0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello, good morning and welcome. Today, we're in Herefordshire,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08where rolling countryside meets...
0:00:09 > 0:00:10rolling countryside.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14And once more, we want to turn property dreams into reality.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Ladies and gents, sit back and relax, enjoy the scenery,
0:00:18 > 0:00:20because this is...
0:00:20 > 0:00:22To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Nikki, I absolutely adore this part of the world.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38Do you fancy doing something special to commemorate our time here?
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- Do you fancy house-hunting for a couple you've never even met?- I do.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47Do you fancy finding them three properties that they might be able to look at?
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Yes, I do. I'm going to go one stage further.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55I'm talking another viewing. A second chance to look round. A revisit, if you will.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- You mean to try? - Yeah, a little bit more.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- Before they buy!- Yes, I do.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05'Meet today's buyers, John and Anne Pritchard.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10'Anne is a school support officer and John is a retired engineer.'
0:01:10 > 0:01:14'Since all of their kids have flown the nest, they've been rattling around
0:01:14 > 0:01:19'their massive black-and-white Gloucestershire cottage where they've lived for 30 years.'
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- '30 years? And now they want to downsize?' - 'I know, Nikki. No pressure, then.'
0:01:23 > 0:01:28John and Anne, congratulations for getting onto To Buy Or Not To Buy. Many people try.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Why? Why do you need us?
0:01:30 > 0:01:35We've got a challenge ahead, because we've been in this beautiful house for 30 years
0:01:35 > 0:01:39and it's lovely and big and spacious and light in a lovely rural village,
0:01:39 > 0:01:45but we really need to downsize now, cos the children have left home, flown the nest,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50and we just want to downsize, have something warmer, cosier, easier to maintain.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- How could you have anything warmer and cosier than this?- I know.
0:01:53 > 0:01:59- It's stunning!- The rooms are so big. It's stunning, but the rooms are big. It is a wrench.
0:01:59 > 0:02:05Can I ask, are we under pressure to move? How many houses have you looked at so far?
0:02:05 > 0:02:08We are under pressure. We've got a buyer for this
0:02:08 > 0:02:11and they want us out in about 10 or 12 weeks.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14How many properties have you looked at already?
0:02:14 > 0:02:20- About 28.- About 28? - And over how long, six months or so?
0:02:20 > 0:02:22- A week.- A week.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- Have you seen anything that you liked?- We did shortlist four,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28but we can't decide.
0:02:28 > 0:02:34I really want house A on plot B with house C's fittings.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39The more houses you look at, you then will want house F with house C.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Possibly, you've got to compromise.
0:02:41 > 0:02:47When you say you want to downsize, you want smaller rooms... How many bedrooms in this house?
0:02:47 > 0:02:51There's four upstairs and then downstairs there's a sort of study-bedroom.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- But I understand that you might want the same number of bedrooms. - Possibly four bedrooms.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58I would manage with three double rooms.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- I don't want to sound patronising, but have you looked up the definition of downsizing?- I know.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- To go down in size.- It's all relative, isn't it?- It's a big house.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11So maybe we're downing in girth on the rooms, but you essentially want the same amount of bedrooms.
0:03:11 > 0:03:19Are you looking for something with beams and the quality that this old part of the house has got,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- or do you want more modern? - We thought we'd go modern.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Then I don't have to worry about the maintenance, woodworm.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28What about the garden? Do you want a big garden?
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Not really, no. We'd like a private garden.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- Not overlooked.- Not overlooked.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Why do you not... I always have to wrap my head around why people don't want to be overlooked.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Erm, we don't want people staring at us when we're out there sunbathing.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- We're not nudists.- I go out there in my shreddies sometimes.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48THEY LAUGH He'll go out in his underpants.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Right. I'd say privacy is a requirement.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55I would say the neighbours would be livid that they won't get a chance to see John
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- wandering round in his underpants. - What do you want most of all out of a new property?
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Probably a doghouse.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- Is that for you? - Like I've got out there, a workshop.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08It doesn't have to be large, like I've got at the moment,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11but, yes, I need somewhere where I can be on my own and do my own thing.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16Tinkering. A man's own private kingdom is his shed. What areas do we need to be in?
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- Are you fairly free and easy? - I work in Gloucester,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22so we'd like to be 10, 20 miles from Gloucester.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Big question of the day, and of any day,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28it sounds a great plan, how much money have you got for it?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- Probably about £250,000 to £350,000. - Okey-cokey.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- We could possibly go a bit more. - Oh, you can go higher?
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- I want to negotiate them down, but we could go higher. - And you're ready to go, pretty much,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- cos you've got 12 weeks to find this place.- Yes. - A great haggling position.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- We are, we're in a good position. - Well, cross your fingers for us. - Yeah, wish us luck.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- And we'll see you later. - Lovely. Thank you very much.
0:04:54 > 0:04:5728 properties later...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Almost a horror film. Well, it is a horror film in their world.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05In one week, they've seen those. We've got to show them three properties in one day and nail it.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Don't worry, Nikki. The mysterious property-hunting team are omnipresent.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- We'll never see them on screen but they will help us. I want to achieve one more thing.- What?
0:05:14 > 0:05:18I want to make John and Anne's inner-naturist outer with that secluded garden,
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- so I'm going to go find an estate agent. - I'm going to find the locals.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Think Herefordshire. Think all things good.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28You mean like cider and beef?
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Yes, I do. But there's so much more than that.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Charming towns, quaint villages and glorious countryside.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Yes, there's certainly wonderful scenery around here.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40The River Wye weaves its way through the county
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and, in parts, even forms the border of Wales.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48Its unpolluted waters offer some of the best salmon fishing in the UK.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53I can't see any here. Maybe they're taking a rest from swimming upstream.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Despite the feeling of isolation, Herefordshire has fantastic access
0:05:57 > 0:06:00to the Southwest and Wales via the M5 and M50.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05So it's really easy to see why this is a highly desirable area to call home.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Let's see what Anne and John's £350,000 would get you elsewhere in the UK
0:06:09 > 0:06:12if it was a serious downsize that you were after.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18If you wanted to live somewhere quintessentially English in an iconic building,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21this one-bed apartment on Bath's Royal Crescent could be yours
0:06:21 > 0:06:23for £325,000.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Or if the lure of the big smoke was too much
0:06:26 > 0:06:30and you could squeeze into a studio flat with a pull-down bed,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33this beauty close to Regent's Park could be yours.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35The price, £350,000.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41How about this fantastic mews property in a converted coach house in East 17?
0:06:41 > 0:06:46You could be heading up the apples and pears here for £330,000.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52'But, back in Herefordshire, it's about time our downsizing mission got underway.'
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Am I going to have an easy task finding a picturesque village?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00I think, if you can't find a picturesque village in Herefordshire,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- then I don't know if you're up to the job.- Thanks very much.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Hello, how are you? How you going? - Very well, thank you.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Now, I am looking for a couple who are looking to downsize.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13They have had enough of their 16th-century fantastic house.
0:07:13 > 0:07:19- They want no maintenance. They do not want a black-and-white house with render on the front of it.- OK.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21You're spoilt for choice in Herefordshire, really.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26Every couple of miles, you find another really great village with a nice local pub.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30They're open to where they need to be, but a 20-mile radius of Gloucester.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33They have £350,000 to spend.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Will I get views everywhere I go?
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Can I look left, right, ahead and backwards and always have a view?
0:07:39 > 0:07:43You'll always get views in Herefordshire, it just depends how big a view you want.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49- They have looked round an incredible amount of properties in the last week. 28 properties.- OK.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53So there might be a few that they've seen in the area. So what have you got?
0:07:53 > 0:07:57A couple to start with. Victorian property. Nice, private gardens.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Got the four bedrooms. - I'll put that on the maybe pile.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Why is this area so beautiful and desirable?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05What is it that people come here looking for?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Well, you wouldn't get a greener place anywhere on the earth.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13We have fantastic countryside, a lot of history.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Something a little bit more black-and-white.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18You see, I like that, you like that,
0:08:18 > 0:08:22he's lived in that for 35 years, that kind of property.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27So, if you want something with character, something individualistic,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30something beautiful, you've come to the right place.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35It's centred in a village, newly renovated all the way through, bungalow, nice, formal gardens.
0:08:35 > 0:08:41- Can I arrange some viewings with you?- Not a problem.- There's the hand. Thank you very much.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Nikki, how were the lovely folk of the area?- Absolutely lovely.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Such a pride in the countryside and in their buildings.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55I met an incredibly handsome man called Justin, the estate agent, and he's helped me out immeasurably.
0:08:55 > 0:09:01Property one I've gone for is the closest of the three to Gloucester, which is Anne's commute. Very nice.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06Might have blurred the definition of downsizing slightly, cos it might be a bit...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Also, it might not be the most low maintenance of properties.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Upkeep. John might have a little bit too much work to do.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17But it isn't overlooked and the inner naturist could...
0:09:17 > 0:09:23In other words, you've completely ignored their instructions, whereas I have found a modern bungalow.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26It's going to be low maintenance, it's spacious.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29I have strayed a little bit further from Gloucester,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31but I think it's going to be fantastic.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34The wild card is in a similar area to Nikki's.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37It is right on the edge of the commute to Gloucester for Anne.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40A compromise here is, they've got great views,
0:09:40 > 0:09:45but the problem is, some of the neighbours have got slightly better views of their back garden.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50So it is slightly overlooked. But it's very nice, very gorgeous,
0:09:50 > 0:09:54very low-maintenance, very low-maintenance, so I don't know which on they'll go for.
0:09:54 > 0:10:00- I think they'll go for mine, cos I followed every single instruction to a tee.- Where shall we start?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- Yours.- Property one.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10Here we go, then, possibly my favourite property of all time, packed with period features,
0:10:10 > 0:10:15a garden to die for and vegetable patch worthy of Jamie Oliver. This one's a hit.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Very good, Ed, but I don't think you've got the hang of this downsizing lark.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23John and Anne, walk, if you dare, toward property number one.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26This is the one the property-hunting team and I have plumped for.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30We are crossing our fingers that this could be the house of your dreams.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34I've been slightly naughty in this house and in the back garden.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I'm not going to say what I've done specifically,
0:10:36 > 0:10:41but it might be related to the downsizing aspect.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44So remember that. But what do you think?
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- First impressions?- I think it looks very pretty, very nice.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54It does look good, yeah. I do like the wrought iron work.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Church-style windows.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00It's very nice. You are ten minutes from Gloucester, so that's...
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- That's brilliant. - Not very far for you, is it?- No.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07What about the location? Do you like being out this far in the sticks?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Definitely, yeah. It's brilliant. Perfect.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14And going back to the earlier conversation about wandering around in your underpants,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- or maybe without your underpants... - Not without.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20..in your garden that isn't overlooked, you have that option.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- And you've got a pond!- Really?- Fish.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27And that's all the information you're going to know before you go in.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Remember, I've been naughty. Where have I been naughty and have I been too naughty?
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Enter my naughty house. - Enjoy.- See you in a bit.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41This is exciting, isn't it?
0:11:41 > 0:11:44I have been naughty, ladies and gents, with this house.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Not with the house alone, but with the garden, as well.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51I'll just hang my coat up a second after that rain.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- Gosh.- Oh, that's quite nice.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- A sort of cottagey feel, isn't it? - Mm.- Which is what we're used to, which is good.- Indeed.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Cottagey feel? Maybe I haven't been as naughty as I thought.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- No, it is a cottage.- Yeah, but cottagey usually means small.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11- Yeah, do you think that's workable? - Yeah, I'd have thought so.- Yeah.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I like the arch windows.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- They make a churchy feel, don't they? - Mm.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Secondary double glazing down here, isn't it?
0:12:19 > 0:12:25- They are wooden windows and they didn't really want to have that sort of upkeep.- John hasn't mentioned it.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Down the step.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32Will our dining table fit here, do you think?
0:12:32 > 0:12:37It seats ten. I've tried it out earlier on. So they could get all the family round there. Perfect.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43- I like the floor.- Yes, nice tiled floor.- Tiled straight through. - Lovely.- Good idea.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- All-in-one feel.- Mm.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51This looks like a library, doesn't it? Office.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Hm. Nice feel to it, isn't it?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Yeah, yeah. It's very good.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03If we used this as a study, this is fine, isn't it?
0:13:03 > 0:13:07OK, this is the step down into what could be your fourth bedroom
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- or it could be the study, which it currently is.- Yeah.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- It would be a small fourth bedroom, but when you've got grandchildren staying...- They'd love it.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- Lounge.- Lounge, yes.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22They've got nice latched doors, look, like we've got.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- Mm. And a wood burner.- Yes, that's right, you want a fire, don't you?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- Mm-hm.- Yes.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I wonder what the view's like if I sit down. What do you think?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- It's a nice view of the garden and the trees.- Yeah.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43OK, now, I'm slightly disappointed that John hasn't looked out of those windows
0:13:43 > 0:13:46and overlooked his massive shed.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49I wonder how old the property is.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52It's got to be late 1800s, I would think.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Now John's in his area of expertise. Late 1800s he's putting that part of the house at.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01Would you classify that, in John terms, as specifics or more romantic language about the house?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- I think romantic language. - I think he likes it.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07More beams.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Budgerigars.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Do you think that bird is saying, "I can't believe you're in our house!"
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Yes.- "Who are you? Where have the owners gone?"
0:14:17 > 0:14:22It's another dining room, so that was the kitchen/breakfast room.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28- Living room. This is obviously a formal dining room. - It's a bit far from the kitchen.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Yeah, but we'd use it at Christmas. - Yeah.- And maybe on a Sunday.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38They're thinking of Christmas, how to utilise the space at certain times of the year.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42And it's not that far, is it? It's only a matter of metres. It's not miles.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45I like the newel posts.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50This must be the bathroom.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- Again, that's nice, isn't it? - Yes, very pleasant.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- So we've got a nice, old-fashioned looking, white basin.- Mm.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03No bidet, but I'm sure we could sort that out.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Ooh, they like a bidet. How very European.- Unbelievable.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Oh, this is nice. - A shower room, is it?
0:15:11 > 0:15:15Look at the outlook on the garden, as well, through the window.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- Isn't that beautiful? - It is.- Lovely outlook.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Yes, they've seen the outside. Look at the shed.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26A massive shed! There! Why don't they look at it?
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Maybe he doesn't believe that could even be his. It is!
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- Gosh, this is a big room, isn't it? - Wow.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- Yeah.- Very spacious, isn't it? - I should say.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- I think it's as big as our bedroom, isn't it?- About the same size. - I think it is.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44They're downsizing, Nikki, but I've been very naughty.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47I've given them luxury. Those bedrooms are pretty darn big.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- One is. - Well, the other one's pretty big.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- The other one's a good size, but it's not big.- It's pretty big.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- What are you comparing it to? - Something small.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57SHE LAUGHS
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- Do you think those are fitted wardrobes? I think they might be. - Looks like it.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Mm.- I quite like fitted wardrobes.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- Always the question, isn't it? - For a woman.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12"Do you think they're fitted wardrobes?" The beauty of a fitted wardrobe, you get to keep them.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- They come as your fixtures and fittings.- Yeah.- Unless they're mean and take them away.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Which way am I going? I'm lost already.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Through there. - Oh, it must be this way, yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- It's confusing when you're not used to the house.- Mm.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- It's a very interesting layout. - Yeah.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32This is a good double size, look, John.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Isn't it?- Oh, wow, yes.
0:16:34 > 0:16:40We want the double rooms, don't we, for when the children come to stay. We want plenty of room, don't we?
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- This looks like another floor up here, look.- Yeah.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Across a creaking floor. - Is this the attic room?
0:16:48 > 0:16:52We're on the third floor, aren't we?
0:16:52 > 0:16:57Gosh. Look at this. That's unusual, isn't it?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00We're right in the roof now.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02We want a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:17:02 > 0:17:08See, I think that you could put two beds up there if you needed to.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Because they've got grandkids coming round,
0:17:11 > 0:17:15stick a curtain in there, just temporary, so they've got a bit of privacy,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17they'll be fine. The kids would love it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Gosh. A bit of exposed brickwork there.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- It's very light and warm, actually. - Mm.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- A lovely feel to it up here. - There is.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36John and Anne, I was concerned that I might have been a little bit naughty,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40I might have given you too much of a house, too big gardens and rooms. Have I?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42No, I don't think so.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- No, the rooms...- The rooms are the right sort of size.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50It works because it has all the rooms we require, they're on a smaller scale,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52so it's definitely got potential.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56OK, workshop, John, your domain. You have got, in your front garden,
0:17:56 > 0:18:01that gigantic shed, you've got the summer house and a gazebo. Which one would you pick?
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- The large shed, of course. - Is that good for you?- Yes.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- It looks excellent.- And what do you think about the garden?
0:18:08 > 0:18:12The garden's great. It's got the lovely wooden borders round the vegetable patch.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Does it feel too big? Have I given you too much of a garden?
0:18:16 > 0:18:21In a way, it doesn't feel too big. It's so well laid out, I think we could probably manage it.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Retirement project. - The current owner says, in springtime, hack the thing back,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29takes about a week, but that's all you've got to do. It looks after itself.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- So it's not so bad. - That does sound good.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Any negatives?
0:18:34 > 0:18:37To me, it might be slightly on the old side.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43Is it too old and is there going to be work to do, but that could be sorted out in a survey.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- 200 years younger than your other one.- That's right, it's only a baby, really.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- We know what work went into the other one.- Does that scare you, John?- Just a bit.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Knowing how much we had to put into the last house, and looking at this one,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59yes, it's liveable as of now,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02but I think that the work in the future could be quite hefty.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06So is that the only negative, the fact that it's still period and old
0:19:06 > 0:19:09and could need more maintenance than you're willing to put in?
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- Yeah, that's... - The only thing.- The only thing.
0:19:12 > 0:19:18- Let's not focus on negatives, cos everything is remediable if you love it and the price is right.- True.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24- So, you have a maximum budget of... - 350.- 350.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Who do you want to go first? Nikki, you pick.- John.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32I would've thought it was probably somewhere in the region of our maximum.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35In the region? Be specific, if you could.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Erm...
0:19:38 > 0:19:39345.
0:19:39 > 0:19:45- OK. Cagey.- I think I'd go 349,950.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49OK, 349,950 and 345.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53The actual price of this cracker of a property, and it's lovely,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56with a garden you could do whatever you want in...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- It's exactly right, Anne. - Well done you!
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- It's 349,950. Exactly.- I've won the first round.- There we go!
0:20:04 > 0:20:09And considering the position you're in, house sold, got to get out in 12 weeks, there are deals to be done.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13You are a great buyer. So money could be taken off this
0:20:13 > 0:20:17to paint those windows that might need a bit of attention.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20So there is money to do that.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- The question is, do you want to go to Nikki's property?- Er, yes!
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- I definitely want to.- Really? - Yes!- You've whetted my appetite.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Come on, then.- I've seen it. - Shush, Ed! Just come on!
0:20:33 > 0:20:37And onto my choice. This they are going to love.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41A rural location with unspoilt views to the rear
0:20:41 > 0:20:43and everything they asked for all under one roof.
0:20:43 > 0:20:50It looks really great. That said, could you just remind me how far away from Gloucester we are?
0:20:50 > 0:20:54So, John, Anne, we are in the village of Ullingswick,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56which is Herefordshire.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01I've strayed ever-so slightly. We're about 25 miles from Gloucester.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- Are you familiar with this area at all?- Not really, no.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- Did you like the feel as we were driving up here?- Definitely.- Yes.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13And I bring you to my property, which is a bungalow.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Now, I wasn't sure whether a bungalow was something that you might be looking at,
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- let alone such a modern property. What's your first impression? - Looks very good.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- I like it, definitely. - So do I.- What do you like?
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Lack of painting on the outside. Double glazing.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Double glazing.- It's important for you, double glazing.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- It looks very nice.- I think you'll be pleasantly surprised
0:21:36 > 0:21:39by how spacious this property is.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41And also, you've got views.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Great.- Go and have a look. - Even better.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- Enjoy.- Thank you.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48You seem very confident.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- We didn't even tell them there are four bedrooms and two kitchens. - Unbelievable.- Exactly.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Nice, spacious hall, isn't it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- So far, so good, eh?- Yeah. Nice big hall.- Yeah. I like a spacious hall.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11Just what she always wanted. A spacious hall? She never told us that! I'd have given her that!
0:22:11 > 0:22:15And double doors, look. Glass doors.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- What you always wanted.- That's another thing I like, isn't it?
0:22:18 > 0:22:21This is twice now. Two things they've made up here.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Double doors? They never mentioned that!
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- But sometimes they don't mention everything.- I don't care!
0:22:28 > 0:22:32I would've found them that if I'd have known! I want to please people! But now I'm angry!
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- Well, you weren't lucky, were you? - Well...
0:22:35 > 0:22:37And this is plenty of room, isn't it?
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- Yep.- A very comfortable space. - Very good, actually.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- Not too large. We can sit round and be all cosy so we can chat. - Nice fireplace.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- Yep. That was a big plus for you, wasn't it, a fireplace.- Yep.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54The fireplace is one of the few things that the current owners put into the house.
0:22:54 > 0:23:00- Really?- Mm. That and the extension. They did the conservatory. - They've done it beautifully.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06- I like that.- This is a conservatory, is it? Looks like it, doesn't it? - I like the floor.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- Yes, nice tiles, aren't they? - Yeah, they're very good.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13This is an enormous conservatory, isn't it?
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- Yes, it is rather huge. - Gosh. Lovely country view.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- And not too big a garden.- No. Looks very manageable, doesn't it?
0:23:21 > 0:23:25They like the aspect. That is not in debate in any way, shape or form.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33What have we here? Gosh, look at this beautiful bedroom. It's an enormous size.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- So that's the biggest bedroom. - Mm-hm.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38And I would assume that's their bedroom.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43Well, they could choose, really. As you say, the four bedrooms are all crackers.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47Built-in wardrobes. That keeps it all streamline, doesn't it?
0:23:47 > 0:23:52That's another feature I wanted. And then it's easier to clean and dust and everything.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Beautiful view out of here, out of the window
0:23:56 > 0:23:59and into the garden and over the fields beyond.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04- A great view to wake up to in the morning.- It's a stunning view. You are admitting it.- All right.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- Ah, this is rather nice. - Would you say palatial?
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- Yes.- I'd say palatial. - What are they talking about?
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- That looks like a Jacuzzi bath, doesn't it?- It would seem so. - My gosh.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- Again, a beautiful double size, isn't it?- Certainly is.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- Cornflower blue. - Yeah. Reflects well off the ceiling. - And this must be an en suite.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- That's good, isn't it?- Really very well appointed, isn't it?
0:24:34 > 0:24:37He's not seen the fact that he hasn't got a shed yet.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42- He also hasn't seen the fact that he has a double garage. - Don't call the dogs off yet.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- Wow.- Oh!- Look at this!
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Gosh! So, this is like a living room, isn't it, really?
0:24:52 > 0:24:57- Like an everyday living room where you can sit, eat, cook. - Kitchen-diner.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02That whole kitchen area they are seeing as their sort of den,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05their warm centre of family life.
0:25:06 > 0:25:12- Plenty of power points.- You could live in here. You wouldn't need any other rooms apart from the bedroom.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16It's very spacious.
0:25:16 > 0:25:17Quite amazing.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- Gosh.- Wow, a larder! At last!
0:25:22 > 0:25:26I thought our house was the last one in the country with a walk-in pantry.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- I know, you don't often see larders these days, do you?- No.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Who would've thought, of all the rooms in all the world,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36the larder in Ullingswick in Herefordshire
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- would be the deal breaker?- Me.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Gosh, look at this, John.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- This is your domain, look.- Yeah. - This can be your workshop.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48I think it's actually the garage, but...
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- It'd be OK for your workshop, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- I think John is a changed man. - He is, sadly.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57"Larder" than life, I would even say.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02- I preferred pre-larder John and pre-larder Anne if I'm honest. - Curmudgeon.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08I'm hoping that what we heard outside
0:26:08 > 0:26:13reflects the real excitement that you feel about my property.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18- Yes, definitely.- Really? - Yep. It's the only place we've seen, and this is the 30th,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21the only place we've seen with the wow factor.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Everything that you wanted here.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- What excited you the most? I think perhaps...- Pantry.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31What is your pantry obsession, John?
0:26:31 > 0:26:37- Is it an emotional connection to a childhood memory? Because it is for me.- To a degree.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41In my last house, I had a small pantry, and in the current house, I've got a big pantry.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Anne, for you, when you see John excited about a property,
0:26:44 > 0:26:50does that stir everything in you? Do you feel like, "OK, we're going to do this together"?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53As soon as I came in, well, outside actually,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55but when we came in, it was even better.
0:26:55 > 0:27:01It's light, it's airy, it's spacious, it's got all the rooms, plus more, that we need.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- Any down points at all? - Well, it looks good from outside,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09- but the facade hides what you've actually got in here.- It does.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12That's very nice and modest, isn't it?
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Erm, the question is, how much does it cost?
0:27:15 > 0:27:18You love the property. Who would like to go first?
0:27:18 > 0:27:23We're playing with a maximum budget of £350,000. Anne, you're in the lead. Bang on the nose last time.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- Who wants to go first? - You can.- Is it my turn? OK.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- I think it's over-budget.- Mm-hm.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33I'm going to go for 358,500.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36OK, quite a silly guess, but I like it nevertheless. John.
0:27:36 > 0:27:43I'm sure it's over-budget, and I think it's probably £355,000. Could be more.
0:27:43 > 0:27:49I have to say, Anne, you are the closest, but you're wrong, because it's a bit more expensive than that.
0:27:49 > 0:27:56We're looking at £9,950 over-budget, so £359,950.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Is that something that you automatically think, "We'll negotiate down"
0:28:00 > 0:28:04or "We'll find something to make it work"? How does that sit with you?
0:28:04 > 0:28:06I think we'd negotiate it down.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Definitely, in this particular financial environment,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13I think we'd stand every chance of getting it down.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- The fact that you're sold, you're ready to go...- Not quite cash-in-hand but not far off.
0:28:17 > 0:28:22Don't start haggling for this house just yet, because we still have everyone's favourite part.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- What is that, Anne? - The wild card.- Everyone loves it. It's this way. Shall we go?
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- Please do.- Lead on, Macduff.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, today's wild card.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38I love it, and I hope Anne and John will, too.
0:28:38 > 0:28:43Modern, easy to maintain, a downsizing dream.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Question is, why is it wild? Just wait and see.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49So, John and Anne, our wild card.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54We've come a little bit further. We've strayed slightly in terms of distance from Gloucester,
0:28:54 > 0:28:59but we're on a quiet little cul-de-sac. The house is well appointed.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04It's modern, but it looks old. What's your first impression?
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Very good, actually. It doesn't appear to have any wooden windows.
0:29:08 > 0:29:14It looks very nice, actually. I like the local stone use. That's very attractive.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- Anne, what about you? - I like it, too.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21I quite like the fact that it's got neighbours.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23I didn't want to be isolated.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27OK. Internally, it's perfect. You don't need to do anything to it.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32It's one of the cleanest houses we've ever been into. So it's ready to go. I would say zero maintenance.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- There is the property. Are you ready to go in?- We are.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Three, two, one, be excited about the wild card.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Oh, gosh. This looks nice, doesn't it?
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Greeting it with a gosh? A surprise that it's nice? Of course it is, it's the wild card.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54- Very grand.- Gosh. I wonder what... Is this a music room
0:29:54 > 0:29:57or do you think it could be the dining room with a baby grand in it?
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- This is obviously the lounge. - Real fireplace. - Yes, which you always like.
0:30:02 > 0:30:08- Nice stone surround, isn't it, on the fireplace?- Yes.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- It's nice, isn't it? - Yes, it seems to match in with the rest of the stone.- Yes.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15OK, John's back on the details. He's not got that larder effect.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20I think the larder emotion he had earlier has now died down. He's back on the stone. But he likes it.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- Shall we try it for size?- Mm.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31A nice outlook with the window and nice fields. That's probably why it's called Meadow View.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- Ah. So this is obviously the kitchen. - That's quite spacious, isn't it?
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Kitchen-diner. Yes, this is nice, isn't it?
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Immaculate.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48See, the kitchen, it's just functional. It's got everything you could possibly need,
0:30:48 > 0:30:51there's nothing lacking, but it's not that family hub, is it?
0:30:51 > 0:30:56It could be with a couple of throw cushions and a nice table. Could be.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- Who does the interior styling in your house?- I don't know.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- Again, quite small, isn't it? - But we want smaller rooms, anyway.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08We do, but do you think this is a bit too small?
0:31:08 > 0:31:12We'd have to get rid of most of our furniture, wouldn't we?
0:31:12 > 0:31:17- And just have the basics. - Yeah.- A settee in the lounge,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20dining table in here. Would we fit ten?
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- We'd be a bit hard-pushed, wouldn't we?- Yes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- Yeah. I'm not quite sure whether it's downsizing a bit too much.- Could be.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Two things are happening here, I think.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Number one, this property is perfect.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37It's everything they've described, the most realistic downsizing
0:31:37 > 0:31:40and they're thinking, "It doesn't fit our furniture."
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Your furniture is based around a much bigger property.
0:31:42 > 0:31:48- So I don't think they're taking the downsizing... It's not as easy as you think, is it?- No, you're right.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- I've just thought of something, John. - What?
0:31:50 > 0:31:55- That room that I thought was the dining room...- The little one with the baby grand?- Yeah.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- That could be our study. - That's a good idea, yes.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- Which would work quite well, wouldn't it?- Yep.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05No utility room, but I'm sure we'd manage.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08That's downsizing. Something's got to give. They didn't get a utility room.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13But they've got a gigantic garage next door that is being used as a gym.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17So this one's got the outlook over the front with the other houses.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- But they're pretty houses, with the stone.- Yes.
0:32:22 > 0:32:28- Oh, look.- Oh, a study. - I suppose we could have it as a bedroom, couldn't we?
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Oh, look, this is the bathroom. Small but beautiful.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Yeah, it hasn't got the bidet for me, but...
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- Yep. You just checking what it's made of?- I am, yes, it's plastic.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- It's acrylic. - I'm sure it's a very good quality one.- Oh, it is. It looks nice.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Small and beautiful, I think.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53Anne's upstairs now. How long do you think before the fitted wardrobes are mentioned?
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Another fitted wardrobe, which is good, isn't it?
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Cos at least that's useful, being as the rooms are small.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03If you can just get the bed in and maybe a bedside table.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06If it was for a guest, that's all we'd need, really.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11She sounds a little bit flat. I think, after your one, where they did nearly move in,
0:33:11 > 0:33:13it was always going to be tricky for the wild card.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Oh, well, this is more wow than the others, isn't it?
0:33:20 > 0:33:27- This is actually bigger. And that must be an emperor-size bed. - I would've thought so.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Ours is a king bed, so we know it'll go in.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- Ohh!- Emperor-size bed!- I've never heard that.- I never have!
0:33:32 > 0:33:37Ah, so this is the en suite, which is nice, isn't it, with the blue tiles and the shower.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- Yep, that would suit well, wouldn't it?- It is nice, yes.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Very well appointed.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Anne and John, we're disappointed. Property 31 we thought could be it
0:33:49 > 0:33:54because, from the chat this morning, this is everything. This is the right amount of bedrooms,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58it's the right amount of living space, it's downsized.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01But I think it's too much of a downsize.
0:34:01 > 0:34:07Yeah, particularly that dining room. It was a little bit too small. But you have ticked all the boxes for us.
0:34:07 > 0:34:13We were slightly concerned, as well, that you were going to be overlooked on both sides.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18But it is in a line, and I would've thought that this incredible view would compensate.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- It does, I think.- Does it?- Mm.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26It is a lovely view. And also, John, don't worry, in the garage, there is currently a gymnasium.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30I'm not saying you have to go to the gym at the moment. Tool shed.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34Perfect space for your tool shed. You can tinker, mend the kids' toys.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37So you've got all the space here. You have everything.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Now you know that, does it warm you a little bit more?
0:34:40 > 0:34:43I might make me lean a little more towards it,
0:34:43 > 0:34:45but I agree with Anne that it is a bit tight.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Most exciting bit, then. Guess the price.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- Anne, you've won already. - You've ruined it for us all.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- Tension-wise, you've ruined it. - I'm just clever.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59- Why don't we let you, then, John... - I think that's a good idea.
0:34:59 > 0:35:05Thinking about it and the fact that it's Herefordshire rather than Gloucestershire or Worcestershire,
0:35:05 > 0:35:09I think the prices will be down from what they are locally to us.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12I think probably £315,000.
0:35:12 > 0:35:17- 315.- Well, I'm going to stick my neck out and go lower.- Mm-hm.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- I'm going to say 299,950.- OK.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25It's a nice guess of a price. Your maximum budget was £350,000.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28You had a spread between £250,000 and £350,000 you wanted to spend.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32We have spent less than your guess, but you are again correct, Anne.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- Yay!- Hat trick. - I think we know who's been doing all the house researching.
0:35:36 > 0:35:43- Yep, me.- Right.- The actual price of this is £295,000 on the nose.
0:35:43 > 0:35:48- Gosh.- So we spent a lot less, you could get that for even less because you're ready to go.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53- It's tempting.- It is. It's everything you want. You'd save a fortune on this property.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58And, at that point, you have to wander off and make the biggest decision of your adult lives
0:35:58 > 0:36:02- about which one you wish to test drive. - Do you think we'll be able to agree?
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- I think so.- Well, good luck with that massive decision, and we'll see you later on.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- Lovely. Thank you very much. - Good luck.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13So, while they take this big decision, here's a reminder for you at home.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18So, we started our search with this cracking property.
0:36:18 > 0:36:24I thought I'd been a little bit naughty, but it turned out I'd got the downsize proportions just right.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29Buy it? Why wouldn't they, when it's going for £349,950?
0:36:31 > 0:36:35And with my property, I thought I'd taken them a bit too far from Gloucester,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39but the country views, great living space and ease of maintenance
0:36:39 > 0:36:44appeared to really get them going, all for £359,950.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50And the wild card. They said downsize, so we offered them a downsize.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54They said not overlooked, so we offered them, er, well, anyway...
0:36:54 > 0:36:58Nonetheless, a great property, with maintenance levels at a minimum.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03Downsizing reality, all for £295,00.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Anne and John, I cannot tell you how delighted I am
0:37:12 > 0:37:16that you have chosen MY property!
0:37:16 > 0:37:21I'm genuinely delighted. But just tell us why. What sealed the deal for you?
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Well, for me, as soon as we went in the door, it had that lovely, spacious hall,
0:37:25 > 0:37:29the beautiful double doors into the lounge, again, a spacious feel,
0:37:29 > 0:37:35- beautiful conservatory, lovely and light and airy.- What about you, John? What made you really feel for this?
0:37:35 > 0:37:37It ticked all the boxes.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41But, yes, I was wowed by the kitchen and the pantry.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44We had the mysterious To Buy Or Not To Buy surveyor come round
0:37:44 > 0:37:49and he's told us some interesting information. Now, it is double glazed, UPVC.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Some of the units have gone slightly.
0:37:52 > 0:37:57Easily replaced, but also, quite a good bargaining tool. You're in a good bargaining position, anyway.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01So that is there. Also, your fascias here. They're made of wood.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06- So you've got to paint them every once in a while.- Or change them.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10You could make them plastic. It's just incredibly low maintenance.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15There's very little work to do here. So you don't need to worry about that.
0:38:15 > 0:38:20He also had some good news and that was that you wanted a wood-burning fireplace and fire.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24That fireplace can be easily converted.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- It's not an issue whatsoever. Does that please you?- Yes, it does.
0:38:27 > 0:38:32It means there's no major issues. That would fill me with a sense of confidence.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- Yes.- There we go.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- And with that sense of confidence... - My ideas are confirmed.- Brilliant.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42With that sense of confidence, Nikki, release them into your property.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- Would you like to go and try before you buy?- Yes, please!
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- Enjoy!- We're excited. - Be good in there.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52I think John's had enough of house-hunting
0:38:52 > 0:38:57and he's keen to check out the tinkering possibilities of his potential workshop.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01- Is it going to be suitable for you? - I would've thought so.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08Workbench, shelves. It's ideal. And plenty of room for the car.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12He seems pretty happy, but what about that all-important commute for Anne?
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Down through Hartpury to get to Gloucester.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20Yes. I think the best way is obviously the A417.
0:39:20 > 0:39:26So I think I have just made Gloucester move closer, don't you?
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- Yeah, I think you probably have. - I think I've worked out that I can do it.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34Now it's time to see just how close they are to the open countryside.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Wait for it! Couldn't be any closer!
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- It's lovely country, isn't it?- Yes.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48So, John, Anne, you have now had your test drive.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53You've experienced things in this house that might be what your life could be in the future,
0:39:53 > 0:39:56you've seen the local area, how was it for you both?
0:39:56 > 0:40:00I thought it was very good. Just look over my shoulder at the view.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05- Stunning.- It is, yeah. And the house itself is quite remarkable.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10- Anne, what about you? - I think so. I've found myself visualising myself in it.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14It just improves. From the moment we came in through the door, it improved.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19One of the concerns was that this was... A 20-mile radius is what you said.
0:40:19 > 0:40:25- This is 25 miles.- Might even be a bit more.- Maybe a bit further from Gloucester. Can you make it work?
0:40:25 > 0:40:30- Well, I have decided, I love the property so much, I've just moved Gloucester closer.- Really?
0:40:30 > 0:40:36I've looked at the map, I've worked out two routes I could go that would avoid the rush-hour traffic
0:40:36 > 0:40:40and I've even worked out the time, which I believe is manageable.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42And I'm determined to do it.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- So no obstacles?- Great news. Downsize, that was the buzz word.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50How does this size up on the downsizing?
0:40:50 > 0:40:54This one actually is probably more spacious than I would've said I wanted,
0:40:54 > 0:41:00but when you're in it, I've decided this is the space for me. I could enjoy being here.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05You saw 28 properties. We then found three for you.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- And out of that three, you have really liked this one.- Yes.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14- It's the only one with the wow factor.- But you'd also shortlisted four from those 28.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16How do they stack up?
0:41:16 > 0:41:20Well, they... We could not separate any one out of those four.
0:41:20 > 0:41:26They were all much of a muchness as regards what was good, what was bad.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28Nothing stuck out at all.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33We were thinking with our minds and ticking those boxes,
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- but this one, I think, has touched our hearts.- It's got the lot.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- Aww! It's touched their hearts!- It's the power of the test drive, Nikki.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45- If only estate agents could cotton onto this and do it every time, they might sell more houses.- True.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50- We're right at the point where... Well, you've got to ask it, cos it's your property.- Thank you.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- Come on.- To buy or not to buy?
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- You go first.- High probability.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01"High probability"? That's such a masculine attitude!
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Let's take that as John's answer.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- Anne, to buy or not to buy? - Yes, I would definitely consider it.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- Oh, come on!- Definitely.- To buy?
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- Yes.- Good.- Wow! That is a result! Fantastic!- This is brilliant!
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- What... And you've got to get out of your house, as well.- We have.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- This is quite a mission, cos you've got 12 weeks pretty much.- Yes.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26I suggest you get to the estate agents and start making it happen. And when you do,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30if you do, hopefully you will, call us up and we can see how happy you are here.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Come to the house-warming.- That would be lovely! Thank you very much!
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Come and enjoy the en suite. THEY LAUGH
0:42:37 > 0:42:42Thank you very much! I will use the toilet when I come here! See you later on.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- Thank you, guys. - Thank you very much.
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