0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello. Whether you're an experienced developer
0:00:04 > 0:00:07or starting a new business, the auction room could be just the place for your next purchase.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Yes, but whatever your level of experience,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13there will always be unexpected things lurking to catch you out.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Yes, dealing with problems efficiently and effectively
0:00:16 > 0:00:19can be the difference between making a profit or a loss
0:00:19 > 0:00:22when you buy your home under the hammer.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Well, property auctions throw up all sorts of lots.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53From the good, the bad, to the, oh, yeah...
0:00:53 > 0:00:54HE WHISTLES
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- ..ugly.- I like that.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Hey, look, options are endless. Opportunities are as well.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03So what lots are on offer on today's show?
0:01:03 > 0:01:08Today, I depart to Derbyshire to see this three-bed chalet bungalow.
0:01:08 > 0:01:09And in case of an emergency,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11straight through the door, you've got the kitchen
0:01:11 > 0:01:13on the right with an exit.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Well, Dion, I think Lucy has pushed the call button
0:01:16 > 0:01:18at this mid-terrace in Surrey.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20You can put your glass of wine there.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23There's even enough room for a bowl of crisps.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25And while you both live the high life,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28I'm on track to see a bungalow in Cumbria,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31but I haven't worked out how to get the train to stop.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Maybe I'll wave a flag like in The Railway Children.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38All these properties have been sold at auction, and we'll find out
0:01:38 > 0:01:42who bought them and what they paid when they went under the hammer.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- GAVEL BANGS - You've got it, sir.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Sandiacre sits just within the Derbyshire side
0:01:51 > 0:01:54of the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Passing through the town is the Erewash Canal,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00which in its day was busy with commercial boats.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Now it's enjoyed for sheer pleasure.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06I won't need my sea legs today, though, as thankfully,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09the property I'm here to see is on dry land.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14So, not far from the M1 is the house I'm here to see.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18And here it is. And as you can see, it's got a bit of a chalet look to it.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23It's got three bedrooms and a guide price of £125,000-plus.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Now, in the auction catalogue,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29it says it needs total improvement and modernising throughout.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33What I will say is, look at the size of this front garden
0:02:33 > 0:02:35and all this off-street parking.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38I would challenge any of my football pals to try
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and fill this up with cars. Let's have a look inside.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46This front garden is long enough for a good kickabout,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49but let's hope the inside is more Premier League than Sunday league.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56OK. In we come, into a small hallway.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59We've got the kitchen to my right-hand side,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01which is an OK-sized kitchen.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Downstairs toilet, which is good, and sink, but have a look at this.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09This is definitely not going to pass safety regulations.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13There are gaps everywhere, in the stairs and in the banister as well.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16So this would definitely need changing.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Down the hallway, two more rooms to my left, which I'll come back to,
0:03:20 > 0:03:25and into this sizeable room, which would've been the lounge.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30That looks like it would have been a leak rather than damp.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32It's all very '70s in here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Look at this wood panelling as well.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Big double doors going on to the back garden as well.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41It's not a bad room, but it's definitely '70s.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Time to fly to the rooms I passed earlier.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48It looks like whoever lived here before had a real passion.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51OK, and over this side of the hallway,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54we have the office space there. Good-sized office space.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56More signs of planes as well.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Model aircraft, and a nice big window.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Again, into what looks like it would've been the dining room.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06And a few signs of damp, and as you can see here,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09there's been some work done here as well.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Whether that was a leak or damp, something's been done.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15More model aircraft, everywhere you go, everywhere you look.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Look at that for an old-fashioned lampshade,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and table and chairs as well.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27This is some pad which hasn't been touched for some time.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Old-fashioned again, with more...
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Yes! There's more model aircraft as well!
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Look at that! So, let's just recap.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Straight through the door, you've got the kitchen on the right,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41with an exit out to the back garden.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44On the left-hand side, you've got a downstairs toilet.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Further on, right-hand side, you've got the lounge.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Left-hand side, you've got office and dining room.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52I'm going to taxi into the main hallway
0:04:52 > 0:04:54and see if it's first-class upstairs.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00# Plain parade
0:05:00 > 0:05:03# Plain parade, ooh... #
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Now that we've landed at this house,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11please remember to set your watches back to 1970, and unfortunately,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14not all the doors are set to manual.
0:05:14 > 0:05:20OK, upstairs, we have got two bedrooms and the family bathroom.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24So what is now the office is the third bedroom.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Right, this bathroom is a decent size,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30but it tells me that the leak that's gone into the lounge
0:05:30 > 0:05:33has come from that bath.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36This bedroom here, another good-sized bedroom.
0:05:36 > 0:05:42Into the main bedroom, and, again, it's the same story.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Look at that. All this would have been...
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Yeah. That's come from the boiler in this cupboard,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and that would have been a leak that would have gone down
0:05:51 > 0:05:54into the dining room. Wow.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57It's really come into the bedroom here and destroyed this carpet.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01And - surprise, surprise - you've got a few more aircraft as well.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04This is a decent-sized house, but you'd have to start from scratch.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07You might have to spend a few quid on it, but I think
0:06:07 > 0:06:09if you get it right, it could be a really nice family home.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13Lots of legroom, and you've also got a window seat
0:06:13 > 0:06:15if you're claustrophobic.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23The house does need clearance before you can really take off,
0:06:23 > 0:06:28but a substantial garden at the back could give you a runway to success.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30While it's never plain sailing,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33you could get permission to land an extension right here.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37I think you could add an extra two bedrooms to let this house really
0:06:37 > 0:06:41spread its wings. A local property expert has jetted in
0:06:41 > 0:06:45to tell us more about the extension idea for this house, and thankfully,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48you'll be glad to hear, I'm out of aeroplane puns.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Well, almost.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I think this property lends itself to an extension.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57The way that the roof works means you can pull out
0:06:57 > 0:07:00a two-storey extension and make this into a good-sized family home.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02I think if you were to extend this property,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05it would cost in the region of £50,000 to £60,000 to do that.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09So, an extension wouldn't come cheap,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13but what could the house be worth once renovated and extended,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17bearing in mind that guide price of £120,000-plus?
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Without extending this property, I believe, once refurbished,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22it would be worth around £200,000.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Extending this property to make it into a four-bedroom family house,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28I think it would be worth around £220,000 to £230,000.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33This house hasn't been touched in decades,
0:07:33 > 0:07:34but I think below the surface,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37there's a really nice family house to be had.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39It just needs modernising.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41You might have to spend a few quid on it,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43but if you get your figures right, you could be flying high,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47so let's take off to the auction and see who fancied it when it went under the hammer.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50So, plenty of potential. A good residential location.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54115,000 to start. 115,000, thank you.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57£115,000. 116 somewhere.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Down at the centre at 116. 117.
0:08:00 > 0:08:07118. 119. 120. 121. 22. 23.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09There was plenty of competition in the room
0:08:09 > 0:08:11and from an internet bidder.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15The initial challenger dropped out and we are left with two parties
0:08:15 > 0:08:19bidding in the room. We rejoin the action at £153,000.
0:08:19 > 0:08:27153. 154. 154. 155. 156. 57.
0:08:27 > 0:08:33158. 159. 159. 60?
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Sure? At £159,000 for the first time,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40second time, third chance...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- GAVEL BANGS - Well done. £159,000.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49At 159 grand, the successful bidders were George and Petros.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Petros here on the right has an accountancy background,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56while George on the left is semi-retired
0:08:56 > 0:08:59from his fish and chip shop business.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02But this house is more flying than frying.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06So why did they want to purchase this property?
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- Petros, nice to meet you. Congratulations.- Nice to meet you.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- George. Same to you, sir. - Likewise, Dion.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Let's start at the beginning. Why did you buy this particular house?
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Well, we have a local church for the Greek community group,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21in Nottingham, near the town.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24We had the house next door, which was unsuitable.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27You know, quite expensive. A lot of money.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32So, we managed to sell that early in the year. We had a balance of just
0:09:32 > 0:09:38over £100,000, so we decided to buy a house for the local priest,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41because we're renting at the minute, so the money is just
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- sitting in the bank doing nothing. - It makes perfect sense.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- It does make sense.- So the Greek community is in Nottingham
0:09:48 > 0:09:53and Derby, and this is very conveniently suited to us, because it is in between the two cities,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56and it is convenient for the priest to move around.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58So, George, you actually bought this for the priest?
0:09:58 > 0:10:02It's for the community, for whichever priest is in at the time.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05So, if the reverend, you know, the priest, decides to leave,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08we'll have somewhere for him, which will be inviting for him
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- to want to come if he's got a family, especially.- Of course.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16George is the committee chairman of the church and Petros is a trustee.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I think they've made a good investment with this house
0:10:19 > 0:10:20for their community.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24They've set an 80 grand renovation budget, which makes me think
0:10:24 > 0:10:26big plans are afoot.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30What are you going to do? Tell me specifically
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- what you're going to do to the house?- Well, we've got plans.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35We've got five metres to the rear of the building.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Yes.- A five-metre extension.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40All being well, we'll have three bedrooms upstairs.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44With the extension downstairs, we'll have a bigger lounge, kitchen, dining.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- The kitchen will properly be turned into a utility room.- OK.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49So that can be classed as a five-bedroom,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52but we'll have one of the bedrooms downstairs
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- as an office for the priest. - Yes, of course.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Everything will be ripped out and put in new.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Plus the extension, and we are confident we can do all that
0:11:01 > 0:11:03with less than £80,000.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- Really?!- Hopefully. - I'm going to do that for you
0:11:06 > 0:11:08as well, because it's going to be a little bit tight
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- with an extension as well. - Well, the architect gave us a figure
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- of about £55,000...- 55 to 60,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18but with that, we've got to keep some money for cosmetic...
0:11:18 > 0:11:21You know, like, beds and furniture, TV...
0:11:21 > 0:11:24because where we're renting now, it's got a bit dated.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Our budget is £80,000
0:11:27 > 0:11:31on top of the 159 that we bought it for.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36But even if that £80,000 includes furnishings, as they intend,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38that should be a healthy budget.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40They've already submitted plans to the council.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42So how long's all the work is going to take you?
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It's going to take us about four to five months,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48but we are giving ourselves a bit longer.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- So we are budgeting to move in in seven to eight months' time.- OK.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55So, what part are you going to play,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58and what part are you going to play with this little collaboration we've
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- got here?- I think all the fingers are pointed at me for some reason.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- I don't know. I'm committed now. - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- You know, we...- Got it all sorted.- I will be keeping an eye on the money.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Oh! I knew, I knew... - He will be supervising the work.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I knew that would be your job. Keeping an eye on the purse strings.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- That's right, yes.- Don't give him too much.- Not too much, I hope.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21So, 80 grand, hopefully, budget.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Yeah.- Six months?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- Confident.- Are you confident, Petros?- Yes, yeah, I'm confident.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28We do have an option B plan.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Go on, tell us what option B is.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33If the council doesn't give us planning for upstairs downstairs,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36you can more or less guarantee with building regs the ground floor.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- OK.- And we use the utility room,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43extend it a little bit for the fourth bedroom/fifth bedroom,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and use the kitchen-lounge diner at the back.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- OK.- So that might even happen quicker.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49So we'll be in before...
0:12:49 > 0:12:51That will be definitely within our budget.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54And be done by Easter, minimum, one would presume, yeah.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Well, I've got to wish you all the best either way.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59I think it's a great project that you're trying to do.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02I really do. So, Petros, I wish you all the best.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Keep an eye on him.- Will do. - George, be a good boy.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- I'll try my best.- Good luck.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Petros and George have made the right decision,
0:13:11 > 0:13:16going from renting to buying a property as an investment for the church.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Big question is, will it be plan A or plan B?
0:13:19 > 0:13:20I think they'll be OK,
0:13:20 > 0:13:23but you can find out how they get on later in the programme.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Not far from the M25, with good rail links into central London,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36Reigate in Surrey is certainly not lacking in transport links.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38It is not short of history either,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42with the town's origins traceable to the medieval period.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46But what era would Lucy find today's auction lot from?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Well, this is a street of '60s-built houses,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53so not as historic as some parts of Reigate, but I like that the houses
0:13:53 > 0:13:57are set back from the road by these large front gardens.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Now, I'm here to see a three-bed terrace that went to auction
0:14:00 > 0:14:03with a guide price of £200,000-plus.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08'60s on the outside, so hopefully not too medieval on the inside.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Surprisingly for a terraced house, it's quite spacious on the inside.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Wow! It's orange.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Really orange.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25Everywhere. So, the colour scheme, I think, needs to be toned down,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27but you've got a lovely big kitchen through there
0:14:27 > 0:14:29and a wider than average staircase.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32And the orange continues right the way up the stairs.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Gosh, it'll look so different once that is painted.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36Now, here's the sitting room.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Again, there's lots of attention to detail here.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42You've got the crisscross windows, the leaded light windows there.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44With a lovely little tiled ledge.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Lots of detail going on.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It's a really clean and tidy room, but it's dated,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52so I'd like to really come in here and change things up.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54You've got textured ceilings.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55(Not a favourite of mine.)
0:14:55 > 0:14:59But you've got a nice new little fire surround here, which could be lovely.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Great space. And out the back, you've also got
0:15:02 > 0:15:05this little conservatory with a corrugated plastic roof,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07so you might want to change that.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09But it's great as a little extra room.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11You can shove all the kids' toys out there.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14You've got separate access here into the kitchen.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18So all in all, with a bit of money spent on this, updating it,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21it's just got a really good family feel to it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26This house seems in pretty good condition, and once you bring it up-to-date,
0:15:26 > 0:15:28it'll be a lovely family home.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Especially if the kids love the great outdoors,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36because the garden just goes on and on and on.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42What's more, it's got a shed-load of...well, sheds.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Three of them, in fact.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50# So leave your house Come into my shed... #
0:15:51 > 0:15:54And after you've toiled away doing the garden,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57what could be better than a nice hot bath?
0:15:57 > 0:16:00So at the top at the stairs, we have the family bathroom.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03It's an oyster suite.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06And we have the famous corner bath.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Now, I have to admit, I'm not a fan,
0:16:09 > 0:16:14although that does look so comfortable.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Because I can really imagine myself in there having a really nice
0:16:17 > 0:16:19comfortable sort of lay-down. You know, look!
0:16:19 > 0:16:24And the bit I love the most about this bath, there's a ledge.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26So you can put your glass of wine there.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29There's even enough room for a bowl of crisps.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Imagine that on a Friday evening.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33How decadent.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36OK, maybe a rethink of crisps is required.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Think about all those salty crumbs.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Well, you could shower them off in this, I guess.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46The shame is, it must have been nice in its day,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49but like the rest of the house, it is from another era.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51The same applies to the three bedrooms.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Once upon a time, the fitted wardrobes were de rigueur.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00And the other thing is the number of mirrors. There are loads of them.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- # It's like you're my mirror - Oh-oh
0:17:02 > 0:17:06# My mirror staring back at me... #
0:17:06 > 0:17:08SHE HUMS
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Oh! No, don't worry, you haven't just caught me prettifying myself
0:17:12 > 0:17:17in the mirror. In all honesty, trying to find the fuse box.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20And I've got a sneaking suspicion I know where it is.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Behind the mirror.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26Dun-de-nuh!
0:17:26 > 0:17:32What an unusual place to hide a fuse box, but how brilliant.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Why didn't I ever think of that?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37That's just genius.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40# I live in a hiding place
0:17:40 > 0:17:44# It's the only way I feel safe
0:17:44 > 0:17:48# And I'm safe in a hiding pla-ace... #
0:17:51 > 0:17:54So far, this house promises quite a lot of space upstairs,
0:17:54 > 0:17:56downstairs and outside.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00And the guide price of 200 grand is pretty attractive.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05So what can a local estate agent tell us about the area?
0:18:05 > 0:18:08This part of Reigate is one of the least expensive.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11And you get very good value for money here.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15They're very affordable, which is why we see a lot of families
0:18:15 > 0:18:17moving here as their first home.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20This house is spacious and the garden's pretty big.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Would there be any point in extending the house?
0:18:23 > 0:18:26There are not many houses around here that have been extended,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29and you wouldn't increase the value much by extending a property
0:18:29 > 0:18:32in this particular part of the world.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Could you add much value if you got it for anything like
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- the 200 grand guide price? - If it were renovated,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41I think we might achieve £350,000 in the sales market,
0:18:41 > 0:18:45or maybe £1,100 per calendar month in the rental market.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48That leaves plenty of room for a decent renovation budget
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and a healthy profit.,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and a house with a mystery is always a bit of fun.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56I have to say that finding the fuse box in this house
0:18:56 > 0:18:58was one of the most challenging things
0:18:58 > 0:19:00I've ever done in estate agency.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Well, I really like Reigate, and you know what?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08I really quite like this house.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12And with a bit of work, well, it could be even better.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15So, who was ready to take it on? Let's head to auction to find out.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Right, down to Reigate is lot 49.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Three-bed, mid-terraced house.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29See in the photograph, nice-looking mid-terraced house.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31220, go upwards from there.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36220. 220 on my left. 220.
0:19:36 > 0:19:43225. 225. 230. 230. 235.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47240. 240 at the back.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50OK, sitting down. 240.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53245. 250.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Well, with the £200,000-plus guide price left well behind,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01we rejoin when the bids had reached 270,000.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07270. 272, sitting down.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12272. 274 at the back. 274.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16276. I think you're nearly there. 276.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20276. 278 at the back.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22276, sitting down.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26First time, second time, third and last time.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28If you're all done.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30GAVEL BANGS
0:20:30 > 0:20:32276.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37The hammer fell at 276,000 on the three-bed semi in Reigate.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41The successful bidders were father and son building team
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Cliff and Nigel.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47Cliff has been running his own building firm for 26 years
0:20:47 > 0:20:51and son Nigel became a partner in the family firm six years ago.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Nigel and Cliff, congratulations. So you're a father and son duo.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- Yes.- Is this the first time you've ever invested together as a family?
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Yes, yes.- And whose idea was that?
0:21:03 > 0:21:08A bit of both, really. We sort of do general building anyway,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11and just sort of thought we would make the move into doing it ourselves.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- So you are a hands-on builder? - Yes.- And you?- Half and half.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- A bit hands-on. - So what's the other half, then?
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- Office work.- So are you trying to pull back a little bit now?
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Yes, yes, trying to slow down to retire and hand it over.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26So it's all about the investment opportunity, really?
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Yes, yeah.- So the hammer went down and you got it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Yeah.- So what about the price you paid?
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Were you happy?- It was a bit more than I'd like to have paid.
0:21:34 > 0:21:35Yeah, it wasn't a steal, was it?
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- No.- We had a budget, and he was like, "Stick to the budget,"
0:21:38 > 0:21:39and then when it went over...
0:21:39 > 0:21:42And it was always going up two grand at a time.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47And then cos we were conferring, a couple of other people jumped in
0:21:47 > 0:21:48and it went up quite a bit.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51And he was like, "Oh, go once more," so I went once more.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55So Nigel, tell me, how much over did you go?
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- 16 grand.- £16,000?! What?!
0:21:58 > 0:22:01So you've got to make that extra £16,000 on this?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Yeah.- So why did you decide to do it?
0:22:04 > 0:22:07What was it about this house that made you want to jump up 16 grand?
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Just, it's local to us.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11We've got other jobs we're running in the area
0:22:11 > 0:22:14so we can flit between them a lot easier.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16And that is so key when you're developing.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I mean, after speaking to an agent in the area,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22they've already said they've got someone interested, actually, already.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Really?- Yeah.- So you're going to do it up and then hopefully they might
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- want to buy from it you?- Yeah. Hopefully.- It's an investor.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Good news for this father and son team.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34And welcome, too, because the costs are starting to rack up.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Not only have they paid 76 grand over the guide price,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41they've also had to pay 6,000 in sellers' fees.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Thankfully, that didn't come as a nasty surprise
0:22:44 > 0:22:48because they read their legal pack. Ten out of ten, guys.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Right, so what's the grand plan for this house?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Are you going to banish the orange?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- Yeah.- It's a bit orange, bit tangerine out there.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59Yeah, just a tad. It's going to be new kitchen, new bathroom,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and just sort of modernise everything.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02It's just very, very dated in here.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Yeah.- You need to bring it back into the 21st century.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- What about the layout? - Keeping it the same.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Just try to turn it round as quick as possible.- OK.- And sell it on.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15What about the lovely corner bath upstairs?
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- That's going.- Is that going? - Yeah.- You see, I actually
0:23:17 > 0:23:20am not a fan of corner baths, but there's such a nice little ledge
0:23:20 > 0:23:23that you can just put your cup of tea. I do like it.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- Glass of champagne.- Yeah. Is that going?- It's gone.- Yeah.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Right, let's talk about the budget, then,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30because you want a new kitchen, a new bathroom, redecoration all over,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32clean the place up.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33How much money?
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- 15?- Yeah, 15. Maybe 20.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39So what sort of timescale do you envisage?
0:23:39 > 0:23:40Hoping about two months.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44And are you prepared to get down and crack the whip and project manage?
0:23:44 > 0:23:45He's going on holiday.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47So you're going to come back and it will all be done?
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- Well, don't know about all... - I think your dad's earned the right.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- Come on, don't you? - Yeah, he has, yeah.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55I hope you take notice of what your dad says.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Yeah, generally. - Who tells who what to do?
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- It's 50/50.- Is it?- Yeah. - So do you listen to him?
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- No.- He pretends he does. - Sometimes I do, yeah.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07So, is this quite an exciting venture for both of you?
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- And do you hope to do many more of these?- Yes, in future.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13If this one goes well, which hopefully it will,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15we'll look for another one.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Well, I'm really excited to see the outcome and to see
0:24:17 > 0:24:19how you do this place up and to see if you can stick to that budget
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- and the eight-week timescale. - Yeah.- Thanks a lot.- No worries.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- Thanks for coming.- Nigel, Cliff, lovely to meet you.- Thank you.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Well, Nigel and Cliff might have overspent a bit at the auction,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32but if they can keep to that £20,000 budget,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34they should still do well.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Join us later in the programme to find out
0:24:36 > 0:24:40how this first joint project goes for the father and son team.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43Coming up, I get to the bottom
0:24:43 > 0:24:47of this Cumbrian three-bed bungalow's garden, eventually.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51It just goes on and on and on.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55And Nigel and Cliff find doing their own project
0:24:55 > 0:24:58a bit less stressful than working for a client.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Obviously, you don't have anyone breathing down your neck.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Back now to Sandiacre in Derbyshire,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11where I landed at a chalet bungalow where it was plain to see
0:25:11 > 0:25:13the place hadn't been touched in years.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16And there's a few signs of damp, and as you can see here,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18there's been some work done.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21The leak from the bathroom seemed to have been fixed,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24but another from the boiler definitely hadn't.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29Now, at the moment, this property certainly wasn't flying first-class.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31So let's just recap.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Straight through the door, you've got the kitchen on the right
0:25:34 > 0:25:36with an exit out to the back garden.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39On the left-hand side, you've got a downstairs toilet.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Further along, right-hand side, you've got the lounge.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Left-hand side, you've got office and dining room.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48The house needed a bit more than a hot towel
0:25:48 > 0:25:50and a complimentary packet of peanuts.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52It needed someone to take it to new heights.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57That didn't put off George and Petros, who paid 159 grand at auction.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05They were buying this house on behalf of the local Greek Orthodox Church.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09George runs a fish and chip shop, while Petros is an accountant,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12so not exactly property developers.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15What part are you going to play
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and what part are you going to play with this little collaboration we've
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- got here?- I think all the fingers are pointed at me for some reason.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- I don't know. I'm committed now. - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28You know, we found the house, we brought the priest to have a look.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Then I approached the trustees, so it's all on my back now.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I will be keeping an eye on the money.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- Oh! You see, I knew, I knew... - He will be supervising the work.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38I knew that would be your job.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Keeping an eye on the purse strings.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- That's right, yes.- Don't give him too much.- Not too much, I hope.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47They had big plans to extend the house,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51as it was to be used for the home for the priest and their family.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53We're back ten months later,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56so let's hope they've managed to navigate any turbulence
0:26:56 > 0:27:00during the renovation. And fingers crossed they've landed safely.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02# You were in my heart
0:27:02 > 0:27:07# And all my life
0:27:07 > 0:27:14# I'm coming in on a wing and a prayer
0:27:14 > 0:27:22# And I hope in my heart that your love will be there
0:27:22 > 0:27:30# Coming in on a wing and a prayer... #
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Well, it looks like their prayers to the planning department
0:27:36 > 0:27:40have certainly been answered, with the addition of this extension.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45This was the end of the house, so all this now is new-build, you know.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47We're talking a five-metre...
0:27:47 > 0:27:51a span of six and a half metres across, which never existed.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Overall, it's a lovely space.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57You know, we're very, very happy with it.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00But it's not just here they've added space.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05Upstairs now has a massive en suite bedroom.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09This means the property now has four bedrooms in total.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Two upstairs and two downstairs.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Talking of stairs, they replaced that dodgy staircase
0:28:15 > 0:28:20with a brand-new one. In fact, everything in this house is new.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22But with some finishing touches still to be done,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25will it be ready for the priest to move into?
0:28:25 > 0:28:29I think we're about 95% finished.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33We've pushed the builders right to the limits.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35So we've had them over the weekend, you know,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38where I think they got a bit of trouble from their wives.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42As you can see, we would have liked you to have come after finishing
0:28:42 > 0:28:45completely, but the priest has got to move in.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48He's given notice to the rented accommodation.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53The idea of buying the house is to save that money on rent going to waste.
0:28:53 > 0:28:59Overall, we're fairly on-budget, and I think everybody seems pleased.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Fairly on-budget? That doesn't sound good.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07Accountant Petros had the task of making sure
0:29:07 > 0:29:11chip shop owner George didn't fritter away the 80 grand budget.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15George found builders who did a good job, and once the finishing touches
0:29:15 > 0:29:19are complete, they should be around three grand over budget.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21I kept an eye on the money.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25George was informing me all the time about the extras.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29And I expected something above the budget, anyway.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31And it is reasonable, really,
0:29:31 > 0:29:36considering how we hear stories about builders exceeding all the time the cost.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39I think we are very happy, everybody is, yeah.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43He's done an extremely good job and he's spent his time voluntarily
0:29:43 > 0:29:46like everybody was, and well done, George.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48He keeps telling me, like, "You can't spend the money.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51"It's not your money. It's not your money." So I'm going...
0:29:51 > 0:29:54You know? So... You know.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57I'm glad George managed to rein it in.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00And I'm sure the church's congregation feel the same.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02So, now the work is almost complete
0:30:02 > 0:30:04and just in time for the priest to move in.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Surely they'd consider this a success.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11So, have they thought about renovating another house?
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Uh...
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Don't do it again!
0:30:17 > 0:30:20No, I... If I didn't have other projects...
0:30:20 > 0:30:24If I didn't have other commitments, I'd probably like to do this, yeah.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26It would be a thing for me, yeah.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31I'd like to see an alternative, you know, that's for the future.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33The pressure on us was tremendous
0:30:33 > 0:30:35from the community as a whole.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38All the eyes were on us, basically, us two, really,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42cos we initiated the purchase through the auction,
0:30:42 > 0:30:46and it was stressful, really. But everything worked out.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49And we had the house blessing. We had...
0:30:49 > 0:30:52maybe 30 to 40 people come round, so we blessed the house,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55and it was a little bit more mess than what it is today, you know,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58but overall, I think everybody was quite impressed.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Well, it's time to see if two local estate agents give the changes here
0:31:04 > 0:31:07their blessing. First, the agent from the auction house who sold it.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10I think the selling points of the property,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13the main one has got to be that superb extension to the rear.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15With the open-plan living-kitchen area,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18it really does enhance its prospects.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Yeah, the layout of this property works really well. At the moment,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24it can be divided either into four bedrooms, if a family
0:31:24 > 0:31:26or new owner-occupier requires that,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29but also, it would work well as a ground floor playroom
0:31:29 > 0:31:31or a study or home office if required,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35so I think the changes they've made to the layout are fantastic.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Big thumbs up for the layout.
0:31:37 > 0:31:38But what about the outlay?
0:31:38 > 0:31:42When complete, they will have spent 242 grand here.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Was it worth the investment for the church?
0:31:45 > 0:31:49If I were looking to offer this property onto today's sale market,
0:31:49 > 0:31:51I would anticipate a sale being achieved
0:31:51 > 0:31:53somewhere in the region of £240,000.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56On the sales market, I believe this property would achieve
0:31:56 > 0:31:58in the region of £250,000.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01My God! We were expecting a little bit more, to be honest.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Well, at the end of the day, we have made a bit of a gain
0:32:04 > 0:32:06on top of what we expended,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09and it's a long-term asset for our community,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12so I don't think there is a major problem there.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15So, they've pretty much broken even, give or take.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19I think everyone involved in this community project should feel proud.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Well done to you all.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Welcome to Braystones in Cumbria.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38A picturesque little village that sits on the West Coast and boasts
0:32:38 > 0:32:42a lovely sandy beach, along with idyllic British countryside.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46# Down by the seaside
0:32:47 > 0:32:51# See the boats go sailing... #
0:32:51 > 0:32:55Well, with dramatic coastline like this on your doorstep,
0:32:55 > 0:32:59you may think that getting here would be a little bit tricky.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00But no such thing,
0:33:00 > 0:33:06because this part of Cumbria benefits from its own railway line,
0:33:06 > 0:33:08which runs right along the coast here.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Great thing is, this is a request stop.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Basically, if you're trundling down on the train, you say to the driver,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17"Any chance we can stop here?" He goes, "Yeah, sure."
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Now, what happens if you want to get on?
0:33:19 > 0:33:23I'm not so sure. Maybe I wave a flag, like in The Railway Children.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39And don't worry, the crew were checking that no train was coming.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42These stations are cute, but you do have to be sensible.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44It might not be King's Cross,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48but having a little station in such a secluded spot is a real bonus.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Just make sure that you check the timetable.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Well, a short distance from the train station,
0:33:54 > 0:33:55if you can call it that,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58and the beach, is the property I'm here to see.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01It's a bungalow in this quiet cul-de-sac.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06Three-bedroom, detached. Guide price, 100,000 to 120,000 quid!
0:34:09 > 0:34:13The property also has a garage and a nice little front garden.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20So, what have we got? Well, through the front door
0:34:20 > 0:34:24into this little sort of central area off which various things go,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26as is the wont in bungalows.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Bathroom here... Straight away,
0:34:28 > 0:34:30I'm getting the impression it's going to need a bit of a refurb.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Doesn't even have a bath in there, just a shower at the moment,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35so spend a bit of time and money sorting that out.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38You'll always get your money back on bathrooms and kitchens, as we know.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40Three bedrooms off here, look to be a decent size.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Again, it's really going to benefit from,
0:34:43 > 0:34:45so far, just a bit of modernisation.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50That said, when you come into here, which is your living room,
0:34:50 > 0:34:52this is a good-sized room.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56But then there's this thing.
0:34:56 > 0:35:02Massive, solid, piece of something, which separates that from this,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04and it creates just a strange...
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Why? Huh?
0:35:06 > 0:35:07They need to get rid of that, somehow.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10But it's obviously big and thunky. I don't know what it's for.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13So, you need to find out what it's for before you take it out!
0:35:13 > 0:35:14Obviously!
0:35:14 > 0:35:17Somebody's obviously tried to make the most of the location as well
0:35:17 > 0:35:20by putting a little conservatory on the back, there.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Needs tying into the rest of the house, as far as I'm concerned,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27but then through into the kitchen,
0:35:27 > 0:35:31which benefits from, again, lovely views out over the countryside,
0:35:31 > 0:35:32and, again, it's a bit dated.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Spend some money on this, sorting it out,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38and that would be definitely paying you dividends.
0:35:38 > 0:35:44But overall, quite a lot of space, and nothing too super scary so far.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48There's a little bit of damp in one of the bedrooms,
0:35:48 > 0:35:51but nothing too much to worry about.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54The whole property just needs to be lifted out of
0:35:54 > 0:35:56the time warp it's stuck in.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Well, one thing you certainly can't fault with this place
0:36:00 > 0:36:02is its location. Ten minutes to the coast,
0:36:02 > 0:36:07you are surrounded by lovely, lovely Lakeland scenery,
0:36:07 > 0:36:11but actually, you don't even need to go there or to the coast, because
0:36:11 > 0:36:15the garden itself is enormous.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Not only have you got this bit, towards the left of the property,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22or even right of the property...
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Never can tell those two apart.
0:36:24 > 0:36:25..but there's more through here!
0:36:30 > 0:36:33It just goes on and on and on.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Now, I don't think it's actually being utilised as well as it could be.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40There's sort of various shrubs around the edge,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43but this is one of those instances, I think, where
0:36:43 > 0:36:46it would be really worth getting a landscape architect involved,
0:36:46 > 0:36:49to come up with some really imaginative plans
0:36:49 > 0:36:51because if they had their say,
0:36:51 > 0:36:55I'm sure this could be quite simply spectacular!
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Of course, non-gardeners might be put off,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01and it doesn't look like you can turn it into a plot, either,
0:37:01 > 0:37:02due to lack of access.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06What this really needs is a house that lives up to the garden
0:37:06 > 0:37:07and the terrific location.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11We asked along a local estate agent
0:37:11 > 0:37:14to give us his opinion on this property
0:37:14 > 0:37:18that was guided at £100,000 to £120,000.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Well, I mean, the locality itself is quite special.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23We're sandwiched between the sea,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26at Braystones, with a nice, sandy beach,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and we've got the Lake District fells to the other side.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32The views are spectacular, and so the positioning is good.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35So, if you're after peace and solitude, then this is really for you.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38This is, undoubtedly, an early retirement bungalow.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42Something that is fine for two people the majority of the time,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45but then they can get stuck into this wonderful garden.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47The agent seems pretty keen on this one.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48So, after refurbishment,
0:37:48 > 0:37:52what kind of values is he thinking it could command?
0:37:52 > 0:37:53Rental first.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56As a three-bed detached bungalow,
0:37:56 > 0:38:00I'd expect it to achieve £700 to £725 per calendar month.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03OK, what about the resale valuation?
0:38:03 > 0:38:05In the current market, I would
0:38:05 > 0:38:10expect the property to achieve between £180,000 and £185,000.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Well, it may be slightly dated,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16but what you've got here is a really well-proportioned bungalow
0:38:16 > 0:38:18in a truly spectacular location.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Yeah, a really nice property.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Let's see who agreed when it went under the hammer.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Two telephone bids in this.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29One is sitting in the room. £100,000 to £120,000, your guide.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Let's spend our money, folks.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Start me, 110.
0:38:33 > 0:38:34100 here.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37At 100, I'm bid. Had £100,000.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40105. 110.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43With bids flying in across the room and on the phone,
0:38:43 > 0:38:44this lot soon heated up.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48So, we rejoin the action at 124,000.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Put your hand up, man!
0:38:52 > 0:38:55124. 124 in the room, I'm rooting for you.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59125, 126. 27, 28.
0:38:59 > 0:39:0029.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04At £128,000, are you out, madam?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09129. I knew you'd come in at some point.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12129. 30. 31.
0:39:12 > 0:39:1832. 33. 132. It's all about the right bait, isn't it?
0:39:18 > 0:39:21At £132,000, are we all done now?
0:39:21 > 0:39:26In the room, first time, second time, third time, selling away...
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Well done, sir. Congratulations.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32That bid of 132,000 was made by wife and husband Andrea and Tony.
0:39:36 > 0:39:41Andrea is a training coordinator and Tony is a mechanical engineer.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44I met the couple back at the property to find out their plans.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Andrea, Tony, great to meet you both.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- Hi there.- Same here. - Congratulations.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Tell me why you wanted to buy this bungalow, then.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54I think we had a criteria.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58I think it's just that point in time where we need to...
0:39:59 > 0:40:03..put our roots down, if you like, and just semi-retire.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Just get into that...
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- How old are you?- A mere 54.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11Right. So, planning ahead?
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- Setting the stall out.- OK.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15So, you bought it for you, then?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- No, it's Andrea's. - It's mine.- It's Andrea's.
0:40:18 > 0:40:19- My project.- For both of you, then.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Absolutely, yeah.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Peace and quiet. That's what we need.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25So, what was it about this place
0:40:25 > 0:40:28that you thought, "Yeah, this could be our dream home"?
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Quiet countryside, wasn't it, really, for us?
0:40:31 > 0:40:35It's got a certain amount of charm. It's got quite a large garden.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38We've got a dog which loves to...
0:40:38 > 0:40:41He loves to play, and he's got all that,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44plus there's all the wildlife in the garden, so he'll be very busy.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- Not for long! - With the wild rabbits!- Sure.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- What's he called? - Bob.- Bob. Bob the dog.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51So, partly for Bob the dog, then.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52But what was it about the house,
0:40:52 > 0:40:56other than the Bob-the-dogness, that you liked?
0:40:56 > 0:40:59It's got a lot of potential. The footprint is very '70s.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01And we understand that.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05It's when it was built and hasn't really had a lot of changes since.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07But we think we can change the footprint
0:41:07 > 0:41:09and put our own stamp on this in a way that
0:41:09 > 0:41:12we can both live comfortably for a number of years to come.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Fantastic. So, tell me the plans, then.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17A lot of assessments, initially.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20We've got to just really understand what we've got
0:41:20 > 0:41:22and avoid the hidden nightmares.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Do you have any ideas of what you might do to the internals?
0:41:25 > 0:41:27I know you haven't finished off your plans yet,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29but what might you consider doing?
0:41:29 > 0:41:32We're hopefully going to be knocking this wall down,
0:41:32 > 0:41:36knocking the existing garage wall down, knocking through,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38and making that part of the living room.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42We want to be knocking the kitchen-dining room wall down,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45pushing that wall back into the bedroom,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49just so I can have my corner chill-out suite...
0:41:49 > 0:41:50MARTIN LAUGHS
0:41:50 > 0:41:52..in the bottom end.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Pretty much making the bathroom a lot bigger than what it is
0:41:56 > 0:42:00and keeping the third bedroom the same size, aren't we?
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- Wow.- Yeah.- So, quite a lot of work.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- But creating very much a sort of open-plan feel, if you like.- Yeah.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Some big plans afoot, then,
0:42:08 > 0:42:12and why not, if it's going to be a home for years to come?
0:42:12 > 0:42:16Tony and Andrea have a healthy budget of £30,000,
0:42:16 > 0:42:20which could rise to 50,000 once their current house is sold.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22This is ideal as, of course,
0:42:22 > 0:42:26it's not just the house they have to contend with.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28So, what about the garden, then?
0:42:28 > 0:42:30I think that's going to be a second phase.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33We'll keep the grass short. And Andrea's got a lot of...
0:42:33 > 0:42:34She'd like to put a pit as well,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37because we can divide that where we've got a second half
0:42:37 > 0:42:40where Andrea's fire pit is going to be going.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42- Fire pit?- Fire pit and decking.
0:42:42 > 0:42:43Love it. I want to come here!
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- We'll send you an invite. - Thank you very much.
0:42:47 > 0:42:48Your party's going to be brilliant.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50So, what's the timescale?
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- Six to seven months, we think.- OK.
0:42:53 > 0:42:54But, you know, we're flexible.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58And as long as we can live here, we can continue to work.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02- OK.- If we get a working little kitchen in
0:43:02 > 0:43:05and somewhere to sit and sleep,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08then we think we'd move in on the job
0:43:08 > 0:43:10and get all the dirty work done first.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Black and white television in the corner,
0:43:12 > 0:43:13sleeping bag on the floor...
0:43:13 > 0:43:1542-inch 3-D up on the wall, I'll be happy.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17OK, let's get your priorities right.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- Started to buy things already. - Have you?- Yeah.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- Built-in coffee machine and... - Oh, yeah!
0:43:23 > 0:43:25- Priorities sorted. - Something like that, yeah.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28You've got the 3-D plasma and you've got the built-in coffee machine.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30- What more do you need? - What more do you need?
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Well, listen, congratulations. I'm really delighted for you.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Good luck with it all. Don't forget the party invite.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- Party shoes on! - Thank you! Look forward to it.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43Well, how nice that Andrea and Tony have found what will become
0:43:43 > 0:43:45their dream house to retire to.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48And it's good to hear that Andrea's got her priorities sorted.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50Get the TV in and the coffee-making machine.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52Actually, it sounds like they are great plans,
0:43:52 > 0:43:55and I can't wait to see how this place turns out.
0:43:55 > 0:43:56You can see later in the show.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04Well, we've already found out how one of our new owners got on.
0:44:04 > 0:44:05What about the other two?
0:44:05 > 0:44:08Have they played a blinder or have they come unstuck?
0:44:08 > 0:44:10Well, wait no longer. Let's find out.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16Back now to Reigate in Surrey, a popular area, thanks partly to
0:44:16 > 0:44:20its rail links to the city and its proximity to Gatwick Airport.
0:44:20 > 0:44:25It was here that Lucy swooped in to look around this three-bed terraced
0:44:25 > 0:44:29that had a guide price of £200,000-plus.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31Whoa! It's orange!
0:44:31 > 0:44:34It's really orange everywhere!
0:44:34 > 0:44:37So, the colour scheme, I think, needs to be toned down.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42# Tangerine... #
0:44:42 > 0:44:46Aside from the terrible tangerine, it had good proportions,
0:44:46 > 0:44:48although it was clearly dated throughout and would
0:44:48 > 0:44:50need a thorough modernisation.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Step forward father-and-son team Cliff and Nigel.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59The local pair were builders and partners in their own company.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03However, this was to be their first property investment together.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07Despite all their experience, they got off to a wobbly start.
0:45:08 > 0:45:09What about the price you paid?
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- Were you happy?- It was a bit more than I'd have liked to have paid.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15- It wasn't a steal, was it? - No.- Because we had a budget.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18I was like, "Stick to the budget." And then when it went over...
0:45:18 > 0:45:21And it was always going up two grand at a time.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24And then cos we were sort of conferring,
0:45:24 > 0:45:28a couple of other people jumped in and it went up quite a bit.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30It was like, "I'll go once more," so I went once more!
0:45:30 > 0:45:34So, Nigel, tell me, how much over did you go?
0:45:34 > 0:45:38- 16 grand.- £16,000?! What?!
0:45:38 > 0:45:41Oh, yes, auction fever can get hold of the best of us.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45Cliff and Nigel wanted to modernise and update the property,
0:45:45 > 0:45:49and had given themselves a £15,000 to £20,000 budget
0:45:49 > 0:45:51and a timescale of just two months
0:45:51 > 0:45:53to get it ready for the sales market.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58Well, it's now three months later
0:45:58 > 0:46:00and time to see if this dated property
0:46:00 > 0:46:02has been woken from its slumber.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12What an improvement!
0:46:12 > 0:46:14Bright, fresh and appealing.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18With these new light units, it certainly feels...well, lighter.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31Tastefully decorated throughout and re-carpeted,
0:46:31 > 0:46:33this is perfect for the sales or rental markets.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39In the hallway, the tangerine terror has been dealt with,
0:46:39 > 0:46:43and it's nice to see the hidden, secret fuse box remains intact.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04The corner bath may have gone, but this modern,
0:47:04 > 0:47:07slick bathroom suite is bound to have broader appeal.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14All three bedrooms are looking a lot better
0:47:14 > 0:47:17with brand-new carpeting throughout.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22Out the back, and the garden has had a nice makeover.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25And they've wisely got rid of the third shed.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29This is a fantastic transformation.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31But if you wanted to nit-pick,
0:47:31 > 0:47:35you could argue that more could have been done with the sunroom.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37But, overall, they've done a cracking job.
0:47:37 > 0:47:38So, how's it been, Nigel?
0:47:40 > 0:47:43First one... I mean, we've done... Obviously, we work together.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46We've worked together for a few years now, so
0:47:46 > 0:47:49it's no different to really working for anyone else, but obviously,
0:47:49 > 0:47:52you don't have anyone breathing down your neck.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55You can do it at your own pace and how you want to do it.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58So it's been really good and, hopefully, we'll do another one.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01I've tended to let Nigel get on with the work.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04I'd done some hands-on when it's become necessary,
0:48:04 > 0:48:06we've got the time available,
0:48:06 > 0:48:11but I've tried just to organise materials and labour
0:48:11 > 0:48:12and the finances.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15The biggest challenge we've had with the work here
0:48:15 > 0:48:19is fitting it in amongst our day-to-day work for the business.
0:48:19 > 0:48:23But apart from that, everything's gone quite smoothly.
0:48:23 > 0:48:26Glad to hear it. But what about their budget?
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Remember, they went 16 grand over the budget at the auction,
0:48:29 > 0:48:31and they'll be looking to make that back.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35The budget...
0:48:35 > 0:48:37came out about £15,500.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41Obviously, we've kept the prices down with people that work for us,
0:48:41 > 0:48:43so rather than getting companies in,
0:48:43 > 0:48:45and, also, we did a lot of work ourselves,
0:48:45 > 0:48:47we were here weekends and stuff,
0:48:47 > 0:48:50trying to push the job on when we were busy at other jobs.
0:48:50 > 0:48:54So, we managed to do a lot of the work ourselves.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56Timescale's been about ten weeks.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59But that was only because of work we had,
0:48:59 > 0:49:01which meant we couldn't be here working.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03So it's been delayed by a couple of weeks.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05But not too bad.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08And, hopefully, we'll be able to get it on the market soon now.
0:49:08 > 0:49:13We hope to achieve in the region of 350,000 to 360,000.
0:49:13 > 0:49:18We'll have to wait and see what the agents say and take it from there.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21But, hopefully, that's what we'll get, in that region.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23Well, no time like the present.
0:49:23 > 0:49:29Cliff and Nigel have invested a total of £291,500.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33So, let's get the thoughts and opinions of two local estate agents.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36Having seen around the property, I think it's a good,
0:49:36 > 0:49:39spacious house that's nicely refurbished throughout.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42The selling features of the property are certainly the kitchen,
0:49:42 > 0:49:45which has been done to a very high standard indeed.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47A wide range of units and appliances.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50It looks very nice. And the same with the bathroom.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53Well, the estate agents are impressed with the changes.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57But will this be reflected in their valuations?
0:49:59 > 0:50:03This property could sell for around £335,000.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06I think this property would sell in the current market
0:50:06 > 0:50:09for £355,000 to £360,000.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13Well, I think the lower one is too low.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17I think the higher one is about the right value for it.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20We had marketed it at 360.
0:50:21 > 0:50:26And since we've been filming, we've actually had two offers come in,
0:50:26 > 0:50:29and one is in that region.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33Yes, estate agents don't always agree.
0:50:33 > 0:50:37But if they did achieve the higher valuation of 360,000,
0:50:37 > 0:50:40that would mean a pre-tax profit of £68,500,
0:50:40 > 0:50:44making their first investment together a big success.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Well, we're very pleased. It's gone quite well.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54And if we sell it through these offers we've had,
0:50:54 > 0:50:56we'll be over the moon.
0:51:00 > 0:51:05Now we are choo-choosing to head back to the Cumbrian coast,
0:51:05 > 0:51:08where I saw a three-bed bungalow which had a bit of damp,
0:51:08 > 0:51:12a dated bathroom and a kitchen which had seen better days.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14Overall, nothing too troubling, though.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19But then, there's this thing.
0:51:19 > 0:51:24Massive, solid piece of something which separates that from this.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26And they need to get rid of that somehow.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28But it's obviously big and thunky. I don't know what it's for.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32So, you need to find out what it's for before you take it out.
0:51:32 > 0:51:33Obviously.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36Somebody's obviously tried to make the most of the location as well
0:51:36 > 0:51:39by putting a little conservatory on the back there.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42Well, it would be folly not to
0:51:42 > 0:51:46when the house sat in a countryside setting and came with all of this.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48Oh, and all of that, too.
0:51:49 > 0:51:55This was a big reason for Andrea and Tony paying £132,000 for the house.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00It's got a certain amount of charm. It's got quite a large garden.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03We've got a dog which loves to...
0:52:03 > 0:52:05You know, he just loves to play.
0:52:05 > 0:52:06- He's got all that.- What's he called?
0:52:06 > 0:52:08- Bob.- Bob. Bob the dog.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12Well, Bob would have all the space he wanted to run around outside.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15But Tony and Andrea were hoping to rejig the layout
0:52:15 > 0:52:18to suit them inside.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21We are hopefully going to be knocking this wall down,
0:52:21 > 0:52:24knocking the existing garage wall down, knocking through
0:52:24 > 0:52:27and making that part of the living room.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31We want to be knocking the kitchen-dining room wall down,
0:52:31 > 0:52:34pushing that wall back into the bedroom,
0:52:34 > 0:52:37just so I can have my corner chill-out suite.
0:52:38 > 0:52:42Andrea had hoped she'd be chilling out in that room in six or seven months.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46Well, now we're back to see if they've relaxed and settled down
0:52:46 > 0:52:48a year and three months later.
0:52:48 > 0:52:52# You know I ain't got no chill tonight
0:52:52 > 0:52:54# No chill, no chill, no
0:52:54 > 0:52:56# Got no chill tonight
0:52:56 > 0:52:58# No chill, no chill, no
0:52:58 > 0:52:59# Got no chill tonight
0:52:59 > 0:53:04# People searching for answers while... #
0:53:09 > 0:53:11Wow. No sight of anyone chilling here.
0:53:11 > 0:53:16So, let's find out what's been happening from Andrea and Tony.
0:53:16 > 0:53:18Initially, when we took the property over,
0:53:18 > 0:53:25it was a start with a series of assessments to really understand what we had, the condition of this,
0:53:25 > 0:53:28which revealed some high hazard work.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31The garage, which was integral to the building,
0:53:31 > 0:53:35it was the blue and brown asbestos, which are the really nasty ones,
0:53:35 > 0:53:38so once we got the report back and understood what we had,
0:53:38 > 0:53:41we had to walk away, get the asbestos contractor in,
0:53:41 > 0:53:43and it was months before we got clear,
0:53:43 > 0:53:45but that was removed,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48which then let us get into a controlled dismantle state.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50So we spent the winter, really,
0:53:50 > 0:53:53taking it apart to the state it is now.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56It wasn't just asbestos they had to deal with.
0:53:56 > 0:53:57When lifting the floors up,
0:53:57 > 0:54:01they discovered dreaded dry rot in a quarter of the building.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05And, of course, there was that giant old chimney stack,
0:54:05 > 0:54:07which wouldn't go without a fight.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11I think the cement was made out of kryptonite,
0:54:11 > 0:54:15because everybody just about bust themselves getting it out.
0:54:15 > 0:54:17But that projected through the roof.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20And we had a young chap coming in, he was...
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Demolishing was his trade.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25He took it down in one night, something we couldn't do in months.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27He just dropped it in a night.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29So we were quite embarrassed about that.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31The brother-in-law finished off the bottom bit.
0:54:31 > 0:54:32The last course of bricks.
0:54:32 > 0:54:36And claimed it. So, yeah, that was a massive challenge.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39I think it's been motivation, sometimes, hasn't it?
0:54:39 > 0:54:41When you're coming straight home from work, getting changed
0:54:41 > 0:54:44and coming back out again has been a little bit hard sometimes.
0:54:44 > 0:54:46- Bit of a drag, absolutely.- Yeah.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49We're now in a position where we're rising it up again.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54And to see something new be in front of us, it's aspirational, really.
0:54:54 > 0:54:55It motivates you to carry on.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Thankfully, it looks like the worst is over,
0:54:58 > 0:55:03so Andrea and Tony can crack on with getting trades in to have this house
0:55:03 > 0:55:05finished in four months' time.
0:55:05 > 0:55:09While the house isn't done, the back garden is certainly taking shape.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14We've took out all the bramble bushes in the garden
0:55:14 > 0:55:18and all the overgrown trees and things like that.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21Because the garden was quite enclosed in when we first got it,
0:55:21 > 0:55:25so we've opened it right out and planted some new bushes
0:55:25 > 0:55:28and plants at the back of the garden to start with.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33And now it's all been tidied up, it can be enjoyed by Andrea, Tony,
0:55:33 > 0:55:36and a certain four-legged friend.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Yes, it's Bob the dog!
0:55:39 > 0:55:44# Through the fields and the streams and the lakes and the trees
0:55:49 > 0:55:51# Home again... #
0:55:52 > 0:55:54Whilst Bob and Andrea play outside,
0:55:54 > 0:55:58Tony has some plans to help us see how it's all going to look
0:55:58 > 0:56:00when it's complete.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02OK. In terms of the kitchen
0:56:02 > 0:56:05and how we're going to move forward with this, we've reconfigured it.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08It used to be on the front of the house.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10It's now this side.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12You get a lot more light in this side.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16Ended up with exactly what the wife wanted, which is her island,
0:56:16 > 0:56:20she must have an island, so that's now in in this part of the config.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23And I think we'll be happy with that.
0:56:23 > 0:56:27The new plans mean that the house will lose a bedroom and its garage.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31But it's Andrea and Tony's forever home, so it fits their needs.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36So, OK, they're not intending to sell,
0:56:36 > 0:56:39but it would be interesting to know how much this could all be worth
0:56:39 > 0:56:42once complete. We've asked along two local estate agents
0:56:42 > 0:56:45to get their thoughts on the property.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48The new concept seems to work really well.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51Obviously, it's a very modern way to live, in terms of open-plan living.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53That seems to be what's in store here.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57And judging by the amount of work and care that's gone in so far,
0:56:57 > 0:57:01it looks like the finish is going to be a really high spec, which, again,
0:57:01 > 0:57:03is going to be great. I'll look forward to seeing that.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06With the work they've still got to do, obviously,
0:57:06 > 0:57:09they've made some changes to the original design,
0:57:09 > 0:57:11so they've lost the garage and lost the bedroom,
0:57:11 > 0:57:14which, potentially, could alter the value of the property.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19The agents both thought that in the current market,
0:57:19 > 0:57:22the two-bed ceiling price would be £200,000.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25So far, they've spent £8,000,
0:57:25 > 0:57:27and they're still hopeful of sticking
0:57:27 > 0:57:29to their £50,000 top budget,
0:57:29 > 0:57:34which would make their total spend here £182,000,
0:57:34 > 0:57:37so it does look like a sound investment.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39Yeah. And I think that's fair and reasonable.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42The thing is, we've increased the value.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45But, importantly, we've got the space that's right for us right now,
0:57:45 > 0:57:47so we're not going to sell, but it's interesting.
0:57:47 > 0:57:50And I think, all things considered, that's about right.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54Things are looking up for this development, then,
0:57:54 > 0:57:57as trades are about to come and get started on the first fixes,
0:57:57 > 0:57:59so they should be flying from there.
0:57:59 > 0:58:01So, what's the first thing Tony will do
0:58:01 > 0:58:03when the house is finally complete?
0:58:05 > 0:58:09Weather-dependent, we're going to throw that big sliding door open,
0:58:09 > 0:58:11crack open a cold one and just take in that view.
0:58:15 > 0:58:17Well, that's it for today.
0:58:17 > 0:58:19Three more auctions stories in the back of the net.
0:58:19 > 0:58:22Yes, but fret ye not, dear viewer,
0:58:22 > 0:58:25because we'll have lots more for you in the twinkle an eye.
0:58:25 > 0:58:27Indeed, so make sure you join us next time
0:58:27 > 0:58:30- for more Homes Under The Hammer. Goodbye.- Bye.