock

0:00:05 > 0:00:07across the whole of the UK is just the sheer variety.

0:00:07 > 0:00:08But where do you start?

0:00:08 > 0:00:11That can be the biggest challenge facing us all.

0:00:11 > 0:00:13Well, whatever you're looking for,

0:00:13 > 0:00:15it could be waiting for you under the hammer.

0:00:41 > 0:00:45Well, buying at auction can often be adrenaline-filled, believe me.

0:00:45 > 0:00:48And you can quite often end up paying too much.

0:00:48 > 0:00:50Yes, the trick is to keep a calm head

0:00:50 > 0:00:53and not get swept along by the drama.

0:00:53 > 0:00:55Yes. Let's see what happened to the three buyers on today's show.

0:00:57 > 0:00:59I'm off to Cumbria.

0:00:59 > 0:01:02But is this cottage as solid as it looks?

0:01:02 > 0:01:05It's all false and all removable.

0:01:07 > 0:01:10Whereas Lucy finds a real problem with this London pad

0:01:10 > 0:01:12that's going to need...

0:01:12 > 0:01:15Patience and perseverance to strip away this paper.

0:01:17 > 0:01:19But on a visit to Cornwall,

0:01:19 > 0:01:23I discover an unbelievable amount of room.

0:01:23 > 0:01:25An enormous space!

0:01:25 > 0:01:26Look at this.

0:01:28 > 0:01:31All these properties have been sold at auction and we'll find out who

0:01:31 > 0:01:34bought them and what they paid when they went under the hammer.

0:01:34 > 0:01:36Well done, sir. Congratulations.

0:01:41 > 0:01:46Today, I'm visiting a property just outside the Cumbrian town of Wigton.

0:01:48 > 0:01:50It's a rural location which will

0:01:50 > 0:01:53appeal to those seeking a bit of peace and quiet.

0:01:53 > 0:01:56But if you fancy upping the pace just a little,

0:01:56 > 0:01:59the bright lights of Carlisle are only half an hour away.

0:01:59 > 0:02:02# Let's get away from it all... #

0:02:05 > 0:02:07I've said it before and I'll say it again,

0:02:07 > 0:02:11some of the views and landscape in Cumbria are beautiful.

0:02:11 > 0:02:13And this is no exception.

0:02:14 > 0:02:17These buildings behind me were farm buildings

0:02:17 > 0:02:20but some years ago, some eagle-eyed investors

0:02:20 > 0:02:22turned them into separate dwellings,

0:02:22 > 0:02:25creating a really nice rural community.

0:02:25 > 0:02:28It's one of those houses I'm here to see.

0:02:28 > 0:02:32It has two bedrooms, and a guide price of £55,000 plus.

0:02:32 > 0:02:34Let's get inside and take a look.

0:02:39 > 0:02:42What I do like, as you come in the first door,

0:02:42 > 0:02:44you've got an area there for your dirty shoes

0:02:44 > 0:02:47and your dirty wellies and a bit of a cloakroom.

0:02:47 > 0:02:50That's a really good use of space.

0:02:50 > 0:02:52And as you come into the house itself,

0:02:52 > 0:02:55you've got this little area, a tiled floor.

0:02:55 > 0:02:57I would imagine if you were to give them a bit of a scrub,

0:02:57 > 0:02:59they'd be really pretty.

0:02:59 > 0:03:02What have we got? We've got a downstairs bathroom -

0:03:02 > 0:03:04I want to say bathroom, but it's got a shower in it.

0:03:04 > 0:03:06It looks a bit dated.

0:03:06 > 0:03:08Me personally, I'd want to put a nice new suite in there

0:03:08 > 0:03:11and brighten that shower room up.

0:03:11 > 0:03:12Two rooms.

0:03:12 > 0:03:15This one here has got a nice big window there.

0:03:15 > 0:03:17Double window.

0:03:17 > 0:03:19You'd get a double bed in there, if it is a bedroom,

0:03:19 > 0:03:20but we're downstairs.

0:03:20 > 0:03:24OK. This room here is...

0:03:24 > 0:03:28OK, I've been in houses like this before out in the countryside,

0:03:28 > 0:03:30of this sort of age, and what they tend to do

0:03:30 > 0:03:32is have the bedrooms downstairs

0:03:32 > 0:03:35and the day-to-day living upstairs

0:03:35 > 0:03:37so they can take use and take advantage

0:03:37 > 0:03:40of all those nice country views.

0:03:40 > 0:03:43These would be the two bedrooms down here, most definitely.

0:03:43 > 0:03:46It feels really sturdy in here. Nice, thick walls.

0:03:46 > 0:03:49I haven't seen any central heating as yet,

0:03:49 > 0:03:52but they have made good use of the space.

0:03:53 > 0:03:57In this upside-down house, storage is at a premium.

0:03:57 > 0:04:00So there is a walk-in cupboard in one bedroom

0:04:00 > 0:04:02and a crawl-in cupboard in the other.

0:04:02 > 0:04:05I'm going upstairs to see what the downstairs has to offer,

0:04:05 > 0:04:06if you see what I mean.

0:04:06 > 0:04:09# Upside down

0:04:09 > 0:04:11# Boy, you turn me... #

0:04:11 > 0:04:15OK, upstairs, we have got the living area, lounge,

0:04:15 > 0:04:20and you have got two huge windows to let lots of light in.

0:04:20 > 0:04:24But as I mentioned downstairs, look at the views.

0:04:24 > 0:04:26And why not have your living space upstairs

0:04:26 > 0:04:28if you can see things like that out the window?

0:04:28 > 0:04:33This, it looked like a false fire and it certainly is.

0:04:33 > 0:04:35That's just decorative.

0:04:35 > 0:04:37Not a bad size lounge at all.

0:04:37 > 0:04:40Over here, you've got the kitchen.

0:04:40 > 0:04:43The kitchen is a little bit tight and it's definitely dated.

0:04:43 > 0:04:45I'd want to take all of that out,

0:04:45 > 0:04:48put a nice modern, fresh kitchen in there,

0:04:48 > 0:04:50really give it the wow factor.

0:04:50 > 0:04:52And maybe even...

0:04:53 > 0:04:54Yeah, you could take this wall out.

0:04:54 > 0:04:58You see, this is a completely false wall and...

0:04:58 > 0:04:59That's a false ceiling, as well,

0:04:59 > 0:05:02so you could open the whole of this out.

0:05:02 > 0:05:05Maybe you could actually take this one out as well.

0:05:05 > 0:05:09And you can - it's all false and all removable.

0:05:09 > 0:05:13For me, I'm opening the whole of this top floor out

0:05:13 > 0:05:19to give it a nice, modern feel, a real sense of a family area.

0:05:19 > 0:05:22For me, that's the only way to go.

0:05:25 > 0:05:28As for the outside, you get all the benefits of the lovely greenery

0:05:28 > 0:05:31surrounding you without any of the hard work of gardening

0:05:31 > 0:05:35because this patio area is low-maintenance.

0:05:40 > 0:05:43An agent from the auction house who sold the two-bed terrace

0:05:43 > 0:05:46came along to tell us more.

0:05:46 > 0:05:47I like the property.

0:05:47 > 0:05:49It's in a great location.

0:05:49 > 0:05:51We've got fabulous views.

0:05:51 > 0:05:54I think this property would benefit

0:05:54 > 0:05:57from an overall superficial decoration.

0:05:57 > 0:05:58It doesn't really need that much

0:05:58 > 0:06:00to bring it up to standard.

0:06:00 > 0:06:04A lick of paint here and there, new carpets,

0:06:04 > 0:06:08possibly having a look at the kitchen and the bathroom.

0:06:08 > 0:06:11If that was fitted out, then that would benefit the property.

0:06:11 > 0:06:15And once renovated, how much would this property fetch

0:06:15 > 0:06:17on the local sales market?

0:06:17 > 0:06:23I estimate it should achieve around about £95,000-100,000.

0:06:23 > 0:06:25And if it was put on the rental market?

0:06:25 > 0:06:28On the rental market, this property should achieve

0:06:28 > 0:06:31round about £450 per calendar month.

0:06:33 > 0:06:36This place needs to be brought back to life

0:06:36 > 0:06:39and I don't think it would cost you too much money to do so.

0:06:39 > 0:06:42Downstairs, you are kind of limited with that layout.

0:06:42 > 0:06:47But for me, upstairs, a nice, big open-plan area is the way to go.

0:06:47 > 0:06:49There's lots of potential here.

0:06:49 > 0:06:51Let's see who was the last person standing when it went

0:06:51 > 0:06:52under the hammer.

0:06:54 > 0:06:55We're on to lot number 31,

0:06:55 > 0:06:59which is a two-bedroom cottage-style property.

0:06:59 > 0:07:0155's your guide.

0:07:01 > 0:07:03Anybody for this? Last lot of the day. 55?

0:07:03 > 0:07:05At 55, am I bid?

0:07:05 > 0:07:0950. Need a bid. 45, anyone?

0:07:09 > 0:07:12At £45,000, 45 bid.

0:07:12 > 0:07:15In once, nice and easy. 45 bid. 46.

0:07:15 > 0:07:2047. 48. 49. 50. 51.

0:07:20 > 0:07:2451 bid. 52. 53. 53 bid.

0:07:24 > 0:07:2854. 55. 56. 57?

0:07:28 > 0:07:30A shake of the head here at 56.

0:07:30 > 0:07:33At £56,000, first time with you, sir.

0:07:33 > 0:07:35Second time at 56.

0:07:35 > 0:07:37Back in at 57?

0:07:37 > 0:07:4257. 57 and a half. 58.

0:07:42 > 0:07:44And a half. 59.

0:07:44 > 0:07:46And a half. 60.

0:07:46 > 0:07:48Half. You're out. Here at 60.

0:07:48 > 0:07:52At £60,000 with you, sir. Stood against you, sir.

0:07:52 > 0:07:54At £60,000, here to sell in the room.

0:07:54 > 0:07:59Don't lose it, at £60,000, for the first time, are you sure?

0:07:59 > 0:08:03Second time, if not, I'm selling this at £60,000.

0:08:03 > 0:08:04All done.

0:08:04 > 0:08:06Well done, sir.

0:08:06 > 0:08:10After a slight wobble at 56 grand, it was Keith who held his nerve

0:08:10 > 0:08:12and bagged the final lot of the day.

0:08:12 > 0:08:18# We've been friends now for so many years... #

0:08:18 > 0:08:20This was a joint purchase between

0:08:20 > 0:08:23Keith and his friend and next-door neighbour, Wilson.

0:08:23 > 0:08:24# Let's be friends... #

0:08:24 > 0:08:27I caught up with them back at the house to find out

0:08:27 > 0:08:28why they bought this place.

0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Wilson, nice to meet you. - Dion, nice to meet yourself.

0:08:31 > 0:08:33- Keith, nice to meet you, sir. - Hello, Dion. Hi.

0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Congratulations to you both. - Thanks a lot.- So, who's responsible

0:08:35 > 0:08:37for finding this little gem?

0:08:37 > 0:08:39I suppose that would be me, really, Dion.

0:08:39 > 0:08:41We...

0:08:41 > 0:08:45We live close by and we, Wilson and I, we're neighbours

0:08:45 > 0:08:47and we have a few beers on a Friday night.

0:08:47 > 0:08:50We'd spoken about investing in property and running

0:08:50 > 0:08:51a bit of a project.

0:08:51 > 0:08:54And I saw this was coming up for auction and thought, well,

0:08:54 > 0:08:55it's got to be worth looking at.

0:08:55 > 0:08:58And lo and behold, we bought the damn thing, you know?

0:08:58 > 0:08:59It's a bit tired and needs doing up,

0:08:59 > 0:09:02but I think it's a decent opportunity.

0:09:02 > 0:09:05I think it's a great first property for the two of you to get started.

0:09:05 > 0:09:09Now, talking of getting started, what are you going to start with?

0:09:09 > 0:09:12Um, well, the minute you guys have gone today,

0:09:12 > 0:09:16we're going to get cracking on it.

0:09:16 > 0:09:19We're going to, sort of, pull the floor covering up

0:09:19 > 0:09:22and there's a few walls that need to be knocked down.

0:09:22 > 0:09:25And there's not one inch of the place, really,

0:09:25 > 0:09:28that doesn't need some sort of attention.

0:09:28 > 0:09:30So, what walls are you thinking of moving about?

0:09:30 > 0:09:33This one here is going to be removed totally.

0:09:33 > 0:09:35The kitchen wall, that needs moved.

0:09:35 > 0:09:37Bring the kitchen slightly more into here.

0:09:37 > 0:09:40From a structural point of view, that will be all.

0:09:40 > 0:09:42They're not supporting walls.

0:09:42 > 0:09:45Let the light in. It'll just give it a more spacious feel.

0:09:45 > 0:09:47It's already got a nice vaulted ceiling,

0:09:47 > 0:09:50which could be shown off to a really good effect.

0:09:50 > 0:09:53So, yeah, that's what we're going to do.

0:09:53 > 0:09:55- And downstairs?- Downstairs,

0:09:55 > 0:09:59in terms of the bathroom, it's a big shower in there for a small bathroom

0:09:59 > 0:10:02so we might look at putting a smaller shower in

0:10:02 > 0:10:05and bring that a bit more into size.

0:10:05 > 0:10:08- Yes.- It just looks a bit disproportionate at the moment.

0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Mmm.- Stair-wise, remove the old ranch rails.

0:10:10 > 0:10:13I think if we put spindles up there it'll look far, far nicer.

0:10:13 > 0:10:16Perfect. And how much have you given yourself in regards a budget?

0:10:16 > 0:10:20- What is your budget? - Well, our budget to press is 10K.

0:10:20 > 0:10:21- OK.- We thought that was...

0:10:21 > 0:10:24Whether we can do it a little bit cheaper or... We want the place

0:10:24 > 0:10:26- to look right. That's the most important thing.- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

0:10:26 > 0:10:30'Along with that ten grand, they have set themselves

0:10:30 > 0:10:34'a four- to five-month timescale and plan to sell the house on

0:10:34 > 0:10:35'once the work is completed.'

0:10:35 > 0:10:37And who's going to do that work?

0:10:37 > 0:10:40Who's going to get their hands dirty?

0:10:40 > 0:10:42Well, we'll both be getting our hands dirty.

0:10:42 > 0:10:45I think, to be fair, Wils has got a lot of the skills,

0:10:45 > 0:10:47the finishing skills and the detail, being an engineer.

0:10:47 > 0:10:48And will there be anybody else

0:10:48 > 0:10:51that's going to be giving you a hand? Any mates getting involved?

0:10:51 > 0:10:54Yes. Yes, we're pulling friends, relations in...

0:10:54 > 0:10:58- We've got a... - I don't do the plastering.

0:10:58 > 0:10:59The rest of it, I'll do that.

0:10:59 > 0:11:02In terms of the electrics, the plumbing,

0:11:02 > 0:11:05- I can sort that, but I'll have it checked over...- Of course.

0:11:05 > 0:11:07..by a local electrician.

0:11:07 > 0:11:11We've also got a lot of strong advice coming from our wives

0:11:11 > 0:11:13who put us right when we think we're going wrong

0:11:13 > 0:11:16in terms of what we think we might do with it.

0:11:16 > 0:11:19So, yeah, there's plenty of direction

0:11:19 > 0:11:22being given from behind, if you like.

0:11:22 > 0:11:25- From the bosses.- Indeed. - Yes, absolutely, absolutely.

0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Yeah.- Yeah, yeah.- Yeah. We're not overstating ourselves.

0:11:27 > 0:11:29So, I think we've got a plan

0:11:29 > 0:11:31and we just need to make it happen, I suppose.

0:11:31 > 0:11:33Good on you. I wish you all the best. I think you'll do well.

0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Wilson, good luck, sir. - Thanks a lot. Thanks, Dion.

0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Good luck, Keith.- Thank you, Dion. - All the best.- Thank you.- Thank you.

0:11:40 > 0:11:42For their first venture together,

0:11:42 > 0:11:46I think Keith and Wilson have chosen a very sensible project.

0:11:46 > 0:11:49And turning upstairs into an open-plan area

0:11:49 > 0:11:51is definitely the way to go.

0:11:51 > 0:11:54But will those beers in the back garden turn into champagne?

0:11:54 > 0:11:57And will I get invited to that champagne party?

0:11:57 > 0:12:00You can find out how they get on later in the programme.

0:12:03 > 0:12:06Ealing in West London has great transport links,

0:12:06 > 0:12:10green spaces and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants.

0:12:10 > 0:12:14In fact, all that you need is right here on your doorstep.

0:12:14 > 0:12:17Yes, it's a pretty pricey place to buy property,

0:12:17 > 0:12:19but if you can't afford neighbouring Chiswick,

0:12:19 > 0:12:24travel three miles further west and you do get more for your money here.

0:12:25 > 0:12:29The property Lucy's here to see is in South Ealing,

0:12:29 > 0:12:32which benefits from the nearby Gunnersbury Park.

0:12:33 > 0:12:34This is a pretty street

0:12:34 > 0:12:38so I'm hoping to see a ground floor flat with kerb appeal.

0:12:38 > 0:12:40And as it has three bedrooms, well,

0:12:40 > 0:12:43I'm hoping it'll be spacious inside, too.

0:12:43 > 0:12:48However, the guide price for this property was £290,000,

0:12:48 > 0:12:52which sounds suspiciously cheap when the average value along this road is

0:12:52 > 0:12:55over £480,000.

0:12:55 > 0:12:58So, I'd better not set my expectations too high.

0:12:58 > 0:13:02But, yes, it's pretty from the outside, so that's a good start.

0:13:06 > 0:13:08Lovely little tiles just out there,

0:13:08 > 0:13:11and look at this rather glorious front door.

0:13:11 > 0:13:12I really like that.

0:13:12 > 0:13:16Now, straightaway, walking into here it feels like there's character.

0:13:16 > 0:13:18You've got a really good sized room here.

0:13:18 > 0:13:19You could use that as a bedroom.

0:13:19 > 0:13:21It may even be a bedroom or a lounge,

0:13:21 > 0:13:24depending on how you want to lay this property out.

0:13:24 > 0:13:26Interesting gas fire.

0:13:26 > 0:13:27I think that needs to go

0:13:27 > 0:13:29because there's already central heating in here.

0:13:29 > 0:13:32Second bedroom, a great space.

0:13:32 > 0:13:34Now, I do like this rather long corridor.

0:13:34 > 0:13:37It does give this property the feeling of space,

0:13:37 > 0:13:39but that's because this is a purpose-built flat

0:13:39 > 0:13:43so it was always made to feel like this, which I think is a real bonus

0:13:43 > 0:13:45when you're looking at properties like this in London.

0:13:45 > 0:13:48Er, hm. Bit of a downside here.

0:13:48 > 0:13:50This is what I would call a very small bedroom.

0:13:50 > 0:13:54I think at a real push you might get a single bed in there

0:13:54 > 0:13:57but I think it would be better used as an office

0:13:57 > 0:13:59or even a little cot, a nice nursery.

0:13:59 > 0:14:03And then right at the back, ah, the bathroom.

0:14:03 > 0:14:07Now, come in here. There's easily enough room for a bath in here.

0:14:07 > 0:14:10You've got a little shower shunted into the corner

0:14:10 > 0:14:14and I think this would benefit from a re-tweak, a little rearrange,

0:14:14 > 0:14:17because I just think it's pointless having the shower there and no bath.

0:14:17 > 0:14:18Doesn't everyone like a bath?

0:14:18 > 0:14:23I know I do. And then right at the back here you've got a sitting area,

0:14:23 > 0:14:24a dining area, perhaps.

0:14:24 > 0:14:26It comes straight from the kitchen.

0:14:26 > 0:14:30The kitchen's not the biggest so maybe you could think about

0:14:30 > 0:14:33nibbling a little bit away with this wall to open the space up.

0:14:33 > 0:14:36So, thinking about the layout with this property,

0:14:36 > 0:14:38the front room would serve well as a bedroom,

0:14:38 > 0:14:41you've got a second bedroom, a very small third bedroom there,

0:14:41 > 0:14:43and this area to play with here.

0:14:43 > 0:14:48So, I think, as a purpose-built flat, well, it's doing its job.

0:14:48 > 0:14:51It certainly is. But there's a job here that definitely needs doing,

0:14:51 > 0:14:54which would drive anyone up the wall.

0:14:54 > 0:14:58Yes, it's our old nemesis, textured wallpaper.

0:14:58 > 0:15:01There's a wide variety in this flat and, oh, yes,

0:15:01 > 0:15:05a firm favourite of any would-be renovators - woodchip!

0:15:05 > 0:15:08And it's everywhere in this flat, even on the ceilings.

0:15:08 > 0:15:11Now, it can be an absolute nightmare to remove,

0:15:11 > 0:15:15especially if it's covered in layers of paint like this one.

0:15:15 > 0:15:17Awful stuff.

0:15:17 > 0:15:20Now, the first thing you should do would be to score the paper

0:15:20 > 0:15:22before you try and strip it back.

0:15:22 > 0:15:26And I would recommend buying a specialist scoring tool.

0:15:26 > 0:15:29Now, once you've done that you'll probably want to use a steamer

0:15:29 > 0:15:32to melt away all the glue underneath here.

0:15:32 > 0:15:34But I warn you, the combination of glue,

0:15:34 > 0:15:38water and woodchips will be a really dirty, messy one.

0:15:38 > 0:15:40Now, once the paper is soaked,

0:15:40 > 0:15:42you can use a scraper together with patience

0:15:42 > 0:15:46and perseverance to strip away this paper.

0:15:46 > 0:15:50Probably piece by piece rather than in big old strips, I'm afraid.

0:15:50 > 0:15:55# We're in pieces

0:15:55 > 0:16:01# In pieces... #

0:16:02 > 0:16:06And if you're really unlucky, the plaster will come off and the paper,

0:16:06 > 0:16:08and you'll also need to skim the walls.

0:16:08 > 0:16:10But let's hope it won't come to that.

0:16:13 > 0:16:16Well, I'm really pleased to tell you that this little flat

0:16:16 > 0:16:18has its own outside space.

0:16:18 > 0:16:21Now, any outside area in London is a bonus.

0:16:21 > 0:16:24It's not huge and it needs a bit of a tidy-up,

0:16:24 > 0:16:28but it would be great for families or even pets, and for me,

0:16:28 > 0:16:31thrown in with the three bedrooms that you get with this property,

0:16:31 > 0:16:33it's a real tick in the right box.

0:16:33 > 0:16:35# Tick my, tick my

0:16:35 > 0:16:37# Tick my whoohoo!

0:16:37 > 0:16:38# Tick my box... #

0:16:40 > 0:16:43Let's see if a local estate agent

0:16:43 > 0:16:46thinks this property has more ticks than crosses.

0:16:46 > 0:16:48I think the layout's very adaptable.

0:16:48 > 0:16:50It can be used as a two- or a three-bedroom property.

0:16:50 > 0:16:53I think that the kitchen is relatively small

0:16:53 > 0:16:56but it can be opened out into the space before it

0:16:56 > 0:17:00to make it into a nice big open-plan kitchen/diner.

0:17:00 > 0:17:05And use the front room at the moment as another bedroom.

0:17:05 > 0:17:08So, three bedrooms seems to be the way to go here.

0:17:08 > 0:17:12However, this is a leasehold flat so you do need to get permission

0:17:12 > 0:17:15from the freeholder to make any structural changes.

0:17:15 > 0:17:19Oh, and there is 90 years left on the lease, by the way.

0:17:19 > 0:17:23What kind of returns could you get on this property guided at 290,000?

0:17:23 > 0:17:26Once renovated as a three-bedroom property,

0:17:26 > 0:17:29this would rent for in the region of £1,550 per month.

0:17:29 > 0:17:34In the sales market, I'd be confident to achieve £500,000.

0:17:34 > 0:17:36Half a million?!

0:17:36 > 0:17:40Well, if it went for anywhere near that £290,000 guide price,

0:17:40 > 0:17:43you could have an absolute bargain on your hands.

0:17:44 > 0:17:48Now, overall, I would say my expectations have been met

0:17:48 > 0:17:50with this rather charming flat,

0:17:50 > 0:17:54although, yes, it does need plenty of work and some layout changes

0:17:54 > 0:17:56and it is a shame about the lack of bath.

0:17:56 > 0:17:58Who was ready to strip some wallpaper

0:17:58 > 0:18:00and turn this place around?

0:18:00 > 0:18:02Let's head to the auction and find out.

0:18:05 > 0:18:08Lot two is a two-bedroom ground-floor flat.

0:18:08 > 0:18:12So, where'd you like to kick off on this, say, 250?

0:18:12 > 0:18:14250 with you.

0:18:14 > 0:18:15255?

0:18:15 > 0:18:17250 with you.

0:18:17 > 0:18:21Anyone else? First time, second time...

0:18:22 > 0:18:25You won't get it if you don't bid.

0:18:25 > 0:18:27After what seemed like an early bargain,

0:18:27 > 0:18:30people were soon bidding all over the room

0:18:30 > 0:18:34and this popular Ealing flat flew past its guide of 290,000.

0:18:34 > 0:18:37We rejoin the bidding at 395,000.

0:18:37 > 0:18:39If not, it's going at 395.

0:18:39 > 0:18:41First time.

0:18:41 > 0:18:42Second time.

0:18:44 > 0:18:47396. 397.

0:18:47 > 0:18:48Nearly. Yeah.

0:18:48 > 0:18:54398. 399. 400. 401.

0:18:54 > 0:18:56You must go one more.

0:18:56 > 0:18:57I bet you his limit's 400.

0:18:57 > 0:18:59LAUGHTER

0:18:59 > 0:19:01Everyone wants to see if it is or not.

0:19:01 > 0:19:04401. 402.

0:19:04 > 0:19:06Hey, well done. I knew it wasn't.

0:19:06 > 0:19:10402. 403. 402 with you.

0:19:10 > 0:19:11Anyone else? 402.

0:19:11 > 0:19:13403? If you're all done...

0:19:15 > 0:19:17..sold, 402.

0:19:17 > 0:19:21Paying 402,000, just hidden in an amused auction crowd,

0:19:21 > 0:19:23was the successful bidder, Adrian.

0:19:25 > 0:19:29Retired accountant Adrian came along with daughter Olivia.

0:19:29 > 0:19:32They hail from Birmingham and came to tell Lucy why they've chosen

0:19:32 > 0:19:35this flat in London for their second family project.

0:19:35 > 0:19:39# Second time around... #

0:19:39 > 0:19:42Adrian and Olivia, congratulations.

0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Thank you.- So, who was it that found this flat?

0:19:45 > 0:19:46I actually found it.

0:19:46 > 0:19:51I'd been going to auctions for about the last three or four months

0:19:51 > 0:19:55and it came up and this was the only one that met all of our criteria.

0:19:55 > 0:19:56So, what was your criteria?

0:19:56 > 0:19:58Go through your tick box for me.

0:19:59 > 0:20:02Tick box was, it's a purpose-built flat.

0:20:03 > 0:20:07It's actually got four rooms apart from the bathroom and the kitchen,

0:20:07 > 0:20:09so two reception rooms,

0:20:09 > 0:20:12so we're hoping to turn one of those into a third bedroom.

0:20:12 > 0:20:15It had to be on the west side of London

0:20:15 > 0:20:17so that we can easily get back to Birmingham.

0:20:17 > 0:20:19I mean, those are the two main ones.

0:20:19 > 0:20:22Olivia, as a family, you guys have done this before, haven't you?

0:20:22 > 0:20:24Bought a property and done it up and renovated it.

0:20:24 > 0:20:29Well, I spent last summer doing that with my dad to get that one done.

0:20:29 > 0:20:32Now, currently you're busy, you're studying, aren't you?

0:20:32 > 0:20:34Yeah, I'm at university, so...

0:20:34 > 0:20:35But I think...

0:20:35 > 0:20:39I get quite a long time off for the summer so I think that will be

0:20:39 > 0:20:42the time that I'll then come down here and help.

0:20:42 > 0:20:45Yes, with Olivia further afield than Birmingham,

0:20:45 > 0:20:47at Manchester University,

0:20:47 > 0:20:50this can really only be a summer job if she's to get involved.

0:20:50 > 0:20:52But what are they planning on doing here?

0:20:55 > 0:20:58We're going to start really in the kitchen,

0:20:58 > 0:21:01completely empty all the units out the kitchen.

0:21:01 > 0:21:04Put new kitchen units in, a new central heating boiler.

0:21:04 > 0:21:07And, obviously, it comes straight in here which will be

0:21:07 > 0:21:09a really nice kind of lounge/dining space, I take it?

0:21:09 > 0:21:11It will, yeah, that's the intention -

0:21:11 > 0:21:15to move the lounge which was at the far end of the property,

0:21:15 > 0:21:17to move it actually into this room.

0:21:17 > 0:21:19So, you're hoping to rent this out as a three-bedder,

0:21:19 > 0:21:22although that small bedroom is incredibly small.

0:21:22 > 0:21:25Can you really fit a single bed in there?

0:21:25 > 0:21:28And have you tried laying down in that space?

0:21:28 > 0:21:30No, I haven't tried that at all.

0:21:30 > 0:21:35Erm, also I haven't tried taking woodchip wallpaper off yet,

0:21:35 > 0:21:38so it might be a voyage of discovery, I think.

0:21:38 > 0:21:42Oh, yes, a voyage is exactly what this sounds like.

0:21:42 > 0:21:45But what's the cut of their jib when it comes to their bathroom plans?

0:21:46 > 0:21:50Are you going to leave it as a shower room or will you be putting

0:21:50 > 0:21:53- a bath in there?- No, we have... we've already bought a bath.

0:21:53 > 0:21:55Yay! I can't wait to see it.

0:21:55 > 0:21:59So, what sort of budget have you guys got in mind for this?

0:21:59 > 0:22:02I think it's going to be in between 15,000 and 20,000

0:22:02 > 0:22:07Erm...I'd be unhappy really if it went much over 20,000.

0:22:07 > 0:22:10Do you have a timescale for the work you need to be done?

0:22:10 > 0:22:14If I can get it done in four months, that will sort of be falling in line

0:22:14 > 0:22:16with other plans for the family.

0:22:16 > 0:22:19And, Olivia, you're prepared for a lot of hard work, I take it?

0:22:19 > 0:22:22Do you actually enjoy working alongside Dad?

0:22:22 > 0:22:24Um...no, yeah, I do.

0:22:24 > 0:22:27I think it was really nice last year,

0:22:27 > 0:22:29and especially when you look back and see what you've accomplished,

0:22:29 > 0:22:31then that's a really nice feeling.

0:22:31 > 0:22:33So, yeah, I'm looking forward to it.

0:22:33 > 0:22:35So, you're lucky to have her being

0:22:35 > 0:22:38so willing, sort of, just about, nearly.

0:22:38 > 0:22:39I'm not quite convinced.

0:22:39 > 0:22:42- Are you?- I'm quite convinced.

0:22:42 > 0:22:45I keep telling her it will be good experience for her

0:22:45 > 0:22:48- when she's got a house of her own. - Exactly.

0:22:48 > 0:22:49Guys, good luck with this project.

0:22:49 > 0:22:52I hope it's not too much of a long, arduous summer for you, Olivia.

0:22:52 > 0:22:54But it's been really lovely meeting you both.

0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Thank you.- Thank you.- Thank you.

0:22:57 > 0:23:00So, Adrian and Olivia have some renovation experience

0:23:00 > 0:23:03but after that big spend in the auction room, well,

0:23:03 > 0:23:06I think they're going to have to keep a close eye on that budget.

0:23:06 > 0:23:08Who knows what they'll uncover

0:23:08 > 0:23:11once they start stripping back this wallpaper.

0:23:11 > 0:23:13Will it be a fun, fabulous project for them?

0:23:13 > 0:23:16Join me later in the programme and you can find out how they get on.

0:23:18 > 0:23:23Coming up - in Cornwall, there's a property that's big and rundown

0:23:23 > 0:23:27but offers lots of opportunity, methinks.

0:23:28 > 0:23:31In London, has Adrian achieved his aim?

0:23:31 > 0:23:34What I've been trying to do is to return the property to the way

0:23:34 > 0:23:37that the property would have originally been constructed.

0:23:42 > 0:23:45But first, it was just outside the Cumbrian town of Wigton

0:23:45 > 0:23:48where I came across this two-bed stone cottage which featured

0:23:48 > 0:23:52a charming upside-down living style I've found in a lot of rural houses.

0:23:54 > 0:23:57What they tend to do is have the bedrooms downstairs

0:23:57 > 0:23:59and the day-to-day living upstairs

0:23:59 > 0:24:03so they can take advantage of all those nice country views.

0:24:04 > 0:24:08And this cottage certainly was surrounded by glorious views,

0:24:08 > 0:24:11so you could see why this layout made perfect sense.

0:24:11 > 0:24:13But the house was showing its age

0:24:13 > 0:24:16and was going to need a full refurbishment

0:24:16 > 0:24:19before it could be turned around for the resale or rental market.

0:24:19 > 0:24:24It was bought for £60,000 at auction by Wigton locals Keith and Wilson

0:24:24 > 0:24:27after they decided it was time to stop talking

0:24:27 > 0:24:29and time to start doing.

0:24:29 > 0:24:33# Put your money where your mouth is... #

0:24:33 > 0:24:35Wilson and I, we're neighbours,

0:24:35 > 0:24:37and we have a few beers on a Friday night.

0:24:37 > 0:24:39We'd spoken about investing in property

0:24:39 > 0:24:41and running a bit of a project.

0:24:41 > 0:24:43And I saw this was coming up for auction and thought,

0:24:43 > 0:24:45"Well, it's got to be worth looking at."

0:24:45 > 0:24:48And lo and behold, we bought the damn thing, you know?

0:24:49 > 0:24:53# ..Put your money where your mouth is... #

0:24:53 > 0:24:54Wilson is an engineer

0:24:54 > 0:24:57while Keith used to run a kitchen installation business,

0:24:57 > 0:25:01so, together, they had skills to do a fair amount of work themselves.

0:25:01 > 0:25:04They're giving themselves a ten-grand budget

0:25:04 > 0:25:07and hope to complete the renovation in two to three months.

0:25:07 > 0:25:10The plan was to sell the cottage once complete.

0:25:13 > 0:25:15Five months on, we're back to see

0:25:15 > 0:25:18if this upside-down cottage is now in good order.

0:25:31 > 0:25:35Yes, it's freshly painted and it looks like someone's made good use

0:25:35 > 0:25:37of a power wash on those slabs.

0:25:41 > 0:25:43It looks like these downstairs bedrooms

0:25:43 > 0:25:44have been smartly finished off.

0:25:52 > 0:25:54But this cottage is all about upstairs living.

0:25:56 > 0:25:58The biggest change upstairs,

0:25:58 > 0:26:01erm, I think we got from knocking walls down.

0:26:07 > 0:26:09Yes, those partition walls needed to go

0:26:09 > 0:26:12and it's really made this space much lighter and brighter.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23Also, we got rid of the old stone fireplace,

0:26:23 > 0:26:25put a nice modern fire in.

0:26:25 > 0:26:29Unlike the other fireplace, this one actually works and provides heating,

0:26:29 > 0:26:31along with the new convection wall heaters.

0:26:32 > 0:26:33So, it's all looking good.

0:26:35 > 0:26:39Wait a minute, what about the downstairs bathroom?

0:26:39 > 0:26:40What's happened there?

0:26:41 > 0:26:44Yeah, the bathroom was the biggest challenge, actually.

0:26:44 > 0:26:46And I think any normal bathroom

0:26:46 > 0:26:49would be pretty square or pretty rectangular.

0:26:49 > 0:26:51But this one not only had a square wall

0:26:51 > 0:26:55but it's built into a radius on there and that radius goes round

0:26:55 > 0:26:58to the next wall but it also comes out at the bottom.

0:26:58 > 0:27:01So you're actually trying to get those tiles further at the top

0:27:01 > 0:27:04than what they are at the bottom, and this bathroom, basically,

0:27:04 > 0:27:07it was starting to do my head in, but we've got round it,

0:27:07 > 0:27:09we've got it sorted, and very, very pleased with it.

0:27:14 > 0:27:17And, boy, has he got it sorted.

0:27:17 > 0:27:20It's not just a shower room but a proper wet room.

0:27:20 > 0:27:22Hats off to you, Wilson, for sticking with it.

0:27:24 > 0:27:26But some of the work didn't go as smoothly

0:27:26 > 0:27:28as they had initially hoped.

0:27:29 > 0:27:31How about their working relationship?

0:27:31 > 0:27:34Did that go OK, or was that challenging, too?

0:27:36 > 0:27:38- We...- He hates me guts!- We...

0:27:38 > 0:27:41We've complemented one another in terms of...

0:27:41 > 0:27:43Keith... And I think he'll freely admit it,

0:27:43 > 0:27:45Keith's not a practical person.

0:27:45 > 0:27:48- I'm the practical person...- Correct. - ..which has done most of it.

0:27:48 > 0:27:51But he's been great, foraging for parts and getting the deals.

0:27:51 > 0:27:53This gentleman's really stepped up to the mark

0:27:53 > 0:27:55and got some really good deals for the house.

0:27:55 > 0:27:58I, basically, just keep supplying stuff and Wils keeps fitting it.

0:27:58 > 0:28:00- That's the way it works.- Yeah.- Yeah?

0:28:01 > 0:28:03Keith and Wilson might have thought they were in control of

0:28:03 > 0:28:07this project, but we all know where the power really lies.

0:28:07 > 0:28:10# A man's, man's world

0:28:10 > 0:28:12# But it wouldn't be nothing

0:28:12 > 0:28:16# Nothing without a woman or a girl... #

0:28:16 > 0:28:19Although two of us have been down here doing the work,

0:28:19 > 0:28:22we do get direction from our wives.

0:28:22 > 0:28:25You know, their opinions have been valuable, haven't they, Wils?

0:28:25 > 0:28:28They have, yeah. And they're quite good at telling you

0:28:28 > 0:28:30- where you've gone wrong.- Yes.

0:28:30 > 0:28:33In fact, they're quite willing to spend time and effort

0:28:33 > 0:28:35- to put us right.- Aye.- Yeah.

0:28:35 > 0:28:38Along with the input from their wives,

0:28:38 > 0:28:41family and friends also helped out with some of the work.

0:28:41 > 0:28:44I think, collectively, they've done a rather top job.

0:28:44 > 0:28:45But at what cost?

0:28:47 > 0:28:50Budget, I suppose most people have a ballpark 10,000.

0:28:50 > 0:28:52It seems to be, er,

0:28:52 > 0:28:54a nice round number.

0:28:54 > 0:28:55We've actually come in at less than that.

0:28:55 > 0:28:57We're going to come in at...

0:28:57 > 0:29:00At the moment, we're standing less than 8,000, aren't we, Wils?

0:29:00 > 0:29:01Yeah, just a tad under, yeah.

0:29:01 > 0:29:06An £8,000 budget on top of their 60-grand price sees this cottage

0:29:06 > 0:29:09come in at 68 grand in total.

0:29:09 > 0:29:12I think they've got themselves a decent little property here.

0:29:12 > 0:29:17But what do two local estate agents think?

0:29:17 > 0:29:21I really like what the buyers have done with the property.

0:29:21 > 0:29:24They've replaced the bathroom downstairs with a useful wet room,

0:29:24 > 0:29:26totally tiled out.

0:29:26 > 0:29:27That's looking really nice.

0:29:27 > 0:29:30And they've done the best, they've made the best of this property.

0:29:30 > 0:29:32I really like it.

0:29:32 > 0:29:35It's been renovated in a very attractive style.

0:29:35 > 0:29:38They've made lovely use of the beams, and, um...

0:29:38 > 0:29:40They've combined, I think,

0:29:40 > 0:29:42modern fixtures and fittings

0:29:42 > 0:29:45with the character of the old building very, very successfully.

0:29:46 > 0:29:48So, all pretty positive.

0:29:48 > 0:29:50But what does that mean financially

0:29:50 > 0:29:53on Keith and Wilson's investment of 68 grand?

0:29:55 > 0:29:57On the open market, I would recommend

0:29:57 > 0:30:01a guide price of £100,000-110,000 for this property.

0:30:01 > 0:30:04The sales value for a cottage like this is probably

0:30:04 > 0:30:06going to be about £110,000 now.

0:30:06 > 0:30:08We have actually sold it, haven't we, Wilson?

0:30:08 > 0:30:10We sold to a local couple, a nice couple.

0:30:10 > 0:30:12It was 107,000.

0:30:12 > 0:30:16We were pleased, they were pleased and it's gone locally and it's nice.

0:30:16 > 0:30:19We've come out with a nice profit.

0:30:19 > 0:30:21It's a good return for us for our efforts

0:30:21 > 0:30:22and it's passing a good property

0:30:22 > 0:30:25on to a young couple who, you know,

0:30:25 > 0:30:26who are looking forward

0:30:26 > 0:30:28and I hope they have a lot of happy years here, really.

0:30:28 > 0:30:30Well, that's brilliant.

0:30:30 > 0:30:32And a £107,000 sale price

0:30:32 > 0:30:36would present a pre-tax profit of 39 grand.

0:30:36 > 0:30:39Even split two ways, that's still not bad.

0:30:39 > 0:30:42So, have they enjoyed their first property venture together?

0:30:44 > 0:30:47We've had some really seriously good laughs, haven't we?

0:30:47 > 0:30:49Aye, we have, but don't tell the wives we have.

0:30:49 > 0:30:51It's supposed to have been miserable.

0:30:51 > 0:30:53It's been good. It's been a good experience.

0:30:53 > 0:30:57- Yeah.- And what went from a few drinks on a Friday night,

0:30:57 > 0:30:59and, "Yeah, let's have a go at some property."

0:30:59 > 0:31:01And then it became time to say,

0:31:01 > 0:31:04"Well, OK, let's put our money where our mouths are,"

0:31:04 > 0:31:05and this is the end result of it.

0:31:09 > 0:31:11Par is a small town in Cornwall,

0:31:11 > 0:31:13one of my favourite parts of the country.

0:31:13 > 0:31:15If you fancy a paddle, there are two beaches -

0:31:15 > 0:31:19Par Sands Beach and the smaller Spit Beach.

0:31:19 > 0:31:21There's also a harbour completed in 1840

0:31:21 > 0:31:24and built thanks to the china clay industry.

0:31:24 > 0:31:29Well, Par is on the edge of clay country.

0:31:29 > 0:31:31But what I'm here to see today

0:31:31 > 0:31:36is definitely not fitting the usual mould.

0:31:36 > 0:31:40It's a former sports and social club accessed via this little lane.

0:31:40 > 0:31:45The guide price was £45,000-£60,000.

0:31:45 > 0:31:50Big question is, will it be above par? Let's find out.

0:31:50 > 0:31:52Well, it's certainly above par on the map at least,

0:31:52 > 0:31:56because it's a mile and a half north of the town and in the small village

0:31:56 > 0:31:58of Biscovey.

0:31:58 > 0:32:01And the first thing is, it's huge -

0:32:01 > 0:32:06a stone building with a massive rear extension. Wow!

0:32:06 > 0:32:08I haven't really got a clue what I'm going to find,

0:32:08 > 0:32:11but through the door into this little entrance area,

0:32:11 > 0:32:14there's somewhere where people would have hung their hats and coats.

0:32:14 > 0:32:18And then straight into this, what I guess is a lounge-bar area.

0:32:18 > 0:32:20It's a good-sized room.

0:32:20 > 0:32:21I mean, it's not in bad condition.

0:32:21 > 0:32:23I love this old fireplace.

0:32:23 > 0:32:26Look at this. Wow, that is a feature and a half.

0:32:26 > 0:32:30So, a really interesting space.

0:32:30 > 0:32:32I just feel it's the beginning.

0:32:32 > 0:32:34There's more.

0:32:34 > 0:32:36# Yowser, yowser, yowser! #

0:32:36 > 0:32:40Oh, wow! It goes on.

0:32:40 > 0:32:46Bar area here leading into an enormous space.

0:32:46 > 0:32:51Look at this. It's obviously the main sort of entertainment area

0:32:51 > 0:32:55of the club. Obviously, got the stage.

0:32:56 > 0:32:58Massive space.

0:32:58 > 0:33:00Wow! High ceilings.

0:33:00 > 0:33:03Er...

0:33:03 > 0:33:05I've got to, really.

0:33:05 > 0:33:08Ta-da. I wonder who's actually performed on here.

0:33:08 > 0:33:10I wonder if there's some, like,

0:33:10 > 0:33:14major star that started out their career by appearing on that stage.

0:33:14 > 0:33:18You never know. I mean, the building has character, it has history.

0:33:21 > 0:33:23Now, I have to start really thinking...

0:33:25 > 0:33:27.."What on earth could you do with it?"

0:33:27 > 0:33:30INTRO: Love Don't Live Here Anymore by Rose Royce

0:33:33 > 0:33:35Well, let's look at the history.

0:33:35 > 0:33:39Sports and social clubs like this traditionally have a heritage

0:33:39 > 0:33:43of mainly working-class patronage as a place to meet, drink and be merry

0:33:43 > 0:33:48whilst participating in bar games like darts, snooker and dominoes.

0:33:48 > 0:33:52And, of course, the once ubiquitous 1970s disco.

0:33:52 > 0:33:56But now it looks like the patrons are long gone.

0:33:56 > 0:33:59# You abandoned me

0:33:59 > 0:34:02# Love don't live here anymore... #

0:34:05 > 0:34:09Ha! Right, well, this is one that definitely gets

0:34:09 > 0:34:11the old property developer juices flowing, doesn't it?

0:34:11 > 0:34:15What you've got here is an absolutely massive building,

0:34:15 > 0:34:17and the options are what, then?

0:34:17 > 0:34:20OK, we could try and reinstate it as a social club,

0:34:20 > 0:34:22put it back as a feature of the local community.

0:34:22 > 0:34:25Well, that would be a nice thing to do but it failed once,

0:34:25 > 0:34:27for whatever reason, so it might fail again.

0:34:29 > 0:34:33Realistically, redevelop it as something else, maybe a...

0:34:33 > 0:34:35I don't know, a daycare centre, perhaps.

0:34:35 > 0:34:37A child... I don't know, something like that.

0:34:37 > 0:34:40Another facility for the local community, perhaps.

0:34:41 > 0:34:45Residential. Well, I don't think you're really going to be able

0:34:45 > 0:34:48to convert this building as it is so you'd have to knock it down

0:34:48 > 0:34:50and build something in its place.

0:34:50 > 0:34:53Well, you've certainly got a lot of land here.

0:34:53 > 0:34:54So, that's an option.

0:34:54 > 0:34:58However, reading the legal pack and doing your research,

0:34:58 > 0:35:02you would find out that there is actually a restrictive covenant

0:35:02 > 0:35:06put on by the church which says that you can't actually knock it down.

0:35:06 > 0:35:07That's very bad news.

0:35:07 > 0:35:13However, the good news is that covenant is promised to be removed.

0:35:13 > 0:35:18Erm, so, it looks like you would be able to potentially knock it down.

0:35:18 > 0:35:21You've also got a road which is the access.

0:35:21 > 0:35:25Now, that provides an access also for some of the houses round here.

0:35:25 > 0:35:27So, you're going to have to be very careful

0:35:27 > 0:35:29about how you deal with those neighbours,

0:35:29 > 0:35:33and, obviously, you couldn't lose their right of way.

0:35:33 > 0:35:34Lots of things to consider.

0:35:36 > 0:35:37But also...

0:35:39 > 0:35:41..lots of opportunity, methinks.

0:35:43 > 0:35:45But what I think might be quite different

0:35:45 > 0:35:48to what a local property expert thinks.

0:35:50 > 0:35:52Here comes one now from the auctioneers

0:35:52 > 0:35:54who sold this not so little lot.

0:35:54 > 0:35:56I wonder what his first impressions are.

0:35:58 > 0:36:00My first impressions of the building are

0:36:00 > 0:36:04it may have been at some point fit for purpose. That's...

0:36:04 > 0:36:07Those days have gone. And now I see it simply

0:36:07 > 0:36:10as a residential redevelopment opportunity.

0:36:10 > 0:36:15In physical terms, there's probably room for three or four actually

0:36:15 > 0:36:19half-decent detached, a bit, houses, from each other.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21It will all, I think, boil down to

0:36:21 > 0:36:25how many the county highways will be happy with

0:36:25 > 0:36:27off not the best of vehicular accesses.

0:36:28 > 0:36:30The site entrance is off a busy road,

0:36:30 > 0:36:33which will bring limitations on the development.

0:36:33 > 0:36:36But with a guide price of £45,000-£60,000,

0:36:36 > 0:36:40what sort of market price are we talking about for the housing here?

0:36:41 > 0:36:45A three- or four-bedroomed detached and semidetached house here

0:36:45 > 0:36:51should be worth £265,000... £275,000 in kind of theory.

0:36:52 > 0:36:57However, that's so close to the stamp duty threshold of £250,000,

0:36:57 > 0:37:02if I was doing the sums, I'd put in £250,000 as the probable tops.

0:37:02 > 0:37:06# Get on up on the floor

0:37:06 > 0:37:09# Cos we're gonna boogie oogie oogie

0:37:09 > 0:37:13# Till you just can't boogie no more... #

0:37:13 > 0:37:17Four times 250,000 equates to £1 million, if I'm not mistaken.

0:37:17 > 0:37:20That should get a few developers dancing.

0:37:20 > 0:37:23How about the rental side of things?

0:37:23 > 0:37:26On the rental market, there would be pretty good demand

0:37:26 > 0:37:28for a three- or four-bedroom detached house.

0:37:28 > 0:37:33You could be looking at as much as £750 per calendar month.

0:37:33 > 0:37:36Now, I know there are the hurdles of planning

0:37:36 > 0:37:38and the build costs to consider

0:37:38 > 0:37:40but, overall, it sounds to me like good news,

0:37:40 > 0:37:44and let's face it, who's going to miss architecture like this?

0:37:47 > 0:37:50It's a really interesting one, this, isn't it?

0:37:50 > 0:37:54You know, so much potential, so many challenges ahead.

0:37:54 > 0:37:59But for a £45,000-£60,000 guide price, would you have a punt?

0:38:00 > 0:38:03Let's find out who did when it went under the hammer.

0:38:04 > 0:38:08OK, this is Biscovey Sports And Social Club.

0:38:08 > 0:38:10It's potential for conversion

0:38:10 > 0:38:12or would you just clear the site and maybe something else?

0:38:12 > 0:38:16Who knows? There's potential for a variety of uses.

0:38:16 > 0:38:17Who'll kick us off? 50?

0:38:17 > 0:38:19And 50. No 50 at the moment.

0:38:19 > 0:38:21So, we'll look for 40, then.

0:38:21 > 0:38:23At 40, thank you, sir.

0:38:23 > 0:38:25At 40, we're away. At 40 by the pillar.

0:38:25 > 0:38:26At 40,000.

0:38:26 > 0:38:27And two, down the middle.

0:38:27 > 0:38:29I've got you, madam, down the line, at 42.

0:38:30 > 0:38:32And four.

0:38:32 > 0:38:34After that surprisingly low start,

0:38:34 > 0:38:37the bids climb steadily in £2,000 steps.

0:38:37 > 0:38:41We rejoin the bidding at 85,000.

0:38:41 > 0:38:43And five. Do I see. Yes, 85.

0:38:43 > 0:38:4485.

0:38:45 > 0:38:48At 85. At 85, then, for the first time.

0:38:48 > 0:38:51At 85 for the second time.

0:38:51 > 0:38:54At 85,000 for the third and final time.

0:38:57 > 0:38:5886. That was close.

0:38:58 > 0:39:01That was close. 86. 87, the lady goes.

0:39:01 > 0:39:03At 87, so looking for 88.

0:39:03 > 0:39:0688, the person goes.

0:39:06 > 0:39:0889. Looking for 90.

0:39:08 > 0:39:14But 89. 90. 91. 91 for the first time.

0:39:14 > 0:39:16At 91 for the second time.

0:39:16 > 0:39:20All selling and out at £91,000.

0:39:20 > 0:39:22Sold. Congratulations.

0:39:22 > 0:39:23Well done. Well done.

0:39:24 > 0:39:27Well done to Pam who's no stranger to property management.

0:39:27 > 0:39:30She has 22 flats that she rents out and I met her

0:39:30 > 0:39:34at her £91,000 purchase to get the rundown on her plans.

0:39:35 > 0:39:38- Pam, good to meet you. - Nice to meet you, too, Martin.

0:39:38 > 0:39:39Congratulations.

0:39:39 > 0:39:43- Thank you very much.- So, why did you want to buy this place?

0:39:43 > 0:39:47I saw it by accident on viewing another property.

0:39:47 > 0:39:48- Huh?- Yes, I know.

0:39:48 > 0:39:54I was on my way, I saw a... lovely cottage in Saint Austell.

0:39:54 > 0:39:56- Cottage?- Yes.- How many bedrooms?

0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Two.- Two-bedroom cottage?

0:39:58 > 0:40:01It looked lovely. And I went inside and I hated it.

0:40:01 > 0:40:04- Oh, right.- And they were viewing this property after that one.

0:40:04 > 0:40:06So, we thought, "Well, it's on the way home,

0:40:06 > 0:40:07"we'll just have a quick look,"

0:40:07 > 0:40:10- and I loved it.- It's not quite a two-bedroom cottage, is it?

0:40:10 > 0:40:12I know. No. I know.

0:40:12 > 0:40:14But when you were jotting down on your piece of paper what I'm -

0:40:14 > 0:40:17or in your mind's eye, or whatever - what I'm going to buy.

0:40:17 > 0:40:19Hm-hm-hm, small cottage, two bedrooms, that'll do, yeah.

0:40:19 > 0:40:21Blah-blah-blah-blah.

0:40:21 > 0:40:24Large ex-semicommercial former social club thing,

0:40:24 > 0:40:28which I'm probably going to knock down and build something on.

0:40:28 > 0:40:30- Probably.- So, it was that?

0:40:30 > 0:40:31- That was it.- Really?

0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Yeah.- Wow!- And then when I drove up, I loved it.

0:40:34 > 0:40:38So, OK. So, something changed when you drove up the drive there?

0:40:38 > 0:40:41- Yeah.- What?- The size of it.

0:40:41 > 0:40:44The peaceful, quiet location.

0:40:44 > 0:40:46The garden at the rear.

0:40:46 > 0:40:47Absolutely beautiful.

0:40:48 > 0:40:53Things do seem to happen to Pam by chance and today is no exception.

0:40:53 > 0:40:55I've met a really nice builder today...

0:40:55 > 0:41:00- OK.- ..that is local, and he wanted to purchase it a few years ago.

0:41:00 > 0:41:01- Did he?- Yes.

0:41:01 > 0:41:05And I'm going to have him do the building work for me.

0:41:05 > 0:41:06It's not a bad joint venture with him.

0:41:06 > 0:41:09You throw in the property, he throws in the building work,

0:41:09 > 0:41:10you split the profits.

0:41:10 > 0:41:12I haven't thought about that.

0:41:12 > 0:41:13Maybe suggest a joint venture. You never know.

0:41:13 > 0:41:16- It wouldn't be a bad idea, that, Martin.- Yeah.- I quite like that.

0:41:17 > 0:41:19You've put the money up for the property,

0:41:19 > 0:41:21he'll put the money in for the building,

0:41:21 > 0:41:22and then you split the profits.

0:41:22 > 0:41:25So, I know it's an ever-changing feast at the moment,

0:41:25 > 0:41:29but, in principle, what do you think you could build here?

0:41:30 > 0:41:31I think two houses.

0:41:31 > 0:41:33Right.

0:41:33 > 0:41:36Maybe four bedrooms each house, garage,

0:41:36 > 0:41:39both with garden at the rear.

0:41:39 > 0:41:41And then is the idea to sell them on when they're done?

0:41:41 > 0:41:42Yes.

0:41:42 > 0:41:45Erm, so what about budgets?

0:41:45 > 0:41:47- Budget?- Yeah, money, spending.

0:41:47 > 0:41:49I think about 50,000.

0:41:49 > 0:41:51Four bedrooms, 50 grand, you'll be lucky.

0:41:51 > 0:41:54- Yeah?- Yeah. You want to talk to your builder.

0:41:54 > 0:41:55Yeah, well, I can always add it up a bit.

0:41:57 > 0:42:00The worst part is going to be the planning.

0:42:00 > 0:42:02It's the time they take to get the planning through.

0:42:02 > 0:42:07And then I'll need the architect to make up the plans.

0:42:07 > 0:42:09So, I'm thinking probably about nine months.

0:42:09 > 0:42:11- OK.- Maybe a year.

0:42:12 > 0:42:14Congratulations. I can't wait to see what happens.

0:42:14 > 0:42:16- Right, so can I.- Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

0:42:16 > 0:42:18- That's lovely.- Nice to meet you.

0:42:18 > 0:42:20- Thanks very much for coming. - Pleasure.- And you.

0:42:22 > 0:42:25Well, it's not quite the two-bedroom cottage

0:42:25 > 0:42:27that Pam set out to buy, is it?

0:42:27 > 0:42:31No, but she strikes me as a lady who can spot an opportunity

0:42:31 > 0:42:34and there's certainly one here with this place.

0:42:34 > 0:42:39Still a few hurdles to jump over before it comes to fruition.

0:42:39 > 0:42:41How will it all turn out?

0:42:41 > 0:42:43You can find out later in the show.

0:42:47 > 0:42:49Well, we've seen how developer number one got on

0:42:49 > 0:42:52- but what about the other two?- Yes, will they be cup winners

0:42:52 > 0:42:55or will they get knocked out in the semifinals on penalties?

0:42:55 > 0:42:57Let's find out those results.

0:43:03 > 0:43:08Back to West London now and the sought-after area of South Ealing.

0:43:08 > 0:43:13The average price for a three-bed property round here is over 480,000.

0:43:13 > 0:43:17So, Lucy was intrigued to find this three-bed ground floor flat

0:43:17 > 0:43:20that had a guide price of 290,000.

0:43:23 > 0:43:24Inside was dated and tired

0:43:24 > 0:43:27but it had character and plenty of potential,

0:43:27 > 0:43:30although the previous occupants were clearly big fans

0:43:30 > 0:43:33of an old Homes Under The Hammer nemesis.

0:43:34 > 0:43:37Yes, I'm going to be talking about lovely woodchip wallpaper,

0:43:37 > 0:43:39and it's everywhere in this flat.

0:43:39 > 0:43:41Even on the ceilings.

0:43:41 > 0:43:44Now, it can be an absolute nightmare to remove.

0:43:44 > 0:43:48Especially if it's covered in layers of paint like this one.

0:43:48 > 0:43:49Awful stuff.

0:43:49 > 0:43:54# I better knock on wood, baby! #

0:43:54 > 0:43:58As well as the woeful woodchip was a bathroom with no bath,

0:43:58 > 0:44:02a tiny third bedroom complete with tiled floor

0:44:02 > 0:44:05and the kitchen with no elbow room.

0:44:09 > 0:44:12Still, this did not put buyers off on auction day with the property

0:44:12 > 0:44:15selling for £402,000.

0:44:15 > 0:44:18The successful bidder was retired accountant Adrian who,

0:44:18 > 0:44:21along with the help of daughter Olivia,

0:44:21 > 0:44:24hoped to turn this second property renovation

0:44:24 > 0:44:26into an attractive long-term rental,

0:44:26 > 0:44:29although he had a couple of concerns.

0:44:30 > 0:44:33That small bedroom is incredibly small.

0:44:33 > 0:44:36Can you really fit a single bed in there?

0:44:36 > 0:44:38And have you tried laying down in that space?

0:44:38 > 0:44:43No, I haven't tried that at all, erm...

0:44:43 > 0:44:47Also I haven't tried taking woodchip wallpaper off yet,

0:44:47 > 0:44:50so it might be a voyage of discovery, I think.

0:44:50 > 0:44:53Well, before they set sail into uncharted waters,

0:44:53 > 0:44:56Adrian had earmarked a timescale of four months

0:44:56 > 0:44:58and a budget of £15,000-£20,000

0:44:58 > 0:45:01to get the property ready for the rental market.

0:45:04 > 0:45:05Well, it's now a year later

0:45:05 > 0:45:08and we've returned to see how Adrian got on.

0:45:23 > 0:45:27Fantastic. This ground floor flat is flying high.

0:45:27 > 0:45:32Beautifully redecorated, there is not a trace of woodchip to be seen.

0:45:32 > 0:45:34The neutral, modern decor is complemented

0:45:34 > 0:45:39by the sympathetic restoration of the existing period features,

0:45:39 > 0:45:42while the addition of ornate fireplaces adds a touch of class.

0:45:44 > 0:45:47Here's Adrian to tell us exactly what he's been up to.

0:45:47 > 0:45:52Right, in this room we've put in a new cast-iron fireplace,

0:45:52 > 0:45:54we've taken out the water tanks

0:45:54 > 0:45:57which had previously been serving the whole of the flat

0:45:57 > 0:45:58and they're no longer required.

0:45:58 > 0:46:02We've put in new real wood flooring throughout,

0:46:02 > 0:46:05refurbished the sash window,

0:46:05 > 0:46:08and probably the main structural item was

0:46:08 > 0:46:13we've opened what was previously a single doorway into an archway.

0:46:13 > 0:46:18Er, that way, the area can be more of a combined, er...

0:46:18 > 0:46:21cooking and living area.

0:46:25 > 0:46:29Yes, opening the entrance into the brand-new kitchen

0:46:29 > 0:46:33creates a lovely modern feeling in this once-dated property.

0:46:37 > 0:46:39In the master bedroom,

0:46:39 > 0:46:42they've made the most of the space by removing cupboards.

0:46:46 > 0:46:49The third small bedroom is much improved.

0:46:49 > 0:46:50And we're happy to report,

0:46:50 > 0:46:55in the brand-new bathroom they have indeed added a bath.

0:46:55 > 0:46:56Marvellous.

0:46:59 > 0:47:01Outside, there's still work to be done

0:47:01 > 0:47:04but Adrian has worked his socks off to create a flat that's still

0:47:04 > 0:47:08full of character whilst also being sleek and contemporary.

0:47:09 > 0:47:12What I've been trying to do is to return the property

0:47:12 > 0:47:14as much as possible to the way

0:47:14 > 0:47:18that the property would have originally been constructed.

0:47:18 > 0:47:21So, on the front door it was painted red

0:47:21 > 0:47:25and had some generic horrible glass in it.

0:47:25 > 0:47:32So, I found a stained-glass manufacturer who could actually

0:47:32 > 0:47:36replicate the style of all the other stained-glass windows

0:47:36 > 0:47:38along the street, also on the...

0:47:38 > 0:47:43It's got sash windows and rather than replace those with UPVC,

0:47:43 > 0:47:46I've actually restored all of those windows one by one

0:47:46 > 0:47:49and that was quite a time-consuming exercise.

0:47:49 > 0:47:57# You know I will go that extra mile for you... #

0:47:57 > 0:48:00It's really impressive that Adrian has gone to the efforts

0:48:00 > 0:48:04of restoring this property, as well as modernising it.

0:48:04 > 0:48:08But was he flying solo, or was his daughter able to muck in?

0:48:09 > 0:48:11She contributed a certain amount.

0:48:12 > 0:48:15But, logistically, it became very difficult

0:48:15 > 0:48:18because she's studying at Manchester.

0:48:18 > 0:48:22But my brother and my wife and my brother's wife have stepped in

0:48:22 > 0:48:24where she wasn't able to help.

0:48:25 > 0:48:30Yes, Adrian and his troop of helpers did the majority of the work here,

0:48:30 > 0:48:33which helped keep the budget down to 18,000.

0:48:33 > 0:48:37But the timescale of four months was a different story.

0:48:37 > 0:48:40I think I was probably being far too optimistic

0:48:40 > 0:48:42with the original schedule.

0:48:42 > 0:48:45So, I would probably say, overall,

0:48:45 > 0:48:49it has probably taken about eight months of work.

0:48:51 > 0:48:56So, with the plan still to rent and a total investment of £420,000 here,

0:48:56 > 0:48:59it will be interesting to hear the thoughts of two local estate agents.

0:49:02 > 0:49:04I think the flat's been refurbished to a really high standard.

0:49:04 > 0:49:07I like the mix of old and modern elements.

0:49:07 > 0:49:09And I believe the bathroom is done to a really high standard.

0:49:09 > 0:49:11I think period features are really important.

0:49:11 > 0:49:13I think they help for the ambience,

0:49:13 > 0:49:15it's good that he's gone for the contrast -

0:49:15 > 0:49:18so kind of contemporary and period together, so, yes.

0:49:19 > 0:49:22It's not hard to be impressed by what's been done

0:49:22 > 0:49:24to this once dingy flat.

0:49:24 > 0:49:26But with Adrian paying so much for the flat,

0:49:26 > 0:49:31is the total £420,000 investment a sound one?

0:49:32 > 0:49:35I think if the property was put on the market for sale,

0:49:35 > 0:49:38it should be placed at around £489,000.

0:49:38 > 0:49:42I would put this property on the market for £525,000,

0:49:42 > 0:49:47but expect offers of around £499,000.

0:49:47 > 0:49:50Well, if it were to sell for 499,000,

0:49:50 > 0:49:55that would mean a pre-tax profit of a whopping 79,000.

0:49:55 > 0:49:57But it's only rental Adrian is interested in.

0:49:59 > 0:50:03I think he could ask £1,600 per calendar month for this property.

0:50:03 > 0:50:05I think when the property's placed on the market for rental,

0:50:05 > 0:50:08you're looking to achieve around £1,600 per calendar month.

0:50:08 > 0:50:13That's exactly what the figure I would have had in mind,

0:50:13 > 0:50:18and actually ties in with the figures that I was putting together

0:50:18 > 0:50:21when I first purchased the property.

0:50:21 > 0:50:24That rental figure of £1,600 per month

0:50:24 > 0:50:27would equate to a yield of around 4.5%,

0:50:27 > 0:50:31making Adrian's renovation project something of a success.

0:50:38 > 0:50:42Just one and a half miles inland from the fishing port of Par

0:50:42 > 0:50:44in Cornwall is the small village of Biscovey.

0:50:45 > 0:50:49With the beautiful coastline and the Eden Project nearby,

0:50:49 > 0:50:52this tranquil spot has a lot of appeal.

0:50:53 > 0:50:56Unlike the old village sports and social club we saw,

0:50:56 > 0:50:59which was no longer attracting many visitors.

0:50:59 > 0:51:03No more pints being pulled, no more Saturday night dances,

0:51:03 > 0:51:07no more snooker - this place was slowly going to pot.

0:51:07 > 0:51:12I mean, the building has character, it has history, erm...

0:51:13 > 0:51:16Now I have to start really thinking,

0:51:16 > 0:51:19"What on earth could you do with it?"

0:51:19 > 0:51:21# Knock it down, knock it down

0:51:21 > 0:51:23# Knock it down, knock it down, yeah! #

0:51:25 > 0:51:28Yes, sadly, that probably was the best option.

0:51:28 > 0:51:31But with no planning permission to rebuild anything,

0:51:31 > 0:51:32this former commercial space

0:51:32 > 0:51:36was going to be a gamble for anyone taking it on.

0:51:36 > 0:51:38The person to take the risk?

0:51:38 > 0:51:41Well, it was Devon-based property developer Pam.

0:51:45 > 0:51:49In principle, what do you think you could build here?

0:51:49 > 0:51:50I think two houses.

0:51:50 > 0:51:54- Right.- Maybe four bedrooms each house,

0:51:54 > 0:51:57garage, both with garden at the rear.

0:51:57 > 0:52:00- And then is the idea to sell them on when they're done?- Yes.

0:52:01 > 0:52:03Developments such as these are never quick,

0:52:03 > 0:52:06so Pam had estimated nine months to a year

0:52:06 > 0:52:10and a rough budget of £70,000 to clear the site and build the houses.

0:52:12 > 0:52:16Well, nearly two years on we return with Pam and her granddaughter.

0:52:17 > 0:52:20So, has there been much progress?

0:52:22 > 0:52:24Hm, doesn't look very different to me.

0:52:24 > 0:52:28# Still the same, still the same

0:52:28 > 0:52:34# Still the same, some things never change

0:52:34 > 0:52:35# Still the same... #

0:52:36 > 0:52:39Yes, so the buildings remain standing.

0:52:39 > 0:52:40What's been going on?

0:52:41 > 0:52:45I haven't done anything to the property at this moment.

0:52:45 > 0:52:48But we applied for planning permission

0:52:48 > 0:52:51for originally four houses but Heritage got involved

0:52:51 > 0:52:56right at the very last minute and they wanted to keep the old chapel.

0:52:56 > 0:53:01But now I've got permission for two houses and a semidetached,

0:53:01 > 0:53:04but keep the old chapel building

0:53:04 > 0:53:09which I hope to develop into possibly two houses or two flats.

0:53:09 > 0:53:13So, actually, Pam has got over the biggest hurdle

0:53:13 > 0:53:16of getting planning in place for two houses at least.

0:53:16 > 0:53:18That's no small feat.

0:53:18 > 0:53:21But what are the two three-bed houses going to look like?

0:53:22 > 0:53:28In the area we're standing, this extension will be demolished.

0:53:28 > 0:53:33This is a plan of both the ground floors of both the houses.

0:53:33 > 0:53:35They reflect each other.

0:53:35 > 0:53:39They both have a kitchen, separate dining room, lounge,

0:53:39 > 0:53:41and a downstairs cloakroom.

0:53:41 > 0:53:45And then, on the first floor, we have three bedrooms,

0:53:45 > 0:53:48and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

0:53:50 > 0:53:54One house is stepped slightly further back than the other house.

0:53:54 > 0:53:58They'll both be very similar-ish but trying to keep them in

0:53:58 > 0:54:01with the Cornish stone and a bit of character.

0:54:02 > 0:54:04This is all really quite exciting.

0:54:04 > 0:54:06But it's been a battle.

0:54:06 > 0:54:09So, has she ever been tempted to exit stage left

0:54:09 > 0:54:12and let someone else take it on?

0:54:12 > 0:54:14Yes, there was a point when I wanted to give up.

0:54:14 > 0:54:17Once the planning was refused -

0:54:17 > 0:54:21at that point, just for the day, I wanted to sell.

0:54:22 > 0:54:25But I have changed my mind and I'm going to do it myself.

0:54:25 > 0:54:31# Yeah, can't give it up no more cos I'm much too strong... #

0:54:33 > 0:54:37Good for her. But she is going to need more of that fighting spirit,

0:54:37 > 0:54:40as not only has she got two three-bed houses to build

0:54:40 > 0:54:44but she's also keen to develop the troublesome chapel.

0:54:44 > 0:54:47We haven't got any planning permission for it at the moment.

0:54:47 > 0:54:52But I'm going to have plans put in to hopefully have two flats

0:54:52 > 0:54:58in the top part of the building, and then with parking underneath.

0:54:58 > 0:55:02Well, we know that this process can cost her time and energy

0:55:02 > 0:55:05but if she was to get the two flats along with her two houses,

0:55:05 > 0:55:08what kind of costs financially are we looking at?

0:55:10 > 0:55:15My budget for the two houses is about 70,000 each.

0:55:15 > 0:55:19For the two flats, I would think maybe 40,000 each.

0:55:22 > 0:55:26Along with those proposed build costs, Pam has spent £102,000

0:55:26 > 0:55:29on purchasing the site and paying all the planning fees.

0:55:29 > 0:55:32In addition, she thinks it would cost

0:55:32 > 0:55:34around £15,000 to clear the site.

0:55:34 > 0:55:37So, building the two houses alone

0:55:37 > 0:55:40will take her total spend to 257,000.

0:55:40 > 0:55:42But will this development be worth the wait?

0:55:45 > 0:55:49What did two local property experts think of progress so far?

0:55:51 > 0:55:54What we mustn't underestimate is what they've achieved to date

0:55:54 > 0:55:59and that is two brand-new houses in close proximity to this building,

0:55:59 > 0:56:01and that's really well done.

0:56:01 > 0:56:02I don't see much happening.

0:56:02 > 0:56:04I think it's quite slow.

0:56:04 > 0:56:07I think it's been a bit laborious, a little bit, but, yeah,

0:56:07 > 0:56:10this is one that needs to pick up the pace a lot more, I think.

0:56:10 > 0:56:12Hm, yes.

0:56:12 > 0:56:14But the ball is at least now rolling.

0:56:14 > 0:56:19And if Pam does manage to build the two houses for £70,000 each,

0:56:19 > 0:56:24then her total investment at that point would be 257,000.

0:56:24 > 0:56:28So, could just building the houses alone see her in profit?

0:56:28 > 0:56:32The three-bedroomed, two-reception-roomed houses

0:56:32 > 0:56:34they've got consent for -

0:56:34 > 0:56:38I'd see them on the market for about £185,000 each.

0:56:38 > 0:56:40Semidetached three-bedroom house of this construction

0:56:40 > 0:56:45would be in the region of about £185,000 to around £195,000.

0:56:45 > 0:56:49Crikey. Well, you know, that's made me smile.

0:56:49 > 0:56:51Find me the builder now.

0:56:51 > 0:56:54I just want to hire a tractor and knock it down now.

0:56:55 > 0:56:57Yeah, no wonder she's pleased.

0:56:57 > 0:56:59Providing she sticks to her build costs,

0:56:59 > 0:57:01she could see a pre-tax profit

0:57:01 > 0:57:07of between £113,000-133,000 just for the three-bed houses.

0:57:07 > 0:57:08And anything that she might get

0:57:08 > 0:57:11from converting the chapel to flats would be a bonus.

0:57:13 > 0:57:17But this has been a long old process and we're only just at the start.

0:57:17 > 0:57:20There's still clearing of the site and the build to come.

0:57:21 > 0:57:26I would say this time next year all the work would be done.

0:57:26 > 0:57:27Let's hope that is the case.

0:57:27 > 0:57:31It would be nice to see something on this site in the end, Pam.

0:57:31 > 0:57:35I was going to ask you, would you come back when I've done it?

0:57:35 > 0:57:38And that would actually make my day.

0:57:38 > 0:57:40- I'd love it.- Oh, who knows, Pam?

0:57:40 > 0:57:45Who knows? Maybe this is more au revoir and not goodbye.

0:57:45 > 0:57:51# I'll wait patiently for your return

0:57:51 > 0:57:54# You're coming back!

0:57:54 > 0:57:58# You're coming back! #

0:58:01 > 0:58:04I love to see the end result of a property renovation.

0:58:04 > 0:58:06But you can never take success for granted.

0:58:06 > 0:58:10It takes hard work, judgment, and just a smidgen of good luck.

0:58:10 > 0:58:14Yes, join us here next time for more highlights and lowlights

0:58:14 > 0:58:17- on Homes Under the Hammer.- Goodbye. - Bye-bye.- Goodbye.