0:00:02 > 0:00:03Now, the property market can sometimes seem
0:00:03 > 0:00:05a little bit like the good old British weather -
0:00:05 > 0:00:07unpredictable and changeable.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11That is correct. But if you prepare yourself, you can reduce the stress.
0:00:11 > 0:00:12Yes, and one place that can throw up
0:00:12 > 0:00:16some really interesting options is your local property auction.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Auction properties offer a huge variety,
0:00:44 > 0:00:48from one-bedroom flats to huge acres of land.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Yeah, from old chapels to former public toilets.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Yes, and we've seen all of those on the programme over the years.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58But here is what is coming up on today's show.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02A basement flat in Kilburn, London, has got Lucy very excited.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Check that out!
0:01:04 > 0:01:08That belongs to that.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10And I'm excited about the guide price
0:01:10 > 0:01:13for this four-bed Lincolnshire lot
0:01:13 > 0:01:15with loads of space inside and out.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18And you get all that for your money.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21And I'm in Cornwall, where, normally, I'm excited,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24but this one doesn't seem to have much promise.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27The bathroom is awful, virtually no space.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29I love it!
0:01:29 > 0:01:32All these properties have been sold at auction, and we'll find out
0:01:32 > 0:01:35who bought them and what they paid when they went Under The Hammer.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Are we done, ladies and gentlemen?
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Lucy's in Kilburn today.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Not only does it have a main road that follows a path
0:01:46 > 0:01:51dating back to Celtic times, it also has a good bus service.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55But the piece de la resistance is it has multiple train stations
0:01:55 > 0:01:58connecting to four different underground and overground lines.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01So wherever you work, study or play,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04it shouldn't be too hard for you to get there.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07So, just half a mile from the nearest of those stations
0:02:07 > 0:02:09is the lot that is up for auction.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Now, as you can see and hear along this busy main road,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15it's also, well, loads and loads of development coming on.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17But I think that's a good sign.
0:02:17 > 0:02:18So, what are we here to see?
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Well, it's a lower ground-floor one-bedroom flat.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26It's here. And the guide price, £275,000.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28I am going down!
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Now, I'm not a fan of basement flats, but horses for courses.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45They are sometimes a little bit cheaper
0:02:45 > 0:02:47and allow you to look at property
0:02:47 > 0:02:50in an area that you might not usually be able to afford.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Walking in here, you can smell a little bit of damp.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56It is a bit dark and dingy.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57And the first thing that strikes me
0:02:57 > 0:02:59is that there are just loads of corridors.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03You've got the lounge back there, a dark and dingy kitchen here.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Another corridor.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08But I can't help but feel completely hemmed in.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10You've got a bedroom and a bathroom round there.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14It doesn't work for me. The layout is just not right.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I want to knock all these walls out
0:03:16 > 0:03:19and just have one big, open-plan space
0:03:19 > 0:03:22and almost start again, I think.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25# I'm going to start
0:03:26 > 0:03:27# All over
0:03:29 > 0:03:31# Over again... #
0:03:31 > 0:03:34It seems strange when you're so short on space
0:03:34 > 0:03:38to use so much of it up with corridors and awkward corners.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41This place is crying out for a layout change.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46So, now let's address that dark and dingy problem.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Well, you need to be thinking about windows,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51light wells and open spaces.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54You really need to let the light flood in this flat
0:03:54 > 0:03:55as much as possible
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and if you were to go down the extension route with this flat,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01then I would make a wall of glass doors at the end here.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04But remember, you are on the ground floor
0:04:04 > 0:04:06so all these windows and doors,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08they need to be secure and safe.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12# Even if the sky is falling down
0:04:12 > 0:04:15# I know that we'll be safe and sound... #
0:04:15 > 0:04:17And in case you're wondering
0:04:17 > 0:04:20about the reference to an extension...
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Check that out!
0:04:22 > 0:04:25That belongs to that.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27I mean, THAT is a corker of a garden.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29There's plenty of room out here for an extension,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31subject to planning permission, of course.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33I mean, goodness me!
0:04:33 > 0:04:35That's sunny, that's dingy,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38but can you imagine having a fabulous afternoon out there,
0:04:38 > 0:04:42making sure you get loads of light into that flat?
0:04:42 > 0:04:46I think that is certainly a big win-win situation.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Outside space in London is always to be welcomed.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55When it offers the opportunity to be turned around,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57well, I can see why Lucy was cheered up.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Well, having now seen that outside,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I'm really excited about sorting out the flat's problems.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08First off, it has got to be checking out the damp.
0:05:08 > 0:05:09I can really smell it in here.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Whether it's a chemical-injected damp-proof course,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14or the slightly more expensive option
0:05:14 > 0:05:18of tanking with a waterproof membrane,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20either way, with a basement flat,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24you should always allow for spending a little bit of your budget
0:05:24 > 0:05:26to make sure the place is always dry.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32# Don't leave me high
0:05:32 > 0:05:37# Don't leave me dry... #
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Well, whoever bought this ground-floor flat,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41hopefully, won't be left high and dry.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43But with that damp and a short
0:05:43 > 0:05:4574-year lease,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47they could very well be.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Time to hear what a local estate agent thought of this property,
0:05:50 > 0:05:54guided at £275,000.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57The property is obviously in need of a lot of work,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59but a great potential.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04My thoughts would be to extend, that would be to put a wrap-around,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07which is to extend off the back and to the side.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11And, then, obviously, inside, then putting in things like wooden floors
0:06:11 > 0:06:13and, obviously, for redecoration,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16to try and also make it much more light.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18So there is potential here,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21but could that short lease cause problems?
0:06:21 > 0:06:2474-year lease will be a problem,
0:06:24 > 0:06:25as the lower the lease,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28it can hinder anyone who's trying to get a mortgage
0:06:28 > 0:06:30on a property like this.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31Even if you do the work to the property,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34the value of the property will still be lower,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36because that would be a hindrance to the market.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42So, taking all that into account, if this property was renovated,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44what kind of values could we be looking at?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48I believe with the lease as it is
0:06:48 > 0:06:51and the property modernised to a decent standard,
0:06:51 > 0:06:56I think we could achieve £425,000.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58The agents think that with the lease extended,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01the refurbished flat could be worth £450,000.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05And if you squeeze in a second bedroom,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07the resale value could be as much as 600,000.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10There is a lot to think about here.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Well, the darker and the dingier the flat,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16the greater the transformation that can be made.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19And this place is crying out for a make over.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23And remember, the trade-off for that dark basement flat
0:07:23 > 0:07:26is that amazing garden.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27Let's see who spotted this one
0:07:27 > 0:07:29and wanted to turn this place around
0:07:29 > 0:07:31when it went to auction.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Leasehold self-contained lower ground-floor flat.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40260. Bidding on the phones today.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42260, we start at.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44265?
0:07:44 > 0:07:47265 here, sitting down. 72.
0:07:47 > 0:07:4872. 75?
0:07:48 > 0:07:51After a slow start, the bidding heats up
0:07:51 > 0:07:53and we return at 360,000.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55360? 360, now.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56365.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Good bid, sir. 380.
0:07:59 > 0:08:0085, Stewart?
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- No.- Nice, bold bid.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05That's the way to do it. £380,000, I am bid.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Stewart's hung up.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09First time at 380, then.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Second time at 380.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Third and final time at £380,000.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Lot 4. Are we done, ladies and gentlemen?
0:08:17 > 0:08:19So, it's sealed with a kiss.
0:08:19 > 0:08:25The successful bid of £380,000 was made by Dmitri and Tatiana.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Dmitri and Tatiana are both originally from Russia,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31but now live locally in Kilburn.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34They came along with their dog, Lucky, to tell Lucy their plans
0:08:34 > 0:08:36for this little flat with big potential.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Dmitri and Tatiana.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39Congratulations.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41This is a great flat.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43So tell me, why did this tick the boxes for you?
0:08:43 > 0:08:49We love the area and the garden and the park next-door as well,
0:08:49 > 0:08:54so it makes such a big difference in terms of kids and animals.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55So, you've obviously got
0:08:55 > 0:08:58an amazing, lovely little furry friend in your life,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00that you love, which is your dog, Lucky.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02So this is ideal for him.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- That's right.- It will be, yeah.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06So where do you intend to start
0:09:06 > 0:09:09and how much money have you got to do work on the place?
0:09:09 > 0:09:11We have zero money.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12- Really?- Yes.- OK.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15So, how are you going to live here?
0:09:15 > 0:09:16What are you going to do?
0:09:16 > 0:09:20What is the plan? The bank of Mum and Dad, possibly, may lend?
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Yes, it might happen.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23Or maybe Grandad.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24The bank of Grandad.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25Just as good.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29The thing is, we have lots of things being given to us,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32like bathrooms, kitchens, so let's see how that will work.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35OK. So, structurally there's so much more
0:09:35 > 0:09:38you could do to this place to improve it,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40but, obviously, if you've got no money to do any work,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42you're not going to do any of those things.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- BOTH:- We will.- Hold on, let me get this straight.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46So you want to do lots of work...
0:09:46 > 0:09:48and you've got plans to do work?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- You've got ideas.- That's right.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52We put a pre-planning application yesterday, actually.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Dmitri and Tatiana have submitted plans to extend into the garden
0:09:58 > 0:10:00to create an open-plan living space
0:10:00 > 0:10:02with a glass roof and second bedroom.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09They also want to create a structure at the back of the garden
0:10:09 > 0:10:10as extra space,
0:10:10 > 0:10:16and all for a very conservative estimate of £25,000 to £30,000.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Let's hope Grandpa comes through with that cash.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24How are you going to fit this in with your jobs?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Tell me about your working.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- Dmitri.- Well, I'm currently lead dancer with English National Ballet.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Really? So you're a professional dancer.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- I am.- Wow!
0:10:36 > 0:10:39So how are you going to have the time to get stuck into this?
0:10:39 > 0:10:40Are you going to rely on Tatiana?
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Well, no, no. I'm not going to be much longer, probably, dancing.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46I'm currently injured.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- You're injured.- Yeah, I have been for quite a while now.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Because I had a very long career.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52How long have you been dancing for?
0:10:52 > 0:10:53In this country, 22 years.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Wow, 22 years as a professional ballet dancer?
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Yes.- Incredible.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Now, I know you've got a little bit of a background in interior design.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03You quite like it, don't you?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05I love it. I enjoy what I do,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07and I've just done a little bit,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10so this will be a number one experience, I think,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13we are doing ourselves.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16They say necessity is the mother of invention,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18so this pair are going to have to be very inventive
0:11:18 > 0:11:22with their zero budget and three-month timescale.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23Not just inventive,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27they are going to have to be very practical and hands-on.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31They even intend to tackle the damp problem themselves.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Luckily, Dmitri is not exactly a DIY novice,
0:11:34 > 0:11:38having renovated an eight-bedroom house in Cornwall.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- So, come on, how hands on are you? - I'm quite good with my hands.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I know you can do a demi plie and some dancing,
0:11:43 > 0:11:47but can you do bang, bang, banging and painting?
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- No problem.- For sure.- Is he a better dancer than a DIYer?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53A better dancer, I think.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- A better dancer.- Oi!
0:11:56 > 0:11:57THEY LAUGH
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I need to ask this question -
0:11:59 > 0:12:01when are you going to pick up that phone and have a chat with Grandad?
0:12:01 > 0:12:04He is coming over, actually, quite soon.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Hopefully, very soon.- So you're going to make him a nice cup of tea,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- a nice cake... - I will have some borscht.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11And then hit him with the question.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12I have something to show you.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Let's go.- He will be very excited.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16He will be very pleased.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17Guys, I'm so excited for you.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20I hope you find the money, I hope you get the planning permission,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24I hope your grandad ends up lending you some and writing that cheque.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Good luck with the project, and I'm sure it's going to look fantastic.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- Good luck.- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Thank you.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34Well, I have to say,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37I'm concerned about Tatiana and Dmitri not having the money
0:12:37 > 0:12:38to do this place up,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41but let's hope Lucky brings them some luck
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and they get to turn their vision into a reality.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51I'm in Lincolnshire in one of the county's Gedneys.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Now, if you don't know what a Gedney is, just stay with me.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58There are six South Lincolnshire villages with Gedney in their name.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00There's Gedney Dawsmere,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Gedney Marsh, Gedney Hill, to name but a few.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Today, we are in Gedney Dyke.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08This is the bit I like.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10If someone was to visit all these places,
0:13:10 > 0:13:15then and only then could they lay claim to the full Gedney.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21So I can't quite stake my claim yet, but you have to start somewhere.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25The property I'm here to see used to be the village shop and post office.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Now, it's with sadness, businesses like this
0:13:28 > 0:13:30are becoming few and far between
0:13:30 > 0:13:32all over the countryside, all over Britain.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35But what happens to the shells?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39This particular building has a guide price of £100,000 to £125,000
0:13:39 > 0:13:41and you're not just buying a shop unit.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42Let's take a look inside.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49OK, so what do you get for your money?
0:13:49 > 0:13:54Firstly, you get all this area here which used to be the shop.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58OK, behind the counter, which I'm sure they sold a few stamps from,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00into the back of the property,
0:14:00 > 0:14:04and you've got a huge kitchen just to the left
0:14:04 > 0:14:07and this really large lounge,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09which looks in OK condition.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12It doesn't look like it needs much doing to it.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14We've got doors onto the patio there.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18I also know there's a downstairs toilet as well, and a sun room.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20And you get all that for your money.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22And I've not even been upstairs yet.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28This former post office is quite the package.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Along with the retail unit, kitchen,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34lounge and utility room with WC,
0:14:34 > 0:14:38there's also a large dining room and back garden.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47So upstairs, you've got five bedrooms,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51but I'm thinking this is more of a through-room
0:14:51 > 0:14:54to bedroom four, just here.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57So it will make it a four-bedroom house
0:14:57 > 0:14:59with a really large bathroom,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02but there is lots of space and loads of potential.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- # Wait! - Oh, yes, wait a minute, Mr Postman
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- # Wait! - Wait, Mr Postman... #
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Yes, wait right there.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14There are three other bedrooms,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16two of which are dual aspect,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19and a huge bathroom with a roll-top bath.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21With a relatively low guide price,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25you don't need to worry about stamp duty. Get it?
0:15:25 > 0:15:29This property just says "conversion to residential" to me,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32but it might not be entirely straightforward,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35as you would need to apply for change of use.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Now, you would need planning permission for all that.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39It's not a gimme,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42but I'm pretty sure planners wouldn't stand in the way
0:15:42 > 0:15:45of this going from commercial to residential
0:15:45 > 0:15:47if it keeps the building standing.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53But before I seal the fate of this post office as a residential home,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56let's get the stamp of approval from an expert.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59As a commercial property, the problem we have here
0:15:59 > 0:16:00is there's actually
0:16:00 > 0:16:01a very small sales area
0:16:01 > 0:16:03and it's in that village setting,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05so in terms of commercial use,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07it's not really going to be that viable.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10For me, it's a conversion to residential.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13So we're in agreement there.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15But how best to convert this huge building?
0:16:15 > 0:16:18If this was my property, what I would be looking to do
0:16:18 > 0:16:21is make some structural alterations to the front
0:16:21 > 0:16:23by opening out the wall in here,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25particularly that leads out into the shop,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27to create more of an open environment.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30These days, obviously, people want the kitchen areas,
0:16:30 > 0:16:31open kitchen areas.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32That's the focus of the home,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34and I do think it could all be opened up
0:16:34 > 0:16:36and made much better use of the space.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41So lots of enthusiasm for making this a great house.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43But would it be worthwhile financially speaking,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47bearing in mind that guide price of 100 to 125 grand?
0:16:47 > 0:16:51In terms of a house, family house, finished and fully renovated,
0:16:51 > 0:16:56I would expect it to achieve a price somewhere close to 200,000.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59And the agent believed that the property as a family home
0:16:59 > 0:17:02could rent for £550 per calendar month.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06If you were to go a bit further and split the property into two flats,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09they both could achieve that figure each month
0:17:09 > 0:17:11so there's many, many options here.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15One thing I love about Homes Under The Hammer
0:17:15 > 0:17:17is you never know what crazy plans
0:17:17 > 0:17:19people have for their property.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Now, this could be a shop, could be a workshop,
0:17:21 > 0:17:22it could be a house,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25or it could even be a full-blown cottage industry.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Let's go to auction to find out who fancied a bit of the full Gedney.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Former post office and village store.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Will you start me at 90 for it, ladies and gentlemen?
0:17:38 > 0:17:3990,000, for it.
0:17:39 > 0:17:4180, then, to get it in the market.
0:17:41 > 0:17:4380, I have, at 80.
0:17:43 > 0:17:4685 for it anywhere? 82, then.
0:17:46 > 0:17:4982. 84. 86. 88.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51It was the penultimate lot of the day.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Despite a sluggish start,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55there were some very keen bidders that got involved.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58We rejoin the bidding at £98,000.
0:17:58 > 0:18:0298. 99. 100.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05100 for it, at the back, from either of you?
0:18:05 > 0:18:06A half to move it on.
0:18:06 > 0:18:0799,500.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Both of you at 99,500. 100, for it?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12At 100,000. Sitting down here at 100,000.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14500 more for it, surely.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20All done, then. Sitting down here in the middle at £100,000 only on it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22First time on it.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23Second time.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24Third and last chance.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26You're both out, then, at £100,000.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29The hammer is up. That's yours, madam.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Good buy.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32The successful bid of 100 grand came from Helen,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34who bought the property with partner Ken,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37who didn't make the auction.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39I caught up with Helen to find out
0:18:39 > 0:18:41what she had in store for this former post office.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Helen, nice to meet you and congratulations.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49You have bought yourself a post office.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Yes!- Can you tell us why?
0:18:52 > 0:18:53No, not really.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- But it's now yours. You went to auction.- Yes.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00What made you go to auction when you'd seen this property?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Well, I've been interested in buying something through an auction
0:19:02 > 0:19:06for a while, but this seemed a really good opportunity
0:19:06 > 0:19:09to find out a bit about auctions.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12It's not too far from where we live.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16So I thought I'd come and see what auctions were all about
0:19:16 > 0:19:19and maybe, you know, if it went for a sensible price,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21I might actually buy it.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24So, is it all new to you, the auction house...
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Yes, never been to an auction before.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- How did you find it?- Really scary.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29Very, very scary.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32And what made you actually go for this particular property?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34When did you see it?
0:19:34 > 0:19:35We saw it the week before...
0:19:37 > 0:19:39..but it just looked a really good opportunity
0:19:39 > 0:19:42to buy something as an investment property.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46There's a lot of building for the money here.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Helen has worked as a landscape gardener
0:19:49 > 0:19:52and a technician in a school, among other jobs.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Her partner, Ken, is a semi-retired health and safety officer.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57They moved to the area fairly recently
0:19:57 > 0:19:59and they've set their minds on
0:19:59 > 0:20:02converting this into a house,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05and they hope to sell it on for their pension.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07So, is this a bit of a nest egg for you?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Yeah. I mean, it's a new life we're embarking on.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15We're both semi-retired now, so, yeah.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18New project. Something to do together.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20A bit of an investment,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23hopefully, that will give us a decent return.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25So, Helen, what are you actually going to do with it?
0:20:25 > 0:20:27How are you going to change it?
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Well, the main shop is a nice big room...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32but it opens straight onto the street,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35so we are hoping to make an entrance hall
0:20:35 > 0:20:38from the front and then extend the shop,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41half of it into the existing lounge
0:20:41 > 0:20:46and half of it - knock through to the kitchen to make a kitchen-diner.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47So, the shop is going,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50which, in this case, I do think is for the best.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54Upstairs, Helen and Ken plan to convert those connecting bedrooms
0:20:54 > 0:20:58into a bedroom suite with dressing room and en-suite
0:20:58 > 0:21:00and add two further en-suites
0:21:00 > 0:21:02to the other large bedrooms.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Sounds pretty "en-sweet" to me.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08We have an architect currently drawing up some plans
0:21:08 > 0:21:12and we have to get change of use for the planning.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Have you checked anything out with the planning department yet?
0:21:14 > 0:21:19I've had a preliminary, informal discussion with a local planner.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22But it's now with the architect.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24She has to do a statement to accompany the plans
0:21:24 > 0:21:26of what we are hoping to do.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32So what are your plans, pardon the pun, if they don't go through?
0:21:32 > 0:21:33Try again!
0:21:34 > 0:21:36If at first you don't succeed, try again.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39I understand it has been empty for about two years
0:21:39 > 0:21:42and it's only going to fall into rack and ruin
0:21:42 > 0:21:43if nothing is done with it
0:21:43 > 0:21:45and, obviously, nobody is living here.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48It's not being heated, it is not functioning as a shop,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50so what else do you do with it?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52How much are you hoping that is going to cost you,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54regarding your budget?
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Well, we are hoping to do it for around 30,000.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01That's good going. That's good going for quite a lot of work,
0:22:01 > 0:22:02what I consider quite a lot of work.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Well, we are planning to do as much as we can ourselves.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08We've got a local builder on board
0:22:08 > 0:22:11and he will do the work that we can't.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Do you have any skills between you?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16A bit of DIY knowledge, that's all.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21So, Helen, tell us your timescales on getting all this how you want it.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Well, we think, realistically, probably seven to eight months.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Helen, I am going to wish you all the best.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- Thank you very much. - Good luck to you both, you and Ken.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Hope it works out for you. - Thank you. Thank you.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36So Helen and Ken have decided to turn this old village shop
0:22:36 > 0:22:40and post office into a residential property.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42The bit I like - they're willing to get their hands dirty
0:22:42 > 0:22:44and try to do some of the work themselves.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47It's just another adventure in the world of property developing.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51How will they get on? You can find out later in the programme.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Coming up...
0:22:55 > 0:22:59In Cornwall, I see a property which I can only describe as...
0:22:59 > 0:23:00Very, very unique.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Very, very unmortgageable.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05And we return to Lincolnshire
0:23:05 > 0:23:07to check out the post-office renovation.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11We learned a lot about ourselves and a lot about each other, as well.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17But first, it's back to Kilburn in London,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20where Lucy looked at a one-bedroom basement flat,
0:23:20 > 0:23:24but the words dingy and damp didn't even begin to cover it.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27But there was one very big plus point.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Check that out.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32That belongs to that.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35I mean, that is a corker of a garden.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Outside space and still room to extend
0:23:37 > 0:23:39meant a great opportunity
0:23:39 > 0:23:42to reconfigure all those hallways to nowhere.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47And Russian couple Dmitri and Tatiana
0:23:47 > 0:23:51spotted the potential when they paid £380,000 for it.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53However, there was one small problem.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57How much money have you got to do work on the place?
0:23:57 > 0:23:59We have zero money.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- Really?- Yes.- OK.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03So how are you going to live here?
0:24:03 > 0:24:04What are you going to do?
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- What is the plan?- I don't know, maybe family will help.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11The bank of Mum and Dad, possibly, may lend?
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Yes, it might happen.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Or maybe Grandad.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18So, in the hope of borrowing money from family,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21they had a planned budget of £25,000 to £30,000
0:24:21 > 0:24:23and a timescale of three months.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Now, 15 months later, we're back.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30# Light up
0:24:30 > 0:24:32# Light up... #
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Wow! No dingy dampness here.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37The front reception room is now a lovely, tasteful bedroom,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40thanks to Tatiana's design skills.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45And there is now a fabulous bathroom.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50So let's see if they've literally turned
0:24:50 > 0:24:51the rest of this house around.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Wow! The flat has been extended,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01but not just with one extension, but two...
0:25:03 > 0:25:07..with the side extension housing a smart, modern, streamlined kitchen.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15With the original bedroom and hallways removed,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19they've managed to create a separate dining area and fantastic lounge...
0:25:20 > 0:25:22..whereas the larger rear extension
0:25:22 > 0:25:25houses a bright second bedroom with large windows
0:25:25 > 0:25:27which will have blinds.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32The couple did want to have one large extension at the back,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35but planning would not give them permission for this.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38We've got two extensions at the back,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40which is great, but they are a little bit smaller
0:25:40 > 0:25:44than we thought they could be, but we like what we have created.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50At the rear of the garden, we created another room.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Well, it's more like a studio, I think.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55It can be used for anything.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59It can be a shed or storage or office, bedroom.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01You name it.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Although their initial planning application was rejected,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06they have maximised the space inside and out
0:26:06 > 0:26:10with a lot of inventive thinking and some lovely design.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13The bathroom has also been modernised to a high spec.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17The flat has been rewired and replastered throughout.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21But did Dmitri get to use those DIY skills?
0:26:21 > 0:26:25I laid the floor, dug the soil.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27I've done a bit of everything, I think.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Dmitri may be pretty hands on,
0:26:31 > 0:26:35but one thing the couple did get was specialists in for the damp.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37I think that was a good decision.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40If you're going to decorate a place to this standard,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42you want guarantees for the damp treatment.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48What I love most, though, is Tatiana's interior design.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52I think we tried to use everything we had, really,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54because of the money we have spent,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58so we didn't have that much to spend in terms of redecorating.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02So it's kind of, I don't know, retro or mix-and-match.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Well, whatever you want to call it, it's a triumph.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09The couple were hoping to borrow from the family
0:27:09 > 0:27:13to get the work done, and they thought they might spend 30,000.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15So how much have they spent?
0:27:15 > 0:27:19I think, in terms of the budget, we've been very optimistic.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22As soon as we started the work, it was just...never ends.
0:27:22 > 0:27:27Yeah, we said it was going to take us 30 or 50,000,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30but I think it is close to 150 or 200.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Yikes! That is an overspend.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Thanks to Tatiana's grandfather and their family and friends
0:27:35 > 0:27:37who have lent the couple the money,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40they have been able to raise the money they needed.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42A big thank you to all, I think.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46It wasn't just the budget that went out the window, though.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48The three-month timescale went way over.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51But to be fair, they do have a very good excuse,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53and he is called Daniil.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55And he is four months old.
0:27:55 > 0:27:56Hello, Daniil.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01So, with the baby and Lucky the dog, is this flat big enough?
0:28:03 > 0:28:07I think we need extra rooms again because we have a little one now,
0:28:07 > 0:28:11so, I don't know, maybe we'll move here and live for a while...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14..or maybe we'll sell straightaway,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17because we need to pay our friends back.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19So they've got a lovely little bundle,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23but will they get a return on their £580,000 investment?
0:28:27 > 0:28:30We invited along two local estate agents
0:28:30 > 0:28:32to hear their opinions on the property...
0:28:34 > 0:28:36..starting with the agent who saw it last time.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40The changes to the property are completely different
0:28:40 > 0:28:42to what I expected.
0:28:42 > 0:28:43They've really done a great job.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45I think the extension has been the right thing to do,
0:28:45 > 0:28:47what it's done is maximised the amount of space
0:28:47 > 0:28:50they could achieve on the property by doing so.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53Some of the really good selling features of this flat
0:28:53 > 0:28:54is that it's a nice
0:28:54 > 0:28:56light, bright, airy flat.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Offers really good size in terms of accommodation,
0:28:59 > 0:29:02and also has the benefit of a private garden.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05One thing they haven't done yet is to extend the lease,
0:29:05 > 0:29:09so how would that affect potential resale values?
0:29:09 > 0:29:13I believe the flat will achieve around £700,000
0:29:13 > 0:29:14with a short lease
0:29:14 > 0:29:17and £750,000 with a long lease.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18I think with a short lease,
0:29:18 > 0:29:22this property would achieve somewhere around the £700,000 mark
0:29:22 > 0:29:23and if the lease was extended,
0:29:23 > 0:29:29then I believe we could achieve more like £750,000 to £775,000.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34That total top valuation of £775,000
0:29:34 > 0:29:37should be achievable if, instead of extending the lease,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39they buy a share of the freehold
0:29:39 > 0:29:41and that is their intention.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46That should cost around £30,000, so with a total spend of £610,000,
0:29:46 > 0:29:50that could mean a pre-tax profit of 165,000.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54What do Tatiana and Dmitri make of that?
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- Great!- Very good.- Yeah, yeah.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59That's around what I thought it was going to be.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01So it's good news.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04What's next for their growing family?
0:30:04 > 0:30:07I think we like it here, but in terms of we need extra space.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10If we are going to be selling it is going to take some time anyway,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12so we will get a chance to live here anyway.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15And enjoy, actually, the garden, yeah,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and do a little bit extra, you know...
0:30:19 > 0:30:20What do you mean extra?
0:30:20 > 0:30:22There's no more!
0:30:22 > 0:30:25THEY LAUGH
0:30:27 > 0:30:29This is Liskeard in Cornwall,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32a thriving town just on the edge of Bodmin Moor.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36And along with the train station and plenty of amenities,
0:30:36 > 0:30:40it even has a regular livestock market every other Tuesday.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47Well, just five minutes from the centre of Liskeard was a property...
0:30:48 > 0:30:52..that's one of those you look at in the auction catalogue and think,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55"There must be some kind of a misprint."
0:30:55 > 0:31:00Because up for auction was a two-bedroom bungalow
0:31:00 > 0:31:05with a guide price of £50,000 to £75,000.
0:31:07 > 0:31:08Mm.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10Must be a typo.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Houses around here usually fetch hundreds of thousands...
0:31:16 > 0:31:18..but the bungalow I'm about to see
0:31:18 > 0:31:21isn't your run-of-the-mill bricks and mortar property.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26HE LAUGHS
0:31:26 > 0:31:28No, it wasn't a misprint, was it?
0:31:28 > 0:31:32It is a very, very unusual little bungalow, this.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34How do I describe the construction?
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Well, non-standard, it most certainly is.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Very, very unique. Very, very unmortgageable.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42What have we actually got?
0:31:42 > 0:31:45We've got a little bathroom towards the left there.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48A living area, two bedrooms.
0:31:48 > 0:31:53That's the kitchen, which, as you can see, is fairly basic.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58I mean, it is like a little sort of holiday cottage of years gone by.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Actually, it reminds me,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03when I was a child growing up, my grandparents and family
0:32:03 > 0:32:05had a place they called "the bungalow."
0:32:05 > 0:32:07And it was a place we used to escape to in the summer
0:32:07 > 0:32:10and it was added on to over the years by family members
0:32:10 > 0:32:15who'd bring old sheds and bits of tree and panels
0:32:15 > 0:32:16and whack it all together.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20And it turned into this hodgepodge kind of mismatch of a property,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22where I had the most wonderful time as a child.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23So you'll have to excuse me,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25because my balance as a property developer
0:32:25 > 0:32:27is probably going out the window at the moment,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29because I am transported back
0:32:29 > 0:32:31to when I was six or seven or eight or nine or ten or whatever it was
0:32:31 > 0:32:34and I'm in this lovely house which I can actually smell and...
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- HE INHALES AND EXHALES DEEPLY - So, actually, you know what?
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Who cares? I think it's great!
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- # Times! - Those happy times
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- # Times! - Down by the riverside
0:32:48 > 0:32:52# Listen to the birds sing Ah-ha... #
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Yes, happy times indeed.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58And these prefabricated buildings
0:32:58 > 0:33:00were very much a feature of that time,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03predominantly built after the Second World War.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Only trouble is,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07they were only meant to be a short-term housing solution
0:33:07 > 0:33:09and maybe last up to 50 years.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12And yet, here it still is.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Though I'm thinking, "Maybe not for much longer?"
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Well, let me take off my nostalgia-coated
0:33:20 > 0:33:22rose-tinted spectacles for a while
0:33:22 > 0:33:24and get a bit more practical
0:33:24 > 0:33:26about what you could actually do with this plot.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30As plots of land go, I reckon it's really good.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31You've got electricity on-site,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33there's a few houses around,
0:33:33 > 0:33:34there may be gas on-site.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36So, apart from the fact it's quite hilly,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39which you would probably factor into any design,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43yeah, I think it's got a lot going for it in terms of a plot of land.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45What you would have to do before you did anything, though,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47is, obviously, get rid of the existing building.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Now, one big issue here you'll notice straightaway,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52that corrugated roof, that is asbestos.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54A lot of the panels that they used to build these things
0:33:54 > 0:33:56are also asbestos,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58so it's going to take a specialist contractor to get rid of those.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00That is going to cost money.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02So site clearance is definitely going to have to factor
0:34:02 > 0:34:04into your budget, but once you have done that,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06can you imagine what you might be able to build here?
0:34:06 > 0:34:09A lovely location so close to Liskeard.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Yeah, I think it's got great legs.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Effectively, you should view this as a building plot
0:34:15 > 0:34:18and building plots like this are hard to find.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24And to me, that £50,000 to £75,000 guide price
0:34:24 > 0:34:26well, it makes it even more tempting.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28# Hard to beat
0:34:28 > 0:34:30# Hard to beat... #
0:34:33 > 0:34:37But what does a local estate agent think about what's on offer here?
0:34:38 > 0:34:40My first impressions of the property -
0:34:40 > 0:34:41what a wonderful spot!
0:34:41 > 0:34:43You're so close to beautiful moorland.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45The first thing you notice,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47obviously, the property is of non-traditional construction,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51therefore offering an opportunity for demolition and rebuilding.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53You have got a nice-sized plot.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54The gardens do surround the property,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and, actually, you've got some amazing views
0:34:56 > 0:34:59from one part right over to the moorland.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04So we are both agreed this prefab is really a plot.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06So can we assume that since there is a building here,
0:35:06 > 0:35:08planning permission shouldn't be an issue?
0:35:10 > 0:35:13With that £50,000 to £75,000 guide price, and, say,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16£140,000 to clear the site
0:35:16 > 0:35:18and build a three-bedroom dormer bungalow,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20I reckon with a fair wind,
0:35:20 > 0:35:24you can see an all-in spend of around 215,000.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28So could that see any profit?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30If a three-bedroom dormer bungalow was built here,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32I would suggest that the price range,
0:35:32 > 0:35:34depending on specification, of course,
0:35:34 > 0:35:35because things do vary,
0:35:35 > 0:35:39could range from £225,000,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41and up to as much as £275,000.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50Well, it's full of asbestos, it's, obviously, disastrous inside.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53The kitchen is dreadful, the bathroom's awful.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Virtually no space.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59I love it! What you are buying here is not the house as it is,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01it's the opportunity.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Potentially, it is a building plot, but in the meantime,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07it's just something that, for me, sets off nostalgia.
0:36:07 > 0:36:08It's just...
0:36:08 > 0:36:10HE SIGHS
0:36:10 > 0:36:12Let's see who bought it when it went under the hammer.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Lot 141, this is for the detached bungalow with two bedrooms.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23It is a non-traditional construction in a rural location.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24Why don't we start at 65?
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Does that bring somebody in?
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Yes, I thought it might. Thank you, sir.
0:36:27 > 0:36:2965, then 66, if you like.
0:36:29 > 0:36:3170. Good strong bid, sir.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Thank you very much for that. £70,000.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36How about 71, sir?
0:36:36 > 0:36:3871? 71, he will.
0:36:38 > 0:36:4172? 75,000...
0:36:41 > 0:36:44So, there was some determined bidding going on.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48And we rejoin with bids now at 85,000.
0:36:48 > 0:36:4985.
0:36:49 > 0:36:5186.
0:36:51 > 0:36:5287.
0:36:52 > 0:36:5488.
0:36:54 > 0:36:5589.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Yes? 89.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Didn't look happy about it at all.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01£89,000, we've got.
0:37:01 > 0:37:0390, sir. 90's back.
0:37:03 > 0:37:0591. No?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08£90,000 is your bid, sir.
0:37:08 > 0:37:0990,500 anywhere else?
0:37:10 > 0:37:12First time, then, at £90,000.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Second.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15Third and final time.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17All finished?
0:37:17 > 0:37:18Yours, sir. Very well done.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22After a bit of a tussle,
0:37:22 > 0:37:26the non-standard bungalow with land was sold for £90,000.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32The successful bidder was Craig, who was bidding on behalf of his son,
0:37:32 > 0:37:33also called Craig,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35and Craig's partner, Zoe.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38They have three children,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41two-and-a-half-year-old Niamh
0:37:41 > 0:37:44and 15-month-old twins Craig and Adelaide.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Craig, Zoe, great to meet you both.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49- Nice to meet you.- Congratulations.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51- Thank you.- Exciting, isn't it?
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- Very.- Tell me why you wanted to buy this house.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Because we could never afford to buy the house
0:37:58 > 0:38:00that we eventually want to live in
0:38:00 > 0:38:03so we're starting slowly and your dad found this one
0:38:03 > 0:38:05and we fell in love with it.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07So you've more bought the location
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- rather than the house itself?- Yeah.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Building plots are about the same money.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14We get to come into a building plot that's habitable.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Right, you are already viewing it as a building plot, are you?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- Yeah.- So the house is doomed.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22It is a glorified caravan, really, is what it is at the minute.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24It's going to have its few years,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26but it is definitely being knocked down.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28OK. Tell me more, then.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Your plan is to keep it for a few years and run it like this?
0:38:31 > 0:38:35Going to make it as habitable as possible as quickly as possible,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37move in, save up a lot of money.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41The mortgage deposit went on cash-buying this place,
0:38:41 > 0:38:44so now it's start again
0:38:44 > 0:38:48and put funds back in place to get ready for a self-build mortgage.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50With the non-standard construction of the build,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52this had to be a cash buy.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56Sales director Craig and Zoe are currently renting nearby.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58They have used up their current funds,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00so it's back to scratch with the savings.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04They are determined to create their own family home near friends
0:39:04 > 0:39:06and family in this lovely location.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08But what about planning permission?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11Could it all come crashing down?
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Do you have any idea what they would allow you to build here?
0:39:14 > 0:39:16I have spoken to a planner before,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18cos that was my biggest concern.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21So I spoke to a planner before we came here.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24He didn't have any concerns about putting a 2-storey proper house up.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- Maybe dug in to the...- Yeah. - ..slightly?
0:39:27 > 0:39:29We are looking more at...I'd prefer a dormer.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31I just think, it is a nice plot,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33but I don't want it to be filled with house.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Right.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37And I want to fit wardrobes in.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I will probably be overruled.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Well, if you have a dormer, it's limited space.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44How many bedrooms?
0:39:45 > 0:39:48At least four. It would be nice to have one for each of the children
0:39:48 > 0:39:52after a few years of sharing and it would be nice to have a spare.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56So, who is going to do the work on building this dream house?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- Lots of men we know. - Lots of men you know.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Her dad's a builder. - Oh, that's useful.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Very useful, yeah.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07As for general workmen, we've got a lot of boys
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- that can set their hands to work. - Are either of you two handy?
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- SHE LAUGHS - I will put my hand to anything.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14Why did you make that funny noise?
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- Sorry.- No, no, it's a good noise, it was more of a shocked noise.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22I wouldn't describe you as a DIYer.
0:40:22 > 0:40:23I'm a project manager.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- He's a good delegator.- What does that mean?
0:40:25 > 0:40:28He paid one of his friends a tenner once
0:40:28 > 0:40:29to mow the lawn.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34- To mow the lawn?- Yeah. - To mow the lawn?!
0:40:34 > 0:40:36He'll have to get used to it now, though.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I prefer delegating, but, yeah, no, I'm going to have no choice.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42I'm sure he'll be fantastic when it comes to actually doing stuff,
0:40:42 > 0:40:43cos it's his own house
0:40:43 > 0:40:46and he'll be more excited about it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48And Craig's got plenty of lawn here
0:40:48 > 0:40:50to improve his lawn-mowing skills
0:40:50 > 0:40:55and a property perfect to practise and learn some DIY skills.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57So, in the meantime, what are you going to do to it,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59bearing in mind you've got lots of asbestos,
0:40:59 > 0:41:00so you've got to be very careful
0:41:00 > 0:41:02about touching anything, haven't you?
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- We're not touching it. - It's internal.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06It's just going to be completely internal works.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Redecorate.- A bit of paper on the walls.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- Cover everything.- Paint the floor, kitchen, bathroom.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- Pretty much it. And then move in. - OK. As soon as possible?
0:41:15 > 0:41:16Yeah.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Get an oil-fired boiler in, hopefully, for winter,
0:41:19 > 0:41:21for the cold months.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22That would be nice.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25It is just something we can transfer over to the new project.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Whatever we buy there is going to go in the new-build.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Do you have some idea of budget at this stage?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Budget for doing this up or for...?
0:41:33 > 0:41:37For doing it up, we'll say a few grand or something.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Obviously, not going to get a boiler for that.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- As cheap as possible.- And then actually, the bigger project.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45The build.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49100, escalating with the cost of getting all this out.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- I think the actual build cost is going to be about 100.- OK.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54And then the timescale?
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Three to five years for me.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59It is just simply finances.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02We put every egg in the basket to get this place.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Now we've got to start from scratch again, so it'll be a few years.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- A good few years.- But overall, I'm excited for you.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12We are excited. It is our first home together,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14and it doesn't matter how long it takes
0:42:14 > 0:42:16or what it looks like.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19It's our family home so it will be worth it.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Well, look, we can't wait, but we'll have to...
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- THEY LAUGH - ..to see how you get on.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- Good luck with it all.- Thank you. - Thanks a lot.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27Nice to meet you both.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31Aw, well, if you would want this house to go to anyone,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35it couldn't have been anybody more perfect than Craig and Zoe.
0:42:35 > 0:42:36HE SIGHS
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Yes, it's going to take a while to get the finances together, yes,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41it's going to take a while to build their dream home,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44but they've got the plot, they've got somewhere to live.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49It's not ideal, but I can't wait to see how they get on.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51It might be a while before we're back, but we will be back
0:42:51 > 0:42:54and you can find out how it all turns out later in the show.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Well, we still have to see how two properties
0:43:01 > 0:43:03are going to turn out, so don't go anywhere.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Yes, will our remaining renovators be quids in...
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Or will they wish they hadn't even started bidding?
0:43:09 > 0:43:10Let's find out.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16It was in the small Lincolnshire village of Gedney Dyke
0:43:16 > 0:43:19where we came across a large mixed commercial and residential lot
0:43:19 > 0:43:22that certainly got my stamp of approval.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27OK, so, what do you get for your money?
0:43:27 > 0:43:32Firstly, you get all this area here which used to be the shop.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34OK, behind the counter,
0:43:34 > 0:43:37which I'm sure they sold a few stamps from,
0:43:37 > 0:43:39into the back of the property
0:43:39 > 0:43:44and you've got a huge kitchen and this really large lounge.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47And you get all that for your money.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49And I've not even been upstairs yet.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Yes, this sadly defunct local post office
0:43:54 > 0:43:58went on and on, with four bedrooms upstairs...
0:44:02 > 0:44:04..a large bathroom
0:44:04 > 0:44:06and plenty of garden space out back.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14It was bought at auction for 100 grand by Helen and Ken.
0:44:14 > 0:44:17With Ken busy renovating their own house,
0:44:17 > 0:44:22it was Helen who updated me on why they bought such a large project.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24So, is this a bit of a nest egg for you?
0:44:24 > 0:44:28Yeah, I mean it's a new life we're embarking on.
0:44:28 > 0:44:33We're both semi-retired now, so, yeah, new project.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35Something to do together,
0:44:35 > 0:44:41but an investment and, hopefully, that will give us a decent return.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47Ken and Helen plan to get change of use to full residential
0:44:47 > 0:44:50and hope to convert the whole, entire building
0:44:50 > 0:44:52into one large house.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54They were going to do a lot of the work themselves,
0:44:54 > 0:44:58bringing in professionals only when they needed them.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01With a budget of 30 grand, they hoped to get it complete
0:45:01 > 0:45:04and ready for resale within seven to eight months.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07But it's now 18 months later,
0:45:07 > 0:45:11so have they been able to deliver the building they hoped to?
0:45:19 > 0:45:21Well, that's a great start.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24A nice boundary wall gives the house
0:45:24 > 0:45:26much improved kerb appeal.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28But what about inside?
0:45:30 > 0:45:33Wow! That is something special.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36It seems Helen and Ken have been very busy.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40In terms of space downstairs and changes that we've made,
0:45:40 > 0:45:42we didn't want it to be a lot of small rooms.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44We wanted a big living space.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48And they've certainly achieved that,
0:45:48 > 0:45:51with the old back lounge combined with the storage area
0:45:51 > 0:45:54to make one fantastic open space.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00And it's complemented by the super-sized
0:46:00 > 0:46:03and completely revamped kitchen.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05Very smart.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08The five bedrooms that we had upstairs,
0:46:08 > 0:46:10one end of the house
0:46:10 > 0:46:13we've changed to a master bedroom suite
0:46:13 > 0:46:16which comprises of a large double bedroom,
0:46:16 > 0:46:19a dressing room and an en-suite.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28The other large bedroom at this end of the house
0:46:28 > 0:46:30has access to its own bathroom
0:46:30 > 0:46:34while the other bedrooms have been left pretty much as they were.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40But like everywhere else, completely refurbished.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47And these bedrooms share a big family bathroom.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51What about the garden space?
0:46:51 > 0:46:54The whole garden has been re-seeded.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56We've got a nice big grass area.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59We got rid of the old tumbledown shed.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02And basically just tidied it up
0:47:02 > 0:47:05to make it a very pleasant garden which is not overlooked.
0:47:07 > 0:47:11In my opinion, they've done a top job and it's not all new.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13They've tried wherever possible
0:47:13 > 0:47:17to keep some of the character features of the 1903-built house.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20You can see the care and attention to detail
0:47:20 > 0:47:23they've lavished on this property,
0:47:23 > 0:47:26and it's clearly been a labour of love.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29We've put up all the plasterboard walls...
0:47:31 > 0:47:34..done all the tiling, laid all the floors.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36Helen did a sterling job on the fire.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40She rebricked all the fire, which I'm just amazed about.
0:47:40 > 0:47:41She was very good.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45And Ken did a wonderful job on the oak worktops in the kitchen.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48That was something he'd never tackled before.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50They have worked incredibly hard,
0:47:50 > 0:47:52but they've had to be patient as well,
0:47:52 > 0:47:56with long delays getting planning approved for change of use,
0:47:56 > 0:48:00which had a knock-on effect in terms of their builder's availability.
0:48:00 > 0:48:01But at last it's finished.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03# Ooh, baby, here I am
0:48:03 > 0:48:05# Signed, sealed, delivered
0:48:05 > 0:48:06# I'm yours
0:48:06 > 0:48:08# Hey!
0:48:08 > 0:48:10# Here I am... #
0:48:10 > 0:48:12But at what cost?
0:48:12 > 0:48:16In terms of the budget, we were massively out to begin with.
0:48:16 > 0:48:20We'd initially thought, perhaps £30,000 to £50,000.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24It's actually come in at more like, um,
0:48:24 > 0:48:26probably 100, 110,000.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29There were jobs that we
0:48:29 > 0:48:31weren't expecting to do,
0:48:31 > 0:48:34like the reroofing of the single storey at the back,
0:48:34 > 0:48:36the gable end at the side.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38The front wall turned out to be more expensive
0:48:38 > 0:48:40than we had initially planned,
0:48:40 > 0:48:44but, also, we wanted the finish to be good quality.
0:48:44 > 0:48:49And a little here and a little there, everything adds up.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55You can certainly see where the money's gone.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57But £110,000 spend
0:48:57 > 0:49:00on top of 100 grand purchase price
0:49:00 > 0:49:05takes their total investment to £210,000.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08So what do two local estate agents think of this large house?
0:49:10 > 0:49:12My first impressions of the property are
0:49:12 > 0:49:15that it has been renovated to a high standard.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18They've made very good use of the space throughout.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20I think the layout works quite well.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23As you walk into the property, it's got good-sized reception rooms
0:49:23 > 0:49:24and potential buyers will like that.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27The layout is quite unusual, but having said that,
0:49:27 > 0:49:30with an older-style property, that is what people are looking for,
0:49:30 > 0:49:32a bit of quirkiness, character.
0:49:32 > 0:49:34So I think it will go down very well.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36I think the standard of finish is very high in this property.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39I think the kitchen has got great fixtures and fittings.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42This is a big project,
0:49:42 > 0:49:47but will it give a big return on their £210,000 investment?
0:49:47 > 0:49:49Should the property come to the sales market,
0:49:49 > 0:49:55we would expect to achieve between £320,000 and £330,000.
0:49:55 > 0:50:00I think this property should realise between 320 and £330,000.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04We have already put it on the market at a price of 345,000.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09Well, if they get anywhere near that 345 grand,
0:50:09 > 0:50:16that would give Ken and Helen a nice £135,000 pre-tax profit,
0:50:16 > 0:50:18and although it's not an easy property to rent,
0:50:18 > 0:50:22it still could command around £1,000 per month,
0:50:22 > 0:50:25or just under a 6% yield.
0:50:25 > 0:50:30But with those numbers, resale definitely is the best option.
0:50:30 > 0:50:34So has this project delivered all Ken and Helen hoped for?
0:50:34 > 0:50:37Oh, undoubtedly. We've learnt a lot of new skills...
0:50:39 > 0:50:42..which would be nice to put to good use again.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44I think we've also learned a lot about ourselves
0:50:44 > 0:50:47and a lot about each other, as well.
0:50:47 > 0:50:48It has been very good.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50- Very worthwhile.- Absolutely.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00It was just outside the Cornish town of Liskeard,
0:51:00 > 0:51:02tucked away on a good-sized plot,
0:51:02 > 0:51:05where we first came across a really unusual lot.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09How do I describe the construction?
0:51:09 > 0:51:12Well, non-standard, it most certainly is.
0:51:12 > 0:51:13Very, very unique.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15Very, very unmortgageable.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17Built after the Second World War,
0:51:17 > 0:51:21these constructions were only meant to last around 50 years.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23Along with the prefabricated walls,
0:51:23 > 0:51:26more worryingly, they have an asbestos roof.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28But sitting on a good-sized plot
0:51:28 > 0:51:31and with planners keen to replace these sort of buildings,
0:51:31 > 0:51:35this lot's main attraction was the potential as a building plot,
0:51:35 > 0:51:37albeit with a building already on it.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44And it was bought at auction for £90,000 by Craig and Zoe.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50Tell me why you wanted to buy this house.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53Because we could never afford to buy the house
0:51:53 > 0:51:56that we eventually want to live in, so we're starting slowly.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58Right. So you have more bought the location,
0:51:58 > 0:51:59- rather than the house itself?- Yeah.
0:51:59 > 0:52:01So the house is doomed?
0:52:01 > 0:52:05It's a glorified caravan, really, is what it is at the minute, yeah.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07It is going to have its few years,
0:52:07 > 0:52:09but it's definitely being knocked down.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12OK. Tell me more. Your plan is to keep it for a few years
0:52:12 > 0:52:14and run it like this?
0:52:14 > 0:52:18Going to make it as habitable as possible as quickly as possible.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21Craig and Zoe have three children -
0:52:21 > 0:52:23two-and-a-half-year-old Niamh,
0:52:23 > 0:52:26and 15-month-old twins Craig and Adelaide.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29They were hoping that, when they can get their finances together,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32this would be the place for their dream family home.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35But first, it was all about the old before the new.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39They'd given themselves £15,000 to do up
0:52:39 > 0:52:41and make the bungalow habitable...
0:52:43 > 0:52:46..and were hoping to move in in around six to eight weeks.
0:52:48 > 0:52:52Now, two and a half months later, it's time to check on progress.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58With the prefabricated construction and asbestos roof,
0:52:58 > 0:52:59it was always going to be best
0:52:59 > 0:53:03to leave the external parts of the building untouched.
0:53:03 > 0:53:09But inside needed to become their home, for the short-term at least.
0:53:09 > 0:53:14# It's just for now, hey
0:53:14 > 0:53:16# It's just for now
0:53:20 > 0:53:25# It's just for now, hey, hey, he-ey, hey
0:53:25 > 0:53:27# It's just for now... #
0:53:27 > 0:53:29Well, this really has been made
0:53:29 > 0:53:31into somewhere you could call home.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34So, how's it been?
0:53:34 > 0:53:37I tried doing it on weekends, evenings.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40Did that for about six weeks
0:53:40 > 0:53:43and then realised it wasn't going to go quick enough,
0:53:43 > 0:53:46so I got the guys in to do things like the painting.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49But all the sort of bathroom, plumbings,
0:53:49 > 0:53:51that was all myself and my dad on weekends.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57So, for someone who wasn't even keen on cutting the lawn,
0:53:57 > 0:53:59Craig has really stepped up to the mark,
0:53:59 > 0:54:03with this bathroom in their so-called glorified caravan.
0:54:03 > 0:54:04Well glorified!
0:54:07 > 0:54:09And they've also had some great input
0:54:09 > 0:54:12from Zoe's cousin, Naomi, who painted the kids' room.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18The biggest challenge we faced is definitely Craig
0:54:18 > 0:54:20being away from the children
0:54:20 > 0:54:22and not having any family time together.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25So we are looking forward to moving into our own house
0:54:25 > 0:54:27and enjoying time together.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29And we've still got to knock it down,
0:54:29 > 0:54:30but in five years' time,
0:54:30 > 0:54:32we will have a beautiful house to show for it.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34Yes, there are still a few jobs to do here,
0:54:34 > 0:54:38but they hope to move in in the next few weeks.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41Then they can think about that next stage.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44And with Craig starting to find previously untapped DIY skills,
0:54:44 > 0:54:47is he ready to take on the bigger project
0:54:47 > 0:54:50of building a three to four-bedroomed house?
0:54:50 > 0:54:52I won't be doing the rebuild.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56I had planned to be project managing the self-build.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58It's not going to happen.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Yeah, so perhaps leave it to the experts.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04Mind you, he's got some time to learn new skills
0:55:04 > 0:55:07with the new house not really on the cards for a few years,
0:55:07 > 0:55:11as they try to get that £100,000 funding they think they will need.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13That's all for the future.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15So what of the present house?
0:55:15 > 0:55:17How much have they spent here?
0:55:17 > 0:55:21We'd planned to spend 15,000, or up to.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23We've spent 4,000 getting it to where it is,
0:55:23 > 0:55:25including the electrics,
0:55:25 > 0:55:26plumbing, all the appliances.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30Maybe have another 5,000 to spend,
0:55:30 > 0:55:34but that is on heating and oil tank, boiler.
0:55:34 > 0:55:38We'll know as soon as we get in how quickly we'll be spending it.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41Yes, I suspect, since they are moving in soon,
0:55:41 > 0:55:45heating will be high on the priority list.
0:55:45 > 0:55:46But it does sound like
0:55:46 > 0:55:49they'll get their snug two-bedroom bungalow habitable
0:55:49 > 0:55:51for around £10,000,
0:55:51 > 0:55:54which would take their all-in spend to around 100,000.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58But what do two local estate agents make of stage one?
0:55:59 > 0:56:02My first reaction to the property - it's a nice-sized property.
0:56:02 > 0:56:05Originally, I understand there was a wall in the kitchen
0:56:05 > 0:56:08which made it slightly smaller and they have opened that up,
0:56:08 > 0:56:09making it much more family-friendly.
0:56:09 > 0:56:13The selling points of this property are its nice rural location.
0:56:13 > 0:56:14Some people love that.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17It's on a reasonable-sized plot, which is also helpful,
0:56:17 > 0:56:21and will lend itself for future development at a later point.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23I think the standard of the finish is quite good.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25It's liveable for the moment.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28I believe they're eventually going to be rebuilding,
0:56:28 > 0:56:30so it does what it says on the tin for the moment.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33So, temporary or not,
0:56:33 > 0:56:38how much currently is Craig and Zoe's £100,000 investment worth?
0:56:38 > 0:56:43I would value this property, as it stands, in the region of £130,000.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46The property would sell for somewhere in the region of £110,000.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48Really impressed with that.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50Didn't expect it at all,
0:56:50 > 0:56:52and considering we're not going to sell it, it doesn't matter,
0:56:52 > 0:56:55but it's nice to know that we could have made money if we were going to.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58Remember, though, even though this building is much smarter,
0:56:58 > 0:57:00it still is unmortgageable.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03So if it were sold, it would have to be to a cash buyer.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06But that's a potential pre-tax profit
0:57:06 > 0:57:08of between £10,000 and £30,000,
0:57:08 > 0:57:11and both agents reckon rental figures
0:57:11 > 0:57:14of around £650 a calendar month could be possible,
0:57:14 > 0:57:17which would equate to a yield of over 7%.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19Well, that's all fine,
0:57:19 > 0:57:23but the real value is in building a new three to four-bedroom house.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26Depending on the specification and the finish,
0:57:26 > 0:57:28I would value the house they are planning to build
0:57:28 > 0:57:31in the region of £250,000.
0:57:31 > 0:57:34As a three-bed two-storey property with two bathrooms,
0:57:34 > 0:57:35I estimate the value to be,
0:57:35 > 0:57:38in current market conditions, £250,000.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40Those figures are encouraging
0:57:40 > 0:57:43and do show that building a new house here
0:57:43 > 0:57:45would be the sound investment they need.
0:57:45 > 0:57:49But more importantly for them, it will make a great family home.
0:57:49 > 0:57:51So are they pleased about progress so far?
0:57:53 > 0:57:54I love it at the minute.
0:57:54 > 0:57:57I'm so excited to move into our first house
0:57:57 > 0:57:58that we own together
0:57:58 > 0:58:01and I'm really, really pleased with how it's turned out.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08If you're thinking about heading down to a property auction,
0:58:08 > 0:58:09I hope we've helped you out.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11Yes, we do like to give as much advice
0:58:11 > 0:58:13as we possibly can and we will keep at it.
0:58:13 > 0:58:15We will. So make sure you join us next time
0:58:15 > 0:58:18- for more Homes Under The Hammer. - ALL:- Goodbye.