Enfield To Buy or Not to Buy


Enfield

Similar Content

Browse content similar to Enfield. Check below for episodes and series from the same categories and more!

Transcript


LineFromTo

When you've made as many episodes of the nation's favourite house-hunting programme as we have,

0:00:020:00:06

it can get tricky coming up with clever new ways to introduce the programme.

0:00:060:00:10

Especially when you've got to find a house or a flat for a guy with £150,000 in London.

0:00:100:00:14

That's tricky in itself.

0:00:140:00:15

So, after the titles, see what cunning idea we've come up with for our own instruction.

0:00:150:00:20

In the Dark Ages, the world was said to be flat.

0:00:290:00:34

The horizon was believed to be the end of the earth, where the flatness

0:00:340:00:38

ended and a gaping chasm filled with evil creatures and dragons began.

0:00:380:00:43

Today's house hunter wishes to return to a similar age.

0:00:430:00:47

He wants to live in a very flat house.

0:00:470:00:52

Whereupon the horizon he can see Canary Wharf.

0:00:520:00:55

And beyond this said horizon lies a gaping chasm filled with supermarkets and nightclubs.

0:00:550:01:03

He wants to live in a one-bedroom flat in North London.

0:01:030:01:06

-Still, that was very dramatic.

-Very dramatic, and it kind of summed it all up, didn't it?

0:01:060:01:10

-Very well written.

-Very well written.

0:01:100:01:13

Frank and Maureen are your typical brother and sister.

0:01:130:01:16

Lots of love and a little bit of mickey taking, or possibly the other way around.

0:01:160:01:21

This is what they used to look like in years gone by, but now they're both retired and live

0:01:210:01:26

just round the corner from each other in north London.

0:01:260:01:28

The house move is just for Frank, but Maureen's here to cast a sisterly eye over things.

0:01:280:01:32

Frank suffers from a breathing problem called

0:01:320:01:34

COPD and is finding some activities increasingly difficult to manage.

0:01:340:01:39

So a smaller property is the order of the day, but at what cost?

0:01:390:01:44

-So, I'm going in hard with this one.

-Go on.

0:01:440:01:46

Let's talk money straightaway. You've got a budget of 150 grand.

0:01:460:01:50

-Mmm.

-Is that fixed, rigid in your mind?

0:01:500:01:53

Well, yes and no.

0:01:530:01:56

I guess, if somebody were asking for more than that,

0:01:560:02:00

we could always look at it and perhaps hope to bring down the price a bit more in my area, but...

0:02:000:02:06

-And you can haggle quite well, because at the moment you're renting.

-Yeah.

-So that's perfect.

0:02:060:02:11

Now, we're in London-ish.

0:02:110:02:13

-Enfield at the moment, you're in Edmonton, is that right, Frank?

-That's right, yeah.

0:02:130:02:16

-Maureen, where are you?

-I'm on the other side of the railway, Bush Hill Park, Enfield.

0:02:160:02:20

Right, where are we thinking?

0:02:200:02:22

Anywhere within, say, a five-mile radius of Enfield where we are now.

0:02:240:02:30

-OK.

-I suppose borders Winchmore Hill,

0:02:300:02:33

Southgate, Hodderston, this is going out a bit further, Broxbourne, there's Turnford, this is that area.

0:02:330:02:40

We're looking for...how many bedrooms?

0:02:400:02:42

-Maximum two.

-Maximum two. OK.

-Minimum one.

0:02:420:02:46

Minimum one, which is good!

0:02:460:02:48

And we are needing what else, apart from the toilet and whatever?

0:02:480:02:53

Well, for me, what's important is that I have somewhere

0:02:530:02:56

-where it's got easy access without stairs, on the level.

-Uh-huh.

0:02:560:03:01

Probably access to the outside, either by walking out

0:03:010:03:04

into a small garden or area, or onto a terrace or balcony.

0:03:040:03:08

-Righty-ho.

-Any DIY skills you've got?

0:03:080:03:10

No, I want to avoid that as much as possible.

0:03:100:03:13

-OK.

-Because I don't have the breath to do it any more.

0:03:130:03:17

From the area, what do we need from the area? Do we need to be near tubes, trains, buses?

0:03:170:03:22

Well, near public transport, yes.

0:03:220:03:25

-Near a means of getting into central London pretty quickly.

-Mm-hm.

0:03:250:03:29

Not out in the boondocks. I mean I drive now, so it's no problem, but you can't always drive, can you?

0:03:290:03:34

By the sounds of it, you'll also need some car parking as well.

0:03:340:03:36

Yeah, I would. Preferably off-street.

0:03:360:03:39

-Oh, dear.

-I appreciate all your hard work in advance.

-Well, yeah, all of our hard work.

0:03:390:03:43

-I like that. Well, we're off. Wish us luck.

-OK.

0:03:430:03:48

-Good luck.

-See you later.

-Thank you very much.

-Bye-bye.

0:03:480:03:51

Back in the Dark Ages...to Roman times, actually, Enfield was born, a settlement in Bush Hill Park.

0:03:510:03:57

It became an important business centre in the 14th century when the first market charter was granted,

0:03:570:04:02

such a successful market that it still runs today.

0:04:020:04:06

In the early 17th century, a 40-mile canal was built from Ware

0:04:060:04:10

through Enfield and into London to deliver clean water to the ever-increasing population.

0:04:100:04:15

An ever-increasing population which has now reached over seven million. That's a lot of people to house.

0:04:150:04:20

The average price of a flat in Greater London is £222,000.

0:04:200:04:25

The average in Enfield is £183,000, and unfortunately the budget

0:04:250:04:30

that we've got to spend today is about £160,000.

0:04:300:04:34

The Borough of Enfield is the most northerly London borough and edges out onto the M25.

0:04:340:04:39

We'll be extending Frank's search just beyond this out into the Hertfordshire countryside.

0:04:390:04:45

But what would Frank's budget get you elsewhere around the UK?

0:04:450:04:50

Well, heading north to the Midlands you could get this two-bedroom

0:04:500:04:53

executive apartment in the heart of Birmingham city centre for £149,950.

0:04:530:05:00

Even further up the country, to Manchester,

0:05:000:05:02

you could buy this three-bedroom Victorian terrace

0:05:020:05:05

with a south-facing garden for just £150,000.

0:05:050:05:08

And finally, head to Leeds where you could discover

0:05:080:05:11

this three-bedroom flat in a converted Methodist church.

0:05:110:05:14

-It costs just £149,950.

-But back down south,

0:05:140:05:18

we're taking a tip from Maureen and heading to Hodderston.

0:05:180:05:21

-Today's budget is 150 grand, and we need to find possibly a two-bedroom flat.

-Mm-hm.

0:05:210:05:26

Am I blowing in the wind here?

0:05:260:05:28

No, you're not. It depends on location and where the flat is positioned.

0:05:280:05:33

-For that kind of price range, you're probably looking at maisonettes and flats.

-Yeah.

0:05:330:05:37

The closer to town you are, the more you're going to pay.

0:05:370:05:39

What is life like inside the ring of the M25, as opposed to life outside of the ring of the M25?

0:05:390:05:44

-Well, I think here you get the best of both worlds.

-Right.

0:05:440:05:47

You've got the country on your doorstep and you can nip in,

0:05:470:05:52

go to London and have all the joys of London.

0:05:520:05:55

OK. And when you were living in Enfield, what were the pluses there?

0:05:550:05:59

-It was just where I grew up.

-It was just where you grew up!

0:05:590:06:01

-Am I looking at new builds or is there old stock around?

-There is old stock around.

0:06:010:06:05

There's a few new bits around at the moment, but old stock always available to buy.

0:06:050:06:09

Now, are we getting more for our money outside the M25?

0:06:090:06:12

-Yeah, I think we are now.

-OK.

-Don't think we ever used to.

0:06:120:06:15

-I'm going to have a scout around. Thank you very much for your time.

-Pleasure.

-Thank you.

0:06:150:06:19

Thank you for your time.

0:06:190:06:20

-Ed, this doesn't look or feel much like London.

-Look. It's over there.

0:06:200:06:25

That is London, and the reason we're over here is because if you

0:06:250:06:27

are over there and you had £150,000, you couldn't really live over there.

0:06:270:06:31

-No chance.

-Which is why we're over here. And what have you found?

0:06:310:06:33

Well, I found these. Look at this.

0:06:330:06:35

I saw these sale particulars and I just had to have them.

0:06:350:06:37

And they're so cute, and I think it fairly represents the cutesy little apartment.

0:06:370:06:42

It's not big, but I've taken Frank at his word. He doesn't want to do DIY.

0:06:420:06:45

This is brand spanking new.

0:06:450:06:47

OK, I've gone for space and I've gone for space in Wormley.

0:06:470:06:49

Two bedrooms there, it is beautiful.

0:06:490:06:51

It is very near Broxbourne, which is where the train is that goes to London.

0:06:510:06:55

-Takes about 40 minutes. Frank's covered there.

-More than covered.

0:06:550:06:58

Well, the wild card, as we know, we all love the wild card...

0:06:580:07:00

-We all do.

-Now, this place...

0:07:000:07:02

is not a house, it's a conversion flat.

0:07:020:07:05

But it's ground floor, no stairs, but it has something that Frank said

0:07:050:07:09

in his wildest dreams he would quite like to have.

0:07:090:07:12

-Give us a clue maybe?

-No.

-No. All right.

0:07:120:07:14

-Well, those are the houses - where shall we start today's journey?

-Where do you want to start, Ed?

0:07:140:07:17

Probably at mine, but maybe we'll get the worst out of the way first, shall we, with your one?

0:07:170:07:21

Hodderston is a great town around ten miles north of Enfield on the other side of the M25.

0:07:240:07:29

It was traditionally a coaching stop between Cambridge and London.

0:07:290:07:33

Today, though, it's home to this brand spanking new ground-floor flat, which I am offering to Frank.

0:07:330:07:40

-Now, Frank and Maureen, Hodderston, the town, you know this?

-Yes. Yes, vaguely.

0:07:400:07:45

-I seem to remember you saying this was one of your target areas.

-I have a relation living here.

0:07:450:07:49

Is Frank going to like it? ..Do you like this town?

0:07:490:07:51

I don't know it so well. I'll find out.

0:07:510:07:53

This flat, there are eight in total, OK? Just been completed.

0:07:530:07:57

Now, the good thing about buying a brand-new flat from this developer is there's an NHBC guarantee.

0:07:570:08:03

That means it's guaranteed for ten years.

0:08:030:08:05

-Anything goes wrong, not that it should, but it's sorted out by the developer.

-Yeah.

0:08:050:08:09

OK? So it's hassle-free ownership. What do we think of it?

0:08:090:08:13

-It's quite impressive to start off with, you know, nice and smart.

-Mm-hm.

0:08:130:08:17

-Yeah.

-It's got walls, a roof, um...

0:08:170:08:20

-let's see inside.

-OK, you've got your off-street car parking here as well.

0:08:200:08:24

-Which I noticed.

-Just at the back. They're going to finish off a bit landscaping as well,

0:08:240:08:26

so it's going to look prettier, and landscaping at the front.

0:08:260:08:30

So there's a bit of outside space at the back, not a huge amount, but we're ground floor as well.

0:08:300:08:34

-It's promising so far, anyway.

-Good.

-Promising so far, good.

0:08:340:08:37

All right, well, go and have a look around.

0:08:370:08:40

-OK.

-It's not the biggest flat in the world, but I think it could suit you.

0:08:400:08:43

-OK, we'll see.

-In your new life up here in Hodderston.

0:08:430:08:46

-All right?

-So I can go and do my market on Friday, OK.

-Yes, quite.

0:08:460:08:50

-Go in and enjoy.

-OK, thanks.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

0:08:500:08:54

Oh! Oh, this looks rather smart.

0:08:560:08:59

Oh, it's unexpected.

0:08:590:09:01

Yes, it is, isn't it?

0:09:010:09:03

I didn't realise it would all be in one.

0:09:030:09:07

Yeah. It's larger than I expected from outside.

0:09:070:09:11

You'd hope they be impressed, wouldn't you? Because it's the show home.

0:09:110:09:13

-It does look lovely, it does look gorgeous.

-Reasonable size.

0:09:130:09:16

-I expected it to be smaller, to be honest.

-Yeah, combined with the kitchen.

0:09:160:09:20

-Yeah.

-It's not too bad.

0:09:200:09:23

I like the kitchen unit area.

0:09:230:09:25

Oh, very snazzy!

0:09:250:09:27

Oh, yeah. Quite well-fitted.

0:09:270:09:29

Yes. Plenty of storage anyway, for all your cooking utensils.

0:09:290:09:34

-Ah...

-If you should want some.

0:09:340:09:36

-Lovely.

-Yeah, not bad.

0:09:360:09:38

Hang about, he's looking at that kitchen and he's saying it's not too bad?

0:09:380:09:42

I'm hoping he's holding back here, because this is pretty much around his budget, right?

0:09:420:09:46

It's not that far away from London, it's a gorgeous kitchen.

0:09:460:09:49

Oh, very nice. Come on, after you, my love.

0:09:490:09:52

Ah, the bathroom.

0:09:520:09:54

-Shower. Well, it's adequate.

-That's good.

0:09:540:09:57

-Very nice.

-Excellent.

-There's no mirror for me to look at.

0:09:570:10:03

-I have to have a mirror.

-You'd only break it.

-Oh, that's a bit cruel, isn't it?

0:10:030:10:08

It is a little bit cruel, but then they're brother and sister and they can kind of get away with it.

0:10:080:10:11

Ah, so this is the bedroom.

0:10:110:10:13

-Oh, it's a nice size.

-Yeah.

0:10:130:10:16

I'm a bit concerned, though, for clothes, wardrobe.

0:10:160:10:19

-Oh, yeah, there's no storage.

-No storage.

0:10:190:10:22

So where would one put a wardrobe, yeah?

0:10:220:10:24

I think possibly there is the only place I think it could go reasonably,

0:10:240:10:29

-cos you've got the heater here.

-Yeah.

-So that is the only place for a wardrobe left.

-True.

0:10:290:10:35

The only reservation so far I've got about this place is if I had people to stay.

0:10:350:10:40

-True. True.

-I'd have to put them up in the living room.

0:10:400:10:43

It might be a bit cramped. But it's all right.

0:10:430:10:46

Now, this living cum dining cum breakfast cum kitchen...

0:10:460:10:50

You're not going to say it, are you? Are you going to say it? Are you going to turn it into a...?

0:10:500:10:54

-Bedroom?

-Are you going to do it? Is that what you're going to say?

0:10:540:10:57

I'm not going to turn it into, but it's been dressed to look like, you know, a nice single person's flat,

0:10:570:11:03

but he does want people to come and stay, so I think...

0:11:030:11:06

-So you are building up to say...

-I think it needs to be seen without that furniture in it.

0:11:060:11:10

-It's been dressed to make it look like, you know, a young professional's flat.

-Sofa bed.

0:11:100:11:15

-Were you going to say sofa bed?

-I think you need to think about...

-A sofa bed.

-Sofa beds.

0:11:150:11:19

It's a nice place, but it would be interesting to find out how much they want for it.

0:11:190:11:23

-Yeah, I guess so.

-In this area.

0:11:230:11:25

Then you can really judge if it's worth it or not.

0:11:250:11:27

So, Frank and Maureen, I heard some nice things said about the flat,

0:11:300:11:34

but you didn't sound like you were jumping for joy in there.

0:11:340:11:37

-What's going through your minds?

-Well, I found it very well- presented, but for me there was

0:11:370:11:44

-a distinct lack of storage space.

-I just thought there was nothing to do.

-That's true.

0:11:440:11:49

-You can move straight in there, you got ten year guarantees.

-Mm-hm.

0:11:490:11:52

Your service charge and ground rent amounts to around 75 quid a month.

0:11:520:11:54

-You've got your car parking space here, you don't have to think about anything.

-That's true.

0:11:540:11:58

-Is that a compromise you could see Frank making?

-Not really.

-Ah.

0:11:580:12:02

-I think it would be on the small side for him.

-Well, I'm glad you've seen this first.

0:12:020:12:06

-How's it going?

-Oh, it's going so well.

-Really?

0:12:060:12:08

Pretty much they're thinking about going and putting an offer in on it.

0:12:080:12:11

Really? Good. That's excellent news. Shall we play guess the price? Cos sometimes the price helps.

0:12:110:12:16

Now, we're playing with a maximum budget of £150,000, but we didn't want to spend any more than that,

0:12:160:12:21

but we would haggle to somewhere around 170-ish possibly, even more, cos we're good hagglers.

0:12:210:12:25

Who would like to go first in the guess the price arena?

0:12:250:12:29

-Frank is looking at you, Maureen.

-So it's me, is it?

0:12:290:12:33

-140, I think.

-£140,000. ..OK, Frank, what do you reckon?

0:12:330:12:37

I would have thought more like 149.

0:12:370:12:40

-Oh, right. OK.

-Well, we've got a winner, obviously.

0:12:400:12:44

Frank, you're the winner. Congratulations.

0:12:440:12:47

-Basically it's on the market for 147,500.

-Mm-hm.

0:12:470:12:51

-Right.

-And I think that's a fair reflection of what you've got here.

0:12:510:12:54

-Shall we all walk towards property two?

-Yes.

-Let's go, let's go.

0:12:540:12:58

Wormley is a smaller village just over eight miles north of Enfield.

0:13:010:13:04

It's a fairly quiet place with some ancient buildings,

0:13:040:13:07

including the Queen's Head public house where courts were held in the 18th Century.

0:13:070:13:12

You wouldn't believe that my choice today is just outside London, but it is and it's lovely

0:13:120:13:16

and it's got two bedrooms, and I can't wait for Frank to see it.

0:13:160:13:20

Frank and Maureen, Maureen and Frank, walk towards property two.

0:13:200:13:24

This is the one the property hunting team and I have plumped for today.

0:13:240:13:27

We are in the not very lovely- sounding place called Wormley,

0:13:270:13:30

-but if you look around, it is lovely isn't it?

-Lovely, yeah.

-Very lovely.

-Gorgeous, yeah.

0:13:300:13:34

The beauty of Wormley, other than its novelty name, is that we are quite near Broxbourne station.

0:13:340:13:39

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to Broxbourne station,

0:13:390:13:41

and once you're there, straight into London, about half an hour.

0:13:410:13:44

So you're quite near London, so you get all of that and you get all this peace and tranquillity.

0:13:440:13:48

There's the flat. Now, I would say it's not the most engaging-looking building, but it's well-kept.

0:13:480:13:54

What do you think about the area so far, Frank?

0:13:540:13:57

Well, the area's nice enough.

0:13:570:14:00

-It seems civilised.

-Mm-hm.

0:14:000:14:02

-Well, that's a good start, isn't it?

-It certainly is.

0:14:020:14:04

-And the building is there.

-As opposed to...

0:14:040:14:07

-It's got nice big windows.

-Jonnie's one it didn't have that.

0:14:070:14:10

-No, it didn't.

-What's all this?

0:14:100:14:12

-Listen.

-This has really brought out your ugly side, hasn't it?

0:14:120:14:16

-Sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

-"Jonnie's didn't have this."

0:14:160:14:19

You need a comparison point.

0:14:190:14:20

-Yes.

-Jonnie's is more intimate, I expect.

0:14:200:14:23

Intimate - you mean small.

0:14:230:14:24

-Yes.

-So are you ready and excited?

0:14:240:14:27

-Yes.

-Very excited.

-OK, be positive.

0:14:270:14:29

-This isn't a show home, it's a whole different concept.

-OK.

0:14:290:14:33

-Enter. Good luck.

-Right. Thank you.

0:14:330:14:36

-Ah.

-All right.

-Like it?

-Yes, it's got a little hallway

0:14:380:14:42

which is a lot better, isn't it, than walking straight into a room?

0:14:420:14:47

-Yes, this is nice.

-Let's have a look into this first room.

0:14:470:14:52

Ah. Small bedroom, I think.

0:14:520:14:56

-This is a second bedroom or study or whatever.

-Nice window.

0:14:560:14:59

-Yeah.

-Overlooking the garden.

0:14:590:15:01

The garden. That's something I didn't give them.

0:15:010:15:04

Well, you gave them a bit of a garden.

0:15:040:15:06

I've given them this lovely space.

0:15:060:15:08

This is factored into the rent of the flat.

0:15:080:15:10

Now, this is the master bedroom, I suppose. Yeah.

0:15:100:15:13

Oh, there's certainly a lot more room in here.

0:15:130:15:16

-Yeah.

-A lot more room.

0:15:160:15:17

-Good storage as well.

-Yes.

0:15:170:15:19

A wardrobe there, plenty of cupboard space.

0:15:190:15:23

Nice view out onto the lawns. That's nice to wake up to.

0:15:230:15:26

-Very neutral, but you can put your own stamp on it.

-Yeah.

0:15:260:15:30

Ceiling could be improved a bit, but I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to do.

0:15:300:15:34

One thing that Frank will not do - he will not have it. DIY.

0:15:340:15:39

Ah, the bathroom.

0:15:390:15:41

-Oh.

-That's not bad, is it?

0:15:420:15:45

No, it's jolly good. Got a good-sized bath.

0:15:450:15:48

-Shower's a nice shower.

-Yeah.

0:15:480:15:49

-And a mirror.

-Is this...?

0:15:490:15:51

What's this? Let's have a look.

0:15:510:15:54

-Oh, good.

-Good storage space for airing...

0:15:540:15:57

An airing cupboard or whatever you wish to use it for.

0:15:570:15:59

Excellent.

0:15:590:16:00

OK, well this is where both Jonnie and my properties are very similar - lots of

0:16:000:16:05

-storage opportunities in Jonny's one, and lots of storage opportunities here as well, weren't there?

-Yeah.

0:16:050:16:11

That's the living room.

0:16:110:16:13

Again, it's a good size.

0:16:130:16:17

-Feels nice and warm in here.

-You've got two sofas, good sofas.

0:16:170:16:21

It's a bit minimalist at the moment.

0:16:210:16:24

And a nice big TV. I wonder if that's included.

0:16:240:16:27

-Quite.

-That would be nice.

0:16:270:16:29

You can do it to your own taste. You can envisage more, can't you?

0:16:290:16:32

I can fit more of my things into here than the previous place.

0:16:320:16:35

-Ah...

-Nice size.

0:16:350:16:38

-That's not bad at all, is it?

-It's OK.

0:16:380:16:41

-There's a dishwasher...

-Dishwasher.

-Washing machine?

0:16:410:16:44

Must be the little cupboard here.

0:16:440:16:46

-Well, there's a space for it.

-This might need to be done again.

0:16:460:16:49

-It's a bit uneven, but...

-That's not much.

0:16:490:16:52

-There's not a lot to do.

-I like it when the sink is looking out...

0:16:520:16:56

-Yeah, I agree.

-It's nice there.

-I agree.

0:16:560:16:58

Frank and Maureen, I think it's fair to say that this has gone much better than Jonnie's one, hasn't it?

0:17:010:17:06

-Absolutely, yes.

-So what do we think about it, then?

0:17:060:17:09

It's a nice blank canvas, roomy...

0:17:090:17:13

-Don't feel confined, do you?

-No.

0:17:130:17:15

Okey cokey. Right, now, with this you have a service charge

0:17:150:17:18

and ground rent, all combined, of £62 a month.

0:17:180:17:21

-You get your communal gardens - they're all sorted out.

-Yep.

0:17:210:17:24

-You've got a drying area out there, a garage as well with this place.

-Ah.

0:17:240:17:29

Is he looking for praise, here?

0:17:290:17:31

I think so. I think so, yes.

0:17:310:17:33

I think I've found the place. Shall we guess the price?

0:17:330:17:35

Mm. It's your turn first, this time.

0:17:350:17:38

Oh, you've already decided. You're one up, aren't you?

0:17:380:17:41

So maybe leaders go first.

0:17:410:17:42

-OK, 164.

-164.

0:17:420:17:45

You think I've put a haggle zone in there. OK.

0:17:450:17:48

Well, I was going to go for 165.

0:17:480:17:50

-You going to go for 165?

-Yes.

-Right. You've ruined "guess the price".

0:17:500:17:54

-You've won it already, Frank. Congratulations.

-Brilliant.

0:17:540:17:57

The actual price, and this is even more good news, is 159,995.

0:17:570:18:03

Because of your position as well - you are renting, you can, you know, move straight in.

0:18:030:18:08

-Yeah.

-An enviable position.

0:18:080:18:10

-Therefore, a bit of haggling could occur, could take place here.

-Yeah.

0:18:100:18:14

-The wild card will disappoint or please you. Shall we find out?

-OK.

-Lovely.

0:18:140:18:18

An enfield is a hybrid creature with the head of a fox,

0:18:210:18:24

the chest of a hound, the talons of an eagle,

0:18:240:18:27

the body of a lion and the hindquarters and tail of a wolf.

0:18:270:18:31

Dating from medieval times, this mythical monster roamed the local woodlands.

0:18:310:18:36

Thankfully this creature has never been seen from today's wild card.

0:18:360:18:40

So, Enfield - good or bad place to live, in your eyes, Maureen?

0:18:410:18:47

-Good.

-Good. Excellent. Well done, Enfield, and the people of Enfield.

0:18:470:18:51

They can sleep happy now. Do you want to live here?

0:18:510:18:54

Well, it looks like I don't have a choice - it's been decided for me!

0:18:540:18:57

Good. OK, let's go in.

0:18:570:18:59

No, would you like to live here?

0:18:590:19:00

-Yeah, I would. I like Enfield.

-Now, this property, Frank.

0:19:000:19:04

We haven't found you an entire house for £150,000.

0:19:040:19:08

-We have found you a ground-floor flat.

-Mm-hm.

0:19:080:19:10

It's a ground-floor flat with a difference.

0:19:100:19:13

It's not obvious where your outside space is here

0:19:130:19:16

-but you do have some, which we will show you later.

-I can see it.

0:19:160:19:19

You've got that, but you've also got more outside space.

0:19:190:19:22

Oh.

0:19:220:19:23

It's the wild card that keeps on giving.

0:19:230:19:25

So go in there, be open-minded, knowing that you've got some outside space,

0:19:250:19:30

-knowing you've got somewhere to escape to.

-Yeah.

0:19:300:19:32

-All right?

-Oh, escape...

0:19:320:19:34

-I phrased that wrong, didn't I?

-That's a terrible word.

0:19:340:19:37

Just go in there. Go on. Go on.

0:19:370:19:39

Oh, this is strange, isn't it?

0:19:420:19:46

Look, the wall.

0:19:460:19:48

-Yes, well, we'll see what it is in a moment.

-Yes, that's true.

0:19:480:19:52

-This is warm in here.

-It's a good-size room.

0:19:520:19:55

Nice room, yeah.

0:19:550:19:57

Nicely done.

0:19:570:19:59

-Everything's set up for me.

-Place for a computer already.

-Yep.

0:19:590:20:04

-Plenty of room.

-Yeah.

0:20:040:20:05

These are nice big houses, got some nice features as well, still.

0:20:050:20:09

-The coving around the ceiling, which is nice.

-Yes.

0:20:090:20:12

Your property, did it offer them character?

0:20:120:20:15

One-word answer. The word is no.

0:20:150:20:18

Ah, oh, I see.

0:20:190:20:21

I see what we mean about...

0:20:210:20:23

Could do with a bit of modernisation.

0:20:230:20:26

It's a good idea, I suppose -

0:20:260:20:28

converting a whole house into two flats.

0:20:280:20:32

If you're there having a wash in the shower

0:20:320:20:35

and there's a ring at the doorbell, don't answer the door, because

0:20:350:20:38

when they open the door they will be able to see you in the shower.

0:20:380:20:42

Oh, it is tiny.

0:20:420:20:44

Tiny, but...

0:20:440:20:46

Compact, I think is the word.

0:20:460:20:49

Quite compact, isn't it?

0:20:490:20:51

A bit on the small side.

0:20:510:20:52

They've fitted in what? A cooker. Washing machine. Big fridge.

0:20:520:20:57

Fridge-freezer.

0:20:570:20:58

I suppose... Adequate kitchen, I suppose.

0:20:580:21:02

What's this little cupboard here?

0:21:020:21:04

That's where the boiler is and a bit of storage.

0:21:040:21:06

Yeah, somewhere for the ironing board.

0:21:060:21:08

That kitchen is dominated by one object and that object is...

0:21:080:21:11

-Fridge.

-And the fridge can go...?

-In the cupboard.

0:21:110:21:14

Ah. Right. Well, it's not a bad size.

0:21:140:21:17

No, it's OK.

0:21:170:21:19

Um, oh, yes, something for a wardrobe.

0:21:190:21:23

Straight out into the garden, as such, or patio.

0:21:230:21:27

There's a space to sit out on, anyway.

0:21:270:21:30

The garden they're looking out into isn't their garden.

0:21:300:21:33

We're about two gardens down from there.

0:21:330:21:36

The garden is split up into segments.

0:21:360:21:38

Overall, it's a small place.

0:21:380:21:41

-Hm. Yes, I was expecting it to be a little bit bigger.

-Me too.

0:21:410:21:46

-So, Maureen and Frank, for the very first time today, we have our very own garden.

-What do we think?

0:21:480:21:54

It's nice to have the outside space.

0:21:540:21:57

-Somewhere to hang your washing to dry.

-Mm-hm.

0:21:570:21:59

And nobody will bother you here.

0:21:590:22:01

It's quite private, isn't it?

0:22:010:22:03

-Come in here with a glass of wine, set some fireworks off.

-Yeah.

0:22:030:22:06

-Be quite nice, wouldn't it?

-Yeah.

0:22:060:22:08

But coming back to the property, inside there were a few fireworks, wasn't there?

0:22:080:22:13

-You liked the living room, you liked the bedroom...

-Mm.

0:22:130:22:16

-The kitchen was more of a sparkler.

-Disappointing.

0:22:160:22:19

It lit the touchpaper but it didn't go up.

0:22:190:22:21

Right, you have won already, Frank. Would you like to go first, Maureen?

0:22:210:22:25

Um, 190.

0:22:250:22:28

£190,000, we did have...

0:22:280:22:29

I'm thinking of the area.

0:22:290:22:31

We had about 150 we wanted to spend, so you think Enfield's very posh.

0:22:310:22:35

-I think you've gone over the limit.

-Frank?

0:22:350:22:37

175.

0:22:370:22:39

175, OK. I hope it's not Maureen's price, I really do.

0:22:390:22:43

Not that I want you to lose, Maureen.

0:22:430:22:45

Well, Frank's made it three in a row.

0:22:450:22:47

-Well, done, Frank.

-Oh, well done.

0:22:470:22:50

You're a winner as regards to value as well, I would say.

0:22:500:22:53

The actual price is 159,995.

0:22:530:22:57

-Oh!

-Right, here we go.

0:22:570:22:59

Now, sometimes the price can change the way you think about a property.

0:22:590:23:03

Remember, you've got nothing to sell.

0:23:030:23:05

-You are in a good position.

-Quite.

0:23:050:23:07

-Yeah.

-All of that you need to think about whilst make

0:23:070:23:09

the biggest decision of your lives about which one you wish to test drive. Good luck.

0:23:090:23:14

-Thank you.

-Head off that way and we'll see you later on.

-Thanks.

0:23:140:23:17

-Food for thought, Ed.

-It is. Do you know what?

0:23:170:23:19

I bet they'll go straight to your property.

0:23:190:23:22

I don't reckon. Whilst they make their minds up,

0:23:220:23:24

here's a reminder for you guys at home of today's flats that were in London, that weren't in London.

0:23:240:23:29

Kind of.

0:23:290:23:30

So, back to property one. You may sneer, Ed, but it required no work,

0:23:310:23:36

it was in a lovely location, had off-street car parking

0:23:360:23:38

and its very own front door.

0:23:380:23:40

But more importantly, it was under-budget.

0:23:400:23:43

Yes, that's right - only £147,500.

0:23:430:23:46

OK, you did get me on the price, but it's space that Frank's after

0:23:460:23:50

and that's what mine has lots more of.

0:23:500:23:52

Not only more space, but closer to the big smoke and in a village with an interesting name, Wormley.

0:23:520:23:58

All for £159,995.

0:23:580:24:02

So then, back to today's wild card.

0:24:020:24:05

How often do you come across such a lovely flat in a good location,

0:24:050:24:09

so close to London and with a small but perfectly formed garden?

0:24:090:24:12

Not very often, that's for certain.

0:24:120:24:14

And it only costs £159,995.

0:24:140:24:18

Remarkable.

0:24:180:24:19

It's quite a busy high road, isn't it, along here?

0:24:260:24:29

Hah, look at this, Jonny.

0:24:300:24:32

They're in Wormley, which means it's my property.

0:24:320:24:34

Yeah, all right - you've got me. A bit of modesty wouldn't go amiss here.

0:24:340:24:38

Ah, they're making themselves at home with the fabulous storage.

0:24:380:24:42

I hope you were accurate with your journey calculations, Edward.

0:24:420:24:46

They're studying that timetable.

0:24:460:24:47

Looks like it's quite fast into town.

0:24:470:24:50

Time for tea.

0:24:510:24:53

Maureen's looking after her brother.

0:24:530:24:56

Yeah - whilst he's lazing around watching TV.

0:24:560:24:59

What a fantastic programme this is.

0:24:590:25:02

And the presenters are so cute.

0:25:020:25:04

-He's got that right!

-Modesty, Ed, modesty.

0:25:040:25:07

-I think he likes you.

-Oh, thank you.

0:25:070:25:10

Sitting there like Lord Muck. You should be doing this.

0:25:100:25:13

It's going to be your flat if you take the plunge.

0:25:130:25:15

You make the tea so well, though.

0:25:150:25:17

-Ah, syrup.

-Such skill.

0:25:170:25:19

Anyway, let's look at the TV - it's that good programme on again.

0:25:190:25:23

-Oh, hi.

-Hello.

0:25:230:25:25

-Hello, yes.

-Hello, hello, hello.

0:25:250:25:27

So let's just recap, where have we picked for the test-drive?

0:25:270:25:31

-We've picked here.

-Yes.

0:25:310:25:33

"We've picked here." I like that. I'm happy with that answer.

0:25:330:25:37

Do we remember whose choice this was?

0:25:370:25:38

Um, um...

0:25:380:25:40

Here's a visual clue.

0:25:400:25:41

-Was it yours?

-It was my choice.

-Ah!

0:25:410:25:44

Well, Maureen, could you see your brother living here?

0:25:440:25:47

I could, yes, I could.

0:25:480:25:50

It'll take a bit of getting used to, because it's so different.

0:25:500:25:53

Are you focused? Here it comes...

0:25:530:25:56

To buy or not to buy, Frank and Maureen, that's the question.

0:25:560:25:59

But mainly you, Frank.

0:25:590:26:01

Well, possibly. I have to give it a little more thought.

0:26:010:26:04

There are other things to think about, but it's looking good, looking rosy.

0:26:040:26:08

-It is looking rosy.

-It's looking rosy, yeah.

0:26:080:26:11

I mean, it's not what I would consider my ideal, "I'm in love,"

0:26:110:26:14

but it's something I wouldn't sneeze at.

0:26:140:26:17

Good. Well, I like it. I'll take that as a good answer.

0:26:170:26:20

Yeah, whatever, whatever.

0:26:200:26:22

Well, listen, let's leave you in this lovely apartment.

0:26:220:26:25

Have a think about it and hopefully

0:26:250:26:27

this sneezing at a property will turn into perhaps a purchase.

0:26:270:26:30

Right. We'll see you soon.

0:26:300:26:32

-Good luck. Ta-ta.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Bye.

0:26:320:26:35

I've never heard the phrase "to buy" delivered in such an intriguing way.

0:26:360:26:40

"I wouldn't sneeze at it." I'll remember that as a victory.

0:26:400:26:43

Albeit a very shallow one.

0:26:430:26:45

I've still got a victory. What have you got? Nothing.

0:26:450:26:47

Anyway, let's go for positives. What have we got from today's show?

0:26:470:26:51

What have we learned?

0:26:510:26:53

We had a mountain to climb this morning.

0:26:530:26:55

£150,000, two-bedroom flat, within striking distance of Londonshire town...

0:26:550:27:01

-And the mystery property-hunting team is more than up for the task.

-They're phenomenal.

0:27:010:27:06

If you're out there and struggling to find the property of your dreams

0:27:060:27:10

then I would suggest that you do not hesitate.

0:27:100:27:12

Stop hesitating now and get in contact with the programme.

0:27:120:27:15

-Don't wait for the titles - just get in touch now. Bye-bye.

-Bye.

0:27:150:27:19

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:27:330:27:37

E-mail [email protected]

0:27:370:27:41

Download Subtitles

SRT

ASS