0:00:00 > 0:00:03Hello! Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Today, we're racing around Northamptonshire...
0:00:06 > 0:00:08..looking for a grand prix of a property.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23Sometimes, Simon, I think To Buy Or Not To Buy is like a grand prix.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Monaco one week, Sao Paolo the next?
0:00:25 > 0:00:28No, I was thinking we both get to compete off the grid
0:00:28 > 0:00:31against each other with our chosen properties.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Ah, then our buyers get to take a lap of each house.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Then one of us gets pole position.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Before we take a pit-stop while they test-drive their favourite circuit.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Giving them the unique opportunity... - ..to try before they buy.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49And the buyers in today's driving seat are Claudio Masoli
0:00:49 > 0:00:53and his co-driver, civil partner Matt Wiggington.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Claudio is a European sales manager and Matt runs a travel company
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- so both spend a lot of time negotiating planes, trains... - ..and automobiles.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04And it's the automobiles that make them both tick.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Professed petrol-heads, both boys are mad about everything cars
0:01:08 > 0:01:10especially of the Grand Prix variety.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16Listen, I know Jonnie will take cars and engines and all that all day.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19But I won't. Tell me, there is a reason for this move, isn't there?
0:01:19 > 0:01:23We're looking at increasing the family.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27So we're looking at getting a house that's more child friendly.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- So you want to adopt? - We're looking to adopt.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33What do you see this home giving you in terms of environment?
0:01:33 > 0:01:35The essential part for me is the outdoor living.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37We want open plan, outdoor spaces.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43For my sins, I'm also Italian so I have all the family visiting.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49- A lot of family, so we need bedroom space.- Which specific areas do you like in this part of the world?
0:01:49 > 0:01:53We want something closer to a major town with better schooling.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56And something more commutable for my office as well.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58This is all very sensible!
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Can you believe you're doing this? - It's a scary process.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07We were just discussing it. Everything we do is focused on the future.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Matt is looking at buying a new car and we're looking at NCAP ratings.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Get out of that!
0:02:13 > 0:02:16We're happy to be more normal, more family-like,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20but we'll keep the exciting part, if just a sports car in the garage.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- Are we talking about a double garage now?- Minimum.
0:02:23 > 0:02:24- Minimum?- Minimum.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27I'd like a triple or a quadruple, but...
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- That's good of you.- But in the real world...- A double would be good.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- The house itself. What does it look like?- Minimum four bedrooms.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Do you like period properties? Give us your desires.
0:02:37 > 0:02:43It's more likely to be an older, 1930s, 1950s, '60s, '70s,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47not anything '80s onwards because they're pretty much all the same.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- They're all a box, they're smaller. - Smaller rooms.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- Older ones seem to...- Although new houses have already had the open plan feel designed into them.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00Are you prepared to do some of the work yourselves if they don't have open plan?
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- Yeah.- I love the way he says, "Yeah."
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I've done DIY with Claudio before.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- When we say, "Do it ourselves", I'm not sure...- Somebody else will do it.- Matt or..?
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- Somebody else.- A professional.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16If you're talking about having work done for you by a professional, that's going to cost money.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20It's kind of tied in to the budget. The budget is fairly flexible.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25We've said that something around 350-ish is OK.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I'll stop you now. 350 for all that you want? No.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31OK, let's go a bit further, then. Around the 400 mark.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- That was good, wasn't it? - Do it again! Do it again!
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- Stop there. 400.- 400.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Happy to go a little bit over the 400 if we can get it back to around 400.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Are there any key responses to listen out for?
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- If I don't see anything I like. - Silence would be one!
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- Jonnie, while they're still talking, shall we get going?- Yeah.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53- See you later.- Bye.- See you!
0:03:55 > 0:04:00You know, Jonnie, I'm beginning to understand what all this grand prix lark is all about.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Listen, we've got a job to do today.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06You me and the team have three properties to show Claudio and Matt.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- We're not going to get that done while you sit dreaming of being Jenson Button!- Who?
0:04:11 > 0:04:12Oh, just drive, will you?
0:04:17 > 0:04:21So today's property search is situated around Northampton town.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25With a population of 205,000, this is a great location for commuters.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30As well as today's buyers, this area has also been home to some well-known faces.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34That's right. A-list celebrities Matt Smith, aka Doctor Who,
0:04:34 > 0:04:40funny man Alan Carr and Radio 1 presenter Jo Wiley all come from Northampton,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43along with our very own D-lister, Jonny Benarr.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- That's cruel, Simon.- Yeah, but true. He is from round here.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Now, if living close-by to a motor circuit appeals to you,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51then check out the following.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57Like this modern and spacious four-bed property in a sought-after village near Brands Hatch.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00It has everything a family could need.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Or how about this impressive four-bed detached family home
0:05:05 > 0:05:08in the village of Castle Donington.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Finally, this recently renovated four-bed property
0:05:14 > 0:05:18in the pretty village of Thruxton. Deceptively spacious,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20it could be yours for £375,000.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Imagine if all the housing stock in the UK were in a race.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- Like a housing stock car race? - Yeah! I wonder what would win the chequered flag for popularity?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35An interesting question, Mr Irwin. Shall we find out?
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Start your engine, please!
0:05:39 > 0:05:41I'm all revved up!
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Despite a recent acceleration, lagging at the rear of the grid
0:05:46 > 0:05:50with at least 17% of us driven to choose this streamlined lifestyle
0:05:50 > 0:05:53are flats and apartments.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58Making only marginally more progress is the hot-rod of the housing market, the detached.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Despite its size and house power,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04only 23% of us are steered towards its sweeping drive.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Faring much better down the track and holding its own
0:06:07 > 0:06:12is the compact and cheeky little mover, the vintage, ever-reliable terrace,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15housing 28% of the British race.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18But way out in front and beating them all to the finish line
0:06:18 > 0:06:19is the well-built semi.
0:06:19 > 0:06:2332% of us choosing the porch not the Porsche as the ultimate accessory.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Who would have thought that sleepy suburbia would beat them all to the chequered flag?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Here's the line-up for today's property Grand Prix.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Look at this. They've asked for four bedrooms. They've got four.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39They wanted a double garage. They've got it.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42But also, there's an in and out driveway. Very posh.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46It's not a typical estate house as every one is a different design.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47How about you, Simon?
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Feast your eyes on this. This, I think, is perfect for the fellas.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57A family home but it just gives that little bit extra.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I am in love with this property.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02That's Property Two. It will take some beating.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05But Jonnie, what steered us towards the Wild Card?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09If they like the character of yours, they'll love this one.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11It's got about 100 years on yours.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16It's got beams, lovely rooms, a snug, even a range for them to cook on.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18And a beautiful mature garden.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20I reckon this is the one.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23But why is it the Wild Card? Wait and see.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Shall we start the tours?- I'm in the driving seat. Let's go for mine.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Haven't got the keys!
0:07:31 > 0:07:35First on the grid in today's property race is my choice.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38This four-bed detached family home is in a quiet cul de sac.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42If you look under the bonnet, all it needs is a bit of a tune-up.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Got the keys this time?
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Weston Favell. Have you been here before?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51We've not really looked at the area. We discounted it.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54We had an impression of what type of property was here, and we were wrong.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58You've got a local primary school for your potential child.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Guys, first impressions, please.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Impressed and surprised. - I'm impressed. Driving up to it, it looks good.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10Nice open position. Circular driveway for Claudio. He likes that sort of thing.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Good to see a double garage. It's got a nice feel to it.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- All sounds very positive. - Let's get inside.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Tell you what, when you go inside,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21you might need to use your imagination.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- Ah.- This is very much a project, I would say.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- Looking forward to it. - Right. Get in there, then. Enjoy.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35OK, so... This is a good space.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Jonnie said it was a project. - He did, didn't he!
0:08:38 > 0:08:41OK, a nice-sized hall leading into...
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Wow!- ..a good-sized sitting room. - Very nice. And it's light.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50Good for the kids. You can always have the area towards the doors for the kids. Open it up.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- You can still watch them. - Keep an eye on them.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- Easily change the wallpaper. - The fireplace is in. Update it.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Something more modern. Perfect. - Really good.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- The dining room.- OK.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- It's a good-sized room. It's nice it opens out...- Fantastic double doors.
0:09:05 > 0:09:11We're getting "fantastics". These guys hinted that they're fussy, but they're showing imagination.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14They've not seen our favourite feature yet.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- I don't think you'd need to do much to this.- No.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19I'm not sure about the snooker table.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- I agree.- We'd put something else in here.
0:09:21 > 0:09:27It's amazing, Jonnie, that you've found such a lovely house that comes with its own pool...table.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- This would be perfect for you.- Dart. - We've got furniture to put in here.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Ah. Right. Kitchen.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- A bit smaller than...- Smaller than we were expecting.- ..we expected.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- I can imagine your mother making pizza on here. Rolling the dough out.- No.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- Let's have a look in here. - This is the first bedroom.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- It's small.- I don't think it's the main bedroom.- Obviously not.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53You'd get a double bed in there quite easily.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57General updating. It's nice and light. It's not overlooked at all.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58No.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- This is...- Bedroom number two.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- OK.- Are they the same size?
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Again, another good size. You could use it as a guest room.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Or a child's room. It's the perfect size.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12Close to the main bedroom and the bathroom.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Their son or daughter doesn't need a big room.- No.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17I grew up under the stairs, in a cupboard.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21That I believe!
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- So this would be bedroom number three.- The third bedroom.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Again, a child's bedroom, spare bedroom.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Family bathroom.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Good size.- Good size bathroom.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Like the rest of the house, it just needs freshening up.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- You'd want a proper shower cubicle. - I would.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Not sure there's room.- Try and sort out the noise the floorboards make.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44You come up with the strangest things!
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Know how to stop floorboards creaking?
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- Don't walk on them. - Don't walk on them!
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- OK. So, hopefully, there's a... - A master bedroom.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- OK.- Much lighter than the other bedrooms.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01It's not as big as you would like, but it's not a bad-sized room.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04OK. Let's...
0:11:04 > 0:11:08That's a good size. It's almost as big as the main family bathroom.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Oh!
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- Avocado suite.- Always a winner. - Always a winner.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Really good. Well done, Jonnie!
0:11:18 > 0:11:22So, by the sounds of it, that went pretty well.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26I think it ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what the brief is.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Is it a house to fall in love with? Difficult to tell.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Claudio, as you walked round, you'd said if you went quiet, you didn't like it.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35You were talking a lot. You're now quiet!
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- The noise behind us. - I think the road noise.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43You don't get that impression inside. The double glazing is good.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Come round the back, and the garden is fantastic, a lovely space.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50There's a lot of noise from the road.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51That's perhaps the compromise.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Right. Guess the price time.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59Now then, your budget started around 350 and with one sentence we got it up to 400.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- So we'll stay around there. - Did we?- Yes, you did. I'm sorry, but you did!
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Who's going first?- You go. - Me, apparently.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11I think it's going to be...
0:12:11 > 0:12:12three...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16fifty-five.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17Claudio?
0:12:18 > 0:12:20I'll go for a little more.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- 360.- Well...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Well done. One-nil up to Claudio.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- It is £365,000.- Right.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- Food for thought?- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- And a great start, I think. - I think so.- A good start.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40I have my work cut out to top that. Property two is this way. Come on!
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- My choice is going to leave yours standing on the grid.- Really, Simon?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- How so?- Just look at it.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Fellas, for Property Two, we've rushed down to Rushden.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- I can see what you did there!- Sorry! - I have this all day with him!
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Property Two. What am I going to tell you about it? I'm not.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05We're just going to look at it.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Let the property do the talking.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- First impression is really good. - That's what I wanted to hear, Matt. - Fantastic.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17What a difference between the first property and the second. Sorry, Jonnie!
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- This is pretty impressive. - Beautiful.- Done us proud
0:13:20 > 0:13:22with this one, before we even look inside.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- So far, ten out of ten. - Sometimes, Jonnie, less is more.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28You just let the property speak for itself.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- Self praise is no praise. - I'm praising the property!
0:13:32 > 0:13:36This is absolutely beautiful, isn't it? A stunning property.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Imposing, great setting.- Balanced. - Balanced.- A really good feel.
0:13:42 > 0:13:49- I'm going to enjoy listening to you boys.- It's early days.- Early days, but it can only get better!
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Wow!
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Pretty impressive.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Amazing feel. Really light and airy.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02It's very grand. I can't wait to see some more!
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- That was a quick wow! - Hardly in the door!
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Yes, so this is like a drawing room or sitting room.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Beautiful stone fireplace.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Nice high ceilings. - So far, ticking, ticking, ticking!
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- So what's over here?- I presume this is the dining room.- OK.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- As evidenced by four chairs. - Four chairs show you...
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- Again, a good-sized room. - Again, a fantastic fireplace, innit?
0:14:28 > 0:14:30"Innit"?
0:14:30 > 0:14:31This whole house is grand.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35The rooms are grand, the decor has been done to celebrate the grandeur.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- Very grand.- Aye, grand.- Grand.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Oh!
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- Wow!- Another sitting room. - With another fantastic fireplace.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- You can imagine family in here. Sitting down.- TV.- Watching out.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Amazing!
0:14:53 > 0:14:54Tick, tick, tick!
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Where do we go from here? It's really good.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01OK. Kitchen overlooking the garden.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Bright kitchen. Beautiful work surfaces.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- You like tops.- Big cooker. A winner for your mother.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Gas! Excellent.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11It follows the period feel, but it's a very modern feel as well,
0:15:11 > 0:15:13just as we asked for.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16A real combination between modern and old.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Fabulous. It leads into this amazing...
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- Sun room.- This is the part that joins the sitting room.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28The good thing about this is you can imagine being in the kitchen and the children having breakfast
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- while you're in the kitchen.- Just looking out. Isn't that just...
0:15:33 > 0:15:35You feel quite regal!
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- O'Brien! O'Brien!- Yes, M'lud.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- We'll take tea in the living room. - Yes, M'lud.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42Oh, wow!
0:15:42 > 0:15:44That is a landing!
0:15:44 > 0:15:47That is a landing!
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Oh, this is a nice space.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- OK.- I love these original cupboards.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Modern.- I know how you are with shower cubicles.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- But it squares out. That becomes a shower.- Unusual-shaped bath.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- It works.- It's great. I like that.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Let's see what's in here.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- Wow, that's a beautifully light room.- So many windows coming in.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- So much light.- Unusual with these round windows. A chandelier.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Beautiful. It looks fantastic from outside,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- but the light they let in is amazing.- Yep.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18They're away.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21There must be a catch. There's got to be something.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- OK.- This is a massive room. - This is another ten out of ten for a bedroom.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- As the master suite, this is beautiful.- Yeah.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32Oh!
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Oh, good Lord!
0:16:34 > 0:16:38There's an en-suite which is a beautiful en-suite.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- This is really unusual, isn't it? - That is a shower!
0:16:42 > 0:16:45That shower is probably my favourite ever shower.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49It's got all the modern bells and whistles, that tubing has squirty bits.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Yet it's in beautiful Victorian style.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I love that shower, me.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Ooh.- Another massive room, isn't it? - Now...
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- You get all the light.- As a child's room it would be fantastic.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02That view out there is just amazing.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05You don't get houses like this any more, do you?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Simon's done an amazing job finding this.- Amazing.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Did you like that?
0:17:13 > 0:17:17I have to say you've really done us proud with this one.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- What an amazing find! - I've got a handshake!
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- Thanks, Matt.- Congratulations. Well done. Brilliant.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- Not so much!- You must love this house.- Yes.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Cos we've heard nothing about a garage!
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Well, I did spot the garage issue with the...
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Issue? Garage issue? There is no garage, man!
0:17:36 > 0:17:38But the house is beautiful.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41There is plenty of space here outside this room.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- That's what I was about to say.- You could easily build a car port or...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49What I say is, be aware of planning issues when you look at these houses.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52And look for TPOs, tree preservation orders,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55which one might imagine could be on that tree.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57So your garage isn't going there.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01With that in mind, let's start thinking about the costs.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- We think you've been naughty and gone way over budget. - If it's naughty,
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- it's his fault. If it's good, thank me.- You've shown us something out of our price bracket.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Shall I go first?- Go on, then. - I'm reckoning 415.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- Matt?- I think...445.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Actually on the market
0:18:22 > 0:18:29- for £5 short of £450,000.- It feels every penny of that.- It does.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31However,
0:18:31 > 0:18:36a little bird tells me there is considerable room for negotiation.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- It's a wonderful house. You had to see it.- Definitely.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- But one thing you haven't seen is the Wild Card!- Yeah!
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Go on!
0:18:47 > 0:18:51So it's now time for our final competitor in today's race.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53It's the Wild Card, folks.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Will it take pole position by overtaking Property One and Two?
0:18:56 > 0:18:58We'll have to wait and see, won't we?
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Now, if we're sticking with the motor racing metaphor,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04we could well be on the final strait here.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Because it's the Wild Card. - And it's certainly wild!
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Yes, it is! How's your gardening, fellas?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- He loves it.- Do you?- Yeah.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- Keep me busy!- But it's pretty, isn't it?
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- It's lovely.- What about the village?
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Right.- Been here before?- No. New territory.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- It's got a really nice feel to it. - It's lovely. It has a pub.
0:19:24 > 0:19:30And a school in the next village on. A primary school. Couple of miles.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Let's talk about the property. Look at this place.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35It's very, very attractive.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Very different to what you've shown us before.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40But a really nice feel to it.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Inviting.- Inviting?- Inviting.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46It's got a garage, but only one. And it's ready to move into, this.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Very different in style. I look forward to hearing your reactions.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52I'm looking forward to it.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- Go on.- Enjoy!
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- Well, this is certainly different. - Very.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- It's not something I would look at normally.- No, but that's the whole point.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Very country cottage.- Cottagey. - OK, this is nice.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17It's a good-sized room. The ceiling feels so much lower than the one earlier.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21I get visions of winter. Fireplace on here.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23It's a nice cosy room.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25This is the kitchen. That's warm, with the Aga.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- You're not keen on Agas. - I'm not. I'll be honest.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Not Italian friendly cooking!
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Yeah, this is an English house. An English country house.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- OK. So this would be the dining room.- Wow, that is...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- A fireplace! - ..a fireplace, isn't it?
0:20:41 > 0:20:42- Amazing feature.- Wow!
0:20:42 > 0:20:45If you can sit either side of the fire in the fireplace,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- that is an inglenook. And you can here.- Yes.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Well, this is amazing, isn't it?
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- An amazing extension on the back. - This is more my style.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- Yes, this is a room we'd use a lot. Access both sides, as well.- OK.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03If the kids were in the garden, that's nice and easy.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06You can't smell this at home, there's a living plant in there
0:21:06 > 0:21:08and it smells beautiful.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12OK, so this is going to be - well, it's decorated as a study or office.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- Quite a small room.- It's OK. - It feels lighter upstairs than it does downstairs.- Yes.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- So this is the second bedroom. - Ah, that's bigger.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Is it me, or is the room wonky? - It's cottagey.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28The cupboard seems to be leaning against the wall!
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- It's one of the perks of an older house.- A unique feature!
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Individual, that's it. This is almost unique, this cottage.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Narrow passage! - Narrow with the book shelves.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Is this the master bedroom? No.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44It's a good-sized room, though.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- And this cupboard seems straight so this room's not tilting! - What more could you ask for?
0:21:49 > 0:21:53I quite like it. It's got a nice feel to it.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Matt likes it.- And Claudio is completely unsure about it.- Yeah.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- OK, this is the...- Ah!
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- A bathroom.- It's an improvement on avocado!- It is.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Avocado on the walls now and lemon in the bathroom!- Lemon tree yellow!
0:22:06 > 0:22:07It's a good size.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- Wow, that's a master bedroom. This is what it's meant to be like. - Nice space.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18It's got, for you, a combination of the old with the brick.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- It's an unusual house for me. - Quirky.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23I'm absorbing the whole house still.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Claudio is taking his time because he's not used to this style of property.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31It's very different to what they asked for. It'll take more adjustment.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Same when you started working with me!
0:22:33 > 0:22:34OK.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- That is sweet. That is nice. - It's a great size.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- It certainly isn't overlooked. - No.- Shush and listen.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- BIRDSONG - Just birds.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48I'd love to know what my family in Italy would think of this house!
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Now, fellas. Matt, I think you love this house.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57For me, this feels kind of right.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01It's got a taste of modern with it with this beautiful conservatory on it.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- This compensates.- There's compromise in this house, which is good.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- The whole point of this move is about a family.- Sure. - You're starting a family.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- It's a family house.- It is. - You judged it right.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- But how much is it worth? Guess the price time.- What's the score? - One-all.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20Your maximum budget, £400,000.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- I'll start.- Good.- It's a new house, a new concept for me.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Unknown. So I'll go spot on budget. 400.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29- Matt?- I'll be more generous.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32440.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33He's good.
0:23:33 > 0:23:39It's on the market for £445,000. Well done, Matt. So you win.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44I like the fact he's celebrating that we're talking 45 grand over!
0:23:44 > 0:23:47There is some good news, though. The owners of this property
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- have mentioned that there would be some room for negotiation.- OK.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54OK. I think you'll agree,
0:23:54 > 0:24:01we've shown you three very different properties, all of which would suit the big move ahead of you.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04You now have to decide which one you'd like to spend more time in.
0:24:04 > 0:24:10- More questions!- Questions you can ask each other over there. Put your heads together.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Big decisions, mate. You know what? It's time for a pit-stop.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Oh, yes. Here's a quick recap for you at home.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21First off the grid was my choice, getting us off to a flying start.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23A substantial family home.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Property Two opened up the race in a very grand style
0:24:30 > 0:24:31with a grand price tag too!
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Using all their budget, are we?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38But it could be the Wild Card that takes the flag.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Quintessentially English country living.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52So it's the Wild Card that will be the setting for the test drive.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55I'm pleasantly surprised by this choice.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00- I had Property Two as the odds-on favourite here.- Never mind that, what about this?
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- Ready...- Steady...- Go!
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- I've got the longer bit round the edge.- I'm beating you!
0:25:06 > 0:25:08It's very tense. Into the final lap.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I did that to make you feel better!
0:25:11 > 0:25:16- Enough.- OK. More important, can I see if the cars fit in the garage?
0:25:16 > 0:25:17It's the height...
0:25:17 > 0:25:20There's enough space for a sporty number, isn't there?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Not a problem.- It'll work.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27Regardless of who won the toy car race, has the Wild Card won them over?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Time to find out.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35The mystery property took the chequered flag.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40And never have the words "test drive" been more apt!
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- How did you get on?- We enjoyed it.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46I want to thank you because I wouldn't have looked at these houses.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I come to the magazines, flipping over. No, no, no.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54- It made me really appreciate. - And made my life a lot easier, to be fair!
0:25:54 > 0:25:58This isn't just about you two. It is about the new family.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03So, does this village lifestyle...
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Is it ticking boxes? Are you thinking along those lines?
0:26:06 > 0:26:10I think so. I've grown up in villages so I'm comfortable in one.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Listen, I'm going to ask, I'm going to ask. I'm excited now. So,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16bearing that in mind, I'll ask the question.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18To buy or not to buy?
0:26:18 > 0:26:21To seriously consider buying.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24We've got more work to do like finding out about the area,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27this village, having been here for the first time today.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- But it's a definite contender. - We like it.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33If all the answers were answered correctly...
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- We would buy.- We'd buy.- We'd buy.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- Brilliant!- That's what I wanted to hear. It's been a pleasure.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- Thank you.- Good luck with your new family.- Thank you.
0:26:43 > 0:26:49To use a driving term, you're about to take a back seat in your life!
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- I'll leave you with that! Shall we go?- See you, guys.- Bye!
0:26:54 > 0:26:58A happy ending, I think, Simon. A podium finish for the Wild Card.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02But even you must be running out of motoring puns by now.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06So if you would like us to help you find your perfect home, do get in touch.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10We'll put our foot to the floor, full throttle, to find you your perfect property!
0:27:10 > 0:27:12They keep coming, don't they?
0:27:31 > 0:27:35Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd