0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today we're in the Royal County of Berkshire.
0:00:04 > 0:00:11Yes, the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, King Edward III, King Henry VI and Lord Mountbatten.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17A scene of riots, rebellions, battles, sieges, trials, executions, weddings, celebrations.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Sounds like a normal day on To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- Simon, this place practically breeds history.- Indeed.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39Berkshire and its towns essentially form the basis of the indelible history that is our great country.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43And you know what they say? An Englishmen's home is his castle.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47So, where better to find three castles, well properties, for today's buyers.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50One of which they can try before they buy.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- Now for a snapshot of today's family. - They are the Watkins, Kate,
0:00:57 > 0:01:01David and their beautiful two-year-old Elise.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06Mum Kate is a massage therapist, keen yoga enthusiast, and claims she can play the piano.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11David is a special effects supervisor in the movies, and is rather useful around the house with his DIY.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- Which will come in handy if a property needs a bit of work doing, right?- Precisely.
0:01:15 > 0:01:21In fact, they'll be happy to buy a house, knock it down and start building it again from scratch.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Or maybe David could do it using special effects.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Kate and David, we're here just in Slough.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29I've got to say, you've got an amazing garden here.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33You've got loads of land. Why is it you actually want to move?
0:01:33 > 0:01:38I'd say it's more the area. We love our house and garden, if we could pick it up and put it somewhere else
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- it would be fantastic. - So, where do we want to be?
0:01:41 > 0:01:46If you use Slough as a centre, we're looking to move pretty much around the perimeter of it, really.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49No further into London.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54Maidenhead would probably be as far left as we'd like to go, up as far as Gerrards Cross,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56above the M4.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Sunningdale, maybe below, as far down as that.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Do you like the country kind of life?
0:02:00 > 0:02:02I see you've got chickens.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05We'd like to carry on having chickens. Somewhere with a bit of space.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09We're not really looking for the big house at the moment.
0:02:09 > 0:02:15We're looking to buy a good area that we can then turn into our big house.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- We'd be looking to do a lot of work ourselves.- How many bedrooms?
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Three bedrooms, which we've got now. As long as we could extend.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Picture this house. You don't mind a bit of a project, you don't mind a bit of work. But what style?
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Old, I don't want any new-builds.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- Something with a bit of character. - Now, what about work?
0:02:32 > 0:02:37If we're talking about moving away from the area we're in now, are you working in this area?
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- Do you need to be quite close? - I'm kind of freelance.
0:02:41 > 0:02:47The area we move into, it's kind of within that same circle of where the studios and that are, you know?
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- So we're not doing the big drive. - Do you mind being in a flight path?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52PLANE FLIES OVERHEAD
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Kind of, yes.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Yes is the answer, but I don't really see how we can get
0:02:57 > 0:03:00away from that, looking in the areas we're moving to.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Exactly. Anywhere this side of London, particularly the areas you're talking about,
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- they are difficult to avoid. - They are, yes.- But if we can put up with this...
0:03:09 > 0:03:15- If we can put up with this, we can put up with it anywhere.- Do you prefer terraced, semis, detached?
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- Are you bothered?- Ideally detached.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22We'd go to a semi if it was in the right area, and the right positioning and various.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- Budget, what have we got to play with?- I suppose 400,000 would be our top, top limit.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32Taking into consideration stamp duty and things like that as well.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Which should keep a lead on you two guys.
0:03:36 > 0:03:37We will do our best.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40We can't push you any further?
0:03:40 > 0:03:41You're definitely saying 400,000?
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Definitely, definitely.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We have it on film.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- It's on tape! 400,000, we'll do our best.- Okay.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- We've got all the information we need, shall we get going? - We certainly shall.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Well, Kate and David certainly know what they're after.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00I think they're after Windsor Castle but with a bit more outdoor space.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04However, we have a budget of £400,000 and less houses for sale.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I think we have our work cut out here.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10I need to speak to the local folks to find out what's really inside their minds.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Here it is: usage notes.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17In the past, a king or queen held court when they talked to the people who gave them advice. Perfect.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19See you later, Your Majesty.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Berkshire goes from one end of the social spectrum to the other.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28Windsor Castle with all its pomp and pageantry, and the world-famous public school Eton College.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32To the slightly less urbane and definitely more urban icon that is Slough.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Which made its way onto our screens thanks to a certain David Brent and friends.
0:04:36 > 0:04:42Yet, venture only a mile or two outside and you're greeted by some of the country's finest green belt.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47Beautiful villages, tranquil living and stunning properties bursting with character.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Berkshire is right next door to Greater London,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53and the centre of the capital is only 20 miles from Slough down the M4.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Which is why thousands commute daily.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00With numerous train links, and Heathrow airport on the doorstep, it's immediately obvious why
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Berkshire is a seriously desirable place to live.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06But what would 400 grand buy around the rest of the UK?
0:05:06 > 0:05:12Well, in Stockport this extended, four-bedroomed detached house sitting in a secluded cul-de-sac
0:05:12 > 0:05:19comes with landscaped gardens, its own private driveway and the very reasonable price tag of £375,000.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23Or perhaps a super duplex apartment, set in a Grade 2 listed manor near Cardiff.
0:05:23 > 0:05:29With two double bedrooms, two luxury bathrooms and 15 acres to stroll around in.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32All for £395,000.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35And in rural Somerset, you could be the proud owner of a quite charming
0:05:35 > 0:05:39three-bedroomed thatched cottage, tucked away in a quiet village,
0:05:39 > 0:05:44with superb outside space at the slightly higher price of £425,000.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49So, let's see how we can spend the Watkins' money in and around Royal Berkshire.
0:05:52 > 0:05:53- Hello, is it Nick?- Hello, I'm Nick.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Thank you very much for seeing me today.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Right, I've got a lovely couple.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59They want to relocate from Slough.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Datchet is a really, really quaint, pretty little area, and you're by the river as well.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Do you think that will be more affordable?
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- I think it's all a bit of a muchness in this area.- Right.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- Around £400,000.- Yes.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15They'd like something period.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18But I think they're very open-minded about that, and they don't mind doing a bit of work.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- How realistic is that?- I don't think it'll buy a period home around here, partly because there aren't so many
0:06:23 > 0:06:29period homes, and when they do come up they're in high demand and they get a considerable premium.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Going from Beaconsfield, Windsor, Datchet, Farnham Common,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Stoke Poges, I think, really, it's all a bit of a muchness.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Excuse me, are you inside Kate's head? Because you're listing everywhere she wants to live.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Hedgerley is great because it's a true village.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44It's got a village pub,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46it's got beautiful walks, it's got a pretty church.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48It's got all the right ingredients.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Perfect, I love it. I love it!
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- You don't look like you're working very hard.- I've done all my work.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Well, we'll see about that.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57I, meanwhile, have been working my socks off.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01And I think it's been worth it, because property one today is a fabulous choice.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04They said they just wanted to move their house and put it somewhere else.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08That's more or less what I've done, but there's also room for expansion.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11That's property one, it's a beauty. What have you got?
0:07:11 > 0:07:12I'm going for location.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14That's what I'm going for.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18This property gives them a choice to do a little bit of work.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23- It is a bungalow, but it's got a lot of space.- We're both very, very happy with this.
0:07:23 > 0:07:24- Yes!- The wild card.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27When they see it, we know they're going to see the potential.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30That's the wild card, it's beautiful. Shall we get on with some more work?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Yes, let's start at property number one.- Oh, yes. My choice.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39My choice is an absolute winner.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45In the small village of Datchet near Slough is this original 1930s Art Deco semi, with over
0:07:45 > 0:07:48150ft of garden and a drive for up to three cars.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52This place is property's equivalent of being dealt a straight flush.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Right, come on. My choice today,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58property one is this offering here. First impressions?
0:07:58 > 0:08:01It looks very nice. Loving the arch.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Yes.- Looks like it's got a bit of character.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04Nice.
0:08:04 > 0:08:071930s, little touch of Art Deco there.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11And you'll find those touches throughout the property as well. All right?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Datchet, do you know this area? - Fair knowledge of the area, yes.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19I don't normally applaud you in your choice of areas, but I do think it's a fantastic area.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22And I believe it's a great catchment area for schools as well, which is
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- something you're thinking of for the future, isn't it?- Yes.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26You want good schools for your little one(s)!
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Absolutely. Good primary school, good secondary school and also
0:08:29 > 0:08:32a very good private school just along the road, Eton End.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34So let's aim for the skies.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- Talking of which...- Right on cue!
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Let's see what you think when you get inside.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Get in there and enjoy it, see you in a bit.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Thank you. Wooden floors, that's a good sign.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Good for children.- One young kid, maybe more on the way.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Wooden floors. No messing.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Through to the lounge.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Nice fireplace. That looks almost identical to what ours is at home.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Nice space for our big sofa. I see they've got a big sofa.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Yes, a big L-shape, yes.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Nice size. I was thinking that this was a dining area.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- It's quite a long front room, isn't it?- Yes.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14I'm hearing the planes, Simon.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17But they aren't commenting on them, so it must have good windows.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21It's double-glazed throughout, yes. Thank you for that, Rani.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Double-glazed throughout, front and back.- Kitchen, kitchen/diner.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- This is quite a nice area. - A good size.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30And there's space around here, I guess this would be a utility space.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Perfect.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37Possibly even maybe close this off?
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I was just about to raise that point, because of the noise of the washing machine.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42I agree with that, I'd separate out the utility room.
0:09:42 > 0:09:48- Right.- I don't like the noise of the dishwasher going, and the washing machine. I'm with you there.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50And a conservatory.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54It's a nice space.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Might even make it a play area for Elise.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59If we weren't looking to extend, as next door have done.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Next door have extended so the precedent has been set.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- Right.- So they can come out back, they can put another bedroom upstairs if they want it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Family bathroom. And...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14doesn't appear to have a shower. No, it has got a shower.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17It's got half a shower, by the looks of it. Needs a bit of work.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21First bedroom. Nice, big cupboards there.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24I take it this isn't master bedroom.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Yes, we could make this Elise's room. I will use some of her cupboard space.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I'm sure it'll all be used for your clothing.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32There you go. They start to imagine themselves living here.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34That one would be Elise's room.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Yes, a room fit for a little princess.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40OK, with a double bed. I take it this is...
0:10:40 > 0:10:42This would be the master bedroom.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46But very similar storage next door. Similar sort of size.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Nice big window, lets a lot of light in.- Yeah.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54I guess this is the spare room.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Yeah, third bedroom.- Small.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57Could be a study.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Could be office. Office, study.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Or temporarily a nursery, maybe.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Office study for now.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Nursery in the future.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09There you go, Kate.
0:11:11 > 0:11:18- There you go. Now then, join us here a second because you've left us a bit confused.- Yeah.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23You kind of warmed to the place, then went cold, then warm...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Talk to us.- We're just trying to sort of envisage.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It's fairly similar to what we've got at the moment.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30So I'm kind of reserving judgment.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- We've got more properties to look at. So...- Oh, well, thank you. That's really positive.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39You did say to me, you did say to both of us,
0:11:39 > 0:11:45that if you could take your house and move it to another area, you said if it's a good area...
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- Yeah, that's true. We did. - That's more or less what we've done. - It's got potential.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52I mean, looking at next door as well, they've got a big extension on the side.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54They've set a bit of a precedent at the back of the garden, big garage built.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56I don't think we'll have trouble getting permission for that.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I don't need to do my job here. Exactly what I was about to say.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- It has got potential. - It's got exactly the potential that David's talking about.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07You said you wanted something you could extend as you went. Look what they've done next door.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09They've gone sideways, they've gone backwards.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11They're about to put a massive conservatory on it.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14As David said, you've got a huge garage down there because you've
0:12:14 > 0:12:17got rear access at the end of the garden, with summerhouse, workshop.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22You said your maximum budget would be £400,000 for the perfect house.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27- Yes. - Kate, however, is reserving judgment whether this is her perfect house.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30But how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:12:30 > 0:12:32You're good at this.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36I would say this is up for... 380.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39380, OK.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I'm going to go for 375.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- Hoping.- Mmm. Yes. Hoping indeed. Bit of wishful thinking, there, Kate.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52It's actually on the market for 389,950.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- OK.- But, you know, lovely area. Look at the garden. It's gorgeous. - It's got potential.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57It has got potential.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Yeah, it has got potential. I'll agree with that.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02I still don't know whether they like it or not. I'm confused.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Kate, let's go to property number two because, hopefully,
0:13:05 > 0:13:09we'll be able to get a bit more of an idea of what you really like.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- I think I've made a better choice. Come on, Kate.- It's that way.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18My choice of property also lies in the beautiful village of Datchet.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21In fact, I'm surprised we didn't bump into each other.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26It's a detached, chalet-style bungalow with 120ft rear garden.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29On the poker theme, I'm looking at a royal flush right now.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32So, Simon, I'll see your straight flush and I'll raise you.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37Right, then, you two. Now, Simon took you to Datchet.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42I am a bit more in the know with the locals so I am bringing you to Dash-ay(!)
0:13:42 > 0:13:44This is a lovely, lovely area, this is.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48There's a little local park where the kids hang out with the parents.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51So I kind of thought that was a nice feel for you.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56We're only still about 15 minutes away from Gerrards Cross. So we're in the vicinity you want to be.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Is that good?- Yes.- We've got everything in the area you want.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- It's a good area.- So, go on then, first impressions, Kate.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04What do you think?
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Well, it's a bungalow. - Very observant.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10But... no, I'm open-minded.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12We've not thought about looking at bungalows.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15But, yeah, wait till we get inside.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- Perfect. So, Dave, what are your thoughts? - Yeah, very similar to Kate, really.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21I hadn't really thought of a bungalow but it doesn't mean
0:14:21 > 0:14:27it's not going to be good so we'll reserve judgment until we've been inside. And good off-street parking.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29No through road, in a cul-de-sac.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30Perfect for kids.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32It's a really nice family area.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36And if you do want to flatten this like I'm getting the impression you do want to,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38you can always park your caravan here.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41So, are you ready to go in and have a look around?
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- I believe we are. - Go on, then.- See you in a bit.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Wow, long hallway.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52OK, let's check out this room.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55It looks like it's got an en suite there.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59I gather there's a young lady maybe living in here.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Good for Elise's room.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- With en suite. Which is good. - Nice and light.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- I like rooms that are light. - Bay window.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- Would you be able to get a double bed in here, do you think?- Easily.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14No, you can fit a double bed in there, of course you can, Kate.
0:15:14 > 0:15:20Downstairs toilet. Mind you, they're all downstairs because it's a bungalow.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24But it's a fair size. It's got a shower and a bath.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26This looks like the living room.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Yeah. Big sofa.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Our L shape would go in there well, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34I like the fact this house is nice and light.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39They seem to like this place a lot more than they liked yours.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- They do, do they? - And we come into another bedroom.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Looks like we've got another lady in here. It's all pink in this house.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50I think you're going to be OK.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Fairly decent size.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Again, room for a double bed.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Now. What do we have here? Office.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05It is a strange layout. I suppose, being all on one floor is different.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- We're not used to it. - It's different for us. Exactly.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10I completely agree with Dave there.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12It is quite confusing, this space.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15It takes a couple of circuits to kind of get the layout in your head, doesn't it?
0:16:19 > 0:16:21A nice sized kitchen.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Loads more work surface, actually.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Yeah, there is a lot more. - And a gas cooker.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Gas cooker. Still feels like it's a bit enclosed.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Yeah, it's just a funny layout.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32It is a funny layout.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35And we're not used to looking at bungalows, exactly.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39That could be knocked out, could it?
0:16:39 > 0:16:40Hang on, they want to knock things out?
0:16:40 > 0:16:43I knew he'd want to do this. I was waiting for this, Dave.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45And the last bedroom.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48OK, a similar sort of size. Nice to look out on to the garden.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- Yeah.- I quite like that.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53And nice and light.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Storage is a bit of an issue in this room, is it not?
0:16:56 > 0:16:59There doesn't seem to be too much storage behind there.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- They've got a nice big bed in here, though.- It is oversized, you're right.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05See, I would probably change the layout and I would probably make
0:17:05 > 0:17:09this bedroom a dining room, with the patio doors coming out.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Or some kind of area leading off the kitchen.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Looks like we've got another room through here.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- Ah.- Another office. - This could be yours.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- I think it is definitely mine. - We'll shut you out here.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Congratulations, you two.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29You found it to the garden.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Eventually. It was a bit of a maze in there.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35It's kind of a bungalow. It's just a different way of living.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38And if you did decide to go for a property like this,
0:17:38 > 0:17:39you could move the rooms wherever you wanted them to.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44You could have your bedroom here or, Dave, you could just knock down the walls, you know.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Have it all open-plan. - Take off the roof, extend.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- That is the point. - It could go up, actually.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52If you look next door, they've gone up. There's potential doing that.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Or, of course, you could go down, go into the basement.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57I never thought of that.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Bungalows, they just do generally have a much bigger footprint than your standard house.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04I agree with you, the layout in there, you do have to go around it
0:18:04 > 0:18:08a couple of times before you kind of work out where everything sits.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10But, Dave, come on, this is your opportunity.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Get some walls out, you could create a massive living space in there.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Big open-plan.- Yeah. - And you could keep this garden,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18you've got fantastic space for your chickens, your
0:18:18 > 0:18:23swimming pool, your hot tub, your summer house, all those things and still space for Elise to run around.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26It is nice and light out here, I must admit, in this property.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Kate, you're one down. Your budget maximum £400,000.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33How much for this place?
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Go on, I went first last time. - OK, I'll go first.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- You went off my mark. - Up my stakes this time.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42I think I'm going to go for 395.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- 395, OK.- I think it's a lot less than that, personally.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48I think more like 360.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50360, 395.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Well, you've upped your stakes and you were right to do that.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Congratulations. It's now one all.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56You were the closest.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01Unfortunately, you said don't go above 400,000.
0:19:01 > 0:19:07All right, I did go above 400,000 because I thought it was worth it for this area. It's 430,000.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12But hopefully, with the market, the way it is, there is room to haggle.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- OK. - You could get it within your budget.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- Yeah.- Right. Two very different properties so far, eh?- Yeah.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22We've got one more to go, though. You know what it is.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- It's the wild card. - It's the wild card. It's this way.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Come on. Let's go.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32We've gone off the beaten track for the wild card.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- Well, we've gone to Buckinghamshire. - It's got the space they're after,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38the rural location and needs work doing to it.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43It's ex-local authority and could just be the missing king of hearts to complete our full house.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48OK, Kate and David, the ever intriguing wild card is upon us.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Here it is. But before we talk about the property, let's talk about where we are now.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56We've hopped over the border into Buckinghamshire to Hedgerley just round the corner from the
0:19:56 > 0:19:59lovely village of Stoke Poges. What do you think of the property?
0:19:59 > 0:20:04Well, first impressions aren't great. But the immediate area does look great.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- It's much quieter than we were in- Dash-ay(!)
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Absolutely.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11The size isn't bad. It doesn't look small. That's good.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14No doubt it has potential but I'm loving the area.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- The area's good.- Yes. It looks fantastic.- Much greener.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20At the back you've got private woodlands, so nothing will be
0:20:20 > 0:20:22built behind you, which is absolutely brilliant, I think.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Simon said there, we've hopped over county which is excellent news
0:20:26 > 0:20:30because that puts you in the catchment area for future grammar schools.
0:20:30 > 0:20:36So if you did want to stay here and make this your family home, that's kind of fantastic news and
0:20:36 > 0:20:40it's also got good primary schools as well, just in Farnham Common, which is down the road.
0:20:40 > 0:20:46Right, before we send you in, a word of warning, it's not the wild card for nothing.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49You said when we first spoke to you, you weren't scared of doing a bit of work.
0:20:49 > 0:20:56Bear that in mind. Let's find out if you have the imagination to make this your family home.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57All right? Get in there and enjoy it.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Ah, it certainly is a wild card. OK, so does it a lot of work but that is what...
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Needs new windows.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Well, I'm still quite blown away by the front.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Yes, and the actual location.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18When you take someone into property that needs a lot of work and you hear them going...(GROANS)
0:21:18 > 0:21:23Their voices have actually gone up an octave. They seem quite excited about doing work.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26And that is why we picked this wild card.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- What's through here? We've got a bar.- Wow!
0:21:28 > 0:21:30That's a little games room.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35And looking through there, I'm probably inclined to open all this out.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Dave, I would go one step further, actually.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41I would literally take the extension down and start again.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Go through to the kitchen? It's a good-sized kitchen.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Much bigger than we've got now.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Would we be able to open that out any more?
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Maybe that could possibly be redesigned.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Redesign the back of the house. - That's got loads of potential.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00David said it there, "loads of potential". And that's what they wanted.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03It's nice and bright as we walk up here, nice and bit of sun coming in.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- It's a fair sized garden. - Yes, it is a fair sized garden.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- Lovely woods at the back. - I wonder how far they do stretch?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Take a look at this. Woodlands are privately owned.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16So no-one's going to be building on this. It's absolutely beautiful.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- This is, what? A small bedroom, would you say?- It is a fairly small bedroom. But...
0:22:20 > 0:22:22A good bedroom for...a good bite size bedroom for her.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- Yes.- Enough for a small bed and a wardrobe.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28It's a good, blank canvas, I think, this whole place.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30The excitement is continuing upstairs, isn't it?
0:22:30 > 0:22:34It really is and they're seeing beyond the decor.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Another bedroom. - Original floorboards.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38Yes. That's good potential there.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Love the floorboard. - Take the carpet up.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43At the minute, we don't know if this is the master's, do we?
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- I'd like to think not. - That's obviously a small bedroom.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Yes, that's right. OK.- We'll see.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51And now....the master bedroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Ah, this would be master bedroom, I would say. With a bit more storage over there.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Wouldn't you say? - Yes, definitely more room.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01It's got a double bed in already and it looks like there's
0:23:01 > 0:23:04a similar size to there with that one without the double bed.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- Definitely. No, this one has got more space.- Yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Here you are, sitting in the sunshine overlooking the woods.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- Yes.- It was.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- Say a little bit more, please! - We're just thinking about a lot.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22It's hard to get excited about the property as it is
0:23:22 > 0:23:26but it's quite easy to get excited about the potential.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28And that's what you really want, isn't it?
0:23:28 > 0:23:31When you're walking into a property and most things are finished,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34you're looking at a finished project. You're not looking
0:23:34 > 0:23:36at what it can be turned into.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41Easier, isn't it? To picture a place which needs work in your own style.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Yes, exactly that.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Who's in the lead here? Is it 1-1?
0:23:46 > 0:23:491-1? It's 1-1, isn't it? All right.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52So your maximum budget is £400,000. Who wants to go first?
0:23:52 > 0:23:54I'm going to go on the money.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- 400,000.- I knew you'd do that!
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- Was that your guess?- Yes. - Did you say that to him?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- OK.- OK. £400,000 from you, Dave.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04And I'll go 395.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- You've won, Kate.- Yes!
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- And....- Look at Dave's face. Don't like that!- Yes, never mind that.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11You might not like that but he will like this.
0:24:11 > 0:24:17This place is on the market for £315,000. That was one-five.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18- Is it really?- Yes.- Wow.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20OK, you two. You've got a big decision to make now.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Which one would you like to test drive?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24But we're not going to ask you right away.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27We're going to give you a moment. You can go over there, put your heads together.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31- Yes. We'll see you in a bit. - And make your choice. Good luck! All right, while they do that...
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Here's a quick recap for you.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Will it be my pad offering the perfect opportunity for the family
0:24:35 > 0:24:39to leave their own personal footprint?
0:24:39 > 0:24:46It's a wonderful Art Deco period house with a whopping 150ft of garden and affordable at £389,950.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51Or will it be my property, bizarrely also in Datchet.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53The superb detached chalet style bungalow.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57It's a great size with loads of outdoor space, which is exactly what they're after.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02I think it still represents good value for their money at £430,000.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Or just perhaps David and Kate will plump for today's wild card.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The ex-local authority semi-detached in rural Hedgerley.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12Practically a giveaway at £315,000.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20And they've chosen....the wild card.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Would you believe it? The ex-local authority house in Hedgerley.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25Come on, guys, in you get.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33And David's straight into the bar.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Hey, cheeky! How did he do that?
0:25:39 > 0:25:41This is dusting off the cobwebs....
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- A 60...- Its been a while since I played darts.- 120!
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Double top to bring the house down.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- He's there!- How did he do that?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Must be special effects.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Good to see Kate wasting no time getting started with the yoga.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Easy, girl!
0:25:56 > 0:25:58That's better.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Gorgeous Elise has got it all figured out.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04But come on, David. Let's see one big special-effect, come on.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07A lovely day for testing a bit of snow in the country.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Make it snow in Hedgerley? Wow!
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Brr! It's like a winter wonderland!
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Well, you picked the wild card to test drive.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- Shall we ask why?- This place has got loads of potential.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26I think more for us the area.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29It's a fantastic area.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Slightly less noise, which is always nice.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- Yes.- So, yes, that's the main reasons for me, really.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38This place we can more or less put our own stamp on it.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- I'll ask the big question.... - Hold my hand.- Yes, OK.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43To buy or not to buy?
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- I think we're going to buy.- Really?
0:26:46 > 0:26:48That's fantastic.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Well, of course, it's £85,000 below your budget.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53You've got that to do it up. Maybe even a little bit more?
0:26:53 > 0:26:58Absolutely. Dave, you can just get happy on this place, knocking walls to bits all over the place.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- Demolish it!- Listen, before he does, shall we get out here? - I think we should. Good luck, guys.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- It was lovely to meet you. - See you later.- Thank you.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Simon, the perfect result.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- To buy.- Absolutely. Nice house, that. Pity he's going to demolish it.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15But I guess the point about this search was it was less about the property
0:27:15 > 0:27:17and more about finding them the place to live.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21If you want us to find you the perfect location or the perfect home...
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- Don't hesitate and get in touch. - Bye-bye.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:43 > 0:27:45E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk