Lymm To Buy or Not to Buy

-We're in Cheshire.

-A county with more millionaires

than any other outside the South-East.

This rolling countryside idyll

is home to some of the wealthiest people in the North-West.

I think we need a mode of transport to help us blend into this posh environment.

Something sleek and stylish.

Oh, yeah! Yeah, with all the mod cons.

Something that might purr kind of like a kitten.

Or roar like a lion when under full throttle.

-Have you got the keys?

-I have, yeah.

It's... Oh, no, it's blue actually.

-It's this car here, then. Brilliant(!)

-What?

-That's excellent news(!)

-That isn't a car, it's a shed.

-Shall I...?

-Yeah.

-It has a gear stick, though.

-I'll walk. Forget it!

-Wayne, Wayne!

-Two questions - what are you doing and why are you shouting, "Wayne?"

I'm led to believe this is Wayne Rooney's house.

I'm hoping if I chat to him, he'll come to Spurs next season and play for us.

-You think he'll listen to you?

-Why not?

-Why are you throwing litter at his house?

That's not litter, look at these puppies!

-You've printed up flyers?

-Get him to come on the show, establish a relationship, then ask him then.

That is a picture of Wayne Rooney's house, yeah?

Looks a bit different to that, doesn't it? Do you know why?

That's our hotel. You are an idiot.

(Wayne, call me.)

Let's meet today's buyer, the lovely Shakila Khan,

who is being helped in her search by her brother, Naz.

Shakila has been living at home for a while now and much as she loves being under Mum's roof,

she's decided it's time she got a place of her own.

Shakila's a bit of an action girl in her spare time.

When she's not having adventures like abseiling down the Liver Building,

she's to be found literally in over her head, scuba diving.

And she's in over her head in property terms too,

as she's totally indecisive and has more desires than most women can handle.

So she's called in the experts.

How long have you been house-hunting?

Officially, about four weeks.

-Secretly?

-Unofficially...for about seven years.

-THEY LAUGH

-Right, OK!

Naz, what's been Shakila's problem then with finding a place?

I think it's finding somewhere she likes, that appeals to her.

You're with your mother and obviously close to your family, will it be a wrench moving away?

-Oh my goodness, yes.

-She's going to miss you, isn't she?

I'll miss my mum, she does everything for me.

-I come home from work, the dinner's ready.

-Really?

She knows where everything is. She knows where my shoes are, she's just fantastic.

-You've got basically a PA.

-SHE LAUGHS

-Why not go the radical route and stay with her?

-I have thought about taking her with me, but...

OK, it's an option, isn't it?

-So, in terms of a property, the problem, it would seem, is you don't know what you want.

-Yeah.

But what do you think you might want?

How many beds?

-About 20.

-About 20 bedrooms, brilliant.

OK, you need to rein that in slightly!

-Two will do, two will do.

-I'd say three.

-Three?!

-You're not helping much!

No, I'm just saying, she'll need three.

OK, style of property. What do you think?

-Do you want modern, character...?

-I want character.

Something quirky,

-with a garden.

-DIY.

I have heard that you're quite brave in the DIY department?

-Yeah.

-Didn't you do something while someone was out once?

-Oh!

Yes, I did.

My mum had just moved into a new home

and she had a wall that needed to be knocked down.

And she went out shopping and by the time she came back,

-I'd just knocked the wall down.

-Anything falling down, was the house OK?

-Just a few electrical wires...

-It wasn't a supporting wall.

-Thank goodness.

-You left electrical wires...? "Yeah, that's fine."

I wasn't expecting them to be there, I didn't know.

THEY LAUGH

Let's see the positive - you were brave enough to tackle something you shouldn't have.

-Naz, how will you help today?

-I'm going to rein her in.

-Good,

-that's exactly what you need to do.

-We're looking for a new home

for you in quite an expensive part of the world.

How much money have we got today?

I have up to about 200.

-You've got a big job on your hands, because I'm really fussy.

-Yes.

-When I see it, I'll know it.

-We're going to come up with what you think you want. Cross your fingers.

-We'll need your help today, Naz!

-I think so.

-All right, see you later.

Wish us luck.

Thank you.

Well, that's it, that's as clear as mud.

I have no idea what we're looking for today.

Viewers at home, any idea? Telepathically, send it to us now.

-No, they're as confused as we are.

-Absolutely nothing.

I think what we're looking for... They like the country, as in the UK.

-Yeah.

-And they need... Well, she needs living accommodation,

to shelter her from maybe the wind and the elements.

Targeting any more specifics?

-No, just that.

-No. All right, I'm going to go and...do something.

I'm not sure what we can do. Let's just go.

We're off, see you later.

Cheshire, Jonnie, the millionaire Mecca of the north of England.

From Alderley Edge to Prestbury and Hale, the area is the residence of choice for footballers,

wealthy businessmen and celebrities.

Alderley Edge is said to have the highest champagne consumption per person in the UK.

And the county's not just home to the super-rich.

They let the likes of me and you in too!

Cheshire is home to some of the finest gardens open to the public in the country.

It also has more rivers, canals, ponds, streams and lakes

than anywhere else.

So, naturally, you'd think we'd be able to find a countryside property in an idyllic setting quite easily.

But there's the question of budget, which at 200k,

is challenging in the extreme for this area.

We hope the pretty villages of Lymm and Knutsford will come up trumps.

But first, let's see how far £200,000

will stretch in other millionaire playgrounds around the UK.

In Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire,

it'll get you this spacious two-bedroom flat,

with a kitchen, breakfast room, lounge and balcony.

It's on the market for offers in excess of £200,000.

On the edge of the Cotswolds in Evesham, you could purchase this two-bedroom bungalow.

It's semi-detached with a stylish interior

and an enclosed rear garden.

It could be yours for £200,000.

Fancy living near to the millionaires in Sandbanks, Dorset?

This apartment is a great size

with a kitchen, breakfast room,

living room, two bedrooms and a private garden.

Wow! It's on the market for - yeah, you guessed it - 200 grand.

So, Ken, this part of Cheshire,

it's well known to be the habitat for the rich and famous.

We've got a few famous people past and present lived in Lymm, yeah.

-Have you had show-biz clients? There's a lot of footballers.

-I can't divulge that information!

-Don't give us the names, but have you?

-Yes.

Well, Bobby Charlton used to live just up the road.

Oh, I know him. Yeah.

-I got Mr George Osborne coming here all the time.

-George Osborne?!

-Ian Brown...

-Ian Brown?

-..of Stone Roses.

He lives... He overlooks the lake.

-Ian Brown lives around here?

-Yeah.

When George Osborne's in here, what's his favourite starter and his favourite main course?

Em, he loves the selection of the ham and cheese.

-He normally has cooked pasta.

-George Osborne likes pasta.

-Nightlife round here?

-If you want nightlife, you'll go out on a limb.

That's why the rich and famous like it -

you can have a pint in an olde-worlde pub and not get hassled.

-My husband plays polo.

-Has your husband ever played against Prince Charles?

Yes. No, sorry, he hasn't played against Prince Charles.

-Who's he played against, royalty-wise?

-He played against William and Harry.

One last thing. Wayne Rooney. No idea where he lives at all?

-No, unfortunately not.

-Right.

And where's your husband at the moment?

He's just coming back from a polo match.

And how's he travelling?

In a helicopter.

-Edward, pleasant times here?

-Lovely time. Absolutely lovely. What about yourself?

Very informative time with an estate agent,

talking about the top end of property, bearing in mind the affluent area we're in.

Unfortunately, we're not looking at top-end property. Maybe taste-wise we are.

They are very nice. I would say she probably isn't going to be as lost for choice

as she might think she would be cos we've found three crackers.

Well, cracker number one is my choice.

Now, she said she wanted period. I'm giving her period.

Her brother reckoned they wanted three rooms, or his sister needs three rooms.

-Between three and twenty.

-Yeah, quite!

Now, she's got two proper bedrooms and a further room in the loft.

At least it's got three bedrooms.

I am in Lymm, as well as you. I have got a lovely property.

Normally, on the estate agents' details, they say, "Internal inspection required".

Here, "Internal inspection essential." Of course it is when you're spending £200,000.

OK, now the wild card, Edward.

Everyone loves the wild card. They always do.

-One thing Shakila told us she didn't want was modern.

-Yeah.

-What's wild about this?

-It's modern.

-It's modern!

-But it looks old.

Those are the properties. Where should we begin our journey?

I'd like to start with my first choice, property number one.

-Yeah, let's get it out the way first.

-Eh?

Today's first property is mine, and it's an end-terrace period cottage in Lymm.

It's deceptively spacious inside and mixes character features with a modern interior.

Shakila wanted quirky. I'm hoping she'll think the surprise upstairs is just that.

Shakila, you didn't give us a great deal to go on about trying to find you your ideal property,

-but one thing you did say...

-Mm-hm.

-..was you liked Lymm.

Yes, I did.

This is Lymm. Welcome to Lymm.

-It's nice!

-You also mentioned character.

Late Victorian. What do we think of that?

-It's beautiful.

-"It's beautiful!"

-Now, Naz, erm...

-Looks a bit small from the outside.

-But it is deceptive, I'd say.

-Can you see your sister living in this area?

I can see my sister living here, yeah. This would suit her down to the ground.

And if she has to travel to see my mum, again, it's not too far.

Can you imagine yourself cleaning the windows for me?

I can never imagine myself cleaning any windows!

-OK, listen, go inside, try and think positive.

-OK.

-Ready?

-Good luck.

-Off you go.

-Right.

It's nice. I like this wooden table.

I like this, with the two windows, cos it gives it a lot of light.

-You can't tell from outside the size of this room.

-It's a really nice-sized room.

And I'm really loving this fire. Look at it! This is just perfect.

I'd pull this carpet up, get a smaller sofa, put wooden floors down.

We now know she loves period features, fireplaces, warm, cosy feelings.

She loves a lot of things, right? We know that now.

We didn't know it earlier on. Lucky you for guessing this.

OK, the kitchen's a bit...smaller.

-It's functional.

-Yeah.

I would have to change everything.

I'd pull this kitchen out and redo it all.

Let's face it, we've got a track record with smashing stuff down.

Yes, and let's allow her to do that.

-OK...

-That stair's a bit steep. I'm going toppling backwards!

-Oh, this must be...

-This'll be the main bedroom.

..the main bedroom.

It's a nice size, again, not too bad. You've got storage cupboards as well.

-Yeah.

-A built-in storage cupboard.

I'd have all that built-in wardrobe ripped out, just to give me some extra space.

Mum could have this room.

-Do you think?

-It's nice and bright. She likes bright rooms.

For someone that sounded so indecisive, they're moving Mother in now as well.

And she's definitely getting that bedroom.

-Oh, OK. Small.

-Oh, it's tiny!

But this'd make a nice little office for me to study.

-And if you work from home as well.

-Yeah.

Oh, so this is the bathroom. Wow, look at the bath, Naz!

-It's quite a nice-sized bathroom.

-It is a nice size.

-They've made good use of the space.

-Get rid of the baby toys.

Cool! I love it!

It's nice, Shakila going through the things she'd want to do -

get rid of the baby toys and otherwise it's great.

I think the owners would do that on her behalf.

When people move, they take all their furniture!

Right, there's only one room left to look at.

-Airing cupboard? Let's have a look.

-Storage space, possibly.

-Oh, my God!

Oh!

Just be careful, the stairs are quite steep!

Hello?

Ohhh!

I wouldn't like to climb up here after a few Jack Daniels.

It looks like it's a bedroom and study.

Oh, wow!

This is the nicest part of the house!

I would have this as my room.

Be careful not to bang your head on this getting out of bed.

-Skylight.

-The place for the bed...

Telescope. That's what I'd have!

I'd have a bed and a telescope.

That's it. That would be my bedroom.

Right, then.

So have you got over your fixation with wanting to sleep in the attic?

No! I have found the perfect bedroom. That is for me.

Naz, when you said she gets carried away with stuff...?

-This is one of them occasions.

-You'll be reining her in now!

-The attic is not practical.

-It's not, but you love it, though.

It is practical. I can put a bed in there, a telescope, look at the stars.

Happy days, go to sleep.

That's what you want from a bedroom. You need a bed and a telescope. Fundamentals.

There's a skylight in there, but...!

I'm not going to talk this down.

-No!

-This is all good news for my choice of property.

Shall we play Guess The Price? Sometimes when you know the price,

everything falls into place and makes sense. Who wants to go first?

-You go first.

-OK...

Maximum budget £200,000, and you believe, Shakila, it is on the market for?

178.

178 strangely priced pounds.

OK, Shakila, that's your guess.

-I think it's going to come below 200. About 185.

-185 from Naz.

Naz's is a better guess, but you're still short of the mark.

-The price of this house is actually £195,000 on the button.

-Really?

You see? It is posh round here. This is why footballers live round here.

-I think on this one you're probably paying for the location more than the house.

-Yeah, absolutely.

-Erm, shall we go to property two?

-Yeah.

-It's going to be exciting.

-Is this the one that you've picked?

-Yeah!

-Oh, wow!

-There you go!

-"Wow"!

-That's what a smile is!

-Is that favouritism?

That's misplaced confidence. Don't worry.

Shakila wanted cute and romantic, and I have it here in this mid-terrace cottage.

It's round the corner from Jonnie's, and, a bit like my good self,

I think it has tons more character. Oh, yes, and the garden's not bad, either.

Now, Shakila and Naz, we are still in Lymm.

Do you like the outside of this one?

Yes, it's pretty.

-Do you think the outside of this one is more pleasing or less pleasing than Jonnie's one?

-More pleasing.

-More pleasing. Fantastic.

-Is it?!

So you've got a feel for the village before at Jonnie's one.

What do you think about this part of it?

Yeah. It's noisy.

Shall we ask the voice of reason here? Naz, the voice of reason, first impressions.

I like the look of this house. Just feels a bit more inviting.

Good phrase! And Naz does know what he's talking about.

-Inside, it is lovely. Are you both ready?

-Yes.

-I'm ready.

-Be on your best behaviour.

-As always.

Don't try and sleep in the loft in this one.

Three, two, one, enter that dream house.

Off you go.

Hello? Is there anybody home?

It's a nice-sized living room.

-It's just perfect for you.

-It's nice and bright.

-Yeah, I like that.

-I like the fact that it's all neutral colours.

I don't like the view out of the window.

I like the fireplace, and I don't like that mirror

or that TV stand, so the TV would have to go somewhere else.

These are fixtures and fittings that won't be included within the transaction.

This is the way Shakila works with things.

-Oh, the kitchen's lovely!

-Oh, that's nice.

-Love the cooker.

-I like the set-out of the kitchen.

-Yeah, I do.

This is the selling point. What sell houses?

-Kitchens and bathrooms.

-Thank you very much. I told him that.

Oh, this is so pretty.

Ah, I love it.

What's...

Oh, my God.

-All yours.

-I love it!

-It's lovely.

-We like it.

Yeah, I'm liking it. It's nice.

Well, go back inside and have a look upstairs.

-OK.

-You know this is here.

-Yes, and you're sitting there.

-Quite happily.

-Yes.

Get some sun cream when you come back out, will you?

Oh, it's a bathroom.

-OK. This is a nice size bathroom.

-Oh, that's not too bad.

-You've got a shower as well.

-Mmm.

This is the guest room. Euw! It's got an eerie feel to it.

I think you may just about squeeze a double bed in here.

But do you know what I do like? It's bright, it's airy, everything's light, neutral colours.

She's now gone from saying it was spooky to now liking the brightness and neutral colours of the room.

You make any sense out of that, I defy you!

I would imagine this is going to be the master bedroom.

-Last but not least.

-Oh, well, that's good.

-Oh, this is nice.

-This is much bigger than I expected after the last bedroom.

-Yeah, I do like this.

And I think these are probably the original floorboards as well.

Yeah, they are. Oh, but, Naz, imagine if you could knock that out and have a nice fire, and...

-The bed could go here.

-I think that might be a supporting wall!

-Oh, is it?

-So you couldn't, yeah.

-Oh, well.

So, Shakila, you've not let us down in your intriguing ways of describing rooms.

All in all, though, yeah?

Yeah.

It's good. It's a good house.

Mate, you try. You know, God loves a trier.

-No, I do like this house. I do like the set-up, love the garden.

-This is lovely, isn't it?

-Loved the kitchen.

-Let's have a game of guess the price.

Now, Naz, you're streaking ahead with a huge lead of 1-0.

-So who wants to go first this time?

-You go first.

-I go first.

-Ooh.

-I think I'll go in about 190 on this one.

190. OK, interesting.

I am going to go to 180 on this one.

-OK.

-OK.

Shakila, you are the closest, but you're still out. And you've over-valued this house.

-Really?

-The actual price of this is 169,950.

-How about that?

-Oh, OK.

-169,950 quid.

-Way off the mark.

-Yeah.

We've got a third house, to confuse you more.

-Yeah.

-If that is even at all possible.

It is the wild card. Would you like to go there?

-Yes.

-I think so.

-It's this way.

-I think it's here.

-Follow me.

In time-honoured tradition, we'd like to offer the wild card that'll get our house hunters thinking.

Why break with tradition, Jonnie? Today's is down the road from Lymm in Knutsford,

and it's not period, but it does have character.

-Now, Shakila and Naz, it is everybody's favourite part of the show, the wild card.

-We do love it.

It's kind of new, kind of near a road, but that aside, it could be your new house.

Shakila, what is your initial impression of said wild card?

It is contemporary, but has reclaimed bricks, so it's old and new. What do you think?

-I like it.

-Good, OK.

-It looks really promising.

It's pretty, and I can't wait to get in and see what it's like inside.

Now, Naz, you know, you're the sensible man.

-I like you saying that.

-Yes!

-Can you see your sister here? I can.

-Really?

-Yes, I can.

-More so than any of the other ones?

More so than any of the other ones.

This is good news. We are looking at the house that we potentially like the most.

-Well, listen, we've learnt from this, haven't we?

-We have.

We've got positive feelings here.

We stay here long enough, it's going to go bad again, so why don't you go inside now?

Enter, and be on your best behaviour. If you like a room, immediately leave it. Go!

This looks nice. It's empty.

-And small.

-Small, but there's lots of cupboards.

Oh, it's just so cute, isn't it?

Oh!

-Aah!

-The dining area.

It's so cute! This house is cute.

I'm going to call this house cute.

-Hello, hello, hello!

-She loves it!

When is a room not small?

When it's cute.

-Now we're into the living room, I gather.

-Living room, yes.

Oh, no, this is a good size.

It's nice. I like the extra little window there.

I like the way the doors go out into the garden.

Pull that fireplace out, make it more of a feature for the living room.

-We're changing that.

-She's knocking it out because it's irritating her.

-It irritates you as well.

-Grrr!

It doesn't irritate me. I love it.

Oh, Naz, look at this window.

Ah, this is lovely.

-This is the biggest room, or...

-I'm not too sure.

-Guest room.

I like that huge window. Look at that. That's lovely.

There's loads of light in this room. They've got it right, finally.

You hear that? "They've got it right".

The mystery property-hunting team have got it right. That was double.

OK, so we have the bathroom here, which is small but nice.

I like the tiling. Yeah, I like that.

Right, this must be... Ah, this is the other bedroom.

Both rooms are more or less the same size, aren't they?

They're similar in size, aren't they?

-Yeah.

-As you don't like your bedroom at the front of the house, you'd have to use the one at the back.

Yes, yes. Storage.

That's good.

-Ah, yeah, that's great.

-So some more storage space as well.

-Yeah.

Doesn't that take up a lot of room?

I think you're just obsessed with knocking things down, so don't even think about it!

Hang about, she's knocking something down.

-I think you could knock that down and...

-No.

-..just have some spare room and then maybe a computer could go there for me.

-No, I doubt it.

Have a look out the window. Nice view of the church.

-It's nice, I like it.

-So, overall, this house is...

-I think of the three we've seen...

-Thumbs up. All round, I think.

-Yeah, I agree.

-How was that?

-Lovely.

-Lovely!

What would you say the buzz word of the house was, Shakila?

-Cute.

-It was, wasn't it?

-Ha ha!

-It really was.

-There we go.

-I don't remember you saying anything negative about the house, to be honest with you.

-You're in the rooms, "yep, that's nice, that's cute, that's lovely".

-It is nice. I like the house.

Almost a couple of times where the threat of knocking walls down...

Yeah. We weren't really sure what your plan was there.

You were in the front room, and you suddenly got a wrecking ball out. What were you trying to create?

-Just a bit more space.

-Right.

-Yeah. That's all.

-Was it a good idea, Naz?

-I don't think so.

-Yes, it was!

-No.

From here it didn't sound good. Guessing the price.

-We're neck and neck, aren't we?

-Yes.

-It's close.

-This is it, the decider.

Who would like to go first?

I think Shakila should go first.

What do you think it's on for? Budget of £200,000, your guess is?

I think it's probably going to be over budget.

Yeah, so I'm going to go for 2...

8. Yeah. Random.

-£208,000?

-Yes.

-OK, Naz?

I'm going to come in at 198.

-198, OK, all right.

-Ten grand between you.

Erm, you're the winner. Well done.

-Thank you.

-Congratulations.

-The actual price of this house is 189,950.

-Ah!

-OK.

-OK, cheaper, much cheaper than you thought,

-and you over-valued it, which is a good sign.

-Yes.

-Maybe there could be haggling room, cos there's no-one there.

-Whoa, stop the pony.

Get off that horse.

They, this very day, have received an offer that they're minded to accept if you don't better it.

-Oh, OK.

-Right, OK.

Right, you're at the point of the programme where you have to make the biggest decision of your adult lives

-about which one you wish to test drive. Are you capable of doing that?

-Yes.

-Good.

-No! Yes!

-And I think that's what it might sound like!

-Head off,

and we will see you outside your chosen vehicle. See you later, Naz.

Put some wise words in there, please, my friend.

-I have no idea where this is going to go now.

-No, neither do I.

-But here's a reminder of the three properties we've seen today.

-Incredibly cute properties.

Will she choose my property, number one, the spacious end terrace with the surprise attic room?

Shakila said she loved it, but Naz wasn't so sure it was practical.

It's on the market for £195,000.

Not a chance, Jonnie.

My stylish mid-terrace is sure to win out, with the kitchen that they

both thought was a winner and the garden that made them go "wow".

It is well under budget at the price of £169,950.

Today's wild card did its job.

-It was modern, even though Shakila said she wanted period.

-She couldn't stop saying how cute it was.

She even wanted to knock down a few walls.

You know she loves a house when she wants to start knocking down walls.

It could be hers for 189,950 quid.

Ah! The wild card.

Oh, so we're finally here.

-Let's get knocking that wall down, Naz.

-No! No, don't do it!

Ah, she's got another hobby.

Look, painting.

-Oh, my goodness. Is that meant to be us?

-Oof!

-You look a bit rough, don't you?

-Maybe Naz can help.

Oh, no! I fear the wall might be coming down.

-Shakila?

-Oh, hello! Here come the girls.

-Hello! Kitty!

-How are you?

-Fine. Welcome.

-Oh, this is nice.

Well, at least that wall's still standing.

Here we go. Tea for two, two for tea.

-Woo, look at the apron!

-Enjoying the lovely cakes.

-Thank you.

So what do you think of the house, Shakila? Do you think there's enough room for you?

Yeah, and you three too. There's plenty of room.

I think I'd make a few adjustments.

I get the feeling we spoke too soon.

Oh, no.

-Cheers, Shakila.

-Cheers.

-Hope this is the house for you.

Absolutely, thank you.

As a test drive, how did it go?

-I like it, Naz likes it.

-Yep.

-You guys like it.

-We love it. Everyone loves the wild card.

-We do like it.

-And my friends like it. So, yes.

-Going to do it, then?

Here it comes. To buy or not to buy, that is the question.

What do we think she's going to say?

I'm going to buy.

Yes! Well, take that!

You know someone's got an offer on this at the moment.

-Yeah, I do.

-Yeah, we need to get hold of the estate agent a la pronto and put your offer in.

-OK.

Go and...do it. Go in there and do that.

-Naz, help her. Make sure she doesn't mess it up.

-Keep her sensible.

-Yeah, do it. Do it now.

-Take what you need!

Ladies and gentlemen, she's off to buy a house.

Look, in there. Reach for your phone!

Do it! Right, she's going to do that eventually later.

If you want to be part of this amazing success story,

albeit a bit unpredictable, please get in touch with us.

Otherwise, fingers crossed, and goodbye!

See you later.

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