0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello. When it comes to property, getting a bargain
0:00:04 > 0:00:06can sometimes be tough, especially in this competitive market,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08but it can still be done.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Yes, you need patience, you need to dig deep, do your research,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14and you can still come up trumps.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Yes, but where do you start, I hear you ask?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19I would recommend your local property auction.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46It doesn't matter what your budget is -
0:00:46 > 0:00:48you never want to overpay for property.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Too true. But what about today's buyers?
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Did they get a good deal? - Let's find out.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58I'm down in Dover to see a period house
0:00:58 > 0:01:00with an unusual installation.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Yeah, well, I like the fact it's kind of like some modern art feature
0:01:03 > 0:01:05going across the floor.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Now it's not art, but Lucy knows what she likes
0:01:07 > 0:01:09at this flat in South London.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Dun, dun, dun!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Look at that.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17While in Wolverhampton,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19this semidetached house might have to open up a bit
0:01:19 > 0:01:21so I can really get to know it.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25We've got a door that's locked, which just intrigues me.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29All these properties have been sold at auction,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31and we'll find out who bought them and what they paid
0:01:31 > 0:01:33when they went under the hammer.
0:01:33 > 0:01:34Are we all done?
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Dover in Kent is, of course, known for its port,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45castle and white cliffs.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47But it's also the birthplace of
0:01:47 > 0:01:51award-winning R&B singer-songwriter Joss Stone.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54# Tell me what we're gonna do now
0:01:54 > 0:01:57# Oh, oh, yeah, yeah... #
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Well, seeing as you asked, Joss,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01we're off to see a rather charming property,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04which is only 15 minute's stroll from the coast.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Well, right by the side of this rather splendid church
0:02:09 > 0:02:11is the property I'm here to see.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Guide price - £85,000 to £90,000,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18which doesn't sound like a lot for this particular property.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20It's a three-bed semidetached.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Let's have a look.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26That guide price does seem a bit on the cheap side.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29I hope I'm not being led up the garden path here.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33So, what have we got? Oh, well, straightaway,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36looks like it's in need of a little bit of updating.
0:02:36 > 0:02:42Very old paintwork, and look at this amazing wallpaper.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44That sort of dates the property very much.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46But, you know, the good news is
0:02:46 > 0:02:48it looks like some of the original features are still here
0:02:48 > 0:02:50and that's one of the things we absolutely love.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Look at those doors, look at that fireplace.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Just strip those back,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56they're there, just waiting for you to sort it out.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Little things like this panelling round the window -
0:02:58 > 0:03:01absolutely gorgeous if that's just stripped back.
0:03:01 > 0:03:02But, oh, dear...
0:03:04 > 0:03:06# Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce... #
0:03:06 > 0:03:08That isn't so nice.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Maybe that could explain that relatively low guide price.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14As you can see, the floor in this corner of the room here
0:03:14 > 0:03:16looks like it's sunk.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18It's even pulled away the skirting there.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20It needs to be investigated.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Let's carry on.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25When they're not bouncing all over the place,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28the floorboards are actually really lovely.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Nice and wide, so definitely strip these back.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Absolutely beautiful, they would be.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35You've got quite an interesting layout
0:03:35 > 0:03:38cos you come through the front door, right to the bouncy-floored room,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41then left into this similar room over this side.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45I know, very dated fireplaces, but it's all a bit sort of small,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48especially when you come through here into this,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50which I guess is, I don't know,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53maybe additional bit of room that was built on at some point
0:03:53 > 0:03:55over the house's history.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57I'm wondering if it might be possible
0:03:57 > 0:03:59to take out this wall, perhaps -
0:03:59 > 0:04:03it depends what's above it - to create a slightly bigger room.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06I mean, you could even go one step further and try and make
0:04:06 > 0:04:09the whole of this big back part of the house open-plan
0:04:09 > 0:04:10by taking out this wall.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Yeah, I know, it's a bit silly, isn't it, taking out ALL the walls.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17But I don't know, that open feel would be really lovely.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Cos the kitchen itself, it's through this little narrow doorway,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22it's all bolted on the back here.
0:04:22 > 0:04:23It doesn't quite work.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26So, take that one really big room
0:04:26 > 0:04:30and, suddenly, a small house feels like a really big house.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Upstairs, the layout is just as wonky.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35For me, the bathroom is far too big,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and you have this small room for a bedroom,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41so I'd think about moving those around.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45However, this house doesn't just have issues with what's up top -
0:04:45 > 0:04:48it's also got something hiding down below, so...
0:04:48 > 0:04:50# I'm going, I'm going
0:04:50 > 0:04:53# I'm going deeper underground
0:04:53 > 0:04:56# I'm going, I'm going... #
0:04:56 > 0:04:57So, let's see if we can find out
0:04:57 > 0:04:59what's going on with those floorboards.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04Well...a bit of a surprise - down here, a cellar.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06But, actually, what a nice space.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I mean, clearly, it's in a mess at the moment,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11but this could be quite spectacular.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Really bizarre feature here.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17This is the mains water pipe.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Yeah, well, I like the fact there's kind of like
0:05:19 > 0:05:21some modern art kind of feature going across the floor.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Clearly, that would need to be sorted out before you did anything.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25But there's some really nice touches.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29How about this? Big, old fireplace there.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30But that's not why I'm down here -
0:05:30 > 0:05:32I'm here to see what is going on with the floor.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34And...look at these joists -
0:05:34 > 0:05:37they do not look to be in very good...
0:05:39 > 0:05:41They don't look to be in very good condition at all.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43That is...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46..is really bad signs of...
0:05:47 > 0:05:50..woodworm. Nice.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52OK, so that's not very good.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54DRAMATIC MUSIC
0:05:54 > 0:05:55But that's worse.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59This is the wall directly underneath
0:05:59 > 0:06:01where the floor that I was bouncing on is,
0:06:01 > 0:06:06and that, in case you don't know, is dry rot.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Not good at all!
0:06:08 > 0:06:10It's working its way through the plaster,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14it's going into the wood, it's actually destroying the house,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17and that needs to be sorted out really quickly
0:06:17 > 0:06:20before it does any more damage.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22It's not the end of the world, though,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24as it can be treated with a fungicide
0:06:24 > 0:06:27once the source of the moisture is dealt with.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29It's dry today, so it's not that obvious
0:06:29 > 0:06:31to see where the water is coming from.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33But it is a bit chilly,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36and we have asked along a local estate agent
0:06:36 > 0:06:39to brave the cold to have a look around this house
0:06:39 > 0:06:41and give us their thoughts.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43My first impressions of this property,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45I think it's got a lot of character, really impressive.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48They rarely come available on this street.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Obviously does need a lot of work to get it back into living condition,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53but there is a lot potential here.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56The words "rarely available" suggest
0:06:56 > 0:06:59that though there is a lot of work to do here,
0:06:59 > 0:07:00it could be well worth tackling.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02So, how much could it sell for?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Once this property is completed,
0:07:04 > 0:07:08I estimate it to be worth around £180,000 to £190,000
0:07:08 > 0:07:09on the open market.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16Well, charming is a word that's slightly overused
0:07:16 > 0:07:19when it comes to properties, so I don't use it very often.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24However, in the case of this place, I think it's definitely warranted.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26This really is a lovely little place,
0:07:26 > 0:07:30with potential to add value, yeah, and create a lovely home.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Let's see who bought it when it went under the hammer.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35The guide price - 85 to 90.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Let's see, anyway. Can I see £85,000 for it?
0:07:39 > 0:07:41In Dover at £85,000.
0:07:41 > 0:07:4385, bid, I have.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45And 87 now, do I see?
0:07:45 > 0:07:4787, 87, and 90 and two.
0:07:47 > 0:07:5292, 95, 97, 100, 102 and five and seven...
0:07:52 > 0:07:53Well, as the auctioneer thought,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56this lot was soon roaring past the guide price
0:07:56 > 0:07:58and proved popular with a few bidders,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01so we re-join the action at £130,000.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03At £130,000 I've got.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Is that 130?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08131, 132, 133.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11At 133, sitting right at the back, for the first time.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15134, 135, it's against you now.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16135, if you wish.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19135, and six. 136.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Said that last time, if you remember.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23136.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26At 135, then, in the back row, for the first time,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28135 for the second,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31third and final time if you're all done at 135.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Yours, right at the back.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37The successful bidder paying £135,000 was Dean.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41He came along to the house with his dad, Frankie.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42# Hey, Frankie...! #
0:08:42 > 0:08:44I couldn't wait to hear what they had in store
0:08:44 > 0:08:46for this lovely property.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Frankie, Dean, great to meet you both.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- Nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you. - Congratulations.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Was it one of those ones that you walk into the house
0:08:54 > 0:08:56and just straightaway go, "Ooh, I like this"?
0:08:56 > 0:08:58I liked it, yeah. Yeah.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00It looks old, a lot of history,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04couldn't see any visible problems with cracks or anything like that
0:09:04 > 0:09:06on the first walk around the building.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Since then, you've discovered a few other things, have you?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Lots of little problems, yeah. - Small problems.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Since the viewing, it's been raining now,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19so we've had lots of puddles congregating upstairs in the loft.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Right, and the subsidence bit?
0:09:21 > 0:09:22I think it's basically just the beams.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24It's not just subsidence of the building -
0:09:24 > 0:09:26it's just problems with the beams.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Right. And have you had somebody check that out?
0:09:28 > 0:09:30We've checked it out ourselves.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Well, that's a good synopsis, there.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Frankie, what's your involvement in the whole thing?
0:09:35 > 0:09:40I've been helping Dean since I retired 13 years ago.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- Oh, wow.- And...
0:09:42 > 0:09:45didn't want my bones to cease up, so Dean says,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48"Would you like to be my skivvy?" I said, "Yeah, why not?"
0:09:48 > 0:09:51So definitely drafting in Dad's help, then.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Oh, yeah, yeah, and he picks my pocket.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Well, that sounds like a perfect relationship.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57What do you think of the house?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I loved it and I encouraged him.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01When we first came here,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05I said, "Dean, this is the house to go for."
0:10:05 > 0:10:08So then, you've got it now - what are you going to do to it?
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Tell me the process from this point on.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Well, ground floor, this wall here, it's going to be taken back.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Oh, wow, big wall to take out.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Big wall to take out, but it doesn't look majorly supported above.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20There's nothing above it.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22But I will be getting that all checked out prior.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25So, hopefully to extend the lounge.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27That'll be nice.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30French windows out there to look to the garden.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- In the kitchen, there's, like, an outdoor toilet.- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36That wall's going to be taken backwards to extend the kitchen,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39maybe just have a little basin and bathroom downstairs.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Upstairs, they're going to rejig the layout
0:10:42 > 0:10:45by swapping the bathroom and box room around
0:10:45 > 0:10:47so the house will have three double bedrooms.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52The basement room will be converted into a games room
0:10:52 > 0:10:56once, of course, all that dry rot has been dealt with.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59And is the idea with all of this to sell it on once you've done it,
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- or to rent it out?- Undecided.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Most likely to be rented, but possibly to sell it on, maybe.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07So, who's going to get involved in doing the work?
0:11:07 > 0:11:08Is it going to be a joint thing?
0:11:08 > 0:11:11You know, Dean is the main builder...
0:11:11 > 0:11:12- Right.- ..and decorator.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15I'll be doing the gardening.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- Oh, OK.- Cracking the whip. - And cracking the whip.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22And the wife will be coming down occasionally and doing...
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Cracking the whip over you.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26It's a big family project.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29She loves doing work on things.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32How nice. And what's your experience, Dean?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Me, well, I used to be in computers.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- OK.- I used to be a network manager in London.- OK.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- Done it for 20 odd years.- Right.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Had enough of it, got stressed, lost all my hair...
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Oh, no.- ..and decided to make a bit of a change,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47so decided to do some building work, really.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- When was that? - About seven, eight years ago.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Right.- So I started working with local builders.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Right.- Just got some skills up, now they're my good friends.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Any regrets about leaving the previous life?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Not at all, not at all.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Never look back.- Never look back.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Well, no. But you're enjoying it, you're your own boss.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Healthier, my own boss, my own time schedule.- Yeah.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13Risks, obviously, but I've got Mum and Dad to fall back on.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Yeah, for backup, that's brilliant.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Dean is right on that.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Property development can mean risking your own money -
0:12:19 > 0:12:21or Mum and Dad's.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Dean has a £15,000 to £20,000 budget,
0:12:23 > 0:12:27which isn't much given the work needing to be done here.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30But he will save money by doing the work himself
0:12:30 > 0:12:33and is aiming for a fairly relaxed five-to-six-month timescale.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- The location, obviously, it's quite charming.- Yes.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40Right next to the church.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Is that a real positive, do you think?- I noticed that secondary.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- What?- It actually noticed the pub the other side.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47That was the first thing...
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Funny how they're often close, isn't it?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Pub and churches are often very close to each other.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Yeah, do you think that's a real bonus?
0:12:55 > 0:12:56Yeah, it is.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59The land behind there, the views, it's a beautiful building.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- It's a nice location, really.- Yeah.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- And it's the only semi in the whole street.- Yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- The rest are all new builds, terrace.- Yeah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- So it has got character.- Sure.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- So, listen, congratulations, well done.- Thank you very much.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- Lovely to meet you both. - Thank you very much.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- Look forward to seeing how you get on.- Thank you very much.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Well, I think Dean has got himself a charming little property here
0:13:22 > 0:13:27and hopefully, with the help of Dad, Frankie, he will get it sorted.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29A good realistic timescale,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31but possibly a bit tight on that budget -
0:13:31 > 0:13:34especially if that subsidence proves to be more of an issue
0:13:34 > 0:13:36than he thinks it will be.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38How will it all turn out? Only one way to find out.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Join us later in the show.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Lucy's in Wandsworth,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48a place very much shaped by its position on the river,
0:13:48 > 0:13:51with mills and breweries going up around the Thames.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Today, these have been replaced by swanky riverside developments,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58with one-bedroom flats retailing at
0:13:58 > 0:14:02an eye-watering price of £600,000 plus.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06But move a few miles down the road, and you get a different picture.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Now, unfortunately, you don't get a scenic river view from here,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12but what you do get is a two-bedroom flat.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15It had a guide price of £300,000 plus,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18which, compared to its riverside counterparts,
0:14:18 > 0:14:19well, sounds very reasonable.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24# What you get is what you see
0:14:24 > 0:14:27# Ain't nothing more to it. #
0:14:27 > 0:14:28Hey, who needs river views
0:14:28 > 0:14:31when you get twice the space for half the cost?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33So, inside the property...
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Oh! It's painted quite a nice shade of grey.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Don't mind the colour, if I say so.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42Lovely high ceilings, we've got a bathroom through there.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Really nice size bedroom, a second bedroom, and into the lounge.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Now, this flat, for a two bedder, it's spacious,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51as I said, it's got the high ceilings.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55If you compare this to a new build, you would no way get as much space.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58I mean, the square footage here is fantastic.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Bit of storage through here, and then you've got the kitchen
0:15:01 > 0:15:03which faces out to the front.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05It's quite lively in this kitchen.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Lime green - not sure on that colour.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11So, a little bit of decorating is in order, but a superb flat.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13So, not too much work here.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17All in all, a really nice, spacious two-bed flat.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Tick box.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22With some good decoration and cosmetic changes,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24this flat really could be nice.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26But what could make it even better
0:15:26 > 0:15:29would be some modifications to the layout.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32This would make it compete with the more modern open-plan living
0:15:32 > 0:15:36on offer at the new-build flats in the area.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Now, the only structural change I think I'd make with this flat
0:15:39 > 0:15:41would be to open up this doorway.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44It just feels a little bit pinched.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46It would make the kitchen feel so much larger
0:15:46 > 0:15:50and, also, be a lot more sociable for when you're entertaining.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53But don't forget, before you make any structural changes
0:15:53 > 0:15:55to a leasehold flat like this,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58you will need permission from the freeholder.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Now, this will probably come at a cost,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03which should be factored into your renovation budget,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07and don't forget the freeholder can still withhold consent.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10The stipulations and covenants will be laid out
0:16:10 > 0:16:12in the terms of your lease
0:16:12 > 0:16:14and, if you're in any doubt at all,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17ask your solicitor to read through this for you,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19because it'll be worth every penny.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Well, the good news on that lease is that
0:16:21 > 0:16:24it still has another 109 years to run,
0:16:24 > 0:16:25and it's owned by the local authority,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29which might mean you have more room for negotiations.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31They might even sell you the freehold -
0:16:31 > 0:16:33for the right price, of course.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Am I right in saying that, in most flats, there's never enough storage?
0:16:37 > 0:16:39The cupboards are always narrow and pokey,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42you know, you've got to get the vacuum cleaner in there,
0:16:42 > 0:16:43you've got to get the ironing board in there,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45maybe you want to put your suitcase in there,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48you could also need to store some of the linen.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51You know what I'm saying? But in this flat?
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Oh, no!
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Dun, dun, dun!
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Look at that.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01MUSIC: Also sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss
0:17:03 > 0:17:07I absolutely love that space - it's brilliant!
0:17:07 > 0:17:08Is it just me, then?
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Um, it could be, Lucy.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Seems like you're just having a bit of a Space Oddity moment.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15Hmm, anyway, moving swiftly on,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18I want to have another look at that garden.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20So, back out the front of the flat
0:17:20 > 0:17:24and I want to show you a couple of extra little perks this flat has.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Firstly, those two car parking spaces,
0:17:27 > 0:17:28well, they come with it.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33Now, secondly, it also has this little front garden area here.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37So, no, it's not very private at the moment, can be a bit noisy,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39but you could think about putting up a hedge and a bit of a fence,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41just to make it look prettier.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43And it's on the ground floor,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46so you've got direct access straight out of this door.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48So, all in all, I think it's a bit of a bonus.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51If nothing else, it sets the property back from the road
0:17:51 > 0:17:54and certainly provides a nicer outlook
0:17:54 > 0:17:57from those much-needed double-glazed windows.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58With two bedrooms,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02this well-proportioned flat feels like it has the right stuff
0:18:02 > 0:18:04to make a good investment.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07But what does a local estate agent think?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11I think there's some very smart people coming into the area now.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13They're young professionals and they know what they want,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15and they don't want to do DIY,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19so if you can present something that is not bland but neutral,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22that they can walk straight into - that's what they're looking for.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Wooden floors are very popular, smart kitchen.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28But if it wasn't given that full renovation,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32could this flat, that was guided at £300,000 plus,
0:18:32 > 0:18:33be a good investment?
0:18:33 > 0:18:38This property could sell for £475,000 in the right finish,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42with rentals as much as £1,600 a month.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47Well, as far as auction properties go, this flat is clean, it's tidy,
0:18:47 > 0:18:48and it seems like it should be
0:18:48 > 0:18:51a fairly straightforward project for somebody.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Fingers crossed. Who wanted to take it on?
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Let's head to auction and find out.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Lot four is a two-bed ground-floor flat.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Wandsworth, high-value area.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Invite your bids on this.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07Start at 310.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08310.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10315, sir.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12320.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14325.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17330. 335.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20After a slow start, the bidding was hotting up,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24and we rejoin the bids for the flat now at 370,000.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25370.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28371, 372.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31372. 37...
0:19:31 > 0:19:33New spot. 373, 374.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37375, 376.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43375, first time, second time, third and last time.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45If you're all done...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Sold, 375.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52And what a battle, but the hammer finally fell at £375,000.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54The successful bidder for
0:19:54 > 0:19:59the two-bedroom ground-floor flat in Wandsworth was Farooq.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02This was Farooq's first investment property purchase.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05He was going to be helped by his son, Ibrahim,
0:20:05 > 0:20:07who recently graduated from university
0:20:07 > 0:20:10and was looking at property developing
0:20:10 > 0:20:11as a possible career option.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14# Give it a go, give it a go. #
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Guys, congratulations.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22You must be so pleased that you got this flat on auction day.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Yes, we are very pleased.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25Now, this isn't your background,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27because I know you've just graduated from uni.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Yeah, I just recently graduated from uni doing product design.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33We've always had a keen interest in properties,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35and it's also working with my dad as well.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Do you have any property knowledge yourself?
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Well, I'm a retired chartered civil engineer.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45We did a few projects, worked on terminal five construction
0:20:45 > 0:20:47for four and a half years.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48So, buildings is something you know about?
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Buildings, yeah, that's correct.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52So, when you walk into somewhere like here,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54I mean, what can you tell me?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Well, I can see there's not much work to be done, it's simple,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01not as heavy as what I'm used to.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03This is going to be a breeze for you, isn't it?
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Yes, it looks like, if I get a good builder.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08# Airport! #
0:21:10 > 0:21:12So, from working on the UK's largest airport,
0:21:12 > 0:21:16Farooq will now be overseeing work on this slightly smaller project.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18But what do they plan to do to lift this flat up
0:21:18 > 0:21:21and make it fly in the local property market?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Can you tell me exactly what you're going to be doing inside the flat,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26starting with the entrance?
0:21:26 > 0:21:27I think, with the entrance,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- we're just going to redo the whole flooring.- Yeah.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Hopefully do a bit of skimming to the walls,
0:21:32 > 0:21:33completely redoing the bathroom.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35What about the green walls?
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- You're going to get rid of that, right?- Yeah, definitely.- Yes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40What about the kitchen - any plans with that?
0:21:40 > 0:21:44I think the kitchen, cos it's the most-used room in a flat,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47so, basically, we're looking to do it to a very high standard
0:21:47 > 0:21:51and make that as the most selling point for this property.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Are you going to make any radical changes to the property,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56or are you going to leave it pretty much as it is?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58I think, in terms of work,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00we're probably going to look to break the kitchen wall,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02and make it more open-plan living.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- OK.- And, hopefully, if it falls into our budget, add an en suite.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09So, where are you planning on putting that en suite?
0:22:09 > 0:22:10The bedroom walls will be split,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13so three quarters of it's going to go into the master bedroom
0:22:13 > 0:22:17and the other quarter end's going to be in the smaller bedroom.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19But it's only going to be accessible from the master bedroom?
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Yeah.- OK.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Now, you will need permission from the freeholder to do that.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- Yeah.- We'll be submitting drawings to them for approval.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29And hopefully you are improving the flat,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- so there should be no problem there. - No problems there.- That's correct.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- So, what sort of budget have you guys got?- About £30,000.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38So, that's quite a healthy budget.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41That's 5,000 contingency.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Along with the £30,000 budget,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45they're hoping to turn it around in three months
0:22:45 > 0:22:47and then place it on the resale market.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51So, guys, tell me, are you spending
0:22:51 > 0:22:53a lot of evenings pouring over the plans,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- discussing where to put things?- Yes.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58It's quite a nice father-and-son venture this, isn't it?
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Yes, he does it all on the computer,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02so he's got this special programme
0:23:02 > 0:23:05where you can fix the furniture and all that.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07It's a lot of convincing and talking and seeing...
0:23:07 > 0:23:09When you say convincing,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- are you telling your dad what you think should happen?- Yeah.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14And it's up to him if he wants to listen at all.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- So, who's got the ultimate say here? - I think my dad does.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20You've got the ultimate say, but your son's really good
0:23:20 > 0:23:21cos he's giving a very different eye.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- And my wife as well.- Yeah.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27She's more or less mostly for the front garden.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Are you two going to be doing any of the work yourselves?
0:23:29 > 0:23:33I'm looking to hopefully learn as much as I can
0:23:33 > 0:23:35from the current builders that we'll be using,
0:23:35 > 0:23:40but I'll try and do the stud walling for the en suite myself,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- so I'll take on as much as I can. - And all the flooring.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Maybe he'll start doing one of the bedrooms
0:23:45 > 0:23:47to get the feel of it.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Surely you can do things like that? You can turn your hand at that?
0:23:50 > 0:23:52And you'll be able to show your son,
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- so you will be able to learn from the master.- Exactly.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Guys, I'm really excited to see the outcome of this flat.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- Congratulations. Well done. - Thank you very much.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- Thank you, nice to meet you. - Thank you.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Well, it's the first project for this father-and-son team,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09so I'm sure there's going to be lessons for them to learn
0:24:09 > 0:24:10along the way.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12But most importantly,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15will there be a decent profit at the end of all their hard work?
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Join me later on in the programme
0:24:17 > 0:24:20and you can find out how they get on.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25Still to come, we make it three father-and-son teams in one show.
0:24:25 > 0:24:26Now, that's a tall order.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28He's already...
0:24:28 > 0:24:30He's already taller than you, isn't he?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Back in Wandsworth,
0:24:33 > 0:24:37we find out if Farooq and Ibrahim's father-son bond has held strong.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40We're definitely going to keep in touch, basically.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48We're heading back to the coastal port town of Dover now
0:24:48 > 0:24:50to see a charming property that had period features
0:24:50 > 0:24:53that put a real bounce in my step.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54But, oh, dear.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00That isn't so nice. As you can see,
0:25:00 > 0:25:04the floor in this corner of the room here looks like it's sunk.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07It's even pulled away the skirting, there.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10It needs to be investigated.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13And investigate, I did, down below.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Look at these joists, they do not look to be in very good...
0:25:17 > 0:25:19They don't look to be in very good condition at all.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20That is...
0:25:22 > 0:25:26..is really bad signs of...woodworm.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29That chomping woodworm and a myriad of other issues didn't put off
0:25:29 > 0:25:33former network administrator-turned-builder Dean
0:25:33 > 0:25:37from paying £135,000 for this at auction.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39He and his dad Frankie couldn't wait
0:25:39 > 0:25:41to sink their teeth into this project.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Although they had viewed the property before the auction,
0:25:44 > 0:25:48some of the issues didn't come to light until after they'd bought it.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Since the viewing, it's been raining now,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54so we've had lots of puddles congregating upstairs in the loft.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Right. And the subsidence bit?
0:25:56 > 0:25:58I think it's basically just the beams.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00It's not subsidence of the building -
0:26:00 > 0:26:01it's just problems with the beams.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Right. And have you had somebody check that out?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- We've checked it out.- You have? - Yeah.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Between changing the layout upstairs and down,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12as well as dealing with the rot and damp,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14they've had a lot on their hands,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16so I am not surprised we are back
0:26:16 > 0:26:19a month later than their six-month timescale.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22But Dean and Frankie haven't disappointed.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28Saying goodbye to that partition wall and adding the French doors
0:26:28 > 0:26:31has made the whole downstairs flow so much better.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39They've extended the kitchen out, making room for the downstairs loo.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45And it's a case of trading places upstairs.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57The large bathroom and small bedroom have switched around.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Although it's fresh and modern, some original features remain,
0:27:01 > 0:27:02which is nice to see.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Down in the basement,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11the rot, damp and woodworm has all been taken care of.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15It's not quite finished, but the plan is for it to be a games room.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17The house looks great, though,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20and it must have taken some real hard graft from Dean and Frankie
0:27:20 > 0:27:22to turn this around.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Actually, the whole thing was a bit of a slog
0:27:24 > 0:27:26cos it is such an old house.
0:27:26 > 0:27:33All hidden things which, until you started demoing the place,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35you started finding all of these things.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39But, ultimately, it wasn't too much. It was a nice project to do.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44It's nice to try and find a place which has some of the character
0:27:44 > 0:27:47and the old things that you want to keep in there,
0:27:47 > 0:27:49not just rip it all out and plaster all over it.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52It's not always easy to preserve original features
0:27:52 > 0:27:56like in this case, where everything has to be stripped right back.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00But, thankfully, Dean has saved some of the house's original character.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03But it's not just Dean who has been getting his hands dirty.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Dad Frankie has done a brilliant job of this garden.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Not bad for someone who is a self-proclaimed skivvy.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Yes, I was a skivvy, getting the paint.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17"Gopher", they called me, isn't it? "Gopher" that and "Gopher" this.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21So, yeah, I did most of the buying the stuff.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23And I virtually did most of the logistics,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26the pricing of the job, and this and all that.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28So, yeah, that was my function.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30He did all of the heavy lifting and shifting.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Well, now, most of the work is over, they must be very proud.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Yeah.- Yeah.- Stressful.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Yeah. But glad to see the end product,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43from what it was to what it is.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47My daughter from London came down, she gave a hand.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51My wife came and did all the neat painting and all that,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53so it was a family affair.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54Oh, no, you don't, Frankie.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57You're not trying to get us to Sly And The Family Stone.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00I'm sick of hearing that song.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04Besides, I'm sure we have something much more original lined up.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06# We are family. #
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Oh, well, maybe not.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11But it works. Let's find out if Dean and Frankie have managed to stay
0:29:11 > 0:29:13within their £15,000-£20,000 budget.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17We're slap bang in the middle of that as it is now.
0:29:17 > 0:29:2017.5, just under 17.5.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Still got a few more bits to purchase.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- But I think 17.5 is probably... - 17.5, just over that.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Really come within our budget, really.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37So, that's a total spend so far of £152,500.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41Have they made up their mind if it's for sale or rent?
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- Definitely sell.- Oh, yeah. Yeah.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48I mean, we have got a London investor interested in the place.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51He's approached us, he's given us a price.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54So, we might go for him, we don't know.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55See what the situation is.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Well, let's see if asking the opinion of two local estate agents
0:30:00 > 0:30:02will help make up Dean and Frankie's minds.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05First, the agent who saw it last time.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10I think the changes to the layout downstairs are ideal.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12You've got a nice, big-sized dining room,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15a good-sized lounge and the kitchen, and it flows are a lot better.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17It's always good to keep period features
0:30:17 > 0:30:19cos people like a central point in a house.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22They have sympathetically kept the fireplaces,
0:30:22 > 0:30:24which gives it a bit of warmth.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27So, the agents are warming up to this property,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29but will the sales values hold a candle
0:30:29 > 0:30:32to the offers they have already received?
0:30:33 > 0:30:36We'd market this property at £170,000.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41I think this property would be worth £185,000 to £190,000.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- That's what we had. - Well, as I said,
0:30:44 > 0:30:48we've got a London property developer and he's offered us 190.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52So, we might be going with him because he's definitely wants it.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55If they clinched that deal,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57that would be a pre-tax profit of 37,500.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01So, this father-and-son team have definitely pulled this one off.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Will Frankie be continuing his role as skivvy-cum-Gopher?
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Yeah, yeah. Till I drop dead. Yeah.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13No.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15I'm retired now
0:31:15 > 0:31:18and retirement is not what it's cracked up to be.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20You know, just sit in the armchair, watch television.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22You need to be doing something.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Yes, doing well so far.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26We get on well anyway.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29It's no problem. I don't do a whole day's work.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34I do as much as I can. So, yes. I'm quite happy with that.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43The city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands
0:31:43 > 0:31:46is twinned with three cities around the world.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Subotica in Serbia,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Klagenfurt in Austria,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56Which really isn't relevant to the property I'm here to see,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59but some smart alec back in the office thought it would be funny
0:31:59 > 0:32:01to make me pronounce those three names.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Well, the joke's on them cos I nailed it first time.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Anyway, back to the job in hand.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09So, three miles away from the centre of Wolverhampton
0:32:09 > 0:32:14in this not so quiet cul-de-sac is the property that I'm here to see.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Now, normally, parking is a bit of a nightmare,
0:32:16 > 0:32:21but, as you can see behind me, there is off-street parking
0:32:21 > 0:32:23in this ex-local authority house
0:32:23 > 0:32:28that's got three bedrooms and a guide price of £60,000 plus.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Let's get inside.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32# Shall we go inside?
0:32:32 > 0:32:35# Go inside and look around? #
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Right. What have we got?
0:32:37 > 0:32:40We're in straight into the hallway, straight off the front garden
0:32:40 > 0:32:42into a quite a decent-sized hallway.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Stairs going up to the bedrooms
0:32:44 > 0:32:47with some really strange, old-fashioned carpet.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52In here, we've got a door that's locked, which just intrigues me.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55I need to know what's on the other side of that door.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Radiator here, so we've got central heating.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Lots of space underneath the stairs there for storage
0:32:59 > 0:33:02and textured wallpaper everywhere.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Downstairs toilet, which is good.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07In here, we've got just a bit of storage.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11And the back door going out to the garden.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Follow me in here to the kitchen.
0:33:13 > 0:33:19Here, we've got what I would consider a good-size family kitchen.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Yes, it's not in great condition,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24all these units would need to be changed, flooring,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27everything would have to be done from new here.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29But a good-sized kitchen all the same.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33And, we go through here, into the living-lounge area.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Again, it's not huge.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39It's a decent enough size to get your sofas in and your television.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Again, very seventies-eighties style.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43From what I've seen so far,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46this place just needs to be stripped back to the bare brick.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Get some nice paint on there, get some new floors in,
0:33:48 > 0:33:52brand-new kitchen, just tidy this place up.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54And, of course, it turned out
0:33:54 > 0:33:57that so-called mystery door leads to here.
0:33:57 > 0:34:03# And I have found an answer
0:34:04 > 0:34:07# I don't think you don't care. #
0:34:09 > 0:34:13The only surprise about what's behind this door is the wallpaper.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14That's not working for me.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17I'd keep the other door and plasterboard this one
0:34:17 > 0:34:19with a nice finish.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Upstairs, I've found some features
0:34:21 > 0:34:24that rekindle my enthusiasm for this property.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27That is a good-sized first bedroom.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29To my right, you've got the family bathroom.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31It's not the biggest
0:34:31 > 0:34:33and you would have to put a brand-new suite in there.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36And just round the corner, you've got the other two bedrooms
0:34:36 > 0:34:38which are all good sizes.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43I'd be inclined to try and keep hold of those very pretty fireplaces
0:34:43 > 0:34:45in some way, shape or form.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49But, like in most ex-local authority houses,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51this place has been built well,
0:34:51 > 0:34:55it's got good-sized rooms, and the configuration is spot on.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57I like it.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59# I know what I like
0:34:59 > 0:35:02# I know what I like
0:35:02 > 0:35:05# I know what I like to do
0:35:07 > 0:35:09# Well, what about you? #
0:35:09 > 0:35:14Nothing new, then, another overgrown back garden, but it is some size.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I think, just a bit of TLC out here, a bit of hard work
0:35:16 > 0:35:19and this would be as good as the neighbours.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21I also wanted to have a look back at the property,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24just to see if there's anything wrong
0:35:24 > 0:35:26with the tiles, the roof, anything like that.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28All I've spotted is a little bit of rendering
0:35:28 > 0:35:29that needs to be either patched up,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31or you could restart it and do it again.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35Also, is there enough scope to bring the house
0:35:35 > 0:35:36just a little bit further out?
0:35:36 > 0:35:37You've got a big back garden -
0:35:37 > 0:35:41you wouldn't lose a lot of that, but you'd gain a lot of space inside
0:35:41 > 0:35:43if an extension was an option.
0:35:43 > 0:35:44That's all down to budget,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47that's all down to what you want to do with the property in the end.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48But it's just an option.
0:35:52 > 0:35:53To weigh up the options,
0:35:53 > 0:35:57we've invited along an estate agent from the auction house who sold it
0:35:57 > 0:36:00for his thoughts on this ex-local authority semi.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05The property itself could stand an extension on the back.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06The garden's big enough to take it,
0:36:06 > 0:36:11so you're not going to lose any of the usability of it by doing that.
0:36:11 > 0:36:17Having said that, the property is of quite as reasonable size as is,
0:36:17 > 0:36:23and I think, in doing that, you might very well prise it out of
0:36:23 > 0:36:27the local area pricing for it.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29So, there's a risk of over-developing
0:36:29 > 0:36:30if you're not going to live in it.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34What kind of sales figures could we be looking at, though?
0:36:34 > 0:36:35Once the property's renovated,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37depending on what standard they've done it to, obviously,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39I would imagine that you'd achieve
0:36:39 > 0:36:43in the region of £115,000 to £120,000.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Now, this place does need a bit of work doing to it,
0:36:48 > 0:36:50but it's got a bit of space on the outside,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52a bit of space on the inside.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56It's a classic Homes Under The Hammer ex-local authority property,
0:36:56 > 0:36:57and I like it.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Let's see who else liked it when it went under the hammer.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06And lot 32, which is a vacant, freehold semidetached property,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09standing back from the road, Wolverhampton.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Lot 32. Ladies and gentlemen, how much for this one?
0:37:11 > 0:37:1360.
0:37:13 > 0:37:1560, go on. 60, sir.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Thank you. Number 950 at 60,000.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Can I have five anywhere?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Well, 62, then. 62.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23A lady's bid. 64, sir.
0:37:23 > 0:37:2566, madam?
0:37:25 > 0:37:2766 bid. 68, sir.
0:37:27 > 0:37:2970, madam. 70 bid.
0:37:29 > 0:37:3272, sir. 72 bid. 74, madam. 74.
0:37:32 > 0:37:3576. 78? 78.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Lady's bid. Standing, 79.
0:37:37 > 0:37:391,000. 80 now.
0:37:39 > 0:37:4180. 81, sir.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Are you sure, sir? I'm disappointed in you.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46At £80,000.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48It's a lady's bid. Going for 80,000.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50I'll take £1,000 anywhere.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53£81,000. A fresh bidder. 81.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Madam, come back in at 82?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Fresh bidder, jumping in right at the end.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00At 81,000. Can I see your paddle number, sir?
0:38:00 > 0:38:02At 81, for the first time.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Second time. At 81.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Third and the very last time.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08It is yours, sir.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12The successful bidder was Ismat. He paid 81 grand for this house.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15I met him and his son, Mosun, back at the house
0:38:15 > 0:38:17to find out their plans.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18- Ismat, nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Mosun. Nice to meet you, too.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21- Congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Tell us about this place.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Why did you like it? Why did you buy it?
0:38:25 > 0:38:27Well, the reason I bought this house is it's right next door to mine,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29so not very far from my house,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32so I can check it from my window.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- Convenience, then, is it? - Yeah, yeah.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36So, tell me how this came together.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Whose idea was it to look at houses?
0:38:38 > 0:38:40It was mine, to be honest.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44I'm into, I do plumbing and heating, bathrooms and kitchens.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Mostly property maintenance.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49And, sometimes, we just say job creation for myself, as well.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52I just want to get involved and do this in future.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- Did you read the legal pack?- No.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- Did you view the property?- No.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58- So, you just bought this blind? - Bought it blind.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- Really?- Yeah.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03I could really tell you off here, but we're on TV, so I better not.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- Definitely.- You've got to have a word with him, Mosun.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- Yeah.- Not allowed to do that any more.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- No. You should read the legal pack. - There you go. You see.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15So, you got lucky. You're a lucky man, honestly.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- Isn't he? Isn't he just.- Yeah.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Tell me what you're going to do in the house.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22You going to be hands-on? Going to get people to work for you?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Well, most of the, apart from plastering, and, well, painting.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27I don't like painting.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Apart from plastering and painting and rendering outside,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32everything else is going to be done by myself.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34So, Mosun your dad's going to be doing the plumbing
0:39:34 > 0:39:36and all the other hands-on work. What's your job?
0:39:36 > 0:39:38- What are you going to do? - Maybe, in my free time,
0:39:38 > 0:39:42I'll be coming around asking my dad, what shall I do?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45And probably be doing some painting, some decorating, maybe,
0:39:45 > 0:39:47even some designing.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49- Really?- Yeah. - He wants to be my boss.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Well, Ismat...
0:39:51 > 0:39:55You know what I mean? In time, be careful, looking over your shoulder.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58I know. He's already...
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- He's already taller than you, isn't he?- Yeah.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Something else Ismat hopes will grow is the value of the house.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Ideally, he'd like to sell it on for a profit
0:40:07 > 0:40:08but, as he lived so close by,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12he's happy to keep it as a rental property, as a long-term investment.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Either way, he'll need to get his hands dirty
0:40:14 > 0:40:16and turn this place around.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- So, what are the plans for the house?- Well, the plan...
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Let me give it a good touch.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23New bathroom, new kitchen,
0:40:23 > 0:40:27and I'll do something with the downstairs toilet.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Possibly put a shower tray there,
0:40:29 > 0:40:30I can fit a 700x700 shower tray.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35Then at least they have, the person who actually rent or buy it,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38possibly, have a shower downstairs
0:40:38 > 0:40:41and have a bath and shower upstairs as well.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Because over the bath, I'm going to put a shower.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48At the end of the day, I'm a qualified plumber, so I can do them.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50You can do all that stuff on your own, can't you?
0:40:50 > 0:40:52And it would cost a lot.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54So you're keeping the downstairs toilet and you're adding a shower -
0:40:54 > 0:40:56- is that correct?- Yeah.- OK.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58And upstairs? What are your plans?
0:40:58 > 0:41:03Upstairs, exactly the same as it is, just neat, much neater.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06And out the back, you've got a really big back garden, Mosun -
0:41:06 > 0:41:08are you going to get involved in that?
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Yeah. I think he wants me to get involved in the back garden.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Do a lot of grass cutting, get some waste out.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17I've got a gardener!
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Any good with a lawnmower, getting it all chopped down?
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Yeah. It's going to be a bit of hassle, but it has to get done.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- It has to be done. - OK. New bathroom, new kitchen,
0:41:26 > 0:41:28all those things you want to try. We want a shower downstairs.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30There's a fair bit of work that you've got to do.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- Oh, yeah.- So, what is your budget?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Between five to seven.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Between five to seven grand?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40That's not my labour - just material.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43- Cos I'm going to be doing the work. - OK.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45And how long's this job going to take you to do?
0:41:45 > 0:41:47About, say...
0:41:48 > 0:41:50I'd like to finish it in two months.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54But I said it depends how busy my own work is.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56So, I'll put the customer first.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59So about between two to three months.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01With the help of your son...
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- I think you'll be OK. - I'll be all right, yeah.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Without him, I think you'll struggle.- Definitely.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10If he's going to jump over full-time, then...there you go!
0:42:10 > 0:42:12I can finish it in two months, definitely.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Good luck. Ismat, good luck.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- I wish you all the best.- Thank you. - Mosun, good luck to you.- Thank you.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21I think Mosun will learn a lot from his dad on this project.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22First and foremost,
0:42:22 > 0:42:26make sure you read the legal pack and view the property.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Saying that, I think they might've got away with this one.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32You can find out how they get on later in the programme.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Well, we've found out the fate of one of our buyers -
0:42:38 > 0:42:39what about the other two?
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Has everything run like clockwork, or has the clock stopped ticking?
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Yes, well, we're not going to give them any more time.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Let's find out how they got on.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53It was in the southwest London area of Wandsworth
0:42:53 > 0:42:57where Lucy tracked down a two-bedroom, ground-floor flat.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01Despite its eye-watering guide price of £300,000 plus,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04actually, for this part of London, not only could it be a good buy,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07but there was still room for improvement.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Now, the only structural change I think I'd make with this flat
0:43:12 > 0:43:14would be to open up this doorway.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17It just feels a little bit pinched.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19It would make the kitchen feel so much larger
0:43:19 > 0:43:23and also be a lot more sociable for when you're entertaining.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27And the people who felt there was more growth to come
0:43:27 > 0:43:31were father-and-son team Farooq and Ibrahim,
0:43:31 > 0:43:34who paid £375,000 at auction.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36This was a new departure for them both.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41I just recently graduated from uni doing product design.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44We've always had a keen interest in property
0:43:44 > 0:43:46and it's also working with my dad, as well.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48Do you have any property knowledge, yourself?
0:43:48 > 0:43:52Well, I'm a retired chartered civil engineer,
0:43:52 > 0:43:54We did a few projects,
0:43:54 > 0:43:58worked on terminal five construction for four and a half years.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00So, buildings is something you know about?
0:44:00 > 0:44:03- Yeah. That's correct.- So, the plan was that Farooq would offer guidance
0:44:03 > 0:44:05and help to Ibrahim to get
0:44:05 > 0:44:08his fledgling property career off the ground.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11And they had a budget of up to £35,000
0:44:11 > 0:44:15and hoped to complete it, ready for the resale market in three months.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21And now, nearly seven months later, we're back.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29Right. Talk about kerb appeal.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31This place has now got it in spades.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39With a sheltered garden area and well-defined parking space.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45And let's hope that this is a sign of what's to come.
0:44:52 > 0:44:57Wow! This is really the way to make the most of the space they had.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00Seems they took your advice, Lucy.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03Basically, we used to have a wall here, so we've taken the wall away
0:45:03 > 0:45:05and we've created an open living space.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08We've had to refurbish the whole kitchen,
0:45:08 > 0:45:12so we've added the new units, new worktops, new appliances.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16We've also added a toughened-glass splashback
0:45:16 > 0:45:18to give that contemporary, modern look.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21And, most importantly, those key lime green walls
0:45:21 > 0:45:22are not there any more.
0:45:41 > 0:45:46That rather chic and crisp style is in evidence in the bedrooms,
0:45:46 > 0:45:48but what about in the bathroom?
0:45:54 > 0:45:55Great job.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57So, who deserves the pat on the back?
0:46:02 > 0:46:05Dad was over my shoulder just guiding me, if anything went wrong,
0:46:05 > 0:46:08or anything like that. But the majority of the work was 50-50.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10We both did it together.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14They did have tradesmen in where needed,
0:46:14 > 0:46:16and other family members helped too.
0:46:16 > 0:46:22With guidance from Farooq, Ibrahim tackled the floor and tiling.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25How did he partnership work out?
0:46:25 > 0:46:28Well, we did have ups and downs, as expected.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31But, on the whole, it went smoothly.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33We're definitely going to keep in touch, basically.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35Well, that's good to know.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38But are there any thoughts of going it alone, then?
0:46:38 > 0:46:41# Solo, I'm riding solo, solo. #
0:46:43 > 0:46:46I think I'll probably do a couple more and watch over the builders
0:46:46 > 0:46:49and how they do it and get some...
0:46:49 > 0:46:52hands-on experience and then take it from there.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54Sounds like a sensible plan.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57And you can certainly see Ibrahim's design skills
0:46:57 > 0:47:01already coming to the fore with the look and feel of this place.
0:47:03 > 0:47:09But it was down to Farooq to keep their £35,000 budget in check.
0:47:09 > 0:47:14We've exceeded that amount, up to about £40,000.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17I think the biggest cost was the front garden
0:47:17 > 0:47:21but it added to the kerb appeal so, naturally,
0:47:21 > 0:47:23as soon as you look at the property you want to come and look at it
0:47:23 > 0:47:27and, hopefully, it will sell quicker so it'll pay off in the end.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31Ibrahim could be right,
0:47:31 > 0:47:36but a £40,000 spend on top of their £375,000 purchase price does mean
0:47:36 > 0:47:41they have £415,000 invested in this two-bedroom ground-floor flat.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45So, the kerb appeal might bring house-hunters in,
0:47:45 > 0:47:49but will the design and look of the flat convince them to buy?
0:47:50 > 0:47:53What do two local property experts think?
0:47:53 > 0:47:55First, the agent who saw it last time.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02I saw this property seven months ago and it was a real shambles.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04One of the biggest changes has been the open-plan kitchen.
0:48:04 > 0:48:06A lot of people love that now.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10It's a very communal area and it lets a lot more light in, as well,
0:48:10 > 0:48:11and I think they've done it very well.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13And the layout of the kitchen is also very good
0:48:13 > 0:48:18because what you see is quite an attractive vista as you walk in.
0:48:18 > 0:48:19I really, really like it, actually.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22I wasn't expecting such a high finish.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24I love the colour of the flooring,
0:48:24 > 0:48:26I love the fact it's semi open-plan
0:48:26 > 0:48:30and, most of all, the location's absolutely outstanding.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33One of the great things outside was that they had off-street parking,
0:48:33 > 0:48:36but they also had barren land around it.
0:48:36 > 0:48:37They've really made the most of it.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41They've fenced it off, made it a bit more private, bit of grass,
0:48:41 > 0:48:43bit of patio, so I think it's going to be a very usable space,
0:48:43 > 0:48:45even though it's facing the road.
0:48:45 > 0:48:50I think the finish is exactly what is trendy at the moment.
0:48:50 > 0:48:55It's modern without being ultra modern and I certainly don't think
0:48:55 > 0:48:58anyone's going to walk through the door and dislike it.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00Yes, but how much money will they need to pay
0:49:00 > 0:49:06for a property that Farooq and Ibrahim have invested £415,000 into?
0:49:06 > 0:49:08I think when the property's fully finished,
0:49:08 > 0:49:11it would go on the market at £525,000
0:49:11 > 0:49:15and be very comfortable in the current market at that price.
0:49:15 > 0:49:16If I was to put this on the market right now,
0:49:16 > 0:49:20I'd value it between £500,000 and £525,000.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22It's slightly higher than we anticipated
0:49:22 > 0:49:26but it is on par with what we were expecting to get.
0:49:26 > 0:49:28So, should they sell it on, as hoped,
0:49:28 > 0:49:33they could see a pre-tax profit of between £85,000 and £110,000.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35That's got to be encouraging enough
0:49:35 > 0:49:37for them to do more properties in the future.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Our aim is, hopefully, to get to a stage
0:49:40 > 0:49:42where we can build a house from scratch
0:49:42 > 0:49:45and design every single aspect of it.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47Well, that's my aim. I don't know about Dad's.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51I'm hoping to continue for two more years
0:49:51 > 0:49:55until Ibrahim stands on his feet.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59You know, then I shall be drifting out.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02And then, Ibrahim, you're on your own.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04# I'm riding solo, solo. #
0:50:10 > 0:50:12Time to head back to Wolverhampton,
0:50:12 > 0:50:14where I saw this semidetached property.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19It may have been stuck in the past decor-wise,
0:50:19 > 0:50:22but what it did have going for it was overall size.
0:50:22 > 0:50:25Downstairs had the bonus of a small toilet
0:50:25 > 0:50:28and there was plenty of room in the kitchen.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31There was also a lot more room outside.
0:50:31 > 0:50:32It is some size.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35I think, just a bit of TLC out here,
0:50:35 > 0:50:38a bit of hard work and this would be as good as the neighbours.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40I also wanted to have a look back at the property,
0:50:40 > 0:50:42just to see if there's anything wrong with
0:50:42 > 0:50:44the tiles, the roof, anything like that.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47All I've spotted is a little bit of rendering
0:50:47 > 0:50:48that needs either to be patched up,
0:50:48 > 0:50:51or you could restart it and do it again.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54Buying this at auction for 81 grand
0:50:54 > 0:50:56was plumber and heating engineer Ismat,
0:50:56 > 0:51:00who should perhaps listen to his son Mosun just a little bit more
0:51:00 > 0:51:02when buying properties in the future.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05- Did you read the legal pack?- No.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07- Did you view the property?- No.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10- So, you just bought this blind? - Just bought it blind.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12Really? You've got to have a word with him, Mosun.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14- Yeah. I will. - Not allowed to do that any more.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16Nah, you should read the legal pack.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19There you go, you see.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21So, you got lucky.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23Lucky man, honestly, isn't he? Isn't he just?
0:51:23 > 0:51:25Well, you may have heard of the saying,
0:51:25 > 0:51:27the harder you work, the luckier you get,
0:51:27 > 0:51:32and Ismat was planning to work hard and do most of the work himself.
0:51:32 > 0:51:34But how lucky was Ismat going to be?
0:51:36 > 0:51:40# Well, I'm a lucky man
0:51:42 > 0:51:48# With fire in my hands... #
0:51:48 > 0:51:52Well, if a lot of hard work makes you lucky, then here's the proof.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55The kitchen is so much better.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58The little downstairs toilet has seen some big changes
0:51:58 > 0:52:02with a full-size shower where the cupboard used to be.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08The sealed-up doorway has been opened up
0:52:08 > 0:52:10and offers a different way to make an entrance.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16The huge brick fireplace has been replaced with a small one.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18So much better.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25Upstairs, the bathroom is also looking much smarter.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36The one thing I am sad to see go, though,
0:52:36 > 0:52:39is the fireplaces in the bedrooms.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46But I'm very impressed with the changes outside.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50To the front, the wall has been rebuilt and widened,
0:52:50 > 0:52:52so it's easier for cars to park.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55The exterior has also been re-rendered
0:52:55 > 0:52:59but the back garden was really where the hard work started.
0:52:59 > 0:53:03It took four skips and a lot of elbow grease for Mosun
0:53:03 > 0:53:05to get rid of everything in this garden.
0:53:05 > 0:53:07Which now has plenty of space
0:53:07 > 0:53:10for Ismat and his kids to have a kickabout.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16Good save, young man!
0:53:16 > 0:53:17Now Ismat is finished,
0:53:17 > 0:53:21how did he find tackling the work here while working for his clients?
0:53:21 > 0:53:26Well, the good thing is, I had work in Coventry, so finished that,
0:53:26 > 0:53:32and, after that, the luck was on our side that my work was slightly slow
0:53:32 > 0:53:36and then it just gave me enough time to carry on with this project.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39Most of the work's done by myself,
0:53:39 > 0:53:42apart from plastering and some of the electrics,
0:53:42 > 0:53:44and I've carried on with the rest,
0:53:44 > 0:53:46central heating, up and down the house, decorating.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50Plus, thank you to my wife for painting.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54OK, so Ismat managed to get his wife involved, as well,
0:53:54 > 0:53:57but what was his son Mosun's contribution?
0:53:57 > 0:54:00I did designing, painting,
0:54:00 > 0:54:05mainly helping my dad do the central heating,
0:54:05 > 0:54:07which I'm not qualified but I just gave him a hand.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09We had a bit of arguing.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12I told him not an easy person to work with. You know.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14I says, "Can you bring some elbow?"
0:54:14 > 0:54:20Instead of elbows, he was bringing teas and things like that, spanner.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23He was getting the wrong one and that was making me angry.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26I said, "Come on, man. You have to start learning."
0:54:26 > 0:54:29Sometimes very easy, sometimes very hard, but...
0:54:29 > 0:54:31Especially when I'm tired.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34But you can get along with him when you are used to him.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37So, Ismat is a bit of a taskmaster, is he?
0:54:37 > 0:54:40That will explain how they got the work done
0:54:40 > 0:54:42in his timescale of two to three months.
0:54:45 > 0:54:49We managed to, finally, managed finish and complete the project
0:54:49 > 0:54:51in exactly two months.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54We bought the property on my birthday and finished it on his.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58Between my birthday and his - exactly two months.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01So, mine's special because it's a finishing touch. Best.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04No, I'm special because I had it on my birthday.
0:55:04 > 0:55:06I'm only joking. He's my special.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09Aw! It's great to see these two getting on
0:55:09 > 0:55:11after work months of work together here.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15Now, what would really be special is if they manage to do the work
0:55:15 > 0:55:18within the planned five-to-seven grand budget,
0:55:18 > 0:55:23but since Ismat wanted to do the work to the best finish possible,
0:55:23 > 0:55:27he has actually spent £10,860.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32Ismat wasn't sure if he was going to sell or rent when we last saw him.
0:55:32 > 0:55:33So, has he made his mind up yet?
0:55:35 > 0:55:40Well, currently, it's agreed to go and rent to a person I know.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42We'll stick to them,
0:55:42 > 0:55:44and, in the meantime, I'll still decide.
0:55:44 > 0:55:49Maybe, if I have a good offer, I'll just go and sell it.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Well, let's see if we can make things a little clearer for him.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54We've asked along two local estate agents
0:55:54 > 0:55:57to give us their opinions on the finished house.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59Last time I came, a couple of months ago,
0:55:59 > 0:56:03they've undergone a modernisation programme
0:56:03 > 0:56:06that turned the property into a rather lovely house.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09Now, it looks the bee's knees.
0:56:09 > 0:56:13All the rooms are now painted white,
0:56:13 > 0:56:15which is a good neutral colour
0:56:15 > 0:56:19for people to put their own stamp on when they move in.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22The main benefits here are three really good-sized bedrooms,
0:56:22 > 0:56:25a nice, fitted kitchen and a good-sized living room.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27There's also a garden at the rear.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29And, a big plus, the downstairs toilet,
0:56:29 > 0:56:31which is always very, very handy for people.
0:56:31 > 0:56:35All very positive, but will the agents' valuations help steer
0:56:35 > 0:56:39Ismat on whether renting in the meantime is the best option?
0:56:39 > 0:56:42He has already agreed to rent the property out
0:56:42 > 0:56:44for £580 per calendar month.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46That's a yield of 7%.
0:56:46 > 0:56:49And both agents thought that was about right.
0:56:49 > 0:56:53But could selling it offer him a quick profit on his investment,
0:56:53 > 0:56:55which is just under 92 grand.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57If we were to put this property up for sale,
0:56:57 > 0:57:02I would recommend an asking price of £115,000 to £120,000.
0:57:02 > 0:57:07So, I would envisage him selling in the region of £115,000.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09Although, I think, I would probably be inclined
0:57:09 > 0:57:13to try for a little more and he may have to come down.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16120 would have been all right.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18115 is a bit low because, to be honest,
0:57:18 > 0:57:22the way I've done it, it's got to go to 120.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25Nothing wrong with having pride in your work.
0:57:25 > 0:57:27So, what's next for Ismat?
0:57:27 > 0:57:30I'll have a short break...
0:57:31 > 0:57:33..to look after my customers
0:57:33 > 0:57:37and then, let me see if I decided to sell,
0:57:37 > 0:57:39then I'll go for the next one.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42Mosun, you won't let Dad do the next venture on his own, will you?
0:57:43 > 0:57:48- Of course. Without me, it's going to be hard for him.- Oh!
0:57:49 > 0:57:52Very good. He's my main man here.
0:57:55 > 0:58:00Well, property auctions happen up and down the country all year round.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03With so many stories to tell, we never stop either.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05So, join us next time for more Homes Under The Hammer. Goodbye.
0:58:05 > 0:58:06- Goodbye.- Goodbye.