0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy, the programme
0:00:04 > 0:00:07that goes the extra mile to buy the property of your dreams.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08We tramp up hill and down dale.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Climb every mountain, ford every stream.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14River deep, mountain high.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17To find you the best possible properties. Why do we bother?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Well, because we care, Ed.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- Massively.- We really do. - We genuinely care.- We care.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24We care too much, sometimes.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35We don't mess around, do we, Rani, not really.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Except for today when we'll be messing around on the river.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41It's true. In a minute we'll be heading over there
0:00:41 > 0:00:45to meet today's buyers to explain why we've come over all watery.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Ed, we are still looking for houses, aren't we, not boats?
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Usual rules apply. We show them three houses
0:00:50 > 0:00:54and hopefully one of them will float... Float their boat!
0:00:54 > 0:00:56They'll get to try it before they buy it.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58I get it, Ed.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Sorry. Anyway, our property hunters today are Doug and Laura Silverstone
0:01:03 > 0:01:06who spend their time living on a narrowboat,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- enjoying life on the water. - They certainly do.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11But now Laura is expecting, and with the clock ticking,
0:01:11 > 0:01:15our couple have decided they need more space before the new arrival.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Yep. Buggies and barges really don't mix.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Laura's mum lives in Chorleywood and Doug's also got roots there,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25so it's no surprise that they've chosen the surrounding area to moor up and settle down.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Well, let's see if we can make a splash,
0:01:28 > 0:01:29but not on the water, obviously.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Now, Doug and Laura, we're not on your barge, narrowboat, riverboat,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36whatever we call it, because that's in Kings Cross,
0:01:36 > 0:01:41in the centre of London. We're in the Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire borders, where you want to be.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45We could've got your boat here, but it would have taken us till next year.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- About that.- So you want to leave London. Whereabouts, exactly, do you want to live?
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- We were thinking Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Chesham area. - Oh, Chesham.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- Yeah.- What is so nice about Chesham?
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Well, I mean, we both grew up around Hertfordshire, so we're both
0:01:59 > 0:02:04from this area, but my mum lives in Chorleywood which is quite close, but slightly expensive.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06And we want to keep the countryside
0:02:06 > 0:02:08somewhere near it cos you kind of feel like
0:02:08 > 0:02:11you're in the countryside on the boat.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14We want some sort of green space, some sort of, I don't know,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16garden of some description.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18You're quite the allotment fan.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- Yeah.- And has this always been a passion with you?
0:02:21 > 0:02:24I like growing my vegetables. I like vegetables that I've grown
0:02:24 > 0:02:27and knowing what I'm cooking with and eating,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29and growing your vegetables is part of that.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32I mean, we grow carrots and things on top of the boat,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34but they're about that size carrots.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37So what's the type of property we're after? Olde-worlde?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Are we after the cornicing word and all that kind of stuff?
0:02:40 > 0:02:43If we think of our ideal property, we get the picture of
0:02:43 > 0:02:47like an old Victorian kind of cottage in the middle of the country.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- Fireplaces.- Really?- Yeah.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- And kind of iron-cast baths and all that kind of feel.- Yeah.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Yeah. Yeah.- What about doing work on the property?
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- I'd get my brother over to do things. - Is he a handy guy?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- He says he'd fit kitchens and bathrooms.- That's excellent.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03As they say, kitchens and bathrooms sell houses.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08Is there anything else we're looking for because is it right you've got two cats already?
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Yeah, we have, so we need a garden for them
0:03:10 > 0:03:13and preferably not a big main road for the cats.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- They've dealt with living on a boat though, yeah.- Yeah. They have.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- Yeah. They swim. Yeah.- They swim? - Yeah.- Do you need a pool for them?
0:03:21 > 0:03:23I don't know if they actually like swimming.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- But they're prepared to do it? - Yeah.- OK.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Well, we're at the point where it can either seem
0:03:28 > 0:03:30a very easy day for us or a very tricky one,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32and that is based around the budget.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Ideally, we want to spend about 220,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36but probably go up to about 250 if we need to.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- OK. So you're looking up to 250 and maybe haggling back, possibly.- Yeah.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43The way the market is as well, you know, it's worth doing.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Yeah.- I tell you what, I think we can achieve this.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- I think we will. Fingers crossed. - Fingers crossed.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53We're going to swim off to the estate agent's and see the local folk. See you later.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54- Wish us luck.- Good luck.- Thank you.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57I think finding them a two-bedroom property
0:03:57 > 0:03:58isn't going to be a problem,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02but teaching cats to cross roads, Ed, it's going to be tough.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04They can already swim so that's half the battle solved.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Also, an interesting thing about their cats -
0:04:07 > 0:04:11they're called Rosie and Jim, so we're moving Rosie and Jim off the barge.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15If there are children watching, stop crying, we're not stopping Rosie and Jim.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17They're cats called Rosie and Jim.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Ed.- Sorry. Sorry, what?- Go and speak to an estate agent.- Sorry.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire are both home counties,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27where you can find some really lovely greenbelt countryside.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31New towns like Stevenage and garden cities such as Welwyn and Letchworth,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35have sprung up to help accommodate the rising populations
0:04:35 > 0:04:37created by the ever-increasing London sprawl.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Chesham, one of Doug and Laura's choices,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44is set in the rolling Chilterns and is a simply gorgeous market town.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire are relatively wealthy
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and historically they have low unemployment and a high salary level.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Did you say historical?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Well, we might be hysterical because the high salaries
0:04:54 > 0:04:57and low unemployment could make it difficult
0:04:57 > 0:05:00to find a period property on their 250 grand budget.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02But what could you find elsewhere?
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Well, just take a look at this beauty near Norwich.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08It's splendid Victoriana with three bedrooms and a modern twist.
0:05:08 > 0:05:09Available for...
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Glorious Snowdonia is the setting
0:05:15 > 0:05:17for this historic restored coach house.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20It's Edwardian stone and timber, has panoramic views and the price
0:05:20 > 0:05:23includes fishing rights on the River Dovey...
0:05:26 > 0:05:29You just knew we were going to show you a boat, didn't you?
0:05:29 > 0:05:32And here it is, painted in grand union green, burgundy and cream,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35with high shine black and chrome kitchen and bathroom.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38You could buy three of these for Doug and Laura's budget.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39A boating bargain at...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Right. Enough of this messing about on the water.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Time to get back on the property search.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51If you were going to move here and you were moving from a barge,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53you were used to life in a very small area,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56but you wanted a whiff of the countryside, you wanted maybe
0:05:56 > 0:05:59an allotment, maybe a canal, what kind of areas would you look at?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Living on a boat can be cheaper than living in a house
0:06:02 > 0:06:05and it can also be environmentally friendly.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Ideally, the old town.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09It's steeped in history.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Church Street, for instance, was the original high street.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Most of the houses there were formerly shops
0:06:15 > 0:06:18and you can see the larger windows which have been bricked up now.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22You'll be getting economical with your water cos if you're not connected
0:06:22 > 0:06:24to the mains and have to fill up your tank,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26you'll think twice before switching on your tap.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29In the old town in particular, there are properties
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- merely just three bedrooms which sell for in excess of 500,000.- Right.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- There are terraced properties which fetch over a million.- OK.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40And it's quite a special location.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Also, you can save on your bills because your engine
0:06:42 > 0:06:46can heat up your hot water and you can cook with bottled gas.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Ourselves and the mysterious property-hunting team have had a lovely time.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52I've gone for a property - it is cusping Chesham Bois,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56or "Chesham Boyz", depending on how you pronounce it.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57Very nice. It is near water.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59It is near an allotment.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Rani, it is near perfect.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Ed, yours may be near perfect whereas mine is perfect.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Take a look at this.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09It's a Victorian property, absolutely beautiful. Mark,
0:07:09 > 0:07:14that's Doug's brother, won't need to pick up any tools because inside it has been beautifully renovated.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17It's all perfect, near a park and near the Tube line for them.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- So, Rani, what have you got for the wildcard?- Ah, now the wildcard.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24I did find them a perfect place in Chesham old town.
0:07:24 > 0:07:25Gorgeous building, however,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29there's been a problem and we can't actually show it to them today.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Now it is still on the market,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34it is within their budget, but not for today.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36So, Ed, what are we going to do?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38As luck would have it, I have a back up property
0:07:38 > 0:07:41which is in the old town part of Chesham.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45It is more expensive than their budget and is also one more bedroom,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48but if they can look at it and imagine it minus one bedroom,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52they might get a feel for the size of the property that they can't see today,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55but they'll get a feel for the area and that's the most important thing.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Those are the properties. Very different wildcard today.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Where shall we start the journey?
0:08:00 > 0:08:03I always like to start at property number one.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Really. My one. Near water.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Picture the scene, if you dare.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12A cute terraced cottage nestling alongside a river,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15chickens over the road and a touch of the good life on their doorstep.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Doug and Laura can't fail to absolutely love it.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20You're sounding very confident, Ed.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Rani, the only chickens coming home to roost
0:08:23 > 0:08:27will be the ones laying eggs for our couple to sell.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Doug and Laura, take some steps on dry land with me to look at
0:08:30 > 0:08:34what could be your new houseboat, but as we call it, a house.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37It is lovely. It is in Chesham Bois
0:08:37 > 0:08:40or "Chesham Boyz". Do you know the area?
0:08:40 > 0:08:43A little bit. My sister lives just down the road.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Really?- Yes.- Well, in which case, tell me something about the area.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Well, we only know this street really.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51I'll tell you a little bit extra. You've got a nursery behind you.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56There's very good primary schools and secondary schools for the impending baby.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Look over there. What can you see, Doug?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Is it an allotment? - It is an allotment.- It certainly is.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05It is. That's irrelevant though. What do you think about this, Laura?
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- First impressions. - Yeah. It looks really nice.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09Is that a beehive in there?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12It is a beehive, but strangely they don't keep bees in it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16For some unknown reason, or unknown to me, they keep eggs in it.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- Right.- The guy owns an allotment and he keeps chickens
0:09:19 > 0:09:21on the allotment so that's where he puts his eggs.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23The allotment's his then?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Well, the allotment does belong to the man there,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28but hold your horses because he owns a very large part of it.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33He may or may not be willing to, and able to, sell half of it potentially to yourself
0:09:33 > 0:09:37to get the lease on it, but they're hotly fought after properties, allotments.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40So, we don't know, but there's a window, there's a sniff,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44a nibble of an allotment and if there's a nibble, there's a chance.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45- Are you ready to go in?- Yeah.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Yeah.- All right. Three, two, one. Enjoy it.- Thank you.
0:09:52 > 0:09:5421 years in Cub Scouts taught me one thing -
0:09:54 > 0:09:57I think it's going to rain, so always be prepared.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58Umbrella...up.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01It's a nice little room this side of it, isn't it?
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Yeah. That's really nice.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04Quite open-plan.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Nice fireplace. It's really good.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- I like the recess things there, too. - Yeah. That's good.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Nice little country cottage, fireplace...
0:10:13 > 0:10:16They said they wanted character and this is what they described.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18That's quite nice. Space for a table and everything.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Yeah... Dining room, kind of thing, here.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Nice high ceilings.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Yeah. Yeah.- That's good. - Higher than the boat.- Yeah.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29We could easily get a table in properly, dining room round here.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Yeah. That's good.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33They're so used to living on a boat,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35that everything's about size and space.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38They must be excited, they can probably stand up straight!
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Kitchen's quite big as well... - It's not too bad. Yeah.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43For a house this size....
0:10:43 > 0:10:46We could change all the worktops if we wanted to, couldn't we?
0:10:46 > 0:10:48But it's new, it doesn't look that bad, does it?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50I think you'll forgive us -
0:10:50 > 0:10:53got slightly distracted, stealing the cameraman's umbrella
0:10:53 > 0:10:55and sheltering from it. They liked it.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Right. It's a bedroom. Oh, nice.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- It's the main bedroom, is it?- Yeah.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It's got the beams and the things and stuff. And the fireplace.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Yeah. That's good.- Two wardrobes.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- They're nice fitted wardrobes. - Are they're fitted, are they?
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Yeah. Yeah. Think so.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17It's stopped. Who would have thought that we have gone from a Noah-esque flood to this.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- Second bedroom.- Yeah.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21An England fan.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Yeah. It's quite a nice size though, isn't it?
0:11:24 > 0:11:25Oh, an upstairs bathroom.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- That's good.- That's rare.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30It's big, as well. It's really nice.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34It is good. What's that over there? That might be the shower there.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- No. I think it's the hot water, isn't it? I'm not sure.- It could be.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Do you think you could fit in there?
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- I don't know. Shall I try? - You'd better not cos you'll get the nice white bath all dirty.- Oh, yeah.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47They don't need to worry about whether Doug can fit under there
0:11:47 > 0:11:52because before every show I measure each contestant and then turn it into piece of string.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54So, I've got Doug in my left pocket,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57that piece of string, and I've got Laura in my right, so I went up there,
0:11:57 > 0:12:03took a piece of string out of my right pocket, measured it under there and Doug will fit perfectly.
0:12:03 > 0:12:04Right was Laura.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- I think it'll be all right. - Yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- He's done well on this house. - Yeah. I like it.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Yeah. There's a couple of bits where the headroom's a bit...
0:12:11 > 0:12:15I almost hit myself on the stairs, but I can get used to that.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17I like the wood and yeah, I like the style of it.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- The style is perfect, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- What did you think of it?- Yeah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27I really liked it. I really did. I liked the wood and things like that.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- French oak, a lot of French oak was in there, I believe.- Yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Very posh. He knows his wood, the guy who owns this.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35I really like that bit of it. Yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- That's good. - It's got to be guess the price time.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Yeah. So who wants to go first?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Who knows their property?
0:12:42 > 0:12:43Doug's better at it.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Go on then, Doug. How much do you think this property's worth?
0:12:46 > 0:12:50You said you'd be willing to spend 220, maybe 250, if it was the right property.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Well, I reckon 225, 230.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Come on, man.- 237?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59237?! You've gone from 225...
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- 227, sorry!- 227.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04OK. 227. A ludicrous price of 227.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I think it might be a little bit more so I'm going for 230.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- OK.- 230. 227.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Right. Well, surprisingly, no-one's got it right.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14The closest is...
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Doug. The actual price is £220,000.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19It's less than you both thought.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21And in this current economic climate,
0:13:21 > 0:13:23I would imagine there could be a bit
0:13:23 > 0:13:26of haggling to be going on because obviously, you want the allotment
0:13:26 > 0:13:30over there as well and you'll want a bit of a leverage on that.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Shall we just end the show here? - No. I think not.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35We should dry off and check out property number two which is my choice.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- So, Doug, we're going to follow you.- OK.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43I can do charm and character too, you know.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47We're talking Victorian terrace, exposed brickwork,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49roll-top bath and fireplaces a go-go.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52And all combined with some seriously sassy styling.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54But Rani, where will the chickens live?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Well, Ed, I'm sure I can hatch a plan for that one.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Rani, that's pun-thetic.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02OK, then, Doug and Laura. Welcome to property number two.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Now, we're still in Chesham and like Ed,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I have also given you a Victorian terrace.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09What are your first impressions of this place.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11It's not as pretty as the last one.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- Yeah. It doesn't fill me with confidence.- Not is it, really?
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Where's the allotment from here? Where's the river?- Hang on.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Back up, Ed. Let's find out what you think first.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- Yeah. I mean, it hasn't got the allotment, has it?- No.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25I like the bricks. The brickwork's nice.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- Yes.- It's right in town, this one, so it's a different place.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Now, the other thing is... Ed did give you two bedrooms.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35I am also giving you two bedrooms.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38But there's also something a little bit special as well
0:14:38 > 0:14:40in there for you. A little surprise.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Is the allotment upstairs, is it? Or maybe the river?
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- We've got a great garden.- OK.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46- That's what you need to know.- OK.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Are you interested enough to go inside to see behind the brickwork?
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Let's look at the negatives.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56It's got no river nearby. If you want to go in, it doesn't really bother me.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- It's about to rain in a minute. - Go in out of the rain.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59Go in. Have a look around.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Make the best of it.- Enjoy the bricks. Have a feel of the bricks.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04- Yeah.- Lovely bricks.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- So this must be the dining room, then.- Yeah.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13It's a bit strange having a dining room here. But it's quite nice.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15I like the fireplace.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- Is that thing, the stereo thing, under the...?- That's funny.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Original, isn't it? - It's quite clever. Yeah.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- It's not a car.- It's not a car. And it's not a car stereo.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- It's just a stereo. - Just jammed in the wall?
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- Wow!- This is....
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Look at the fireplace. - Two fireplaces.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Yeah. That's really nice.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It's a nice living room though.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35Yeah. Yeah. It is.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37It's lovely. Really light.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38- Yeah.- It's modern.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40It's bigger. I like the trolley thing,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43you can put something in like a breakfast bar or something.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Yeah.- It's a lot of light coming in
0:15:45 > 0:15:47from that window up there, isn't it.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49It bathes the whole kitchen.
0:15:49 > 0:15:50This is true about this kitchen.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53It's really nice and light. The front room's really light.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56The second room, maybe not as light, but this one...
0:15:56 > 0:15:58it feels clean, it feels new.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00There must be a bathroom through here.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Yeah. A downstairs bathroom.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Oh, just a shower. So has it got a bath anywhere, do you think?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Don't know if there's one upstairs.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13They think that's the only bathroom. That could cloud their judgement.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- Oh, OK.- Bigger bedroom.- Yeah.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- It's much bigger, isn't it.- Yeah.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Like the bedroom. I've seen in there as well.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25What's that?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- That's a nice bath. - Yeah. It is, isn't it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31That's really good cos you've got a shower room downstairs
0:16:31 > 0:16:33and a bathroom upstairs.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36They've got an extra bathroom with a tank. That's safe.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Second bedroom?- Yeah.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41That's quite a good size.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43We'd fit everything we need for the baby in here,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- Yeah. They have those shutters. I do like those shutters.- Yeah.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- That's nice.- So, cupboard.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Yeah.- Must be a wardrobe.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Ooh, stairs.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57And they are quite steep stairs, aren't they, Rani?
0:16:57 > 0:17:01They are quite steep stairs. They're very cleverly designed.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Oh, this is really pretty.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09They're using it as like a kid's bedroom.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11It's really nice.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12- It is, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Brickwork again. I'll take that.
0:17:14 > 0:17:21Yeah. You could... I mean, if we to start with, put an office thing up here, I could work from home a bit.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I said it was a two-bedroom because of fire regulations, you can't say
0:17:24 > 0:17:26the attic room is a third bedroom,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29so you have it as a hobby room, or maybe a kids' playroom.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33You could sleep in there, you just can't sell it as a third bedroom.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Hey, yeah, Rani's done well on it, I think.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Perhaps not the location I thought of, but you've
0:17:38 > 0:17:42got much more in the house, you know, a bit more exciting.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- There's certainly more inside than I was expecting.- Yeah. That's right.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Now, when you first went into the house, I was slightly worried,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55but by the end of the tour, you seemed to have perked up a bit.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Yeah. Lots of surprises in there. Yeah.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59- Good surprises?- Yeah. Yeah.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02It was certainly a lot nicer than I thought it would be.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05We weren't expecting much, to be honest.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07OK. It's beautiful.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08It's over three floors.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- It is two and a bit bedrooms. - You couldn't call it a bedroom.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15Maximum budget of £250,000. You went first last time, didn't you, Doug?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17So, Laura, you go first this time.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- I think it's more than the last one, so I'm going to say 230.- Right. OK.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26I was going to go 230 as well, so I'm going to go a little bit higher.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27I'll go 235.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31235. Right then, Doug, it looks like you're closest again.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36This property is on the market currently at 239,950.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39So it's still under your budget, but it's been finished fantastically.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42So that's what you're going to be paying for.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44The next house is everyone's favourite part of the show.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- It is the wildcard. Are you excited? - Very.- Very.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49To take part in your own wildcard episode?
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Yeah.- It's this way. Let's go.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Right. Today's wildcard.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00It's wilder than usual, Rani, but not for any of the normal reasons.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Well, I'll let you do the explaining to Doug and Laura then,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06because this wildcard, it's totally confusing me.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Doug and Laura, walk tantalisingly toward
0:19:08 > 0:19:12everyone's favourite part of the programme, the wildcard.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Now, it's wild for many reasons today.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18The viewers know one of the reasons, we had a wildcard already and that fell through.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22We can't go to see that. Very short notice, we found you this.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26And the reason we found you this is because it's like the one that has fallen through.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28It's not sold - you could still buy it.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30The reason we're here in Chesham old town
0:19:30 > 0:19:34is because the wildcard that fell through is in Chesham old town.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37And I want you to know what it's like. Have you been here before?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- No, we haven't.- Do you like the feel of Chesham old town?
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- I really like the old-style houses. - Well, that's good news.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Now, the one that we're going to look at today is there,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- the yellow-doored one.- Right.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49It's got three bedrooms.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52The one you could buy, that we can't get into today,
0:19:52 > 0:19:53has got two bedrooms.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55So imagine this one minus a bedroom.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Right. - So, Doug, what are your thoughts?
0:19:57 > 0:20:01I think it's lovely. I think the town around here looks a beautiful little town.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05So hopefully the house is as nice.
0:20:05 > 0:20:06Are you ready to go in?
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Yes. - OK. Imagine it has two bedrooms.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Remember that. Are you ready?- Yeah.
0:20:11 > 0:20:12Get in it.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- It's lovely. - Straight into the kitchen.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Just to recap, do you understand what's going on?
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Absolutely.- Go on then. - The property we found,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- the wildcard, fell through.- Right.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29We've got them another wildcard.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32They get a feel of the location and the style of property.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Unfortunately, they can't afford it.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38It's got a kind of villagey-cottage feel to it, hasn't it?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41With all these shelves behind us here, as well.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Lovely kitchen, isn't it? - Yeah. I really like this kitchen.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Yes. It is. I like the curve of it, as well.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Yeah. It's a nice shape, isn't it? - Feels kind of homely.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52That's the beauty of the old town though.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55I think that's what Laura likes about...
0:20:55 > 0:20:57That's what she would like about this area.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- Lovely. Look at this. - Oh, wow.- All the oak beams.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Is that oak? OK.- Yeah.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Lovely, that is. I love all this under here.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09It's the kind of alcove-y bits.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- There's the door to the garden with...- A cat flap. Yay.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- That's good. - That's done it, hasn't it?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18That's made them think, "Right, we have to move here,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21"we have to move here because of the cat flap."
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Wow, look at the bathroom.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Bathroom. Proper bath, again.
0:21:27 > 0:21:28I like that bath. Look at the shower.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30The shower's lovely, isn't it?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33That's sweet. It's big enough, isn't it?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Sweet bedroom.- It is, isn't it?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Yeah.- Lots of nice shapes...
0:21:40 > 0:21:41The beams... Yeah. It's nice.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45You've got all the bulging walls here between the beams.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Yeah. - Maybe it was two houses before.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52It's a combination of a 1930s infill, which is there,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55and then the whatever building age this bit is,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57but they're in the 1930s bit.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Cunning. They've worked that out.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01This is another bedroom here, isn't it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- That's nice.- You could get a double bed in here.- You can.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Nice little window in the corner. - It's quite bright in here.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13Yeah. OK. I guess round here, into the third bedroom that doesn't exist.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Yet. Baby's room. Definitely.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Again, you've got the window over.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- I guess maybe the same window coming through.- Yeah.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Nice and bright again.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25I like the way Doug has chosen the smallest room not to exist
0:22:25 > 0:22:28because maybe it would have been one of the bigger rooms that didn't exist.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31So I think the mystery choice is...
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- Just have to work out if we can afford it.- Yeah.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36I love the character. I love all the beams and everything
0:22:36 > 0:22:39although your head might be a bit of a problem.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Laura and Doug, you've had a good look round the place.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Now, what we gave you in extra bedroom,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49we've taken away in the garden.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Yeah. We can see that.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- What do you think of the place? - Oh, it's lovely.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I love the character and the kitchen was gorgeous.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Everything, like the sinks and things like that.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04The character's lovely. It was a bit small head rooms in a few places.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06How are you on a narrowboat though?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Narrowboats are taller than some of those beams.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12It's got about half an inch above my head, and there's no stairs.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16And you're used to that tolerance level, you really are.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19OK, then. We might as well guess the price. Doug, you've won.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21You've been closest both times.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Is it all right if Doug goes first again?- Yeah.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25We said your maximum budget was 250.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29You wanted to spend around 220.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31We have gone over your maximum budget.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36- We'll be clear about that. What do you think this property's on the market for?- I don't know.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39I think, maybe, 270, maybe.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41270. Laura?
0:23:41 > 0:23:46- I'll go maybe a little bit lower this time. 265.- 265.- Yeah.
0:23:46 > 0:23:52The price of the property in Chesham old town is £290,000.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Laura, you are nothing if not consistent.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58You have lost all three which in a way is a triumph really, I think.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Be proud.- And Doug, you're a little bit out.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Now, the purpose of this was because to see if you like the style of it.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Now, the property we couldn't get into today is £235,000
0:24:08 > 0:24:11and obviously there might be a bit of movement on that.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15So that's within your budget. So if you do like this style and character,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17it is available within your budget.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20So that is something to think about whilst you head off
0:24:20 > 0:24:24and make the decision about which one you wish to test drive.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- Right.- OK. Good luck with that. We will see you later.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Off you guys go, and whilst they do that,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32here's a quick reminder for you guys at home.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Will the location and allotment perfection of property number one
0:24:36 > 0:24:38cajole them back for a test drive?
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Just down the road from Laura's sister,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43it was familiar territory and a bargain for...
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Or will the gorgeous brickwork
0:24:45 > 0:24:48and bathroom bliss of my property tempt them?
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Don't forget that extra bedroom, sorry, hobby room.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53And all that for...
0:24:53 > 0:24:57Or will they speak to the bank manager and decide on the wildcard.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Gorgeous location, gorgeous interiors,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03but eye-wateringly over their budget at...
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Laura's mum Lindy's here and where is here?
0:25:11 > 0:25:14My property, number one, of course.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17This is lovely, darling. Isn't this super?
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Yes. It is lovely, Ed.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Oh, Doug's escaped already
0:25:24 > 0:25:27and there was me thinking he actually liked my property.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- This would be the baby's room. - Oh, that's lovely.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Yes. I think that's just about right.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39The girls are having a lovely time talking about babies and nurseries.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42No wonder Doug has left them to it.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44- Ah, here he is. - Hi, Doug.- Hiya.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Welcome to the allotments.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Can't keep a man away from his shed.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Will Doug's carrots measure up to those?
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Laura's getting creative here. What lovely cards.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00How are you doing there? I think it's lovely here. Lovely view.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03They're looking right at home, Ed.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Back at the allotment and Doug's finally getting stuck in.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11I think the good life could just be around the corner.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Doug and Laura, firstly, congratulations. You picked my one.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18And secondly, and this is probably for Rani's benefit,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20are you listening? Why did you go for my one?
0:26:20 > 0:26:22The location, I suppose.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26I like the garden where it's not quite on the edge of a road.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28You've got quite a bit more space, it seems.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30It feels more enclosed here.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33This is it. Very important. Child on its way.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I can't build this up enough.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39To Buy Or Not To Buy, Doug and Laura. That is the question.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Buy.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43BOTH: Really?!
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Yes!
0:26:45 > 0:26:46We've had a lovely day.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51And congratulations. This is it. Well done and good luck with baby.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53We'll see you soon. OK. And let us know if you do move in.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- And send us pictures of the baby as well.- Oh, yeah.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- See you later.- Thank you.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- That's great.- Lovely people.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Who were they(?)
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Well, Ed, I can't believe you actually did it.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07You brought Laura and Doug to land safely.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11I certainly did. Rani, in many way, in fact actually, entirely,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13I'm very much like a property lifesaver,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15a property life ring.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:23 > 0:27:26E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk