0:00:02 > 0:00:05As you walk through the valley of the shadow of 'For Sale' signs,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08and the mountainous heap of discarded property pages...
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Have no fear, for we are the greatest house hunters in the valley,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14and what is, what was, and will always be
0:00:14 > 0:00:17starts here with To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30The path of the home-seeker is beset on all sides
0:00:30 > 0:00:33by the iniquities of property details,
0:00:33 > 0:00:37and biblical proportions of internet home search sites.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Blessed are we, who in the name of house hunting goodwill,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43shall shepherd you through the valley darkened by a sea
0:00:43 > 0:00:46of uninspiring agents' windows and redundant HIP packs.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50For we truly are the keepers of keys and the finders of dream homes.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55And I will rise up with great vengeance and furious gusto
0:00:55 > 0:01:00against all those who would attempt to derail and gazump our home-seekers.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02And you will know my name is Simon
0:01:02 > 0:01:08and this is Jonny as we lay down our potential test drive upon thee.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Stepping into today's limelight is parish vicar Peter,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16and his wife Carol, who reside in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19but their children have scattered to the four corners of the kingdom,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22casting a wide net for their potential relocation.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26A bit of background - man of the cloth Peter loves nothing more
0:01:26 > 0:01:30than covering his 100 square miles of parish on his trusty motorcycle,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33whilst Carol's passion is craftwork and quilting.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36And together, our couple adore the nation's waterways,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39and climb aboard their beloved narrowboat as often as possible.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44With retirement looming, they'll be able to do this much more,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47but first, we need to find their perfect house.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49It's a beautiful day here at the water's edge.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52I'd love to talk narrowboats all day, but let's talk houses.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55What are we looking for? Is it just the two of you?
0:01:55 > 0:02:00Yes, it is. We've lived in very big houses in the past.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04I'm a vicar and vicarages have to have a certain size.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09So, when we have a house of our own, we're comfortable with small.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- Two bedrooms...- Shall we say cosy?
0:02:12 > 0:02:13- Cosy.- Yes.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Are period properties your thing or have you had enough of that now -
0:02:17 > 0:02:19you want something modern and bright?
0:02:19 > 0:02:20We're flexible.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- That's the thing. - We've lived in all sorts of places.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29Modern houses, traditional houses, six-bedroom houses...
0:02:29 > 0:02:35To have a little terraced house with a yard would be fine.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38I think I need a shed to go and potter in.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Like a man-zone for you, Peter?
0:02:40 > 0:02:41That's it, yes.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45We're limited on what we can afford to buy,
0:02:45 > 0:02:51so I think we're looking for something that we can afford that is as big as it can be.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53If it was in a cul-de-sac or a quieter road
0:02:53 > 0:02:58so you can talk to people over the hedge, get to know the neighbours,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00that would be a real plus.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Is, therefore, size more important than location?
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Do you want to get as big a property as you can for your money
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- or is it about getting the balance right between... - It's the location.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- Community...- Yes, that's right. - ..is really important,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19so that you can get to know people, sing in the choir,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22maybe be involved in the church life.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25And because you have such a large area to look within,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28we're going to focus solely on Tamworth today,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- as one of the specific areas. - Because of this! Amongst other things.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Because it has got this great network of transport links for you,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39which is going to be ideal for where you're looking to be.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42So, Tamworth is where we're focusing our search.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Come on, then, you lovely pair. How much have we got to spend?
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I reckon we could go to £115,000.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51BOTH: OK.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57- Not bad - probably get yourself a nice, little two-bed.- Now we have to find it!- I didn't mean it!
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- Potentially. - We'll see you in a while. Enjoy the view. We will be back.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Thank you.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Why would I do that? Why would I say, "This is going to be fine,"
0:04:06 > 0:04:08before I've even researched the area?
0:04:08 > 0:04:12And you know what? For once I agree with you. When will you learn?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15I think this budget is going to be very tricky today.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16Mmm, not clever at all.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- I tell you what, I'll do us both a favour and go and speak to an estate agent!- Get on it!
0:04:21 > 0:04:24It's such a lovely spot, I think I'll just go for a wander...
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Come on, we've got work to do.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Anyway, Tamworth has existed since Saxon times, and was the ancient capital of Mercia,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33at the time, England's largest county.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38But Mercian power declined after the death of King Offa and the county lost its independence.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Here's hoping today's buyers put in an offer.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Tamworth also proudly lends its name to a rare breed of pig,
0:04:45 > 0:04:50and back in January 1998, two Tamworth pigs escaped whilst en route to the slaughterhouse
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and their flight for freedom stirred up a media storm.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Brilliantly dubbed Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Pig,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00they evaded capture for over a week, and when finally snared,
0:05:00 > 0:05:05their well-earned heroic status urged a national newspaper to literally save their bacon
0:05:05 > 0:05:08by re-housing them within an animal sanctuary.
0:05:08 > 0:05:14But anyway, let's now have a butcher's at what else you can get for £115,000 around the UK.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Come on, off you trot.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20In Wiltshire, where the pigs made their daring escape,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23this newly refurbished, two-bedroom mid terrace
0:05:23 > 0:05:26blends period features with sleek modern lines. All for only...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Or perhaps Peter and Carol would prefer this two-bed semi in Lincoln.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37With a garden overflowing with greenery, this property is a bargain...
0:05:41 > 0:05:46Finally, in stunning Cumbria, this charming, two-bed terraced cottage
0:05:46 > 0:05:49is the epitome of a sympathetic renovation.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53It has original features and modern living touches. An absolute bargain...
0:05:57 > 0:06:01A millennium after the waning of the Mercian kingdom,
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Tamworth experienced another growth spurt during the industrial revolution,
0:06:05 > 0:06:12with the development of the nation's latest high-tech, new-fangled transport system - the canal.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17Links to Birmingham and Coventry brought lock-jam to the area,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21and more importantly, trade not seen since the middle ages.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Peter, thanks very much for joining us.- No worries.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- So, I come bearing gifts - buyers with no lower chain. - Fantastic news.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35Tamworth Castle was built in the 11th century by the Normans after their conquest.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Today, it stands as one of the finest examples
0:06:37 > 0:06:40of a motte-and-bailey castle in the country.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44The motte is this huge, man-made mound, on top of which stood
0:06:44 > 0:06:48a courtyard surrounded by a defensive wooden fence, the bailey.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54Over the centuries, the wooden fence has been replaced with local, gorgeous, red sandstone walls
0:06:54 > 0:06:59to give us one of the castliest looking castles you will see anywhere.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01We've come through a difficult market,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05and there's quite a few people who've had their house on the market a while,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09and we always say to our clients, "If you don't ask for it, you won't get it."
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Be bold and make an offer.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15This memorial is dedicated to one of Tamworth's most heroic sons.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Able Seaman Colin Grazier was one of three men who lost their lives
0:07:18 > 0:07:23while recovering a code book from a sinking German U-boat during the Second World War.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26The intelligence gleaned from such sacrifice
0:07:26 > 0:07:29enabled the Allies to decipher the notorious Enigma code
0:07:29 > 0:07:32and hasten the end of the war, saving countless lives.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36So, have you got some properties that you think will fit their remit?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- Yeah, let's go and have a look. - Great.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Mr Benarr, I hope you've been busy.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I have, I'm always busy. I've been to see Peter the estate agent
0:07:44 > 0:07:46and that man knows his stuff, let me tell you.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50I hope he knows as much as me, cos here's where we're going first.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52My choice - Property 1. I just think it's perfect.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56For the money, what a bargain. Location - fabulous.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- And as they said, it's all about location. You won't beat it, that's Property 1.- Brave words.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05I've gone for a lovely, worker-style cottage.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Period features, the garden is superb.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Inside, it's so spacious, and talk about value for money.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13This property is an absolute bargain.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- There must be a catch.- No. - There's got to be a catch.
0:08:16 > 0:08:21There will be. Now the wildcard today - what can we tell you? Nothing - just look at it.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- You can guess why it's the wildcard. Shall we start the tours? - Property 1?- Yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:36My property is nestled in a lovely, residential street and is everything Peter and Carol have asked for,
0:08:36 > 0:08:41complete with two bedrooms and an enclosed garden worthy of Grand Designs.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Right, you lovely pair - and Jonny - come along with me.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- My choice today - Property 1.- Ah!
0:08:48 > 0:08:52In some ways, you two are very easy, because you're very laissez faire, very laid back.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55But in other ways, that can make it quite tricky,
0:08:55 > 0:08:59because you gave us an open book about what you wanted.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01You did say one thing, though - cul-de-sac.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Voila.
0:09:03 > 0:09:10And we've only come just over a mile from the lovely canal where we were, so it's in touching distance, too.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11First impressions?
0:09:11 > 0:09:12- Good.- Yeah?- Mmm!
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Ticks all the boxes.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- Garage, cul-de-sac...- More front garden than we've got at the moment.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Low maintenance as well.- Yes. True.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28I think people care. They've got window boxes and hanging baskets.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30It looks lovely.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Lovely.- Just one word of warning.
0:09:32 > 0:09:38It's only part-finished, so you'll have to put your own stamp on it. But you've moved many times, yes?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Let's see if this place moves you. Get in there and enjoy.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Thank you.- Good luck.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Nice entrance area.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Useful, yep.- Nice that it's separate to the living room as well.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Often they're coming into the living room, aren't they?
0:09:55 > 0:10:01It's good, it's a good size. I wonder if we could get our sofa over there.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Well my feet are a foot long. Let me just measure it out.
0:10:04 > 0:10:10Two, three, four, five, six, seven-and-a-bit.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- Easy.- I'm sure you could, yes.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Peter's feet are exactly a foot long?- That is brilliant.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20So it's roughly about a foot - one of Peter's feet.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24OK, your domain, Carol.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29Yes, it's got enough size. It needs some refurbishment.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30And it looks out onto the garden.
0:10:30 > 0:10:36They've got to understand that most of the properties that we show them that have the size and the location
0:10:36 > 0:10:39are going to need a little bit of tweaking.
0:10:42 > 0:10:49OK, this is a fairly... It's a double bedroom, and it's big enough for anything we would want.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- We'd need to redecorate it, wouldn't we?- I think so.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Everything benefits by a lick of paint.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Right, bedroom number two. Well, this is more than a box room, isn't it?- It is.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08- You never get as much space as we're going to have been used to in the past.- No, we're not.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Everything's going to have to be squeezed up.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- We're going to have to get rid of a lot of stuff!- Yes, we are.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Well at least they're being pragmatic.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- They understand that this move is going to mean that they'll have to...- De-clutter.- Yep.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Bathroom's got everything you need - tiled.
0:11:28 > 0:11:34You'd be able to redecorate the rest. Lilac is my colour. That'll do fine.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40A good, honest house. That's what I think. What about you?
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Yeah, absolutely.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- It's...- Damn good.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47It's got what we wanted - two bedrooms, cul-de-sac.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Nice little garden, low maintenance.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52You're spoiled, because you were given a garage AND a shed.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- Ah, that's right.- Which is excellent.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- You like it, but that might change. - Depends how much it's going to cost us.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01It's guess the price time.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05You said your maximum budget is 115 - absolute maximum.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Who's going to go first? Ladies first. Carol.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Oh, right, OK. 112.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12112, excellent, OK.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16But I can't believe you could get it for less than the asking,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20so I'm going to go for more than the asking price - 118.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23£118,000. Right, well. Simon O'Brien is the man.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28Peter, look at this face. Would I take you over budget at the very first property? Look!
0:12:28 > 0:12:30You're absolutely right, I would.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34You were very close, actually.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36It's not too far over your budget.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- It's actually on for £119,950. - Right.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- But...you are in a very strong position.- Yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47You don't have a property to sell, you'd be coming in as cash buyers,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50and there's always room for a bit of negotiation, so...you know.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I'm amazed that you could find a property with all this.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Oh!- You did brilliantly, yes. - Amazing is what you heard.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Beat that if you can.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- This way, please.- Head this way. - Thank you.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Modest to the end(!) My choice is a splendid period home
0:13:08 > 0:13:11which sits proudly on the outskirts of Tamworth.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17It's a wonderful worker's cottage with an extensive, plush garden, and a wealth of character features.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Right, now, you may have mentioned that location was of absolute importance.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24I know I've brought you to a property right on a main road,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27but there is method to my madness,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29because as we approach this property,
0:13:29 > 0:13:33hopefully you can see immediately why I've brought you here?
0:13:33 > 0:13:38It looks absolutely gorgeous. I love the brickwork, the roof...
0:13:38 > 0:13:42The whole property, and even all the green around it. Lovely.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47And there's still so much more to it. You said you wanted some character features if possible.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51It's definitely got those inside, but it's also what's out back that I think will impress you.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- What do you think, Peter? - Well, I like the smell of diesel first thing in the morning,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58so we've got that feature here!
0:13:58 > 0:14:02But I agree - it's a bonny little place.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06You may be surprised just how big this property is once you get in there. Get yourselves in there.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Go on. Enjoy.- Thanks.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13House number two.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- Well...- Open fireplace, Peter.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Lovely fireplace.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22I think this would be a sitting room, would you?
0:14:22 > 0:14:27Let's be quiet, let's listen for the traffic noise to see if the double glazing works.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29FAINT HUM
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- You can hear it, but it's not bad. - Not bad. OK, so we come straight in.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Yes.- Nice lounge.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Yep, we could fit our stuff in here. Very cosy.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Once again, they'll have to use their imagination,
0:14:42 > 0:14:45because there is no furniture, but it is a BIG two-bed.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- I guess this would be the dining room.- Yes, I would think so.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54That's interesting, Peter, because that is a cupboard under the stairs.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Your stairs are going up the middle there. That's good use of space, isn't it?
0:14:59 > 0:15:03That's the trouble with modern houses. There's nowhere to store anything.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Yes, storage, the bane of modern properties.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09But this place, lovely big under-stairs cupboard,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11or glory hole, as we like to call it.
0:15:11 > 0:15:17- Into the kitchen, OK. - Well, it's a bit dark for my taste.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I think the floor, particularly, makes it a bit dark.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23But we could do something about that, couldn't we?
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Yep, OK, the floor is quite dark - a Cornish slate effect -
0:15:27 > 0:15:31but do you want a nice floor or a light room to work in?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Oh, it's a little sun room, look.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- You could use this for all sorts. - Yeah.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Very useful.- You could do quite a lot with this, I think.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44What are those hats that a bishop wears?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46The, erm...mitre.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Yes, I think they- "mitre"- preferred Property 1.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- What have we got on the wall, Carol? - Ah, yeah!
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Never mind. Sortable.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Let's get round here, close to the road.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Little fireplace.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- But it's a good sized bedroom. - Good sized bedroom.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Yeah, it's a genuine double bedroom.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Not one where you just get a double bed and nothing else in it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13That's right, it is.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Oh, it is a bedroom.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- Again, much more than a box room. - Yes.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Lots of light coming in. - What's round here?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Oh!
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Goodness me, it's a big bathroom.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30A bathroom that you could have a party in.
0:16:30 > 0:16:36I think this house has got a little bit more of everything that the other house had.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38I think Jonny has done quite well.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- Let's go and see how much it's going to cost.- Right!
0:16:44 > 0:16:47I think this property is great. What are your thoughts?
0:16:47 > 0:16:53You're right, I think it's got a little bit more than the other house, apart from the garage.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- Yes.- I do like a garage.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Is there not a garage?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Big garden, though. Space for a BIG shed!
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Absolutely. This is a superb garden.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- It is.- It's south-west facing, so you'll get lashings of sun.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10All the sun, yes.
0:17:10 > 0:17:16What about the size inside? I thought it was a bigger property overall than Property 1.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21I like it. I like that you go through into that dining room, which is often a dark room,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23but that one's got three windows in it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26So, it's lighter than you would often find.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30It's amazing. Natural light makes a huge difference to a property, doesn't it?
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Just like Property 1, you might have to spend a bit of money on it.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- Yes.- So, "Has Jonny given you anything left over from your budget?" is the question.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41At the moment, it's one-nil to Peter.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Come on, Carol, fight back. I'll make him go first this time.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50Your budget, £115,000. Peter, how much for this lovely period property?
0:17:50 > 0:17:54I'll go for 122.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57OK. Carol, which way are you leaning?
0:17:57 > 0:18:02Certainly more than I did for the other property, so I'll go for 120.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Right, OK.
0:18:03 > 0:18:04Lord give us strength!
0:18:04 > 0:18:07This property is on the market for an incredible...
0:18:07 > 0:18:0999,950.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Goodness gracious me!- You're joking? - No. £50 short of £100,000.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Incredibly competitively priced, that property.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21There's the money to do the work on it. That would be really appealing.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Well...- Wow!- Can we trump it with the wildcard?- Ooh!
0:18:25 > 0:18:29We may as well go and find out, mightn't we? Come on!
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Let's go!
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Aren't they smashing? Well, finally the wildcard -
0:18:37 > 0:18:42a lovely, ground floor apartment which sports the requested two bedrooms, a good sized lounge...
0:18:42 > 0:18:46And only a short walk from the heart of Tamworth with all its history and amenities.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52Right then, you lovely couple. The wildcard today. Why is it the wildcard?
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Well, you distinctly asked us for a house, on a cul-de-sac hopefully,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59and that was all you gave us details-wise.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02So, for the wildcard, we've given you an apartment.
0:19:02 > 0:19:08Also, we've brought you right into the heart of Tamworth. Right in the middle of town, so to speak.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11It's this apartment here, a ground floor apartment.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Oh, right. - First impressions, please.- Surprise.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16That's the idea with the wildcard!
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- It's a leap of faith. - I'd not thought about that at all. - You live on a boat,
0:19:20 > 0:19:26- you live in a house, maybe an apartment isn't so left-field after all.- I'm not convinced.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- You've gone very quiet. - You'll have to persuade me.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31What are your reservations?
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Well, I don't know where the shed or the garage is going to be.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37SIMON WHISTLES
0:19:37 > 0:19:40But I'm here to be persuaded.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45Well, despite your particular reservations, let's see how this place grabs you.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Get on in there and enjoy it. We will be listening.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Well, this is the wildcard.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57It's a bit different, isn't it? I didn't expect an apartment.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Right, well let's see what we've got through here.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- Ooh!- You like light, there's plenty of light.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09You could get all the furniture you wanted in there. Beautifully apportioned, isn't it?
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Beautifully decorated - you wouldn't have to do anything.
0:20:13 > 0:20:19- Absolutely right, Carol. It really is in tip-top condition.- Yep.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- So there's the corridor here. Everything leading off it.- Door here.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30Oh! Nice little loo. Yes. Very nice.
0:20:30 > 0:20:36Oh, and here's the bathroom. Oh, goodness, you've got two toilets downstairs.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Very good. One for me and one for you.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Would you keep it like that? You've got the toilet and the sink in one room
0:20:42 > 0:20:45and then you've got a toilet and a shower next door.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- Would you just knock it through and make one big bathroom? - You've got to.
0:20:49 > 0:20:55- Goodness me.- Best kitchen so far? - It is, a nice kitchen. Well set up.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57It's got everything you'd want.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Carol really likes this place,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- but Peter is getting quieter by the room.- Mmm.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Ah, master bedroom.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Good sized window, as well, and it's a nice sized room.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- It's not too big, not too small. - Lovely that everything is brand new.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15OK, this looks like the last bedroom.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- Single.- Is it the bedroom or is it the dining room?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Well, it could be both, couldn't it?
0:21:22 > 0:21:27I like the fact that it's new, I like the fact that it's...it's...
0:21:27 > 0:21:29You could just walk into it.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Well, Carol, do you get the feeling you just can't please some people?
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- I do.- You know...- It's beautiful in there, isn't it?- It's gorgeous.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Size-wise, was it liveable for you?
0:21:43 > 0:21:48I thought the rooms were a good size. It was a lovely size kitchen.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51I could work with that, and the bedroom was fine,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54but we'd argue over what we used that second bedroom for.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- Anyway, guess the price time. It's one-all.- Yes.- Yes!
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Your budget, £115,000.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Who's going to go first this time? Because you love it so much, Peter!
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Right, asking price of 115,000 on the nose.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Your budget is 115, that's what you've gone for.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14I'm going to say 116.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Oh dear, oh dear.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20You've just hedged your bets there - I see what you've done.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- You hedged them the wrong way. - Really?
0:22:22 > 0:22:26Yes. It's two-one to you, Peter. That'll make you happy at least.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31It's actually on the market for £50 short of £110,000.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33109,950.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Yes.- Good price?
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- Good price.- Lovely apartment. - Yes, it is.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39- Nothing to do.- True.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42And planning ahead, it's in the town centre,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44it's on the ground floor - no stairs, easy access.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- But do you want to think like that just yet?- Near the railway station.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- All those things.- I'm so persuaded. No, I'm not.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Never mind - don't be persuaded or dissuaded just yet.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57We have shown you three very different places
0:22:57 > 0:23:01and you've got to decide which one you'd like to spend a bit more time in.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03So, take yourselves off, have a wander round,
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- and we'll see you in a bit. - OK, thank you.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- Wildcard didn't go down too well. - Never rule it out.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13OK, while they're making up their minds, here's a reminder...
0:23:13 > 0:23:19What can I say? Oh, I know. My choice was everything Peter and Carol are looking for.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23They loved its style, size and its secluded cul-de-sac location.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24It's a definite front-runner.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Nice. But my friend, you might need divine intervention
0:23:31 > 0:23:33as the period grandeur of Property 2
0:23:33 > 0:23:39gave Peter and Carol the welcoming character and charm they've become accustomed to. The price...
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Our apartment wildcard.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Carol seemed swayed by the convenience and finish here,
0:23:50 > 0:23:54but Peter didn't seem too convinced. On at a competitive...
0:23:55 > 0:24:01So, which one will be bestowed with today's Songs of Property Praise?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Hallelujah! Peter and Carol have seen the light...
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and returned to my homely worker's cottage.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12So let the ecclesiastical test drive commence.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Praise be upon you, Brother Benarr, and I get the feeling
0:24:16 > 0:24:19a few renovation projects could be headed this way.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24But, first things first - will Peter find a suitable niche for his treasured motorcycle?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Two, three foot...
0:24:27 > 0:24:31I think I could get the handlebars round that.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Ah, this will do.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Whilst Carol picks her crafts room,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45the needle pointing ensues and the quilts get rolled out.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49As mentioned, community is king for these two,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53so Peter visits vicar Hugh to get the inside track on the local area.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57So, the population of Tamworth now is about 70,000 people.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- But that's outside. Come and have a look inside.- Thank you, yes.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Narrowboating is never far away from Peter and Carol's minds,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10and luckily, they've had the chance to join up with other narrowboat devotees,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12to locate the perfect spot to moor up.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- Did they just- "barge"- in?- Very good.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20For Simon's benefit, let's say this was a close-run thing, but come on,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Property 2 stood out head and shoulders, didn't it?
0:25:23 > 0:25:27It stood out head and shoulders in its inside,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29and it's got such a lovely garden.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32It's got an awful lot of potential, this property.
0:25:32 > 0:25:38But actually, you know, Simon's was much more to the sort of specification...
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Don't be coy, speak up! Tell me that again.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45This is a lovely house with a lot going for it, a lot of potential,
0:25:45 > 0:25:49but when we think about it, it doesn't have the community feel
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and the neighbours and things like that that we were looking for.
0:25:52 > 0:25:59Mmm, but in there, is there not a clue as to with your budget, there will be compromise?
0:25:59 > 0:26:04And actually, for us, the neighbours, the community,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08the kids playing in the street is really, really important.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12I shall ask, although I fear I may know the answer. Is this going to be a to buy or not to buy?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15We thought about it and talked about it,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18but the answer is no, we won't buy.
0:26:18 > 0:26:24But this is an area that we've never visited before,
0:26:24 > 0:26:29so you've shown us a lot, and we're very encouraged to keep on looking.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34Carol, it's also fair to say - you're kind of looking over such a wide area,
0:26:34 > 0:26:39it's going to take some time to find where you and your narrowboat are going to be happy.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44It's quite a challenge because the pair of us like different things as well.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47We hope that you and your narrowboat and your motorbike
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- will be happy.- Thank you very much. - It's been an absolute pleasure, it truly has.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Yes - thanks for picking my property!
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- See you later.- ALL: Bye.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd