0:00:02 > 0:00:04Ah, there you are! On today's show, we're looking for a home
0:00:04 > 0:00:07for a couple who don't even want to live in it.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10They don't even know the area very well. They live 130 miles away.
0:00:10 > 0:00:16- So...what are we doing?- Never before has expert advice been needed more.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Birmingham, the beating heart of the Midlands.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30The engine of the Industrial Revolution.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Home to such national treasures as the balti curry
0:00:32 > 0:00:36and the Gravelly Hill interchange. That's Spaghetti Junction to us.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40It also has one of the UK's largest student populations.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Which is kind of the point of this little lecture.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Marella and Geoff have been together for eight years,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49but have known each other for 18. They were good neighbours, you see.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Everybody needs 'em! They live happily in Somerset,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56but are looking to buy a second home in Birmingham.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And that's because Marella's son Oliver is studying IT
0:00:59 > 0:01:02at one of the city's three universities.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Now, a student's life is a happy one, but the cost of living can be a struggle.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10So Marella and Geoff, the kind couple they are,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13are hoping to provide Oliver with a home from home
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- while he studies. - Would that be...rent-free, then?
0:01:21 > 0:01:24You're the best mum in the world. You're buying a house
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- for your son to live in?- Yes.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Watch and learn, parents. This is the future England.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Bank Of Mum And Dad coming to the rescue.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35You're going to buy a property for him to rent back off you, right?
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- Yeah. - Hopefully with some of his friends,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41so we're still going to get some income. It's not all one-way.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44I see. So Oliver will become one tenant,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- and you'll be looking for others? - Yeah, so it may change over time.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Students in the first year or so, and perhaps professionals
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- in a couple of years' time. - What have you got in mind -
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- apartments or houses, or are you happy to look at both?- Both, yeah.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04We'd like to think we'd make the decision with our business head on,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- but the heart is bound to come into it.- Where would that lead you?
0:02:07 > 0:02:10What kind of property? Period properties, modern?
0:02:10 > 0:02:15I like modern. Modern... New, obviously.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- Yes.- Are you looking to do any work on the properties?
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- No.- No. We'd be looking for something with minimal work
0:02:22 > 0:02:25because of the distance we are away.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27I wouldn't like to be popping up every weekend
0:02:27 > 0:02:30just fixing a tap washer and various other bits.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33We'd like something that's been modernised.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37I've got some news for you. You're going to rent a house to your son
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and his student friends, and they don't think they'll be popping up
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- fixing the place! - Change your number at all costs.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47If you want, for today, Simon will be your heart
0:02:47 > 0:02:50and I will be your head. I'll focus on the business side,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- and Simon will be all emotional. - I'll just walk around like a student
0:02:54 > 0:02:57with a traffic cone on my head. We'll mix the worlds together.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Money. What's your budget?
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Up to 200,000.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04It depends on the property. If it's a good investment,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- you'd be prepared to pay a bit more. - We've got a nice one here!
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- I'd go to 250 for this one! - THEY LAUGH
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- Generous parents! - You think? I'm not so sure.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18This is also an investment property for their future.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- Oliver will only be here for a year. - You're right.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24What you're saying is, we need a change of mindset today.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- We are not looking for a home. We are looking for the right property.- Exactly.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Big city, mate. Better get cracking!
0:03:30 > 0:03:34Birmingham is at the epicentre of England's motorway network,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37with the M6, M42 and M5 all feeding traffic
0:03:37 > 0:03:39in and around the city.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43Oft referred to as the Second City, it's seen by some
0:03:43 > 0:03:48as the poor relation to the capital, sullied by downward investment,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51unemployment and the collapse of its industrial core.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56But Brum, as it's affectionately known, needs re-evaluating. It's alive with culture, great spaces,
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- and, crucially, great housing stock. - The average price is around 160K -
0:04:01 > 0:04:05cheaper than London, but more than other areas in the West Midlands.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10So, if you're thinking of investing, what would Marella and Geoff's £200,000 budget get you
0:04:10 > 0:04:13in other university cities around the UK?
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Try Glasgae! A bonny place to live.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21This two-bed apartment is in the Yorkhill area -
0:04:21 > 0:04:24stylish fittings, wooden floors, and the balcony,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28it's well within budget at a price of £164,950.
0:04:28 > 0:04:29I've no idea what that accent was.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Moving on, just a mile from the centre of Manchester,
0:04:33 > 0:04:38this innovatively designed mews-style house has three bedrooms. Very modern living indeed.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Ideal for renting to students, this four-bed end-of-terrace
0:04:45 > 0:04:48is in Leeds, only half a mile from the university. Very well appointed,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51it's on the market at offers in the region of...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00'While Jonny plods the streets on the hunt for the perfect property,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04'I'm the one using my head. It's straight to the agents' for me.'
0:05:04 > 0:05:10They've got up to £200,000 to invest. Is that realistic?
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- I think you've got a good choice of properties in that price range.- OK.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16What kind of areas are we looking in?
0:05:16 > 0:05:19The city centre is divided into four quarters,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21and we've got several universities,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24and mostly students want to be based around them.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28I've got a couple looking to buy a property as a rental investment
0:05:28 > 0:05:31in Birmingham, for either students or young professionals.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- What are good areas for them to live in?- Kings Heath? Moseley?
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- Close to town. - The Jewellery Quarter's a good area,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- but not for students.- More for...? - Young professionals, yeah.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It sounds like a good place to invest.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Excellent place. Never been a better time to invest,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49as the prices have dipped, and property values are excellent.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53If you can get a mortgage, it's a brilliant time to buy property.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56OK. Buy-to-let investment properties rules.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Think about your target market and position the property accordingly.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Young professionals are going to need access to train stations
0:06:03 > 0:06:08and other forms of commutability. Students - amenities, bars, parks,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and, of course, fast-food restaurants.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17OK! I'm sorry, but to coin a phrase, good things come to those who wait.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21And I get you. I've done some research into the kind of areas
0:06:21 > 0:06:24that students and young professionals would want to live in,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- and I've got some interesting things. - I tell you what I've learned -
0:06:27 > 0:06:33the distinction between a professional apartment and a student pad have become completely blurred.
0:06:33 > 0:06:39Would you believe that one of the primary requirements for a student hang-out now is a parking space?
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- No way.- Things have changed. With that in mind,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I have a fabulous Property 1. It will tick all the boxes.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49It is right for professionals and students,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53and there's nothing to do at all for Geoff and Marella.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57The bar has been set very high! Property 2, I've gone for areas,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and with that in mind, Harborne, a very popular area
0:06:59 > 0:07:03amongst young professionals indeed. This house is fantastic.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Now, then - the Wildcard today. We've left the Wildcard
0:07:07 > 0:07:11to the secret To Buy Or Not To Buy property-finding team,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14and they have come up with an absolute beauty. I love it.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Shall we start the tours? - Yes! Property 1?- Why not?
0:07:19 > 0:07:25Great Barr is a busy old suburb with close links to the city centre.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Property 1, however, sits on a quiet cul-de-sac.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32I've done the maths, and I'm sure this place will get a first
0:07:32 > 0:07:34with honours.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Right! Marella and Geoff, Property 1 today is my choice.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40I am feeling pretty pleased with myself, I have to say.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Before we talk about the property, let's talk location,
0:07:43 > 0:07:48because this all about investment - for Oliver first and foremost.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52The station to Birmingham City University is just around the corner. Two stops, he's there.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Other way, into town, and, more importantly,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59for long-term investments - we're talking for young professionals -
0:07:59 > 0:08:02the M5 and M6 are just around the corner that way
0:08:02 > 0:08:05for those who want to commute further afield. OK?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Location I'm happy with. Property - are you happy?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11First impressions, very good. Yes.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15I like the drive for his car, and the garage,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- the security...- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21I think it's more synonymous, style-wise, with young professionals
0:08:21 > 0:08:25than students, so you get the best of both worlds. You've done well.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Thank you! It worries me when he's nice to me. It does.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31I hope you're going to be nice to me when you go inside.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35It's a low-maintenance property. That's what you wanted. Go in.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Try and put your own stamp on it. See you on the other side.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Nice hallway.- Yeah.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Good stairs.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53No problem with carpets. Nice floor.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57Exactly. From a rental point of view, not having carpets to clean,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- replace and change is a positive. - Quite a bit of room.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Yes. It's a nice-sized room. - It's too good for Oliver!
0:09:03 > 0:09:05THEY LAUGH
0:09:05 > 0:09:09They've got to look at it from a pragmatic and professional point of view.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13All they're looking at is, does it work as an investment prospect?
0:09:13 > 0:09:18- Don't worry about the presentation too much.- Does it work?- Absolutely.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22This is a nice size. Plenty of room for a table, space to move around.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Oh, look at the kitchen! The units are gorgeous.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Nice modern kitchen. Exactly what they're after -
0:09:28 > 0:09:32not having to spend any money. Anybody could move straight in.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35And the garden, ideal for barbecues.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- Nice size. Not too big. - It is a lovely size.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43It's a great-sized garden, and it's also very peaceful indeed.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Well, the downstairs and the location's good.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Let's hope upstairs is as well.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54Looks nice and... Nice area up here, isn't it? Nice to have a window too.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59The much-undervalued yet always-commented-upon landing window.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Obviously a single, but plenty of room for a student.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Yeah. I wonder if this is the smallest room?
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- If it is, it's quite a nice size, really, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Oh, a double!
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Now they're getting to the nub of why I really like this property.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Oh, that's a nice size. That's good.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Because I wasn't sure whether that was going to be the double
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and this was going to be the small room.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Low maintenance, though.- Yeah. - No wallpaper. Just a lick of paint.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Let's see what this... I thought this was going to be a bedroom!
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- No, bathroom.- Yeah. That's nice.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42That's good. Good window. Nice to have a window in there.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- All tiled.- A shower.- Yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48That's student life. No-one has baths any more.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51I like Geoff's sweeping generalisation of the cleaning habits
0:10:51 > 0:10:55of the nation's students. "They don't bath, they shower."
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Master bedroom. Got your feature wall you like.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It's nicely decorated, isn't it?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05And built-in wardrobes, another one of your favourites.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Yeah. That's really good.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11The double bedrooms are both a great size, and even the third bedroom
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- is not too boxy.- Not too small, like you normally get in these.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17You could squeeze a double bed in there.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20You'd just charge less to a student because it is smaller.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It's got a nice outlook. The whole location's good.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26I can see this appealing to a wider audience than students,
0:11:26 > 0:11:30which is good for the long term - professionals and families.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Just what we're looking for.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Simple question - well?
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Very impressed. I think you did well with this one.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44You actually said, "Just what we're looking for."
0:11:44 > 0:11:48I think it is. Low maintenance, it appears a nice location,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- off-road parking... - This property has further appeal
0:11:51 > 0:11:54beyond professionals and students. This is a great family area.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- It's a cul-de-sac. - You know what he's suggesting!
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- If Oliver settles down... - THEY LAUGH
0:12:01 > 0:12:05He's not. He's just saying there's a wider market appeal to this place.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09The maximum spend, £200,000. Three bedrooms, link-detached.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Great area. Excellent commutability. What do you think?
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Let's go with Geoff. Let's go Geoff first. I like it.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Right. I think we're just over, if not at the top,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21so I'm going to go for 205.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- OK.- Marella?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25I'd say 190.
0:12:25 > 0:12:31This place is on the market, very competitively priced, at £170,000.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- We were way out!- Yeah. - You were closest. One-nil to you!
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Yeah.- Good one to start with? - Yeah.- Very good.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Challenge on! Follow me. This way.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48For Property 2, I'm taking Marella and Geoff to what I'd simply describe
0:12:48 > 0:12:54as an excellent rental property in one of Birmingham's most sought-after areas, Harborne.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56But it's not exactly, er, modern.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01OK, here we are at Property 2. The weather may have turned against us,
0:13:01 > 0:13:05but the sun is still shining on us, I believe, metaphorically speaking.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09We are in one of the most sought-after suburbs of Birmingham.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13This property is more squared on to your young-professionals
0:13:13 > 0:13:16and smaller-families market. I don't think it is as much for students,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but Oliver's only got a year left at uni anyway,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22so let's take that out of the equation and check this place out.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25What do you think of that? First impressions?
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- Very nice.- Yeah?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Older style. - It is an older style.- Not modern.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- They're not convinced. - No, they're not! Brilliant!
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Not yet.- I would just add to that, as a long-term investment,
0:13:38 > 0:13:43you really can't go wrong with Harborne. But you need convincing.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- There's only one way to do that. - Get in. Have a look around,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50with your heads, not your hearts. This is not a home for you.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- There you go.- See you in a bit.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Oh, I like the fireplace.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- Nice alcove. That's a real feature. - It's decorated nicely too, isn't it?
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- Not to my taste. - Well, it's quite modern, isn't it?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Please try and think with your head and not your heart.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Gosh, this is bigger than I thought it was going to be.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- Yeah.- It's so different, isn't it? - I expect this is original flooring,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- the old tiles. - Yes!- They are original quarry tiles.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Yes. Beautiful garden out there.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Oh! Excuse me.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31There is the said beautiful garden.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- These are wide, aren't they? - Generous proportions!
0:14:35 > 0:14:38First room. Gosh, this is big as well, isn't it?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40That's lovely.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Gorgeous, little, original fireplaces.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Lovely! I'm so happy they've survived.- Yeah.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49There does appear a lack of space to put your clothes, though.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I wonder what's in that cupboard over there?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Let's hope it's an en suite!
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Is it an en suite? It's a cupboard. Great.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Another bedroom!
0:15:05 > 0:15:08It's a single, though, isn't it?
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Yeah. You'd struggle to fit a double in and a couple of wardrobes.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Easily a double bedroom, guys. Do not even worry about it.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- I've measured.- This man used to be an estate agent. Can you tell?
0:15:20 > 0:15:23You can see the city centre, so we can't be that far away.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Hey, you can as well! It's quite nice!
0:15:25 > 0:15:29And the garden goes back quite some way behind those two clowns.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Bathroom. It's a nice-size bathroom, though, isn't it?
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Yeah. There's a big hatch there.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I'll have to ask Jonny what's up there.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44The weird thing is, you've got this fantastic space up here,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47and the only access is via a ladder from the bathroom.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- En suite for this room. - Potentially, yeah!
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- Would you want to be going up and down this?- No.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57But it's full head-height. We have got proper load-bearing floors,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00skylights, everything you want in a loft conversion.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05To make it accessible, and make it benefit the property -
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Simon and I were discussing this - the best way to probably come up
0:16:08 > 0:16:14is through the disappointing en suite from bedroom one that turned out to be a cupboard. Sorry about that,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17but you could bring the staircase back up over the existing one,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21against the load-bearing wall at the back, and you've got a three-storey house.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Three bedrooms. - With the hatch where it is,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28it interferes with the floor space, but stairs on one side
0:16:28 > 0:16:31would actually make it a usable room.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Sticking that in is going to cost a bit of money.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38We know what your budget is, but what is the asking price on this beauty?
0:16:38 > 0:16:41That is the question. Let's play guess the price.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- Yep. - All right? After you, please.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Age before beauty. HE LAUGHS
0:16:49 > 0:16:53So if we take the staircase out of the equation for the short term,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56what do you think of it as a two-bedroom house,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00in a highly sought-after area, for an investment property?
0:17:00 > 0:17:04This is the head and the heart. The heart is warming to the property.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08I don't think we liked it from the outside, but it's got so much character inside.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12But the head is saying we'd perhaps prefer a drive, a garage,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15the extras that other houses may offer.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20Your maximum budget, £200,000. You're one-nil up, Marella.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Geoff, come on. How much for this place?
0:17:23 > 0:17:26I'm going to have a go about 195.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- OK. Marella?- I'd say 197.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Canny. Very canny. And you've won.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Congratulations. Geoff, unlucky, mate.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39The actual asking price is 199,950.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42OK? So it's just at the top of your budget there.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Originally it was marketed for £215,000.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50It has been on a few months, so I imagine there's still a little bit of movement.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- But what do you think about that? - I think it's probably worth it,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56but it's probably not the one for us.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- How about having a good time... - Oh, yeah.- ..at the Wildcard?
0:18:00 > 0:18:01It's this way. Come on.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter has the highest concentration of jewellers in Europe.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- There's a surprise.- It's an historic area, with listed buildings
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- and modern apartments. - One of which is today's Wildcard.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Right, Geoff and Marella. Now, then - so far we have shown you
0:18:20 > 0:18:25an utterly investable Property 1, low-maintenance, modern,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29exactly what you asked for. Then we've shown you an investable area,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33we believe. The Wildcard - you know it's where we swing things around.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37We've brought you slap-bang into the centre of Birmingham,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41literally - the city centre is on the doorstep -
0:18:41 > 0:18:46to try out a bit of contemporary modern apartment living.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49What are you thinking? Here's the building.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52So far I think it's lovely. It's central,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55the parking is good,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- and...- Yes. I mean, secure parking is probably a real advantage.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03In the city centre. Absolutely. It's going to have real value.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07And you obviously are still feeling the effects of Property 2,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09where there was a bit of work to be done.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- You're probably praying Property 3 needs nothing doing to it.- I hope!
0:19:13 > 0:19:17We're getting the message here! Well, one thing we promise you -
0:19:17 > 0:19:18that is the case. Get in there.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Enjoy this place. Go that way. The lift is over there.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- We'll be listening in. Off you go! - Thank you.- See you in a bit.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- Lovely flooring.- Gorgeous hardwood oak flooring throughout.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- We're missing the shower.- No shower,
0:19:40 > 0:19:42but it's very clean, very light.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Are you sure they wouldn't put a shower in an apartment like this?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Bedroom.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Yeah. Nice and modern.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52It's very modern. It's lovely.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- And look how high those ceilings are.- Yeah!
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- It really has a lovely, open feel. - And that rear area
0:19:59 > 0:20:01is either an office or a walk-in wardrobe.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- That looks like an office. - A study. A study area.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08This is like a dressing room with a double function.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12They're using it as an office, but you've got all the wardrobes,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14and storage.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Office for me, walk-in wardrobe for him.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21I thought this was going to be another bedroom.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Wow!- It's definitely got the "wow" factor, hasn't it?
0:20:25 > 0:20:30So this is it! The Wildcard, contemporary city-centre living at its best.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33It looks like control of the house from here. Slightly higher.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- Estate-agent parlance, please. - OK. A fantastic contemporary open-plan kitchen
0:20:38 > 0:20:43with lovely granite work surfaces. Full range of appliances, including a dishwasher and a fridge-freezer,
0:20:43 > 0:20:47double-brushed-steel oven and electric hob. It is superb!
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Never mind the students. We'll be moving in here!
0:20:49 > 0:20:52No, it's not for you! It's for Oliver!
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Ah. This is probably the downside.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57A double-use room.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01No. Look around! You can separate that bed from the living room.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Oh. This is lovely, though.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It partitions off!
0:21:06 > 0:21:10One of my concerns is that they're falling in love with this property
0:21:10 > 0:21:13and not seeing it from a practical investment point of view.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17An en suite! How cool is that?
0:21:17 > 0:21:21And a walk-in shower. Lovely. I wondered where the shower was.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25There! There's always a shower in a modern apartment like this.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27The hardest bit's going to be guessing the price,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30because I've just no idea.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39There you go! The second bedroom is created by pulling the blind across.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- It works, doesn't it?- It does, yeah. - But you would have to know
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- the other tenant, if you know what I mean.- Yes.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50It's not the most substantial of divisions.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Yeah. So you would be looking, I guess, at Oliver plus friend.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- You couldn't let out the other room to a stranger, I'd say.- No.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01By the sounds of it, they're not going to rent it out to anybody.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04You're going to live here yourselves! You really have fallen in love.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- I think it's great.- But that can all be undone very quickly...
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- Yes.- ..when it comes to guess the price. It's two-nil.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- Geoff, you are playing merely for pride.- I am.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Your maximum budget was £200,000. Who wants to have a guess?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- You go first.- I think it's over,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24but how much I don't know.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Probably 215.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- OK.- OK.- I'll go for 215 and a half!
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Oh, I see what you've done there! You've just topped it,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- because you knew... And you went the wrong way.- Oh!
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Three-nil!
0:22:41 > 0:22:44If you'd just gone 214 and a half, you would've been closer.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47It is a bit lower. We've been a bit cheeky. It is the Wildcard.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51It's a beautiful apartment. It's on for 209,950.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53All right. OK.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57So not substantially over what your maximum budget is.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00There are things to bear in mind. It is leasehold.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03There are service charges - £620 every six months.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06£100 a month is about right, I would say,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09when you've got an elevator and electric gates to service.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12We've shown you three very different properties.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14We've covered all the bases
0:23:14 > 0:23:18in the Birmingham investment market for students and professionals.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Would you agree? Got to decide which one to spend a bit more time in.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Sit down, have a good think about it,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- and we'll see you in a bit.- OK! - See you later on, guys.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Well, three very different properties indeed!
0:23:31 > 0:23:33So whilst they decide which one to test-drive...
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Here's a quick recap for you at home.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40A modern home in a quiet street, Property 1 was in tip-top condition
0:23:40 > 0:23:44and had the versatility to suit students, professionals and families alike.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45On the market for...
0:23:49 > 0:23:51It was all about location with Property 2.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54The house had lots to offer,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57but it needed a pragmatic approach to maximise its potential.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59On the market, though, for...
0:24:00 > 0:24:03The Wildcard was loft living personified,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07a modern conversion slap-bang in the wham-bam of the city centre.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09A bit over budget, though.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Steve!
0:24:17 > 0:24:20No surprises, then - it was the Wildcard.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Oliver and his student mates seem to be behaving themselves.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Yes, but do they know that Marella and Geoff are listening in?
0:24:29 > 0:24:32They seem happy enough, don't they?
0:24:32 > 0:24:35They do, yeah. I think they're settling in quite nicely.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Mmm! Let's see, shall we?
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Taxi into town. Get on it, lads!
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Careful, boys! Mind what you say!
0:24:44 > 0:24:45All-dayer. Two o'clock.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- All-dayer?- Yeah. - What does that mean, then?
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Oh, blimey! Better not explain that one to the parents.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54If they're going out till two,
0:24:54 > 0:24:58I hope the walls are soundproofed for the neighbours.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- Geoff, always the practical one! - I think we've heard enough now.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Well, they've heard enough, and it's ticking the boxes for the boys.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Well...just checking the place out.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- It's incredibly clean! Students aren't what they were, are they?- No.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Oliver has now seen the place. We know you love it to death.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- I love it.- What did he think of it? - And he loves it, too.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- So he should. It's gorgeous, isn't it?- Yes.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- And there's no work to be done. That's a relief, isn't it?- Yeah!
0:25:32 > 0:25:36All of a sudden, you'd be coming visiting from the Southwest
0:25:36 > 0:25:39for a different reason - just because you'd want to.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Yes. I hope my son moves out for the weekend so we can move in.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I personally have still got a few reservations about this,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49because you want to invest money into a property.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53So you want to be looking at capital growth over a number of years,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56or making a profit on your rental income.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59This place would generate 850 to 900 a month.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02If you put down a reasonable deposit, it will give you that.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06But long-term growth in Birmingham, where so many apartments are...?
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Excuse me! Excuse me! Here's how it works.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12We find three properties that we really like,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16then we encourage them to like them. We don't try and put them off.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17- Gotcha.- OK.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21I'm not being that guy! I'm just being realistic with you.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23It's lovely, but for long-term growth, I'm not sure.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- Bit to consider there. Go on, Jonny. - OK. You do have a property to sell,
0:26:28 > 0:26:29but if that place was sold,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32the question I ask you is, to buy or not to buy?
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- To buy.- Yes!
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- Fantastic!- I'm shocked.- I know that you want the best for your son,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- and you felt this was the best. - Certainly.- Is that fair enough?
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Guys, it's been an absolute pleasure. I want a word with you.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- We'll leave you to it. - Enjoy the place!- Thank you.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53Jonny, you are supposed to encourage the people to like the place.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Normally, but when it's an investment property,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- they need to have all the facts. - You are right. I apologise.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01I was thinking with my heart, not my head.
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