0:00:02 > 0:00:06- It is said that a man's home is his castle.- We'll have the palaces!
0:00:06 > 0:00:12I think that's a fair enough deal. If you are in the mood for house hunting, this is the right channel.
0:00:12 > 0:00:19It is exactly the right time. So enjoy the next 45 minutes of mid-morning property delight.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- I think my watch has stopped. - Trust me.
0:00:32 > 0:00:39A long time ago there was a poor boy called Dick Whittington who heard of the great city of London
0:00:39 > 0:00:45- where the streets were paved with gold.- But London is a big place, full of people both rich and poor
0:00:45 > 0:00:51and Dick did not find any gold, but he did find a fantastic city full of amazing things -
0:00:51 > 0:00:55the crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Van Gogh's Sunflowers are here.
0:00:55 > 0:01:01And, most importantly, in terms of current events, the next Olympics will be held in London.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05No wonder home hunters still flock here in search of fortune and glory.
0:01:05 > 0:01:13Luckily for them, we are here to help, so let today's capital city caper commence.
0:01:14 > 0:01:20'Coming up on To Buy Or Not To Buy: maybe Ed isn't as famous as he thinks.'
0:01:20 > 0:01:27- Have you heard of Ed Hall?- I know him.- Apparently, he's one of the biggest celebrities here.- No!
0:01:27 > 0:01:30'And today it's a double bedroom or bust.'
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- Would Charlotte mind a single? - Yes, she would.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Just checking, just checking!
0:01:37 > 0:01:41'But which will it be?' To buy or not to buy?
0:01:41 > 0:01:46Ruth and close friend and colleague Charlotte work for a major bank in London
0:01:46 > 0:01:52and rent a property together after their company relocated from the northwest.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57They work hard and play harder and enjoy everything the capital has to offer,
0:01:57 > 0:02:04- from West End theatre to the vibrant nightlife.- Now after six months renting in Queen's Park,
0:02:04 > 0:02:10they are looking for a perfect pad in Stoke Newington, a place close to my heart. First, let's find out
0:02:10 > 0:02:13exactly what they want.
0:02:13 > 0:02:20- Welcome, and congratulations for moving to an area where one of TV's greatest celebrities lives.- Really?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- Who lives here?- Me! I live here!
0:02:23 > 0:02:26I know it like the back of my hand.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32I could say commiserations for leaving the place where the greatest celebrities used to live -
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- Liverpool!- Oh!- Do you get it? - I know what you're saying!
0:02:36 > 0:02:41So from Rani's home town - but you live in London now - to Stoke Newington.
0:02:41 > 0:02:47- Why Stoke Newington? - I really like it because it has a kind of village-y feel about it.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53It feels really safe, it will be convenient to get to work. Mainly that was why I chose it.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- OK, I'll ask you as the expert, does it have a village-y feel? - Yes, it does.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- Is it safe?- Very safe. Because it has no Tube line,
0:03:03 > 0:03:10- London isn't very affordable, but this is slightly more affordable.- As we've discovered!
0:03:10 > 0:03:15You say you've discovered prices. This is your first move to London.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21- Have you been looking round the area?- Yes, I've been to see quite a lot of different properties.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- The challenge is definitely budget. - Right.- Moving down from the northwest to London,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- your budget doesn't go as far.- No!
0:03:30 > 0:03:36I guess your friends and folks up north, when you say how much it costs here, think you're insane.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- You could have a mansion in the northwest!- Everyone says that!
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- "You could have a mansion up here!" - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- So are you pooling your money together?- No.- Ruth's buying.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54I had a house in the northwest, which I've sold, so I've got a deposit for a property down here.
0:03:54 > 0:04:01- So I'm buying and Charlotte will be my lodger.- OK.- I won't be buying for many years to come!
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- But you're vital on this. You need lodgers here.- The devil you know.
0:04:05 > 0:04:12- So I'm looking for a two double-bedroomed property.- Would Charlotte mind a single?- Yes!
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Just checking! Just checking!
0:04:15 > 0:04:20You went by Ruth there because she's actually paying for this!
0:04:20 > 0:04:27So two double bedrooms. The main thing after that is somewhere safe and convenient to get to work
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- and to get back from the city.- Right.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37We don't spend all our time together, so a lot of it will be on our own, coming home from work late
0:04:37 > 0:04:44or having been for drinks and the main thing is to feel we can get safely from the train or bus
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- to the front door.- I don't want to sound like a raging party animal,
0:04:48 > 0:04:54but if you stay out longer in town, in the West End, you can get here for less than £20,
0:04:54 > 0:04:59which isn't so bad considering the price of property and whatever.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05My old property had a really big garden, a patio area, and I like pottering around in the garden.
0:05:05 > 0:05:13- And here I would like somewhere with some outside space.- Can you give us a centimetre inch...
0:05:15 > 0:05:21- What are you looking for? Gardens come at a premium here. - Yes.- What are we talking?
0:05:21 > 0:05:28That's probably not realistic. A balcony or a terrace. Somewhere for a little table and chairs,
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- glass of wine...- Couple of plants. - Two plants. OK.- Green. - Lots of plants.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- You've got lots of good parks here. - It's quite green.- Very green.
0:05:38 > 0:05:44- And I bet you would like a period-style property. - We would prefer that.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49Everyone does. There's a lot round here. There's a lot of new ones,
0:05:49 > 0:05:54but the Victorian conversion is very popular round here.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58A bit of character, preferably. We don't want a shoebox.
0:05:58 > 0:06:04- Right.- This is maybe why we haven't found anywhere, perhaps! - We're actually a bit picky.
0:06:04 > 0:06:11- You're allowed to dream. - We'd prefer a kitchen...- OK. - ..that isn't in the living room.
0:06:11 > 0:06:19- A separate kitchen.- Don't mind it being offset, but I don't want the sofa a foot away from the oven.
0:06:19 > 0:06:25- Is that because somebody burns food? - I like cooking and cook quite a bit and I like baking.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- It does make everything smell of bacon...- No bacon! Baking!
0:06:29 > 0:06:33No, but if you're frying! I've gone beyond baking
0:06:33 > 0:06:40- and if you do make bacon, one of the smelliest things to cook, it would...- I'm a vegetarian.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- Even vegetarian bacon smells! - Baking would smell lovely. Perfect.
0:06:45 > 0:06:52- But you might not want your washing in the lounge.- Cos you haven't an outside space to dry it in!
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- You've thought about this!- We have. - It's good to know what you want
0:06:57 > 0:07:02and you've seen properties so you know, "I don't want that."
0:07:02 > 0:07:07Shall we do it, then? The thing we've talked around is the most important thing.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10What is your maximum budget?
0:07:10 > 0:07:16Maximum budget is around... 270, 280 at a push.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- 280 at a push.- Would... I don't know why I'm smiling,
0:07:20 > 0:07:25if not half laughing. That is a lot of money. Anywhere else...
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- You could get a mansion up north! - A four-bedroomed house!
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- It's a lot of money, but in London...- It doesn't go far.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Wish us luck. Charlotte, good luck with whatever room you get!- Yeah!
0:07:38 > 0:07:44- I'm getting nervous now.- Your room might get the compromise... or maybe not!- No, no, no.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- We will do our best.- See you later. - Take care, bye.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- You keep going on. "I'm a local!"- I'm a local.
0:07:51 > 0:07:57- Can Ruth get what she wants here? - I would say I'm 80% sure that she won't.
0:07:57 > 0:08:03- But...there's 20% of me that believes she might.- Right. - It is very hard with that budget.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08I'll talk to the estate agent to see if he can boost that 20% to 30 or 50.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- I will speak to a REAL local. - I'm a local!
0:08:12 > 0:08:18Stoke Newington is one of London's oldest villages and along with its charming vibe,
0:08:18 > 0:08:24it's home to a climbing centre that looks like Hogwarts, a reservoir or three
0:08:24 > 0:08:29and a swathe of parklands and two striking churches both called St Mary's.
0:08:29 > 0:08:36Hip and trendy Church Street is said to have, for its size, more restaurants and estate agents
0:08:36 > 0:08:42than any road in London. No wonder it's a desirable haven for young professionals,
0:08:42 > 0:08:49where people move on in and move on up. If it were a shop, it would be a chic boutique.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54But don't let its bohemian edge mute its avant garde potential.
0:08:54 > 0:08:59Even the infamous street artist Banksy has blessed the wall with his eminent graffiti.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04It's also been home to Paloma Faith, the Crafty Cockney Eric Bristow
0:09:04 > 0:09:09and the Queen Vic's finest, Barbara Windsor. "Oi! Get out of my pub!"
0:09:09 > 0:09:15Charming(!) But away from here what will £280,000 get you around the rest of the UK?
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Back in Rani's northwest,
0:09:19 > 0:09:26this deluxe two-bedroom apartment in one of Manchester's most prestigious developments.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Now over to the northeast.
0:09:33 > 0:09:40This stunning ground-floor apartment in swanky Gosforth has all the features of a grand period property,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42with lush communal gardens.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53And, finally, to the Second City of Birmingham, where this converted 19th-century school
0:09:53 > 0:09:56houses a striking two-bed apartment
0:09:56 > 0:09:59mixing character with modern design.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09Ladies and gentlemen, meet Richard, the Stoke Newington estate agent.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15I know the area quite well, but I don't know today's market as well.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- Excuse me. Have you time to chat for two seconds?- Sorry. Late for work.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22We want to talk about trendy people!
0:10:22 > 0:10:28This area here is very popular, very close to Church Street, original architecture.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33However, because of the size of the properties, very few flat conversions.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38And there's the Banksy I was talking about. Work of art.
0:10:38 > 0:10:45Everybody is really friendly. When you go in a shop, a restaurant, when you walk down the street,
0:10:45 > 0:10:50everybody likes to live here and stays quite local every day.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54This one here is just about to come to market. Top floor, two-bed.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58It involves some additional space in the roof.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02This has no outside space, two double bedrooms,
0:11:02 > 0:11:04but this is £350,000.
0:11:04 > 0:11:11- And because of its location it will get that or very close to. - 350?- That's what you're up against.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- What about celebrities? - Lots of politicians and journalists.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- We've got MPs around here.- Have you heard of Ed Hall?- He lives here?
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- He's one of the biggest celebrities. - No.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Is Stoke Newington trendy?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Is it? It is trendy.
0:11:28 > 0:11:34- Everyone's stopping. Is it friendly? - Everyone wants to live here. It's very friendly.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Lots of nice shops, lots of cafes, lots of pubs, lots of bars.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- There's lots of clubs opening up. Very cool and hip.- Yeah.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47Great social life in Church Street. Short walk home, transport links.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52So, yeah, it's pretty good round here relative to other areas.
0:11:52 > 0:11:58All right. I feel my work is cut out for me today. If I've got £280,000, which way should I walk?
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- East.- That's where I'm going. I'll see you later.- Cheers.
0:12:04 > 0:12:11- Ed, I am really starting to enjoy your area.- It's lovely.- I've had a good chat, met some real locals.
0:12:11 > 0:12:17- Were they all aware of who I was? - You're not in the top 100, but edging your way up. Well done.
0:12:17 > 0:12:24- You didn't speak to enough people. - How about you?- Property-wise, a great place. Near the station.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Two bedrooms and outdoor space.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30I managed to find them the Victorian mansion they wanted.
0:12:30 > 0:12:36- Not the whole thing?!- No. A two-bedroom flat. Two really good-sized bedrooms.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- But there may be a smaller living room.- OK. It is about compromise.
0:12:41 > 0:12:47- The Wild Card. Everyone loves it. - Yes.- Look at its sleek contemporariness.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50This is closest to Church Street.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- Where shall we start? - Do you want to? - I think we should. This one.
0:12:58 > 0:13:05How about this Victorian gem? Lovely first-floor, two-bedroom apartment, with everything they're looking for.
0:13:05 > 0:13:12There's even a south-facing rood terrace so they can admire views of the city to their heart's content.
0:13:12 > 0:13:19Ruth and Charlotte, walk toward Property Number 1, the beast that I am championing today.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24You have got the middle of this beautiful, we believe Victorian...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- Possibly.- It IS Victorian.
0:13:26 > 0:13:33- All of that is yours.- OK. - It is very lovely. Inside, it's everything you want.- OK.
0:13:33 > 0:13:40At the end of the road is a pub I have eaten Sunday lunch in. It has a blue plaque outside now.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45It was lovely, I enjoyed it. I can give that a thumbs up.
0:13:45 > 0:13:51Very near to the train station. You could, if you were an Olympic swimmer, hold your breath
0:13:51 > 0:13:55and walk to it in one lungful. What do you think of the area?
0:13:55 > 0:14:02- Have you seen it before?- We have. - Yes.- We got a bit lost once and ended up round here.- OK.
0:14:02 > 0:14:08- And did you feel safe? That was one of your big requirements.- Yes. It's convenient for the train
0:14:08 > 0:14:11so that's an important thing.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15You seem quite positive about the outside, the area,
0:14:15 > 0:14:19but what about the inside? Has Ed delivered? ..You have?
0:14:19 > 0:14:25- He's the local and he should know! Ladies, make your way in and enjoy. - Enjoy it.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- This is nice.- Quite airy.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- I like the fact that it's all white. - Yeah, that's always a good move. - Is there a shower?
0:14:39 > 0:14:45- A nice shower as well. Quite a big bath. - Definitely bigger than I imagined.
0:14:45 > 0:14:52- Yeah, it's much bigger than we've got now.- We're used to seeing quite small bathrooms, on top of each other.
0:14:52 > 0:14:58Do you think Ruth and Charlotte are the type of girls to come in, switch on the taps, flush the toilet,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01or will they ignore those things?
0:15:01 > 0:15:06Well, they're from up north and they might not trust us southerners, so they should.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- I'm not quite a southerner. Just because I live here.- You are.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18- So this is the second bedroom?- Yeah. - It's quite a good size.- Yeah.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- It's probably about the same size... - As what you're in now.- That's good.
0:15:22 > 0:15:29- Nice bright window. And you could put fitted wardrobes in this bit here. - True.- Yeah.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Do you think you could live in here? - Yeah.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Within reason.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38To have a hallway in London really is a luxury.
0:15:38 > 0:15:44- That is like a third and fourth bedroom.- It's amazing.- It is.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- This room's quite a bit bigger.- Yeah.
0:15:50 > 0:15:56- I actually really like that. - It's quite nice.- A nice feature. - Yeah.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Another big window.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03And again you could easily put fitted wardrobes in this bit here.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- That big window brings the natural light in.- It makes a big difference.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Yeah, I like this.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16- That's positive.- It is positive. They've not hit the one negative and it's a small negative.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- Really small.- I'm thinking of two compromises.- One.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Two compromises. Let's see what they think.- One.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- Oh, this is nice.- Oh, yeah?
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- OK, so this is the compromise. The kitchen in the room.- Lounge diner.
0:16:37 > 0:16:44- Actually, you could really easily put up a partition.- Yeah. Something to make it a little bit separate.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Well, Rani. What's happening in there at the moment? Eh?
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- They're trying to fix the problem. - And they have sorted it adequately.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- The kitchen's really big. - And quite new, which is quite nice.
0:16:58 > 0:17:05- You don't feel overlooked or anything too much.- Another bright window. With a partition, it's fine.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11- Even though it isn't what we were necessarily looking for, I quite like it.- I like it.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Yeah, definitely. Cool.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- Shall we go on?- Yeah.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22Know what I really liked there in that kitchen? They said, "Let's look at the living room,"
0:17:22 > 0:17:28- and instead of just turning round, they walked in!- Exactly. If it was all the same, it's not as much fun.
0:17:28 > 0:17:34- Ah, so there's a nice big balcony. - This is your outside space you desperately wanted.- Good.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40There's still room for friends and people, so you don't feel on top of each other all the time.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- No.- I'm quite impressed. - Yeah, I like it. Very good.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- Now I believe that you liked that a lot.- Yes.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58- Yeah.- Rani and I have had a debate about how many compromises may or may not be made in it.- OK.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02I initially thought one. How many do you believe were made?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Er, two.- Two.
0:18:06 > 0:18:12- OK, OK. What do you believe they are? - The size of Charlotte's bedroom.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Compromise one, then, is the room.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Yeah. I've not got huge issues. - It's a double, though.
0:18:18 > 0:18:25If it can be advertised as a double, it will be. And it's not the smallest double you'll ever see.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31- No, this is true.- OK, compromise two?- It's that the kitchen is in the lounge.
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- I'd say that's the only compromise. - We could easily put a partition in. It's not a deal breaker.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43- Apart from that, Ed has given you outdoor space.- I was really surprised.- And this is a good size.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- A lot bigger than we imagined. - So the house is nice.- Yeah.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- We're at the most vital part of house hunting in London.- Yes.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- The budget. Now you said maximum £280,000.- Yeah.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01Let's find out how much is this property on the market for.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Would you like to go first, Ruth?
0:19:03 > 0:19:08OK. I'm going to be optimistic I'm going to say 275.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- 275. OK. - I'm going to go with 285.- OK.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17Charlotte thinks, "If it's that low, you could get me a bigger room!"
0:19:17 > 0:19:19The actual price is £302,500.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Now it does have a very small compromise.
0:19:23 > 0:19:29- You are sold, you are ready to go and that's why I think you should have a look at it.- Yeah.
0:19:29 > 0:19:35What do you think, bearing in mind those things - and you won - but, Ruth, have you won?
0:19:35 > 0:19:42I would think that if there is room for negotiation, then it is possibly a maybe.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- OK.- Ooh!- Well, I'll take that... lukewarm-ish...
0:19:46 > 0:19:50When you walked in, you said it was bigger than you'd seen so far.
0:19:50 > 0:19:57- Yeah.- It definitely is. - And you like the location.- Yeah. - But you've still got my property.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Maybe I haven't given you three compromises.- Maybe four!
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Or maybe one! - We're off to there...now!
0:20:07 > 0:20:15For my property, I've chosen this gorgeous split-level two-bedroom apartment in a Victorian conversion.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20With lovely features and great-sized rooms in perfect harmony.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24My choice could be the property dish of the day!
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Right, ladies, welcome to Property Number 2. This is my choice.
0:20:30 > 0:20:37Ed gave you good transport links. I'm putting you between Stoke Newington station and Rectory Road.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42It will get you into the city, to Liverpool Street. Perfect for you.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48- A lovely quiet road.- Yeah. - We talked about how up north you could get a mansion.
0:20:48 > 0:20:54- The Victorian mansion!- Very impressive.- Nice? You're not getting the whole thing for £280,000.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- I'm sorry. We're going upstairs.- OK. - First impressions?- It's nice.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- I like the fact it's off the road a bit.- Yeah.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08One thing we didn't talk about is you'll be working, living together.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13but how much space apart you'd like, how much you'd like together.
0:21:13 > 0:21:19- I think with this property the living room should be used as the second bedroom.- OK.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25- I think that's the best use of space, but just my thoughts.- OK. - Are you excited?- Yes.- Pumped?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28..Yeah!
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Three, two, one. Go house hunting!
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- Oh, this is nice.- Very airy, isn't it?- It's really bright and light.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53It's not over-large, but I quite like it.
0:21:53 > 0:21:59- No, it's good.- You don't want loads of space.- There's two big sofas. Remember they're quite big.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Let's look out the window.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Oh, that looks nice out there.
0:22:04 > 0:22:11- Nice and green.- You're not overlooked, which is something that can be a bit of a problem.
0:22:11 > 0:22:17When you are at the top floor of a building, very rarely are you overlooked, I would say.
0:22:17 > 0:22:23- Unless there was a building that's higher.- They are the overlookers of everyone's back garden,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27which is an enviable position. It's almost the scene of a movie.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33If anyone's seen Rear Window, it's not a happy ending, but that's it.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- Is this the one she was talking about as a bedroom?- Potentially.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- In which case it's a lot bigger than the last one.- Yeah, definitely.
0:22:42 > 0:22:49This is a good-sized living room, but I think this could be used as Charlotte or Ruth's bedroom.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54- OK, yeah.- And I just think...- Is it bigger than the master bedroom?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- If it's smaller, that will be Charlotte's room.- It's smaller.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04This must be the bathroom through here.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09So you've got lounge, bathroom, on this level. Nice shower.
0:23:09 > 0:23:17- Yeah.- Sometimes you can get the old showers, but that's a new one. - It all looks clean and modern.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23- And nice.- Floor's different. Dark flooring.- Oh, yeah. It's a bathroom.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- A bathroom's a bathroom.- Yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:32- Clean, modern, nice. What else would you want?- Those are three words often used to describe me.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Clean, modern...?- And nice.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44Oh, this is a nice landing. It's really good for storage.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- That's true. You could even have a cupboard.- Yeah. Nice.
0:23:48 > 0:23:54Nice little landing. You know, we talk about hallways and a nice bit of landing.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59- A bit of extra storage. You always need that with two ladies.- Grandeur.
0:24:00 > 0:24:06- OK, so here we are in the bedroom. - I can't work out whether it's the main bedroom or not!
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Yeah(!) It's a good job I'm small!
0:24:09 > 0:24:13You're in the roof. It'll be quite warm, with large windows.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Yeah. And there's a lot of room there. That's a double bed.
0:24:17 > 0:24:23You could have a built-in unit underneath the sloping wall and move the bed around.
0:24:23 > 0:24:29- There's definitely options. - If you make that a living room... This will sound like an insult.
0:24:29 > 0:24:36- You'll be lower down, so the slanting roof won't be a problem. - No.- Clever, crafty.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39So this will be the kitchen diner.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- This is big, isn't it?- Very spacious.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- I've not seen a kitchen... - Not this big, no.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- I'm not sure what to do with all this room!- It's really good.
0:24:50 > 0:24:57- It's really kind of liveable. - You definitely wouldn't have to do anything.- A huge plus for us.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01And the windows... Lots of light.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- That's nice.- It's quite a nice view.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Yeah. The rooftops of London.
0:25:07 > 0:25:13- I like this. It's got a nice feel. - And being higher, you don't hear anything.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18- It's really quiet.- Yeah. - I like this a lot.- Good.- Yeah.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Now I'm thinking they can go down the Golden Girls route.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26They can hang out in the kitchen, eat cheesecake, talk about the day.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Are you saying that they are silver surfers? Nothing wrong with that,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34but they'll be slightly insulted if you call them the Golden Girls.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- I'm talking about friendship. - As in the Golden Girls.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- OK, this must be the main bedroom. - Oh, this is big, isn't it?
0:25:42 > 0:25:47- It's huge.- Yeah, wow. - It's absolutely enormous.
0:25:47 > 0:25:55- I would never expect something this big.- That area there is useful for storage and whatever, shoes.
0:25:55 > 0:26:01They've got really big cupboards. Yeah, this is really big. It's really nice and light.
0:26:01 > 0:26:06- Huge windows.- I really like this. It's got a really nice feel to it.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Yeah, cool.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- Girls, you're right. This is a massive kitchen!- Yep.- Yep.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23- Do you like it?- Very much so. - What about the rest of the house?
0:26:23 > 0:26:29- Did you take on board what I said? - Yes. It would be much better to have the bedroom downstairs
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- as opposed to the living room, in terms of space.- Yeah.
0:26:33 > 0:26:40- But how do we make that room work as a living room?- Ed had a good point. It's a slanting ceiling,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44so your couch would be there underneath the slanted bit,
0:26:44 > 0:26:50but also you've got this massive kitchen with the table and I was thinking meeting here,
0:26:50 > 0:26:55- having a slice of cheesecake, chatting...- Ambling through.- Yeah.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59I think it's definitely worth what we talked about.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04Once you're sat down - it does sound ludicrous - you're there.
0:27:04 > 0:27:11- This isn't as much of an issue. - And I was wondering whether we could actually take a bit of that wall out.
0:27:13 > 0:27:20- Could she do it?- You could!- Yes! - Check - I wouldn't just swing a hammer through it! I'd check.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23That would imply you could.
0:27:23 > 0:27:31- So, yeah, something to investigate. - But could it work when we know what the price is?- Mmm.
0:27:31 > 0:27:38We're in a different postcode here. You're in E5 here, which realistically doesn't mean much.
0:27:38 > 0:27:44- A maximum budget of £280,000.- Yep. - Who wants to go first? Charlotte, you can go first.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Oh. I think I'll go for 305.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- She thinks it's better than yours! - OK, you think maybe a compromise is made there.
0:27:53 > 0:27:59- It's kind of by size, really.- OK. - And I'm going to be a bit more realistic than last time.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03I actually think it might be about 310.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- 310.- She likes it so much more than your place!
0:28:06 > 0:28:10People think going first is easy. It's not.
0:28:10 > 0:28:16Charlotte, you went first and you are closest, which is good.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22This property is on the market at 299,995.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27OK, it's a lot of nines! It's a lot of nines.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- So it still is over-budget. - Yeah, we knew that.
0:28:31 > 0:28:38- Not as expensive as Ed's.- No. - Surprise.- Yeah, you're surprised. So you do like this place?
0:28:38 > 0:28:42I feel you get more for your money. The difference is no outside space.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- Yes.- So that's the compromise. - There's always a compromise.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- There is.- OK. Shall we go to the Wild Card?- Yes.- You've built it up.
0:28:51 > 0:28:59- It's everyone's favourite part of the show. How could it be better than this? But could it?- Let's see.
0:29:02 > 0:29:08For our Wild Card this morning, we're taking them to this amazing penthouse apartment
0:29:08 > 0:29:13- within a recently-converted period building.- Sporting two bedrooms and a balcony,
0:29:13 > 0:29:19it has all the joys of modern living wrapped in a characterful facade. I have a good feeling.
0:29:19 > 0:29:25Walk towards today's Wild Card, which is technically in the middle of a gigantic roundabout.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28The road does circle round it.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Hence, it's a little bit noisier. Inside, trust me, it's quieter.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37Geographically, we are between Rani's property and mine.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41So you're between Rectory Road station and Stoke Newington station.
0:29:41 > 0:29:48- When I first moved here, this was a Caribbean restaurant.- OK. - It's now flats and very nice.
0:29:48 > 0:29:55- All your transport links are here. So what do you think? It's a lovely old building.- It seems OK.
0:29:55 > 0:30:01- I want to get in and see how noisy it is.- It's quite noisy, but look - you've got safe passage.
0:30:01 > 0:30:07Also think of the positive. Two girls, in London. You want to be safe, to have hustle and bustle,
0:30:07 > 0:30:14- and the bus stop's right there. - You're also very near Church Street, where the bars and restaurants are.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19- If you want to see me and my celebrity friends.- Celebrity friends?- Nigel from EastEnders.
0:30:19 > 0:30:26- Really? You've never invited me! I'm hurt now.- Ready and excited? - Definitely.- It's the Wild Card.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Go!- Off you go.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- OK. This is different. - The bedroom.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- Reckon this is the main bedroom? - I don't know. I'm not sure.
0:30:43 > 0:30:49If the girls move here, they'd be near a lot of famous Stoke Newington alumni -
0:30:49 > 0:30:53myself, Nigel who was in EastEnders, now Holby City,
0:30:53 > 0:31:00- I saw Michael Barrymore drinking in the pub over the road.- Really? Did you get his autograph?- No.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- The ceilings are higher, I'd say. - Yeah. And built-in wardrobes.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07That's kind of all there.
0:31:07 > 0:31:13- Space for a chest of drawers. - We've given them the best location. - So it's functional.
0:31:13 > 0:31:18Functional location-wise, which is why some rooms aren't as big.
0:31:18 > 0:31:25And it's a brand-new development inside, but they've not made anything of the original features.
0:31:25 > 0:31:32- OK, so...quite a nice hallway. - Yeah.- Again, it's quite nice to have something with a bit of space.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- You could have a table or something. - Yeah, a telephone table.
0:31:36 > 0:31:42- So bathroom.- Bathroom.- A fair size. - It's all modern, it's all new.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- It's white.- Yeah. Good shower.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50- Yeah, it's a good size, isn't it? - And it's got a window!
0:31:51 > 0:31:57Well, they do love that bathroom. They don't love anything, really. They're happy with a window.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- So this must be...- The second bedroom.- Second bedroom.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- This is slightly smaller.- I think they're very similar sizes.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11- With the built-in cupboard. - Triple glazing on the windows.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Actually, you can't hear anything.
0:32:13 > 0:32:19- You'd struggle to fit additional furniture.- Any additional furniture. How big is the cupboard?
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Oh, it's quite big.- Yeah. - It's quite big, actually.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29- We've done quite well today.- Yeah. - By showing them three properties with individual characters.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- This one, it's the Wild Card, great location.- Cracking.
0:32:33 > 0:32:38- Outside space.- Outside space. - Two decent-sized double bedrooms.
0:32:38 > 0:32:45- And one of the compromises I made is not here.- But there is one other compromise.- Sort of.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51OK, so combined sort of kitchen and living room.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- Interesting shape.- Yeah. - I actually quite like it.
0:32:55 > 0:33:00- A huge window.- Yeah. That makes it really light.
0:33:00 > 0:33:06- It's a good use of the floor space. - Yeah. It's just how comfortable do we feel with that kitchen?
0:33:06 > 0:33:13- There isn't any way to separate the two.- What is amazing is that I thought it was going to be loud,
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- it's right on the corner - can't hear a thing.- No.- Triple glazing.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22We're also at the back of the property where the balcony is.
0:33:22 > 0:33:29You can't hear traffic that badly, considering what we heard before. I would say, clutching at straws,
0:33:29 > 0:33:34it's still usable. You could have a very small, select dinner party.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40- So...outside space. - Ah, a little balcony.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- It is quite a big balcony, actually, to be fair.- Do you think?
0:33:44 > 0:33:51- I suppose you could get pots and plants on.- You'd get a small table. - Yeah. Some chairs, glass of wine.
0:33:51 > 0:33:57And you're not hearing traffic. It's not as noticeable as I thought it would be.
0:33:57 > 0:34:03- It's much quieter than I thought it would be out here. It's nice. - And no other houses.- It's great.
0:34:03 > 0:34:09- It's good.- Balcony per buck-wise, Rani, I would say this is probably the most amount of balcony
0:34:09 > 0:34:14- you'd get for their maximum budget. - Right.- Not spoiling the price.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- Do you think we could afford it? - I'm not sure after the other two!
0:34:19 > 0:34:26Ladies and gents, we should play guess the price and this may be an exciting guess the price
0:34:26 > 0:34:28for one reason.
0:34:32 > 0:34:38Now when you came into my property and Ed's, it was like, "Wow! Amazing!"
0:34:38 > 0:34:44- Here, I wasn't getting that vibe. - Not really.- What are you thinking? - It's beautifully done.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48- But...- It's too small.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- You've got two really good-sized bedrooms.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57- Yes...- But they are smaller than the previous two properties
0:34:57 > 0:35:03- and I think after seeing those, you realise how much smaller they are.- Yeah.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08Obviously it's a new build, within a period property,
0:35:08 > 0:35:14but you're much nearer to the guts of Stoke Newington, Church Street, where it's all happening,
0:35:14 > 0:35:16which is why you get a little less.
0:35:16 > 0:35:24And maybe from that whole exercise, would you rather get a little less and be nearer Church Street or not?
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Er, no.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31- No, this is...- That's interesting. - It's a really good location,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- the bus stop is outside... - The transport is brilliant.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40But for me, I want something that's just a little bit bigger.
0:35:40 > 0:35:47- Maximum budget £280,000. Who would like to go first? - I'll leave that to you.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50I'm going to say 295.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- OK.- OK, I'm going to go 290.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56290. Do you know what?
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Charlotte, it is a hat-trick. You are clearly better at this,
0:36:01 > 0:36:07- and may have earned yourself the biggest bedroom... - I do like that idea.
0:36:07 > 0:36:14- The actual price of this... This is within your budget.- Really? - Which is why we picked it.- OK.
0:36:14 > 0:36:20It's £279,950, so you've got £50 to spend on a bottle of champagne when you move in.
0:36:20 > 0:36:27But it's within the budget. So, knowing that, knowing that it is at least 20 grand cheaper,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31does that help you in any way? Do you like it any more?
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Would you rather save money?
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Em...no.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- No, that's a good price.- Yeah. - And that's a nice price.
0:36:41 > 0:36:47- I can see that this will sell really easily.- It'll be gone. - But it's not for me.
0:36:47 > 0:36:53You are now at that point where you have to make the biggest decision of your adult lives.
0:36:53 > 0:36:58- Are you confident and able to do it? - Yes.- Yeah.- Good luck with it.
0:36:58 > 0:37:04- We legally can't help you.- We can't. - We'd love to, but we can't. We'll see you later on.- Good luck!
0:37:04 > 0:37:09- While they do that, here's a quick recap. Are you all right?- I am.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13My property had almost everything Ruth and Charlotte were after,
0:37:13 > 0:37:18right down to the expansive roof terrace and two double bedrooms.
0:37:18 > 0:37:26They could live with the kitchen/lounge compromise, but with the £302,500 price tag?
0:37:28 > 0:37:35The enormity of the kitchen and bedrooms in my gorgeous Property 2 needed no compromise.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Neither did its proximity to the train station.
0:37:39 > 0:37:46The outside space was questionable, but with a price of £299,995, it might well be worth a shot.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49And last, but never least, our Wild Card.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55Penthouse living in the heart of Stoke Newington. It had two ample bedrooms, a welcoming living room
0:37:55 > 0:37:57and a balcony big enough for two.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02The size raised issues, but the location was great.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07And it was well under budget. This could be a winner.
0:38:10 > 0:38:17Well, Ruth, I could tell you had taste. You've picked Property 2, which is my choice!
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Why have you picked this one?
0:38:19 > 0:38:23We really liked this because it was much bigger,
0:38:23 > 0:38:30had a really homely feel to it, was nice and welcoming, and it's on a really nice street.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34You have chosen to look at this one. We've had our mystery surveyor here.
0:38:34 > 0:38:41It's not legally binding, so if you do go ahead to purchase it, you do need to get a survey done.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46You're talking about compromises. He may have brought up a few more.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- OK.- I'll start with the big one. The roof.
0:38:49 > 0:38:55You are one of three flats. We're not sure who is responsible for the roof. You're at the top,
0:38:55 > 0:39:02so you might be entirely responsible for it, it might be split, there might be a management company.
0:39:02 > 0:39:09You need to look into that because if it's got to go, you're looking at maybe five grand minimum.
0:39:09 > 0:39:16You'd have to scaffold the thing, all of that hassle. It's better to know and have that factored in
0:39:16 > 0:39:22- to maybe haggling for the price. - Remember you were talking about the lovely, massive kitchen
0:39:22 > 0:39:26and how you'd like to make it into a bit bigger with the living room.
0:39:26 > 0:39:32- That wall might not be able to be completely removed.- Think of them as haggling points.- Yes.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37- Everyone likes a bargain.- Exactly. But remember a bargain costs money!
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- OK!- We have... Go!
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- On that point, go!- It's true.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Into my Victorian mansion they go and Test Drive here we come.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55- This would be the second bedroom. - Your bedroom, potentially.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00Charlotte sets her sights on that lounge, but will her bed fit?
0:40:02 > 0:40:05I think you've come up trumps here!
0:40:08 > 0:40:14- Charlotte, are you in that bedroom? - Yeah.- Not taking our surveyor's word for it, and who'd blame them,
0:40:14 > 0:40:18they make up their own mind on that kitchen/bedroom conversion.
0:40:18 > 0:40:25Ruth also discovers that there may be potential for an outside niche. House hunting is thirsty work
0:40:25 > 0:40:31- and a well-earned glass of wine is called for.- But there's only one way to take in Stoke Newington
0:40:31 > 0:40:34and that's to hit the streets.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36# Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan... #
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- So, Ruth, you've been in there, spent more time.- Yeah.
0:41:11 > 0:41:17- What do you think of the place? - Still really nice, but I'm slightly concerned by all the little issues
0:41:17 > 0:41:21that might need to be resolved and the financial impact.
0:41:21 > 0:41:28When buying a house, there's always some money to be spent and because this is the top of your budget,
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- it does get a little bit...- You're not helping me, Ed.- Not really.
0:41:32 > 0:41:38- But I understand what you're saying. - Totally. If it is over your budget and you'd have to spend more,
0:41:38 > 0:41:45- it's definitely something to consider. However, with that in mind...- Still clinging to the dream!
0:41:45 > 0:41:51- This was a good-sized flat. So you know if you spend a bit more... - You can get more.- OK.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56Cos you have had a good look around. Is it worth asking the question -
0:41:56 > 0:41:58to buy or not to buy?
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Er, not to buy.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04Actually, I'd quite like another look at number one.
0:42:04 > 0:42:10- I didn't hear that, Ed. - Say it again.- I would quite like another look at number one.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- I'd be happy if you go to Ed's. - Ah, good.- From the start of the day,
0:42:14 > 0:42:20when we didn't think we could achieve anything, we found a property for 280
0:42:20 > 0:42:26- but we realised it's a little bit too small.- Yeah.- So you're kind of in the right ballpark.
0:42:26 > 0:42:32- You just need more of a look. - Yeah.- You did get me as a celebrity neighbour.- Fantastic.- Lovely.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37You can bring back trendy and come to Stoke Newington.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- We'll see you soon.- Take care. - Thank you.