0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello and welcome to the heavyweight of property programmes.
0:00:05 > 0:00:11Today we're raising the bar in south Birmingham, with a knockout episode of To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24If you were to use an analogy to explain To Buy Or Not To Buy,
0:00:24 > 0:00:27and let's be honest, usually around this time every day we do that,
0:00:27 > 0:00:30think of us as a form of workout or exercise.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35OK. So we would begin by stretching ourselves to find three properties.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Then we would head to the rowing machine that is of course property one.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41We'd pick up the pace on the treadmill for property two.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44And then head to the vibrating plate thing that makes you do all of that,
0:00:44 > 0:00:46for, of course, the wild card.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Then, don't forget, you get to try the elliptical cross-trainer...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52..before you buy it. Of course we mean house.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Today's buyer is fitness fanatic, Laurie Smith.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56He really is as fit as a fiddle,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59working as a sports teacher, and then,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02spending his spare time pumping iron in his home gym.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04I'm exhausted already.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08And his dad's a dream at DIY, so we've got a handy man to join his son.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10That's handy.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14A first-time buyer at 38, Laurie's more than ready to take the property plunge.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16So let's "work out" what he's looking for.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Ladies and gentlemen, meet Laurie and Michael.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24They could be brothers, but in fact, Michael is Laurie's father.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25What are you looking for?
0:01:25 > 0:01:29I'm looking for a house anywhere along the M5 corridor, really.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Where you're living right now is fabulous.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Why would you want to move out of somewhere like this?
0:01:33 > 0:01:38Not necessarily, I just want my own place that I can put my own stamp on and make my own, really.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- So, you're renting right now? - Yes. First-time buyer as well.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45There's a phrase to describe you, Laurie, are you aware what it is?
0:01:45 > 0:01:47I'm sure you are going to tell me.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49You are what's classified as a hot buyer.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50I like the sound of that.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54And you're the father of a hot buyer. Which is quite something.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- What does that actually mean, being a hot buyer? - It means he's the pick of the crop.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00You are ready to go, you're not in a chain.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Knock on an estate agent's door and they will greet you with smiles.
0:02:03 > 0:02:10- So, M5 corridor, house, you say, so you're not considering an apartment or...?- No. I would rather not.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11Do you want a detached house?
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- Don't mind.- Garden?
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Garden preferably.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20I want somewhere to keep my gym equipment, so either
0:02:20 > 0:02:25a garden big enough to have a shed in, a decent-sized shed, or a garage.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27How much gym equipment do you have?
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Erm...a fair amount.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31What about bedrooms? How many bedrooms are we looking at?
0:02:31 > 0:02:38That depends on looking at whether the garden is big enough to put up a shed or have a garage.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Because one bedroom would be the gym.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43One bedroom would turn into the gym if need be. So...
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- So, how many?- Two, minimum.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- Are you prepared to do some work on a house?- Oh, definitely.
0:02:49 > 0:02:50So who has the skills then?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52I volunteered for it.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55We're in Quinton now. Which is which side of Birmingham?
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Southwest.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Do you like this part?
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- Love this area. - So, maybe around here?
0:03:02 > 0:03:07Yeah, south Birmingham, Bridgnorth, Stourbridge, Quinton, Halesowen...
0:03:07 > 0:03:10The question is, how much money have you got to spend?
0:03:10 > 0:03:14Erm...looking at around £100,000-£120,000.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17OK. Good stuff. Are you confident, Nikki?
0:03:17 > 0:03:22I think if you're prepared to do some work, it could be an interesting project ahead.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- I'm quietly confident. - Good. All right, wish us luck, we'll see you later.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- Brilliant. - Lovely.- Thank you.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35My question is, is he looking for a house or is he actually looking for a gym?
0:03:35 > 0:03:38I think he's looking for a gym-y house, a gym version of a Wendy house.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42I'm inspired by Laurie, and erm... look what I'm doing.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47For the first time ever... Look at me, Mum, I'm going to run to the estate agent's.
0:03:47 > 0:03:48Not in those shoes, you're not, Ed.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51I'm going off to meet the population of south Birmingham.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Our search today is in south Birmingham
0:03:53 > 0:03:56at the edge of the industrial West Midlands,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58widely known as the Black Country.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Laurie works in Halesowen, an area that borders green belt land.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05The Clent Hills cover over 400 acres,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09with panoramic views as far as the Cotswolds and the Welsh borders.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Laurie is currently renting in Quinton, which has the links to the M5 that he requested.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16It used to be a green, leafy suburb, but has built up over the years,
0:04:16 > 0:04:22with the average property price coming in at 116 grand. So it could be a viable option to buy here.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26So, what else could sportsman Laurie get for £120,000 around the UK?
0:04:26 > 0:04:30How about a one-bed apartment in this Grade II listed building in Newport?
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Not far from the Lilleshall National Sports Centre,
0:04:33 > 0:04:34on the market at £120,000.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Or a modern two-bed semi in Loughborough,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41whose university is famed for its sporting students.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42Offers over £120,000.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Finally, how about getting your teeth into
0:04:46 > 0:04:50a dental practice with permission to be converted to a flat,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53near Scotland's first school of sporting excellence?
0:04:55 > 0:04:59All of this talk of sport! Time to get back on to the property hunt.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Now, Sara, I have a lovely man called Laurie, who is into personal
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- fitness and personal training, all that kind of stuff.- Yes.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08He's currently renting in Quinton.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13He's got £120,000 to spend. The thing is, can he afford to stay in Quinton? Cos he quite likes it.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18In terms of area, is it considered a good area, Quinton?
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Yeah, I think so, yeah.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22It has its amenities, as you can see.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Ideal for commuters going in and out of Birmingham -
0:05:26 > 0:05:28the motorway's just down the road.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33Typically speaking, where we're based here, we split between Quinton and Oldbury.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36On the cusp of Quinton, you get Harborne, you get Bartley Green.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40So, a lot of people that are looking for perhaps Harborne
0:05:40 > 0:05:42look to Bartley Green as a second option,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45because it's very close, but you get an awful lot more for your money.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50An average street in Halesowen has quite a different mixture of properties.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Semi-detached, detached, all on the one street - different designs...
0:05:54 > 0:05:57That's one of the things that's quite unique about Halesowen.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02This property - although it requires some work, it's quite dated inside...
0:06:02 > 0:06:05But it is an excellent price.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09So if somebody was prepared to put in some work, that would come within the budget as well.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I think cos you're a little bit further away from town,
0:06:12 > 0:06:17you're getting more for your money and you'll get a nicer property.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22You could go further into town and pay more, but you won't get as much space.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25I've described Laurie as a hot buyer.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Is there a phrase that you would use to describe...
0:06:27 > 0:06:29No, we would say hot buyer also.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Cos he's not only a hot buyer, he is quite a handsome man.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Fabulous, when can we see him?
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Soon. The viewers have seen him already, and hopefully I'll send him your way.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41I have just been meeting the lovely people of south Birmingham.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43And what have YOU been up to, Ed?
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Well, I'm angry that I'VE not had a chance to meet them.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50But I've met a lady called Sara who's the estate agent, who's helped me out massively.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55She's a phenomenal woman with a keen eye for property, and she has steered me to this beauty.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57I won't show you it yet. What have you got?
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Well, I've got a two-bedroom semi-detached property,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04literally round the corner from where Laurie is now.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08So it's in Quinton, and it's a property with potential.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Oh, a property with potential, all the Ps.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12I am in Bartley Green,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15which is near Quinton, but not actually in Quinton.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19I don't want to say too much. Look at that. It's a cracker.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22It's got three bedrooms, and potential for a gym.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23That's it, that's all I'm saying.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Then, we have our wonderful wild card.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32Now, this is actually a very interestingly laid out property,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35with potential for the gym.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38And it's actually in Halesowen.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41It's near to where Laurie works, so the nearest for him in terms of commute,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44but the furthest away from where he is now.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Anyway, those are the properties.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Where shall we go first? - Could we go to mine first? - I think we should.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55So, let's begin today's iron-pumping property fitness session
0:07:55 > 0:07:59with the elliptical cross-trainer that is my choice.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Otherwise known as a three-bed semi in Quinton.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06It's only a road away from Laurie's rented home - or a one-minute jog.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10So, Laurie, Michael, you said that you liked this area.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13You said you didn't mind staying within the vicinity.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I have literally brought you round the corner.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19So, this is the property that I have chosen for you.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24Just looking from the outside, first impressions, please?
0:08:24 > 0:08:29Great. No. Lots of potential for it. Yeah, really, really impressed.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- Michael, you like this area, don't you?- Yeah.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Laurie's used to the area, he knows all the amenities.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36It's good for his work.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I mean, the house looks well looked after.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Some nice fuchsias and buddleia, and some...
0:08:43 > 0:08:47This is very good plant knowledge, Michael.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Only those three, that's it. - You're constantly surprising me.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Get in there, enjoy it, and with an open mind, love this Quinton property.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- Go.- See you later.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- Ooh.- It's lovely.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- I'm going to laugh all the time now. - It just reminds me of Nan's a little bit.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11The stairs going up maybe a bit higher.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Nice and bright. Long room.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Yeah.- Nice long room.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Nice little fireplace. Nice for the cold nights.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Look, he's imagining cold days, but he's moved in and moved in the winter.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26A decent-sized kitchen.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- That's OK.- That's unusual coming from the lounge/diner,
0:09:30 > 0:09:35which is quite clean, modern,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- and coming to this which is... - The beams.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Beamed!- That's plenty good.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Ah, right...- What have you got there?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47This is your little lean-to.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50I say "temporary gym".
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Yeah, great potential here.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Maybe make these a little bit...
0:09:54 > 0:09:57more solid brick. Bring the brick up higher.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59A proper door on there,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02maybe open up the kitchen a little bit.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04It is very much like Nan's, isn't it?
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Yeah.- This little stairs area.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08It's a nice little window.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13You could even do a little extension on top of that area...
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Bring it up, open this up a little bit.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19I think he's so in love with it, he hasn't even thought about a gym space yet.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21You've been doing it for him.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22Oh, great.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24This is a good size, isn't it?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Built-in cupboards. Fantastic.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Lots of light, lots of windows. - Fantastic.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Won't need to do much on the cupboard space,
0:10:33 > 0:10:38cos whatever the decor I decide on, you could just change the frontage.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43I think if you show these guys things that are the finished article, they would be unhappy.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44They WANT to do something.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Another big, decent-sized room.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- That's not bad.- You can tell a lady lives here with all the shoes.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55A little bit darker. So... You know?
0:10:55 > 0:10:59You could get the double bed in here quite reasonably.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00Just needs a bit of a spruce-up.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Clean it up. You know?
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- You don't have a do a lot of decor, really, do you?- No.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13Michael, I think, is now backing out of future plans, by saying you don't need to do a lot of decor changing.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18But Michael doesn't want to do wallpapering, papering, he wants to saw things, for goodness' sake.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Oh, nice.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22It's tiled.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24All clean, great. That's lovely.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- It is lovely.- A shower already.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30You know, nice big windows, nice and bright, nice and airy.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35One thing we've got to look at is where I'm going to put my gym equipment.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38If we're going to move through with
0:11:38 > 0:11:41the little utility room, that's not really big enough.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45I wouldn't recommend the bedroom, either, cos of the weights you use.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Maybe have a look at the garden downstairs.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Got to the top of the house before they started listing the problems.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54No gym upstairs, the weights are too heavy.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- What are you going to do? - I've got a solution for them.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04So, Laurie, Michael, you've had your little look around, what did you make of it?
0:12:04 > 0:12:05Great potential.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11Lots of space, lots of areas where I know I can put my mark on it and change bits and pieces around.
0:12:11 > 0:12:17If you look up towards that way, you can build a garage there.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21You'll get planning permission from the council
0:12:21 > 0:12:24as long as it's no closer than five metres from your house.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28So you can see a lot of people have done that along this row.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- It's a big space.- It is a big space, for a good-sized garage.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33That, Michael, would be your project.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- Don't laugh.- No, it's very feasible.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39It's big enough for two garages, basically.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44Two cars. So somewhere to park his car, and a gym.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- Has Nikki just given you a job?- Yes. - Unbelievable.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49So, a lot of potential.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54But it is now the point of the programme where we like to say "Guess the price".
0:12:54 > 0:12:59So, we've got £120,000 maximum budget to play with. Who would like to go first, father or son?
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- I think the old man needs to go first.- Right, OK, Michael.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04The spotlight's on you.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09Looking at the condition and comparing it with other houses, I'll go for 110.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11£110,000, nice guess. Laurie?
0:13:11 > 0:13:15I'm thinking about 112,950.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17What an intriguing guess.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Well, you are the closest.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25It is in fact 112 on the nose, £112,000. So...
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- it's well within your budget, isn't it?- Yes, definitely.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Well, you could have the highest-spec gym on the street.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Probably the only gym on the street.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- But there is still property two, my one. Would you like to have a look?- Definitely.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- I think it's down this way. - After you.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Time to pick up the pace on the treadmill that is my choice.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50It's just on the edge of Bartley Green, which is not far from Quinton.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52It's got three bedrooms, a conservatory and a veranda.
0:13:52 > 0:13:58Let's hope it's a heart-racing, breath-taking experience for our property-hunting pair.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03Laurie and Michael, step toward what I'm hoping could become your future.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07This is Bartley Green, a little bit further than Quinton where you currently are.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Now, you don't need to do any actual building,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13your gym is catered for, but what you do need to is renovation.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15It needs updating.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20I think you could use some of your design techniques. I heard a lot in the headphones,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23and I think, Laurie, you've got a bit of a design whizz inside of you.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Hiding somewhere.- Hiding!
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- I think it's desperately trying to get out.- He's good at gardens too.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Well, the garden here is a cracker as well.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Righty-ho. Are you excited?
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Yes. Always.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- OK. 3, 2, 1 -- be- that house!
0:14:39 > 0:14:40Bye. Enjoy.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44Oh, lovely.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46This is a bit roomier, isn't it?
0:14:46 > 0:14:51Fantastic news. Immediately greeted with "More spacious than the other one".
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Fantastic. Good size.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Really good size. It's got plenty of room.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00I think the lounge is a similar size to yours.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- Ah.- Kitchen/diner.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Oh, a tiny kitchen.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06You could get an extra couple of...
0:15:06 > 0:15:08If you got a corner unit over here...
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Change that round, and move it... Change it right round.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- It's not bad, actually. I quite like...- It's not bad at all.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Wow, extension.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Crikey, that's huge.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- It's massive.- That's nice.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Again, you've got the polystyrene ceiling.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29You can sort that out.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31The room itself is...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36I'm just wondering. That's a solid brick wall.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39It reminds me of the extension we made in Gloucester.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40Yeah. It's not far off, is it?
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Some fathers and sons have memories of
0:15:42 > 0:15:46the day they fished or the day they kicked a ball in the back garden.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50These guys have memories of the day they built an extension somewhere in Gloucester.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Come on, then...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56A nice banister up there.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- Oh, wow, does that remind you of Nan's?- Yes.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05This is great, huge potential,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08but really dated. Really dated.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- Lovely.- A decent size.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- This is a second bedroom, isn't it, so...- I don't know, we'll have to look at the other one.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23You've got room to make fitted wardrobes, if you want.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25You could put one across there.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I don't think I've ever had a father and son combo on the show before.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Oh, in all of this time? - Well, I've never had it.- Right.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33But it's nice. And he's helping his dad out.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36"Here's some jobs." I don't know if he's going to pay him.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Another room with polystyrene.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41They do like the polystyrene.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- Great size.- Yeah.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Plenty of room. With the bay windows.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48So, put some nice
0:16:48 > 0:16:52fitted wardrobes along there, that would be good.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54One more room, next door.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55OK, mate.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59The third...and the smallest room.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- And they've kept with the... - Theme of the tiles.- The ceilings.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08I mean, it just needs lots of superficial stuff really, isn't it?
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- Yeah.- Rip it all down, check what's behind the walls.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14If you've never purchased a house
0:17:14 > 0:17:16and you're watching this for the first time,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20these guys are showing you what to do. A little bit of a knock here...
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Rip that out.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Working all this stuff. Just going around the house.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Record this episode, in fact.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29You should be anyway. Then you can build a house from exactly what they say.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Michael and Laurie, is this enough of a project for you, do you think?
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Oh, yeah, this is right up my street. - Really?- Right up my street, yep.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- OK.- Plenty I could get my hands dirty doing.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47What about gym? We've got this beast here, would this be the potential for a gym?
0:17:47 > 0:17:50It's pretty much exactly the same as the one I've got.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53There's enough room at the bottom of the garden to build a purpose one.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- Gentlemen...- As if by magic, Nikki's arrival must mean only one thing.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02You have to guess the price. Who'd like to go first?
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Laurie's turn to go first this time.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06I'm thinking 114,500.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- Really, you've just got that feeling in your water? - Definitely.- OK, Michael?
0:18:10 > 0:18:14I think his water's a bit rusty, I'm going for 112,000.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16£112,000. OK.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Erm... You have got rusty water.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25The actual price is £110,000. So, you're closest, Michael.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Excellent news about the price. It's neck and neck in Guess the Price.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34And also, because you are a hot buyer, more money to be potentially taken off the property.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38But, don't make your mind up just yet, there is one more property.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42You're new to the show, aren't you, Michael? It's everyone's favourite, the wild card.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44I'm really looking forward to it.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49There is a surge in power when the wild card part comes up, everyone wants to watch it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Shall we go, then?- Yes.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57It's about that time in the To Buy Or Not To Buy workout to visit
0:18:57 > 0:19:01the vibrating plate thing that is property number three, the wild card.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05It's got glorious open views at the back, and is in Halesowen.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08So, only a short run, cycle or walk to Laurie's work.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13So, Laurie and Michael, we found you a three-bedroom,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17two-bathroom property, in a very familiar area to you, I assume?
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Right round the corner from college.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- You could run to work... - Walk. Cycle.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24I don't want to give too much away, but there is a gym.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27When you walk around the house, you might not find it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29But there is one in this house.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32There's lots of jobs have been given to you, Michael,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35throughout the episode so far.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Are you going to be paying him, Laurie?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- Are you going to be paying me? - Paying in kind. Food and water.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Bread and water.- Yeah.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47OK, so maybe there might not be so much work to be done after that's been revealed.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Are you ready to experience the wild card?- Yes.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- OK. 3, 2, 1, get in it.- Enjoy.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Well, nice and bright.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01It is, isn't it?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- A nice shower area. - Could sit down in here.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- Great big shower room.- This is good.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12It's a nice room. It's well tiled and a proper shower room, isn't it?
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Nothing much to do in here at all.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20Except for maybe get the chair out, or keep the chair in here and just have long lounge showers.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23This looks like a kitchen/diner.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- New kitchen units. So a nice-sized kitchen.- Not a bad size, is it?
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Not a bad size at all.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33That's a nice window.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35I'm actually quite surprised with this.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38This is quite good. Shall we go through to the lounge?
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Yep.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42A decent-sized lounge.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Yep. That's not bad at all.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Dated wallpaper, but you can change that easily.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Wow, what a view.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50And the window's nice, isn't it?
0:20:50 > 0:20:54See that area of grass there? That, the locals call Coventry.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Because when Coventry was bombed in the war,
0:20:56 > 0:21:00all the rubble and stuff was shoved there, they planted grass over it,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04and that is Coventry in Halesowen.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05Although there's no back garden.
0:21:05 > 0:21:11So it's straight on to a driveway, so I'd imagine there's a...
0:21:11 > 0:21:12A basement or something.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- No. There's going to be a garage underneath.- Right.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19I reckon.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- That's nice.- Not too bad.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24A bit of imagination, it'd be great.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28Yes, what a positive way of describing it. They are very good, aren't they?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Nice little erm...little office.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Yep. And a lovely view from this room, as well.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Yep, lovely.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Decent-sized room. - Surprising, aren't they?
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Built-in cupboards take up a lot of space. It's still a decent sized room.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50A bit of modernising. That's all it needs.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51That's right.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55So they're seeing potential. It's all very positive, isn't it?
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Front bedroom. Compact and bijou, I think the word is.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03You could get a single bed in here, really.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Maybe. Maybe a single bed in the other room,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09or a double bed in the other room and make this an office.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Well, it wasn't as TARDIS-like as we were hoping.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17Because Michael did spot that it was a little bit "compact and bijou" as he said.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22Ah. Another small bathroom,
0:22:22 > 0:22:24but adequate.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25And tiled.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29No double glazing on the front of this, but all tiled, so
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- maybe...- We could put double glazing in there, no problem.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33Yeah.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40As if by the magic of television, we are in...
0:22:40 > 0:22:41The garage.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Or...- The gym.- Yes!
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Thank you. Do you know where the location of this mystery room is?
0:22:47 > 0:22:50It's directly below the sitting room.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54There we go, right. So, this is all yours. Double garage space.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55A cracking space.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57There's plenty of room here.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Good, solid floors, it doesn't matter if I drop the weights.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02See? Well, I already knew that.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07Only because he said he couldn't have his weights upstairs in the earlier property.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Yes, but I've learnt, haven't I? - You're a quick study, I'll give you that.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15OK, it is now time to play Guess the Price. Quite an important Guess the Price for this property.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Who would like to go first? Cos we're neck and neck, aren't we, right now.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I think it's the old man's turn to go first again.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25A little bit cruel, because Michael doesn't really know the area.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- All right. Michael...? - Bowing to my superior judgment.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32Right, OK. £120,000 is your maximum budget, what do you think?
0:23:32 > 0:23:36It's very difficult. Really difficult.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38I think I'll go for 105,000.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42OK, £105,000. Laurie?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I'm thinking 108,950.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Right, OK. Interesting.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47I am beaming...
0:23:47 > 0:23:52It is £89,950.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57- Wow.- Substantially less than either of you guessed, and so much less than your budget.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Does that change the whole complexion of your decisions?
0:24:00 > 0:24:03It does put the cat among the pigeons.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05There you go. Also, let's not forget this point -
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Michael, congratulations. You've won.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- Oh, yes, well done, Michael. - And Laurie,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13who has been doing all of the house-hunting, has lost.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Gentlemen, it is time to wander off and make the biggest decision
0:24:17 > 0:24:20of your adult lives about which one to test-drive.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Head off. And good luck.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Thank you.- Choose wisely.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29And while they choose, here's a quick recap for you at home.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Did our fitness peak early with property one, the three-bed semi-detached in Quinton?
0:24:33 > 0:24:35On the market at £112,000.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Or did we set the pace with property number two,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43with its large garden and a great price of...
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Or will things "work out" for the wild card in Halesowen?
0:24:47 > 0:24:52It's got three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a huge gym space for Laurie.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54All for only £89,950.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59So, which one will they choose to test drive?
0:25:03 > 0:25:08They've decided to do a re-run on my treadmill that is property two.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I hope they've got some changing rooms in there.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Laurie's taking this To Buy workout very seriously.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19A gym session in the garage.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Ah. Michael's my kind of man.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25A leisurely stroll around the garden. Smell some flowers.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Don't you just love it?
0:25:27 > 0:25:30I can't believe Laurie's still at it, where does he get his energy?
0:25:30 > 0:25:32The question is, Nikki, will this property be a knockout?
0:25:32 > 0:25:36Laurie and Michael. I was nervous you were going to test the wild card,
0:25:36 > 0:25:41because there seemed an awful lot of possibility there. But you chose MY one.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Which is fantastic news. Can I ask why you went for this?
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I just thought...with everything, the whole package,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52you've got kind of a blank canvas here,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55with a similar amount of potential but in a quieter area.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00We're near the most important part of the programme. The viewers will be very nervous.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Crossing their fingers, hoping and hoping. Are we ready?
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Nikki...sock it to them.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07To buy or not to buy?
0:26:07 > 0:26:09I'm thinking I'm going to put an offer in.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- Fantastic. Congratulations, Ed! - So... Yes, this is good.
0:26:13 > 0:26:19We're going for a negotiation, because you're a hot buyer, you are ready to go, no chain.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Unbelievable. - Congratulations to you.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27Michael, all the sandwiches and drink you can have with the work you've got here.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure. If you do buy it, let the show know.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Cos we would love to come back and see all Michael's work.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- We'll see you later on. - Take care, good luck, guys.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Good call, Ed Hall, I say.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Thank you very, very, very much.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Has it inspired you, this little journey, in any way to perhaps do
0:26:46 > 0:26:50a little more exercise, maybe build a gym for yourself?
0:26:50 > 0:26:54I want to say yes, but what I'm going to say is yes, but with houses involved.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59I plan to now energetically sprint the length of the country, hoping to find properties for you.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03If you're out there and you need me and Nikki, or any of us on To Buy Or Not To Buy
0:27:03 > 0:27:08to help you bench-press the property of your dreams, then, please, for goodness' sake,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- don't hesitate to contact us. See you soon.- Bye-bye.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:31 > 0:27:33E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk