0:00:02 > 0:00:06- Hello and good morning! - Welcome to the To Buy Or Not To Buy championship stakes classic.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Reserved for the best runners.
0:00:08 > 0:00:13And the To Buy Or Not To Buy steeplechase is the gold cup of property courses.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Today we're in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18They're under starter's orders, and...
0:00:18 > 0:00:20they're off!
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Up next, we have three thoroughbred properties for you.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36They're saddled up and ready for the off.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39But will this race be won by the two early favourites, or the rank outsider?
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Time to go trackside.
0:00:41 > 0:00:42Great effect!
0:00:42 > 0:00:45I don't know what you're talking about, Rani.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Today, we're looking for a love nest for filly, Jilly, and steady stallion, Mark.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54They've been an item for three years, but are stabled in separate stalls in town.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58But now they want to bolt and buy something together in the countryside,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01now Jilly's got a new job in a different location.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04These two have active hands and active minds.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- And they're fond of a word game or two.- OK, let's have a word.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14So, I'm right in thinking you both have properties of your own?
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- We do.- Yeah. - We were both widowed in 2005.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21We lived in the same town, but didn't actually know each other,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25until my friend recommended a painter and decorator.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28So I'm right in thinking, you've both got properties of your own -
0:01:28 > 0:01:31so why not choose one of those and move into that?
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- We tried...- We had a go.- I moved in with you, and really, it was...
0:01:36 > 0:01:38It's a nice house, but it wasn't MY house,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42and Mark felt the same about my house. It was my house and not his.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45I've got an aversion to sleeping in a tart's boudoir anyway!
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- Hang on! Hang on! Hang on!- Details!
0:01:49 > 0:01:51What does that mean?! What's he saying about you?!
0:01:51 > 0:01:55When he was doing the painting and decorating, I would say,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58"I want such and such a colour here, such and such a colour there,"
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and I decided on... red for the bedroom.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05The electrician had been and put a chandelier up, looked lovely.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Red wall, gold bedding. What more could you want?
0:02:08 > 0:02:11OK, so when he said it looks like a tart's boudoir,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13what was your response?
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- "Well, don't worry about it, because you're never going to be sleeping in it!"- And now it's, "Eat my words."
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- Yes.- It's not called a tart's boudoir any more.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29When you say rural and quieter, you know, how quiet?
0:02:29 > 0:02:32You want to be close to a village, within the community,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34a little bit isolated?
0:02:34 > 0:02:37No, not isolated. Sort of on the edge of a village would be perfect.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39Walking distance into the village.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- Yeah.- If you need to pop to the shop or the Post Office,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44and pop down to the village pub.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46So, what are we looking for then?
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- A good sized garden.- I'm really into organic permaculture gardening.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53It's a traditional way of gardening - a whole life thing,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55not just growing a few spuds.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Lots of veggies, soft fruits...
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Yep, a mini orchard. - Yeah, fruit trees.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Yep.- While Mark's out doing permaculture in the garden,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06what are you doing?
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Making cups of tea. I want a nice sized dine-in kitchen.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12So when the family comes round,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15instead of me being in my little kitchen
0:03:15 > 0:03:20and everybody scattered through rooms in the house, we can all be together.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23So, will your family be moving in with you, then, Jilly?
0:03:23 > 0:03:25No. Visiting an awful lot.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- They tend to come for weekends and stay two weeks.- OK!
0:03:28 > 0:03:30I'm guessing at least one spare bedroom?
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- Possibly two.- Yes.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- OK, so three bedrooms in all.- Yep.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37What about...style of property?
0:03:37 > 0:03:40All I can say is definitely not new build.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- I just...- No, older with a bit of character.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Proper features - fireplaces.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- Maybe even a log burner. That would be fantastic.- Yes.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Does that mean you're willing to do work, or only cosmetic things?
0:03:51 > 0:03:56You know, refurbishment I'm OK at. No problem with that.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Well you're holding hands under the table, so here's the question.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03How much do you have to spend on this perfect property?
0:04:04 > 0:04:09- £175,000 is about the top we could go.- That's about our limit.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- Yep. Completely?- Yep.- We can't push you any further?- Nope.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- We've got enough, haven't we, Rani? - We have.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Wish us luck.- See you later.- Bye!
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Right, Rani, what we need is a big space outside
0:04:23 > 0:04:25for Mark to grow his vegetables.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28We also need space indoors because Jilly wants her family to stay.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31And this is their first home together, so the pressure is on!
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Cohabitation counsellor, that's what we need.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Ooh! I think I know just the man.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42Hmm, well I should interrogate... I mean, interview an estate agent.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46Market Rasen sits on the River Rase in the heart of north Lincolnshire.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50To the north, the fish capital of the east coast, Grimsby.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53To the south, the cathedral city of Lincoln.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59Market Rasen is renowned for its racecourse, but it's also a pretty market town with 3,000 residents.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Charles Dickens described it as the sleepiest town in Britain,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05but it got a wake-up call in 2008,
0:05:05 > 0:05:10when it was the epicentre of the biggest earthquake the UK had seen for 24 years,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18Luckily the property market here seems pretty stable, but if you're the type who fancies a flutter,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21let's see what's on offer near the nation's favourite race tracks.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24This Grade II listed cottage in Aintree village
0:05:24 > 0:05:27is packed with fantastic features like this inglenook fireplace,
0:05:27 > 0:05:32as well as having a secluded garden to set up your own steeplechase!
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Two bedrooms and a double garage...
0:05:37 > 0:05:43Or...if you fancy a punt at Epsom, this detached bungalow comes with its own paddock and stables,
0:05:43 > 0:05:48three bedrooms, two bathrooms, plus 1.5 acres of grounds...
0:05:51 > 0:05:56And finally, the stakes are high at this modern mansion in Cheltenham
0:05:56 > 0:05:58within walking distance of the racecourse.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02Five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an amazing view...
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Hi, Andrew, thanks for seeing me.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12As our green-fingered couple are looking to move in together,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15but haven't actually cohabited as yet, we thought what they needed
0:06:15 > 0:06:19was some expert advice on the delicate art of dwelling together.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21£175,000 to spend.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Is that a lot of money in this area?
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Jilly and Mark will be sharing wardrobes, cupboards and undie drawers,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30so they'll have to plan storage space.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- They want space indoors, too.- Fine.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Our couple will be in trouble if one half feels like they don't have "mushroom".
0:06:37 > 0:06:40With a budget of £175,000,
0:06:40 > 0:06:45they could probably pick up a property for 130, 140, and still within their budget,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- do the work they require...- Right. - ..get the house they want.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Shockingly, one in five couples surveyed
0:06:51 > 0:06:57said they'd spend a whole day not speaking to each other after seeing red, so my advice...
0:06:57 > 0:07:00give in graciously and avoid that sulky silence.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02That way, you'll ensure you keep the "peas".
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Well, Rani, I don't know how you got on, but I now know everything
0:07:08 > 0:07:11about how to keep a relationship harmonious.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- Oh, right - by getting on with it, is that?- Nag, nag, nag!
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Anyway, Property 1 today. What can I tell you about my choice?
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Well, it is a beautiful, cutesy cottage style property.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26It needs a little bit of work for our painter and decorator,
0:07:26 > 0:07:30but the garden - a lovely, secluded garden. I think they'll love it.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33That's Property 1. I think it's a winner. Beat that.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36I have also given them a fantastic garden.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39It's already got fruit trees, and it's also got lots of outhouses,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43so Mark can tinker away, he can keep chickens, he can plan everything...
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Now the wildcard today.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50When you initially see the wildcard, you may think we've lost the plot.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53But we haven't, because it is actually a great plot.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Fabulous - loads of room for development, here.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58And the front of it is beautiful -
0:07:58 > 0:08:01there's a little brook and little ducks, it's very idyllic.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- Perfect for them to start their life together!- That's the wildcard.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Which one should we start with? Actually who cares what you think? Let's start with mine.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Mark and Jilly wanted to get out of town, and my choice, Property 1,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18is in the picture-perfect village of Reepham,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21with its handy shop and popular pub. It fits the bill a treat.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Enough about the village, Simon. Tell me about the house.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29The house is a cute cottage which Mark and Jilly could easily make their own.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32The garden will put a grin on Mark's face.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36OK, Jilly and Mark, I'm going to start things off today.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Property 1 is my choice. A little bit about where we are.
0:08:40 > 0:08:46- It's called Reepham. It has a local pub, it has a local shop.- Excellent.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51It is surrounded by fields, but we are only 2.5 miles from the centre of Lincoln.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55I think this combines rural living with city amenities.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- Yep.- Yep.- Sounds all right? - Sounds great.
0:08:58 > 0:08:59Let's focus on this building.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05It's a very old cottage that's been extended over the years. First impressions, please.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Interesting.- Yep, quirky. - Got some character.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10The other thing I would say as well...
0:09:10 > 0:09:14This place, it does need - how can I put it? - a bit of imagination
0:09:14 > 0:09:17to see how you could make the space work better for you.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Get in there and enjoy it.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Put those imaginations to the test.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- Oh.- Small-ish.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30There's a bit more through here, though.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Needs a bit of TLC.- Yeah.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Nice little dining space.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Oh, this is nice, Jill.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- Oh! Beams.- Yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Now, Simon, are these original beams?
0:09:43 > 0:09:46No. They are faux.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Ooh, fireplace.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- Ah. Real fireplace. - Nice and cosy, isn't it?- It is.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Oh, this is nice, Mark. - Ah, conservatory.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- It's quite bright, isn't it? - It's a real sun-trap.- I like this.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Ooh.- Ah.- Aha.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- That would explain the front door. - Now I'm with it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- I've got the layout now. - Coats, lots of space.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15The natural thing to use this space for, if you've got a computer, a little tiny desk in there...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Just a little office, worky space. - OK.- Yeah?
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- Maybe.- Or...radically, you could use it as a front door!
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Bathroom! That's nice.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Not bad size, either. - A good size, yeah.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- Strange they've got the basin there, but...- It's usable, isn't it?
0:10:30 > 0:10:36My fear was they wouldn't be able to see this place working and re-use the space,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38but I'm hearing "usable" in my ear.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Stairs are a bit tight, aren't they? Mind you, it is a cottage.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48- What do you expect?! You don't get a big, grand staircase in a cottage. - You can always go up sideways!
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Bedroom.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Oh.- Oh, that's strange. Level change.- Yeah.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Could you...lift the floor?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- You could do. It's a bit of a trip hazard, isn't it?- It is.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03You could raise the floor, but there's an alternative, is there not?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06To use it as an in-built step to work out,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08so you don't have to go to the gym.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- Oh! Not a bad sized room, really. - Have one bed,
0:11:12 > 0:11:17- some built-in wardrobes across this end...- That would be good, yeah.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19What else do you need?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Is there room for a chandelier?
0:11:21 > 0:11:23You'd be banging your head on the...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Yeah.- ..lamp shade, wouldn't you?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Yeah.- Yeah, not bad at all.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Bit of decoration... - Decoration's easy.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- Well of course decoration's no problem to them.- Absolutely.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Not with your own painter and decorator!- Exactly.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Well...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Ooh! Aha!
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Garden!- Ooh, nice garden.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47What, lawn? Veg plot?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Veg plot, orchard, pond...
0:11:51 > 0:11:53..patio area.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Interesting.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Ooh!- That belongs to the property, doesn't it?- Maybe.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03And if you carry on, there's another shared access with a greenhouse beyond!
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Look how long it is looking that way.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08You wouldn't see me. I'd be lost down here.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Oh, dear. That would be terrible.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Well, that was a nice surprise, wasn't it?- Really nice.- Very nice.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23It's just such a gorgeous, quiet spot. It's very private.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- I personally think this is a- "24-carrot"- garden.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Maybe 100 potatoes, 200 sprouts...
0:12:30 > 0:12:31LAUGHTER
0:12:31 > 0:12:35But beautiful garden aside, the property itself...
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Not bad, not bad.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Bedrooms were a little bit small - the second bedroom particularly.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46If you look along the row, people have extended out on the first floor with an extra gable,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50which could give you a bigger second bedroom, or a bathroom upstairs,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53which means you can open out the ground floor,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55so there are options there.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56- Yeah.- Yeah, definitely.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00With a bit of time and money, you could do something with it.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01Speaking of money, Simon...
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Right, yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Shall we play guess the price?
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Yes.- OK, maximum budget, £175,000.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Ladies first. LAUGHTER
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Very gallant of you(!)- Cowardly!
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- 140.- 140,000?- Yep.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Right.- I think a little bit more.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22I think about 145.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24OK.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26I've got two pieces of good news...
0:13:26 > 0:13:27for Jilly.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Thank you.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- You win.- Oh, I win!
0:13:32 > 0:13:35And it's actually on the market for £5,000 less than your guess.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38£135,000.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Impressive. - And you've still got this.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- That surprises me.- It has me.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48But you don't have to make decisions yet. You still have my property to see!
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Well...- What do you mean, "Well"?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Follow me! Come on, let's go to Property 2.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02I'm taking Mark and Jilly a little bit further away for Property 2,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06into the heavenly haven of Horsington.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- How do they feel about bungalows, Rani?- Don't be fooled, Simon.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12This is no common or garden bungalow.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Speaking of gardens... take a look at that.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Now, I've brought you a little bit further afield from Market Rasen.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21We're in a little village called Horsington.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Do you know this area? - BOTH: Vaguely.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- The upshot. There is a local pub. - Good.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27LAUGHTER
0:14:27 > 0:14:28Not just yet, Simon.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- There is also a local shop. - Excellent.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- BIRDS TWEET - As you can hear, it's very secluded. Lots of birds twittering away.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- Right, OK.- It's really beautiful. Now this is the property. So, first impressions.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- It's nice.- It's lovely, isn't it? - Yeah, nice. We like it.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49Is that really positive, because the last one was like character...
0:14:49 > 0:14:50No, we like that. Yes.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53OK, you can see some windows there,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56but I have to admit, this place is a bungalow.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- Yeah.- And you're happy? - That isn't a problem?
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- No.- Nope. We're not bothered by that at all.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02That sounds good.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Get in there and have a look!
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- Ooh!- Ooh, this is nice.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- I quite like this, Mark.- Do you? Nice units.- I like the cupboards.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Tiling's nice, too.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16It's quite big.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19There you go. This is what they wanted - a little kitchen/diner.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22They wanted a LARGE kitchen/diner!
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Large, small, medium. A kitchen/diner is...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Even if you're standing there eating over the hob,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31I'll class it as a kitchen/diner.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Ooh!- This is quaint.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36That's nice.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38I like the black and white.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- With the curtains.- Wood burner.- Oh!
0:15:40 > 0:15:41Brilliant.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Oh!
0:15:43 > 0:15:46They've set it up as a little work room.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48You could put your weights in here.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Yeah.- When you want to get fit again. - Yeah, like never!
0:15:51 > 0:15:53See, a little hobby room!
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Ah, you see - there you go. That was my surprise, wasn't it?
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Oh, there's a ladder. - Oh, let's have an investigation.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Ooh!
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Serious space, Jill.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Couple of bedrooms?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Yep - good head height. Two lots of windows. Very light.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- You could do something with that, then, make it a bit bigger.- Yep.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17It is a bungalow. However, the loft area has all been boarded out,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20so potentially, it is nearly ready to go.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25That's nice. That's a good sized bedroom. A nice red wall...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- MARK LAUGHS You and your red wall! - I like red walls.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29Yes...
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Bathroom.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33That's nice.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Full-size bath. Nice bit of space. - Pine cladding.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Second bedroom.- Bedroom two.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- Not a bad size, and... - Built-in wardrobes.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Put a Jack and Jill door in and have it as an en-suite.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Hey. There's an idea.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50She's making more work for him!
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Don't you worry, Mark will just bang a hole in that wall!
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- No problem.- "What else can I get Mark to do? There we go..."
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Welcome to your lovely garden. - It's a stunning garden.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- It really is, isn't it? - It's gorgeous.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10You could do so much with it.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Now, Mark...
0:17:12 > 0:17:14really good outhouse here.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16No!
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Good potential for a space... - It's got potential, yeah.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Practise my straw-bale building. That's what I'll do.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24That is an idea.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27And what about the little surprise in there?
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- Were you expecting a loft ladder? - I wasn't expecting a ladder. I thought that was really good.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Listen. Plenty of potential here, but you know where we're at now.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Yes, your budget - £175,000 maximum. - Mmm!
0:17:41 > 0:17:46Who is going to go first this time? I think it's your turn, Mark. It's only right.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49I think it's about 165,500.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52165,500. All right.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Jilly?- 170.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55- 170?- Yep.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Congratulations, Mark. You are the closest this time,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02but you are both really way off.
0:18:02 > 0:18:08- This property is on the market at 149,950.- BOTH: You're joking!
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Do I look like I'm joking? - LAUGHTER
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- Very pleasantly surprised.- I thought it would be top end, I really did. - I feel very pleased!
0:18:16 > 0:18:21And so you should! You might be even more surprised by the wildcard.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- Oh, yes. And it's that way. After you, folks.- Come on, let's go.
0:18:29 > 0:18:35I think I can safely say that today's wildcard will be more of an outsider than a favourite.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38This place in the vibrant village that is Nettleham,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42outside of Lincoln, does have the picture-postcard country setting they were after.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- But...will the interior live up to their expectations?- Hmm.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Mark and Jilly, follow us to the wildcard.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Now how about this for an approach to a house?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Look, little fishes!- There are! Never mind the fish, though.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- Ducks, as well.- Excellent!
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- It is gorgeous, isn't it?- Lovely. - Do you know Nettleham?
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- A little bit.- Yep.- It's quite a nice village - got lots going on.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- It has. You've got your pharmacy, Post Office...- Even better.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Now then...the property.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17If you just take a look down this alley here... There you go.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21That's the property, there. Rani, explain why it's a wildcard.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Yeah, thanks, Simon.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28Now, this place needs a little bit more. It really does need vision for this place.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33We think it's something that you could put your own stamp on, and start your life together.
0:19:33 > 0:19:39We don't always show people properties that would be not only a home, but an investment.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42And I truly believe that this could be one of those.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- All right?- OK.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Enough talk, take yourself off down the alley. The wildcard is that way.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51And it really is wild!
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Thank you.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Oh! That's different.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59Very.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- How's your kitchen fitting skills? - Not bad, actually.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Tell you what, though. Not a bad size.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- Right.- I think he's being polite, don't you?
0:20:08 > 0:20:11But you know what, Mark's being positive.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- There's something to work with here. - There is.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15Oh!
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- But again, that's a nice sized room. it would make a lovely dining room. - It would.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Nice view down the garden, though. Bit of tidying up...
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- A set of doors...- Yeah, good idea. - ..straight out, and a little seated area.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- And then your garden.- I like that idea. That is a good idea.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34And a bathroom.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Mmm...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39That wants LOTS of TLC.
0:20:39 > 0:20:45They could truly make this THEIR own little pad, their own style, their own taste,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49both of them working together. This could be their own little personal heaven.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- Oh gosh. These are a bit steep. - Aren't they just?
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Ooh. This is a nice sized bedroom, Mark.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Nice view into the garden. I do like the view.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Yeah. Nice and tucked away, isn't it? - It is, yeah.
0:21:03 > 0:21:09- LAUGHTER - There's fear in Jilly's voice. "I do like the view!"
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- And again! Not a bad room. - That's a good size, isn't it?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17I'm getting the feeling with Jilly that she's thinking,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20"The tart's boudoir, but it's a bedroom off a bedroom.
0:21:20 > 0:21:27"When the family come to stay, do they want to be going through the boudoir to get to their room?"
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- Hmm.- Yeah.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Not bad for a master bedroom size. - Needs a bit of work though.- Yeah.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- I don't think it's anything terminal, Jill.- No, I don't. A bit of time and money.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- There you are, come with me! - We're coming. - I want to show you something.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Come on, come on. Ow!
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Ow, pebbles! This is not getting any easier, but it's worth it.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Come and join me here.
0:21:59 > 0:22:05- Now then, you didn't seem that sure about that place.- No.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07What's lacking?
0:22:07 > 0:22:08- The garden.- The garden?- Yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13Look around. Everything you see -
0:22:13 > 0:22:16all the way around, right back to that shed there -
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- comes with that property.- Seriously?
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- Oh yes.- That's a bit of... - That's quite a bit of land.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- It is, isn't it?- It just sits slightly off, doesn't it?
0:22:26 > 0:22:30I think that this plot is almost big enough for that self-sufficiency that you're thinking of.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34Oh, definitely. It's a permaculture dream, I tell you. A blank canvas.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39So, how was that garden? A bit of a surprise?
0:22:39 > 0:22:43It was, wasn't it? We just thought the little bit of garden,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45and that other bit, that was something else.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49Now, we did say this property was a wildcard. How wild was it for you?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Wild.- The wildest yet.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53LAUGHTER
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Anything you spent on that place, in this gorgeous location,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59you would get back, no question about it.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01So, are you ready to guess the price?
0:23:01 > 0:23:03It's one-all at the moment,
0:23:03 > 0:23:05so this is the deciding one.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09OK, maximum budget of £175,000.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Who would like to go first?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13I like your style, Jilly!
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Right. Well, it's thrown me completely now.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Um... I'd say about...
0:23:20 > 0:23:22149,500.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24149,500.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27151.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Ooh! Confidence.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30No, not at all!
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Yes, OK. Right...
0:23:33 > 0:23:35You lose. Well done.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Oh, congratulations!
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Well that's good for both of you, though...
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Because this place is on the market for 137,500.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- Good grief. - What do you think of that?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Yeah. Not bad at all, actually.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55- Realistically...- That's stung me. - ..with a bit of work...
0:23:55 > 0:23:57TLC? You never know.
0:23:57 > 0:24:03Right, we've now shown you three very different properties, I hope you'll agree.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05You've now got to go and put your heads together
0:24:05 > 0:24:09and decide which one could be your first home together.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10- All right?- Yep.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- Go on, off you go. We'll see you in a moment.- Good luck!
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Whilst they do that, here's a quick recap.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21Will my Property 1 with the garden of Mark's dreams romp home today?
0:24:21 > 0:24:25They'll have loads of spare cash to extend upstairs...
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Mark's a decorator, not a builder, Simon, so I'd give you long odds.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36My Property 2 in Horsington is just the ticket.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38It's a bargain bungalow...
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Hold your horses, Rani.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- What about the magic they could work on the wildcard?- That's true.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50Once they saw the garden, they opened their eyes to this neglected terrace.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52But will the work put them off?
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Hang on! That doesn't look like any of the properties we've shown them!
0:25:05 > 0:25:07No, it's the village pub in Horsington.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10They chose my property - number 2 - to test drive.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Oh, the peaceful haven with the big shed!
0:25:16 > 0:25:18I knew Mark couldn't wait to get up that ladder again.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20He's obsessed with usable space.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22HE KNOCKS ON THE FLOOR
0:25:22 > 0:25:26And I knew Jilly couldn't wait to get her family over.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31You realise they have the power to approve or veto her choice of residence?
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Do you think Nanny could live here? - Yeah.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Brilliant, excellent.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38I've got to say, Jilly and Mark,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I'm so impressed with your choice of Property 2.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44My choice, that is!
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I've got to admit, me and Simon thought the wildcard, you'd fallen in love with it.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- Yep.- Tempted, weren't we?- We were.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- Why is it that you went for this? - The space.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Outdoor space. Needs a bit of work, but it doesn't need that much work.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00That other one at Nettleham was nice, but it needed a lot of work.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Yeah. - That's why we opted for this one.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Inside?- A bit of reworking, and it could be fantastic.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Well, so pleased that you chose this one,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12but we do have to ask a big question,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15because you've spent a little bit of time here now.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Still holding hands, we see. Simon, would you like to do the honours?
0:26:18 > 0:26:20OK!
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- Oh! Oh, ask the question?- Yes!
0:26:23 > 0:26:27- To buy or not to buy?- We've got a little bit of investigation to do,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30and then I think it could well be a buy.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31- Yep.- Yeah?- Yep.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- Brilliant!- That is fantastic news!
0:26:34 > 0:26:38We've had a fabulous day and it's been quite special,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41because we're looking for your first home together. It's very romantic!
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Now the only thing is, when you buy this property,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48maybe Mark should choose the decor for the bedroom.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50On that note, I'm going to leave you!
0:26:50 > 0:26:53LAUGHTER
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd