0:00:02 > 0:00:07Good morning, house hunters. Today, we're looking for a first-time property for a lovely couple,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09and did you know, one of them is from Lithuania?
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- What does that mean? - It means "Yes" in Lithuanian.
0:00:14 > 0:00:15You speak Lithuanian?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Do you know any other words?
0:00:19 > 0:00:22OK. After the titles, Nikki, I am going to test you on Lithuanian
0:00:22 > 0:00:25and I'd like you to introduce the programme. Can you do that?
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Right then, ready?
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Our first ever introduction in Lithuanian.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Can you say, "Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45"my name's Nikki Bedi, this is Ed Hall"?
0:00:45 > 0:00:48HER VOICE IS DUBBED INTO LITHUANIAN
0:00:53 > 0:00:58Very good. Let's try random words. You could have just learnt that. Can you say "cheese"?
0:00:59 > 0:01:00Sausage dog.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Round the ragged rocks the rugged rascal ran.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11She's very good, ladies and gentlemen.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15OK, then, Nikki, will we presumably be showing them three properties, one of which they can...
0:01:17 > 0:01:18I like it.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Coming up on To Buy Or Not To Buy...
0:01:22 > 0:01:24Nikki takes a gamble on location.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27And your feelings about Stirchley are...?
0:01:27 > 0:01:28We don't really like it.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30LAUGHTER
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Ed almost lends a helping hand.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36The only thing I don't like is those glass panels above the doors.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Would you be able to replace them?
0:01:38 > 0:01:41I could certainly have a go.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44I'll do it, if that's... Actually, I won't! I'm a very busy man.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46And a DIY spat ensues.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- I don't like the little untidy, unpainted bits...- Cracks everywhere.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53It'll give me something to do at the weekends.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56As long as you promise you're going to do that.
0:01:56 > 0:01:57Ooh! Did you hear that?
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- Eventually.- Yeah, just like your parents' house.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04"Just like you did at your parents' house. Yeah? Yeah!"
0:02:04 > 0:02:06She's cross!
0:02:07 > 0:02:12Today, we're in Cotteridge, south Birmingham, to meet our house hunters, Irena and James.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18Irena is Lithuanian and as well as being a qualified chef, she also works as an interpreter.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- So she translates things, does she? - That's right.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- What, English to Lithuanian? That sort of thing?- Yes.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29I see, so Irena's basically translated your opening bit for you, hasn't she?
0:02:29 > 0:02:30OK. Yes, she has.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Irena's partner, James, works in IT,
0:02:34 > 0:02:35but outside his day job,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39his real passion is photography, and Irena of course!
0:02:39 > 0:02:42They've been together for 4.5 years and now feel the time is right
0:02:42 > 0:02:45to take the plunge into the local property market.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48For the time being, they're both living at Irena's mum's,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51so they can keep saving for the all-important deposit,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54but as first-time buyers, they're ready to go.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- Are you ready?- Yes, are you? - Of course.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Irena and James, congratulations. Welcome to the programme.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07It's a first for us. I don't think we've ever had a Lithuanian person on the programme before.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Do you consider yourself Lithuanian, though, or British-Lithuanian?
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Um, I'm Russian-Lithuanian.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Oh my goodness gracious me. We've never had that either.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20James, you're exciting as well, but not because of that. You have the best titled job in the world.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22You are a...?
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- Data architect.- A data architect.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26I almost don't want you to explain what that is...
0:03:26 > 0:03:28It would be much more boring.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30You're like the Indiana Jones of data. That is exciting,
0:03:30 > 0:03:36but what's even more exciting is what we're about to do - find a property for you two to move into.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39What sort of thing are you looking for? A house, an apartment.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Not an apartment. Er, a cosy house.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48- Yeah, we've lived in apartments before, which we've really liked, but...- We've had enough of that.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52..it's time to find a house for ourselves with a nice garden and...
0:03:52 > 0:03:56A lot of places round here - downstairs bathrooms, downstairs toilets...
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Yeah, especially in the Victorian properties.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04Yeah, that's one of the reasons we've tended to look at slightly more modern properties.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07They do tend to be much more normal.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Why don't people like downstairs bathrooms?
0:04:10 > 0:04:15No-one wants to wake up in the middle of the night and go to the toilet and then go downstairs...
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Think of the calories you're burning.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24- At midnight?!- During the day you'll be burning them, going up while you're downstairs.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28People on this show always want cornicing and fireplaces and things,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31so what is it that you don't like about period properties?
0:04:31 > 0:04:37Well, what puts me off, say, a Victorian house, for example,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39usually it's very high ceilings,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41and being a petite girl, I just don't fit.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I think you'd look gorgeous in a period property.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Like a tiny little vase.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- Yes, like a doll. - "Like a tiny little vase"!
0:04:48 > 0:04:53So, the idea of high ceilings - you don't want to look like a tiny little vase in the house.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54If we did find properties,
0:04:54 > 0:04:59and there's going to be a lot to look through that are more of the Victorian era,
0:04:59 > 0:05:00would that be terrible?
0:05:00 > 0:05:01Would you consider it?
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- It wouldn't be terrible. We would consider it.- OK.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08It would not be the first one to pick.
0:05:08 > 0:05:14Now, with data architecting, do you need an office to data architect?
0:05:14 > 0:05:18I do need somewhere for my computer, because I do use it quite a lot.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Um, both for the photography stuff and...
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Tell us a little bit about your photography.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27You describe yourself as an amateur photographer.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30It sounds like you're a passionate amateur photographer.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33What's the greatest picture you've ever taken?
0:05:33 > 0:05:35I've got many of Irena
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- and they do tend to turn out pretty well.- Told you.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- You see!- Good subject, though. - Absolutely.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44All right. So, photography - major passion.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48Have you got any passions that require room space?
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Cooking.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51I'm a chef as well.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Um, so kitchen space...- Yes, that leads us to the kitchen.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59We would prefer a large, or at least good-size kitchen.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01How many bedrooms? We haven't got to that.
0:06:01 > 0:06:02Two or three is fine.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Detached? Semi-detached?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Um, most of the places that we've seen tended to be terraced houses.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Um...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13End-of-terrace is nicer than terrace, obviously!
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Semi is even better, and detached would be...
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- Just a dream come true. - OK, all right.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21I like it - you know what you want.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- OK, are there any other things we need to factor into this? - Yeah, and you're going to hate me.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28It's a conservatory, I'm really keen on them.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- James thinks they're useless. - OK, why do you want one?
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Because I never had one.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- James, why don't you like conservatories?- Um...
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I like 'em. It's nice sitting in a conservatory,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42but other things are higher on my priority list.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45What would you be prepared to...? What won't you lose, then?
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Somewhere to sit down and have a meal is a bit more important.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- It all depends on the price, so that brings us...- Let's do it. - ..to the most important bit.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55What is your budget?
0:06:55 > 0:06:58It's up to £125,000.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59- OK. That's it, isn't it?- It is.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- Wish us luck.- Good luck. - We need it today, I think.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- See you later.- See you later.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Nikki, today's episode is going to be a version of Upstairs, Downstairs.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12A modern retelling, if you will.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Well, you will be below stairs in that case.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19It's not about a class war, Nikki. This is about upstairs, downstairs toilets and bathrooms.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24Thank you very much. I am going to get right at it and try and achieve an upstairs bathroom -
0:07:24 > 0:07:26I'm going to talk to an estate agent.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29And I'm going to talk to the lovely people of King's Norton.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Well, today's search brings us just south of Birmingham city centre
0:07:34 > 0:07:37to the districts of King's Norton, Cotteridge and Northfield.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41Originally, all these areas were small towns in their own right,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44only becoming part of the Birmingham metropolitan area
0:07:44 > 0:07:46at the beginning of the 20th century.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49In particular, the conservation area of King's Norton,
0:07:49 > 0:07:54with its picturesque green, 13th century church and independent shops
0:07:54 > 0:07:58still retains a small town charm with a city-meets-country feel.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01And with direct rail and bus services to Birmingham,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04you can be in the city centre within half an hour,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06making the area ever-popular for commuters.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09With house prices averaging around £150,000,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11which is under the national average,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14it seems like you can get a lot of brick for your buck here.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16But what's on the market at the moment
0:08:16 > 0:08:18at other major cities around the UK?
0:08:18 > 0:08:24How about this quintessential 1930s bay-fronted semi in the Withington area of Manchester?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Located on a quiet street with three bedrooms, an extended kitchen
0:08:28 > 0:08:30and lovely private garden...
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Or, if period living with a contemporary twist appeals,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38there's this classic three-bed Victorian terrace in Bishopston, Bristol.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41The property boasts an extended kitchen,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43spacious loft, and it's on the market for...
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Last, but not least, for the more flush amongst you,
0:08:48 > 0:08:52there's this lovely, period terraced property in Dulwich, south London.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53It's beautifully finished,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56with stylish kitchen-diner and modern bathroom. The price...
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- Hello, are you Dean?- I am. Pleased to meet you.
0:09:05 > 0:09:06I'm Ed, pleased to meet you too.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Dean, I have got £125,000 to spend on behalf of a lovely couple...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Where should I start looking? What sort of areas?
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Well, anywhere around Cotteridge, really.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- This is Cotteridge? - This is Cotteridge, yes.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21So, what's special about Cotteridge?
0:09:21 > 0:09:24King's Norton - they're very friendly places.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- OK.- Anybody will tell you that.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32Have you got anything modern? Probably something beyond 1960s, '70s ish.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37We do. We have an ex-local authority, three bedroom end terrace
0:09:37 > 0:09:40that's just recently come on the market.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Where do you live? - Just down in Stirchley.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- So, would you recommend Stirchley? - Yep, absolutely. Good bus and train network as well.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51So, Dean, of this mystical property that sounds lovely,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- have you got any details?- Nothing as yet, as it's just come on the market.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59I already have viewings this weekend, so the sooner they can see it, the better it will be.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03If you wanted to do something in the evening, what would you do?
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- There's plenty to do here. There's lovely pubs, carveries... - Bowling.- Yes.- Bowling.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Dean, do you know the pressure? My reputation is hanging on your word.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Will I look a fool if I show these beautiful people this house?
0:10:14 > 0:10:16I promise you won't.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19There's the hand. I'm off. If you let me down, I'm coming after you.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- How are you?- I'm good, how are you?
0:10:22 > 0:10:25I am doing very well, actually. I'm quietly confident.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Confidence based upon a man called Dean.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Oh yeah, what does Dean do? - He's an estate agent.
0:10:30 > 0:10:36I hope he's a good one, because he's told me about a property that's only just come onto the market.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39I'm going to show you the details via the mobile phone.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43It's been e-mailed to me and that's a picture of the outside.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45He's assured me the inside is phenomenal.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49They will love it. It's modern, it's perfect, it's everything they want.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Well, I have found a property
0:10:50 > 0:10:54kissing the Stirchley and King's Heath borders -
0:10:54 > 0:10:58a wonderful '50s three-bedroom.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01A property with a big back garden - nice and sunny.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Only thing is, the bathroom's downstairs. But I'm not worried.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07I'm quietly confident that the space is enough.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Downstairs bathroom, Nikki, is a major thing that they didn't want.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13So, very brave of you. Very brave.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Um, now, the wildcard - everyone loves the wildcard.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19The wildcard in this case is a little bit from Nikki's,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23a little bit from mine, and a little bit from good, old Victoriana.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26It's very lovely. It doesn't have a downstairs bathroom...
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Yeah? Doesn't have one of them.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It's got character, and they weren't after character particularly.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It's in Cotteridge,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36which is arm-wrestling distance from King's Norton.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Those are the houses today. Where should we start the journey?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43How about...the phone one? Dean's promise has to be seen.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47We're going to get a first look around this house before anyone else.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55Well, this ex-local authority three-bed has literally just come on the market today
0:11:55 > 0:11:57and it's not going to hang around for long.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Why? Because Irena and James are going to buy it.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- It's got everything they asked for, and more.- You seem rather confident.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Well, Nikki, I defy you to find a better starter home for the money.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Go on, try.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14Irena and James, walk toward what I believe
0:12:14 > 0:12:19is a brick interpretation of what you actually want.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20Am I right?
0:12:20 > 0:12:21You might be.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- OK, now, this property has come onto the market today. - Today!- It's fresh meat.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28It's a cracker. It's everything you want -
0:12:28 > 0:12:33the right amount of bedrooms, the right amount of space, a kitchen-diner, everything.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38We're in King's Norton, a part of King's Norton that's having a huge regeneration,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42so in three years' time, all of this will be even lovelier.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44You like this area, don't you?
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Yeah. We live a bit further out at the moment. It does seem nice.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51It's only going to get nicer, and if you buy now,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55that will push the prices up, so this makes it, as an investment, even better.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- Definite advantage, yeah.- What do you think, knowing all the brilliant things I've just told you?
0:12:59 > 0:13:03I like it. It does look like the kind of place that we could feel at home at.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08It looks cute from outside, and I look forward to walking through the door.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- Depends where the bathroom is, really, doesn't it?- Not at all.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16So, if this had a downstairs bathroom, would you accept it?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18We'll have to have a look first.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- I tell you what, this has a bit of both worlds.- It has!
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Try and work out what that means. - Two bathroom luxury?!
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Ooh!- You couldn't bathe in the downstairs one. Are you ready?
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- Yeah.- All right. Enjoy that property.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- All right.- Cheers.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I like the porch.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- It's a good size.- It's nice inside.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Everything looks in good condition.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- Check this, guess what. - Downstairs toilet?- It is!
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Ah!- I love it.- Very handy. - Definite advantage.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Saves walking up the stairs.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58You know in America, this property would be considered one-and-a-half bathrooms.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Ooh!- A half-bathroom is a cloakroom.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Americans...kind of make sense, but not really.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- OK, nice and clean. - Nice and white and open.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- Fridge!- The fridge is hiding under the stairs.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Does that mean the kitchen is really small and the fridge doesn't fit?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16We shall see in a bit, I think.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19OK, lounge.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- It's quite nice.- It's a nice size.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Oh, look. - It's a nice size living room.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26It just feels comfortable in here.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27Cosy, quiet...
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Two words to describe me.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Also, words to describe that lounge as well.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Oh, it's a good size.- Wow!
0:14:36 > 0:14:39It's nice.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42It IS nice. It's a new, fitted kitchen.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Do you think it's enough space for the fridge?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I think so. I think that's a fridge, there,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52so it must be a second one under the... Second one under the stairs, maybe?
0:14:52 > 0:14:55So, see, they're seeing the second fridge, Ed,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58which, as the lady who owns the house is a chef, she needs...
0:14:58 > 0:15:03If one fridge goes down, you need a backup fridge. I don't know why more people don't do that.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Oh, that's a library!
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Now, that is a library for chefs.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13A "chefbrary" as I believe they're called in the trade.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- Um, it's not a very often-used word, that, the "chefbrary"...
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Oh, one more fridge. How many do they have?
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Very nice.- And look, a little patio.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28What's that?
0:15:28 > 0:15:31That's a little house. Is that for you when you misbehave?
0:15:33 > 0:15:39- That is the harshness of a Lithuanian chef.- Is that not a bit of a sweeping statement?
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- No, because...- There are many women who'd like to put their men in out-houses,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45and they're watching right now.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Stairs you can fall up!
0:15:50 > 0:15:52You're not a baby!
0:15:53 > 0:15:56I like the white walls, you can always put your pictures up.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- Bathroom.- Yeah.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00OK.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's quite small, but not too small.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09SHOWER STARTS Oh my God! How do you switch it off?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- What's she done? - She's just switched the shower on.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17I tell you what, though. I admire her for it. You've got to test everything.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19What do we have here?
0:16:19 > 0:16:21There we go.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- Ooh, nice.- OK, the master bedroom.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24I think so, yeah.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Lovely, a good size.- Yep.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31You know, double bed in here and still plenty of room to walk around,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34or for wardrobes for all your clothes.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Right...- On into this room.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39One more bedroom.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43OK, so this is actually a decent size second room.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44It is a good size.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Technically, you've got three double bedrooms, have you?- Yep.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- One is sort of a gym at the moment. - Yes.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- A folded up gym. - But that's kind of like how I live.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57I'm always Power-Plating or aerobicising, or crunching.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00It's amazing I've got time to do this.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Yeah.- I'm actually working my pelvic floor as we speak.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05LAUGHTER
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- Three bedrooms.- Third bedroom.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Ah. Did you expect to see three bedrooms?
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- I'll...- Oh look, it's a double bed. - I'll claim this as my study!
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Good luck.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Got one more door left.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- Fourth bedroom. No, it's not. - Just more storage.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Plenty of that.- Yeah.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Yeah, quite nice. What do you think in general?
0:17:35 > 0:17:39I like it. Everything's either new, or pretty new.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- We could move in.- The only thing I don't like is those glass panels above the doors.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Would you be able to replace them?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48I could certainly have a go.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53I'll do it, if that's... Actually, I won't! I'm a very busy man. It will also annoy the wife -
0:17:53 > 0:17:56"Why are you doing their DIY when you haven't done these things?"
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Um, we haven't seen the garden. Shall we have a look?- Yeah.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- There you go.- Hiya.- So, you wanted to have a look at the garden.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Let's do that, live, on screen, for everyone. So, what do you think?
0:18:13 > 0:18:17Look at the side there. That is where, if you wanted to shove a garage, you could do.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21You've got gate access there, you've got whatever you want to do there.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- That was where you were going to be naughty, wasn't it? - When I do something wrong.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30You've got two naughty options. You've got the one over there, dog house number one,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- and that's severe dog house. - I am spoilt for choice.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Yes. Never have that as an option, that you'll be out here.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- As a back garden, it's a good space, isn't it?- It's nice, it's secluded, but it's still sunny.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43There we go.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49And doing a cursory glance across the houses, we haven't got you a conservatory, but they've got one.
0:18:49 > 0:18:50Either, late at night, steal it,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54or, it's proof, basically, that you could put a conservatory
0:18:54 > 0:18:57on the back of your house without any kind of hassle. It can be done.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00It's good, isn't it? Is it everything I thought it was?
0:19:00 > 0:19:05It's lovely, really. It's got two toilets, three bedrooms,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08it's nice and clean, and it's modern.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- And the kitchen.- And the kitchen, of course.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14It's a good size kitchen and it's got a dining room as well.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- I really like the look of the kitchen...- Mm-hmm.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- BIRDS SING - ..and the general feel.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Listen to the birds, just singing away.- That's the loudest noise you can hear.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27The question is, will you like it when you know how much it costs?
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Dur-dur-dur! Right, Nikki, who do you want to make start?
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- Ladies first. - I would like it to cost...
0:19:35 > 0:19:37It's not, "How much would you like it to cost"!
0:19:37 > 0:19:40All right, OK... What would you like it to cost?
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Um, around £120,000.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- OK.- I'm going to go for £115,000.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50OK, there's great news about to happen.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52It's not good news for you, Irena,
0:19:52 > 0:19:54but it is good news in the bigger scheme of things.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56The actual price of this is...
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- £109,950.- Really?
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Yeah, so there we go. It's under what you thought,
0:20:02 > 0:20:07and because of your position, you're ready to go, you could even shave money off that.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Not that you'd want to, because you valued it higher in your minds.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- And with that money to spend, you could...- Have your conservatory!
0:20:14 > 0:20:15You'd get everything you want!
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Shall we just quit now, buy this?
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- No, no, no, because I have a property to show you, obviously. - Even better.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Well, I'm hoping so. Would you like to find out?
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- Yes, we would.- Come on, then. - If the market's moving fast, we'll be foolhardy to leave this...
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- Let's go, but if we lose out... - We're going!- All right, but if we lose out on this, it's on camera.
0:20:39 > 0:20:45Well, my choice today, on the Stirchley/King's Heath borders, is an absolutely stunning three bed.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47There's certainly a great deal of kerb appeal here,
0:20:47 > 0:20:51and I know the fact it's semi-detached will be a bonus.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57- I don't remember them mentioning Stirchley, Nikki.- It's a very nice area, Ed, and they'll love it.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01So, James, Irena...
0:21:01 > 0:21:03This is my property. Property number 2.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- We're on the border of Stirchley and King's Heath.- Right.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- It's one of my favourite borders. - Is it?!- It's beautiful.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- I'm glad we're both supporting each other.- Yes, we are.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Do you know this area at all?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18We know Stirchley, and we know King's Heath,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20but we haven't been in this area particularly.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23And your feelings about Stirchley are...?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25We don't really like it.
0:21:25 > 0:21:26LAUGHTER
0:21:26 > 0:21:31I think the centre's a bit busy, but here looks very quiet, residential.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34And in terms of King's Heath, because we are on the border...
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- Nice area, a lot happening in the centre of King's Heath. - That's good, that's positive.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- Already, I'm feeling more confident about my property.- Thanks(!)
0:21:43 > 0:21:48What you'll see is a semi-detached property, and that was something you quite liked the idea of.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52You've got quite a big space at the back, which you'll see,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56and you have the requisite number of bedrooms.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01Also, there is the upstairs, downstairs theme that we have running here.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- What, a toilet downstairs and a bathroom upstairs?- We'll see.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09It's not about compromise, as Ed would have you believe.
0:22:09 > 0:22:16It's about seeing ahead, seeing potential just on that one issue. The rest, I'm confident.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19OK, knowing that you only like one of the areas it borders onto,
0:22:19 > 0:22:23what do you honestly believe when you look at the house? Are you excited?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26I think it has a lot of potential on the inside. It could be very nice.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Okey-dokey. Enter that house.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32In you go, enjoy.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38OK, a nice little porch.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39Yep.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Nice and clean.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44That's the lounge.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Oh, it's lovely.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Nice, having a table by the window for a change.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Ah...
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- It's nice.- It's nice and spacious.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Yep, cool.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58The fire's a bit old.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01But a very impressive fireplace.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04I think we could definitely be at home here.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Lots of space to invite people round, and sit down on the couches.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- Okey-dokey, they're already entertaining in that house. - A good sign.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Oh, a nice bathroom.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Oh, so the actual whole bath... The bath is downstairs.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Yeah, that's unusual, isn't it? Usually it's upstairs.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Maybe it's two again.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Oh, Ed, there was no big shock about a downstairs bathroom.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Well, I tell you... - They've moved on.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33The shock will come when they realise there's not one upstairs.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38I gave them downstairs AND upstairs. As you said, one-and-a-half bathrooms.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41They are thinking, "Two bathrooms in this house."
0:23:41 > 0:23:42- Or is it, Nikki? No.- Ah.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Kitchen...
0:23:44 > 0:23:47It's still nice and light.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- Not as much work...- No.- ..surfaces.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54You do like your work surfaces, don't you?
0:23:54 > 0:23:57I like to make a lot of mess when I'm cooking.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00And the table you have over there, in the lounge.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04You don't have, like, a dining room.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- What, with the kitchen?- Mmm.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10No, it's different, you can sit out, watch the world go by.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16Imagine having, like, borscht, and dripping all the red on the white carpet!
0:24:16 > 0:24:19That wouldn't be so good. It'd stain a little bit.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Not kitchen-diner. They asked for kitchen-diner, you've not delivered.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28Upstairs bathroom, you've not delivered. What else have you let them down with?
0:24:28 > 0:24:34They said they wouldn't mind a kitchen-diner. Well, they've got the dining table in the living room.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- They could easily do what they wanted.- This is embarrassing.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39It's lovely.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Yep, I could fill these walls.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47Okey-doke, what do we have here? Look, it's a study room.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Aha! Again, this is my room.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54It's not particularly nicely painted there.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59What's happened here, Nikki, I think Irena has gone to the dark side. She is not enjoying this.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01I think even you can tell that.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- I think it's just that Lithuanian reserve.- You reckon?
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- You're reading too much into it. - She's not happy.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- Here we go.- OK...
0:25:11 > 0:25:16so this, I guess, is the main bedroom.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- I don't like the little untidy, unpainted bits...- Cracks everywhere.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It'll give me something to do at the weekends.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28As long as you promise you're going to do that.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Eventually.- Yeah, just like your parents' house.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Ooh! Did you hear that?
0:25:33 > 0:25:37A small DIY scuffle has broken out in that bedroom.
0:25:37 > 0:25:45There was a little thing there that was meant. "Just like you did at your parents' house. Yeah? Yeah!"
0:25:45 > 0:25:47She's cross.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- Oh, now that's the main one. - I was wrong.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Surprise(!)
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- Much bigger.- That is much bigger. Much nicer as well.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Quite nice, I like it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04There isn't a bathroom up here at all. It's just downstairs...
0:26:04 > 0:26:07which is a bit, it's kind of like the place we're in at the moment.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09It's a little bit unusual.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13And a little bit inconvenient at night.
0:26:14 > 0:26:21- Um...- But at the moment, you're not complaining of having to get up many times at night!
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It's quite unusual, though.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Yes, that would be a bit of a disadvantage for us.
0:26:32 > 0:26:38Slightly gutted to have not heard lots of wonderful "wows" and "excellents"
0:26:38 > 0:26:41and the things that I hoped this property might elicit.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43What's the problem?
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I mean, we like... There are bits that are very nice,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49but there are just a few more unusual things
0:26:49 > 0:26:51or things that just aren't quite us.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54So, with three good size bedrooms upstairs
0:26:54 > 0:26:59and the kind of space that I've given you downstairs, the location you've got,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02do you not take that into consideration?
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Of course we do, and I think when we walked in,
0:27:05 > 0:27:10we really liked it, because it looks very fresh, clean and cute inside.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14But like, the more you see, the more things you have to consider.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Like then we saw...
0:27:16 > 0:27:21this dining table and the bathroom downstairs.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22And then, it's just...
0:27:22 > 0:27:24I think, in this situation,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27disadvantages outweigh the advantages, really.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30I heard you not liking this dining area here.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32We see the carpets not lasting too long.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35You just have to learn table manners.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Once we get to the table, we're fine.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- It's the tricky bit between there and there.- OK, got you.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- Do you want to play guess the price, and see if that would change it? - Yeah.- Definitely.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51- Maybe I'm hanging too much on guess the price.- OK, James won last time, didn't you?- Yes, I think so.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Maximum budget, £125,000.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56What do you think this is on the market for...
0:27:56 > 0:28:00You started last time, Irena, so I'm going to go for you, James.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Say...£120... £120,000.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06£120,000. OK, Irena.
0:28:06 > 0:28:12I think it would be £115,000 because it's slightly unusual inside.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13- Hmm.- OK.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Well, you're the closest again.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18But you're still nearly 10 grand out.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21The price is actually above your budget.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- £129,950.- Right.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27You didn't fall in love with it, so...
0:28:27 > 0:28:29It's a good thing.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Now, the wildcard. Everyone loves the wildcard.
0:28:31 > 0:28:36- Would you like to go and see the wildcard? - Definitely.- Absolutely.- This way.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44Yes, it's that time of the morning again - the wildcard.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47This Victorian two-bed in Cotteridge has just been done up
0:28:47 > 0:28:49and is fantastically located
0:28:49 > 0:28:52for transport links into the city centre.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54But will Irena go for the period look?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Let's hope the ceilings are not too high!
0:28:57 > 0:29:02Now, the wildcard. Everyone loves the wildcard, Irena and James.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07Could we have, maybe, is there a translation for wildcard?
0:29:07 > 0:29:10SHE SPEAKS LITHUANIAN
0:29:10 > 0:29:12"Unexpected house" - that's good.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- You are good at Lithuanian, aren't you?- Thank you.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18OK, so this is that translation of a Lithuanian wildcard.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Now, wild, because we have gone character.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25And, with character, sometimes they have a downstairs bathroom.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Here, we do not have a downstairs bathroom.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- OK.- We've got an upstairs bathroom.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32Um, it is currently empty. The guy's doing it up.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35If we'd have come in tomorrow, he'd have had carpets down.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39You can use your imagination, imagine the softness under your feet. And up the stairs.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44But we are in Cotteridge, and kind of Cotteridge kissing King's Norton.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46What do you think? Do you know this area?
0:29:46 > 0:29:52We do know this area. Just down that way is the house where my mother lives.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- Ah! OK.- Now, is that a good thing or not such a good thing?
0:29:56 > 0:29:59I'm not so sure. I think you need to ask James.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00It's very close.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- And it's a very good thing. - A very good thing.- Well done.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05Is there any other answer?
0:30:05 > 0:30:07No, there is not.
0:30:07 > 0:30:08OK, so that's quite nice.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11You know the area, the area is good. What do you think?
0:30:11 > 0:30:15This isn't modern, and so far, out of the two houses...
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Let's not drag back to your one, Nikki,
0:30:17 > 0:30:20but the modern one is probably winning. What do you think of this?
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- I'm definitely prepared to give it a chance and see what it's like.- OK.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Yep.- Your mum's house is nearby, a similar kind of property,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- but your mum's has the downstairs bathroom which you don't like.- Yeah.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33This does not have that,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36so that's quite a conundrum for you. Are you excited?
0:30:36 > 0:30:37We are, yes.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40OK, three, two, one. Enter that house.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42Enjoy.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48OK...
0:30:48 > 0:30:53Straight into the living room.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57It's been freshly painted. I can still smell it.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Nicely decorated.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- Nice little fire. - You think it's nice?
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- The blue bit comes off.- Oh, right!
0:31:05 > 0:31:09It doesn't look, inside, that much like a real period place.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12For a Victorian house, I would expect much higher ceilings,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14but these are not stupidly high.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- You're not getting lost?- No.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22- She did mention that she would be feeling like a little vase... - A little Lithuanian vase.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25..in a big-ceilinged room, but that's not going to happen here.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28It's a shame in one way, but a positive in another way.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34OK, so...
0:31:34 > 0:31:35Second main room.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39- It looks identical to Mum's house. - It does look rather familiar.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Ah, but it is not identical, because...
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- The bathroom's upstairs.- Fantastic.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48That is a conundrum. I'll be intrigued to see how Irena deals with that.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- The kitchen does look different.- This is very different and very nice.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58I would say it's a definite improvement from Mum's kitchen.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59That one's just a box.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04Yeah, look, lots of room for your chopping, or my chopping.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08There's a nice lot of space, plenty of cupboards.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10A nice, new cooker.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12I'm well impressed with the kitchen.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- Yeah.- I love this kitchen, I'm in love with this kitchen.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Ooh, hello! Hello, hello, hello!
0:32:18 > 0:32:22That is the thumbs up from a chef, which is, of course, Irena.
0:32:22 > 0:32:28She likes the kitchen, and I like the way I pronounced her name, then. I think it's my best attempt today.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30I will not try it again. "Irena."
0:32:30 > 0:32:31FOOTSTEPS ECHO
0:32:31 > 0:32:33It's nice and creaky.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37I can't believe it's so similar.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Yeah, I knew that would be here.
0:32:40 > 0:32:46Again, useful cupboards to hide stuff away, though.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Do you think we can hide you there?
0:32:49 > 0:32:51This is quite a big house.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54There she goes. Thar she blows!
0:32:54 > 0:32:59Now, Irena has previously discounted the olde-worlde houses
0:32:59 > 0:33:04because they're not very big in her mind. This IS very big.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08Doesn't have three bedrooms, but it does have two crackers.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15We're walking into "our room".
0:33:15 > 0:33:19It's weird, isn't it? Either they've mentally moved in,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21or because the house is so similar,
0:33:21 > 0:33:26they're walking into what looks like their room at their mother's house.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29Good. At least we know what fits in this room.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Slightly newer fittings everywhere, though, which is nice.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- Yes, definitely. New windows, as well.- New windows, new radiators.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40That's something we wouldn't have to do ourselves.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44I'd change the doors, though, because they're not quite new, are they?
0:33:44 > 0:33:45Some of them are a bit 1930s,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48but I think one of them is quite impressive.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52I mean, that is an impressive door to the bathroom.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54That is, yeah.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57That's got to be original. That's nice.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- And the bathroom itself, wow. - That's unexpected.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03I'm not going to pull anything!
0:34:03 > 0:34:06I've learnt my lesson.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08It is very nicely fitted out.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09It IS lovely, yeah.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Also, everything is brand new.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14I loved everything up there that was new.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Things that were not as new, I didn't like so much.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19The new stuff was top of my favourite list.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22This house, then, is only two bedroom.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- Mm.- The others we've seen have been three.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- Yeah.- Do you think the bathroom's enough
0:34:28 > 0:34:31to make up for the third bedroom?
0:34:31 > 0:34:33There's just so many things to consider.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Irena and James, you've been in the wildcard.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45- You've been spooked, because it's essentially your mum's house. - It is very similar!
0:34:45 > 0:34:49And effectively, you've already test-driven this house by living in it!
0:34:49 > 0:34:53But you've not lived in one without a bathroom in the downstairs, so...
0:34:53 > 0:34:55the big question - what do you think?
0:34:55 > 0:34:58It's got some very big selling points.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00The kitchen's very nice.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Much bigger, nice open space.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Big enough for two of us to be in there.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06And the bathroom, as well, upstairs.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- You could chop together, I understand. - We can chop together, yes.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- The couple who chops together stays together.- As long as they don't chop each other.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17That would be the end of a relationship!
0:35:17 > 0:35:21A really good size kitchen, and for the chef in you, that's great.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Also, it's sympathetically modernised,
0:35:23 > 0:35:25and I know your mother's is modernised,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28but this is throughout, brand new,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30like your light fixtures, your windows...
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- Absolutely, yeah.- Does that appeal?
0:35:33 > 0:35:37It does appeal, but it's also got a couple of rough edges. Doesn't it?
0:35:37 > 0:35:43Don't forget, because it's not finished yet, you can always say to the owner and to the builders,
0:35:43 > 0:35:47"I want this done, I want this cleaned up." There's haggle room there.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Yes, snagging lists, they call them, in the trade.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Also, this has two bedrooms. Bathroom's upstairs, but no third bedroom.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- What does that...? - It's not that essential, anyway.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- It's not a problem now.- You could do what others have done
0:36:00 > 0:36:03and you've seen a few on this street where they've gone into the roof.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Shall we find out the vital statistics of the house?
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- Guess the price time. You've actually already won, James... - Two out of three.
0:36:10 > 0:36:16- ..but Irena, you can still have some pride.- I'll try, yes.- You start.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21- Um, I think it could be, maybe, £115,000.- OK.
0:36:21 > 0:36:28I think that because of the standard of the fittings that the owner's done to it,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32I think he might want it a bit higher. I think maybe...
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- £124,000...- Greedy.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37You've got a hat-trick.
0:36:37 > 0:36:43Irena, commiserations, but the actual price is £129,950.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48Um, again, think of haggling room. Your position, they want to sell, there's no-one in it.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51So, that's something to think about there.
0:36:51 > 0:36:57We've shown you all three and you've got to go off and make the biggest decision of your adult lives
0:36:57 > 0:37:00about which one you wish to test-drive. Don't tell us now!
0:37:00 > 0:37:02OK. We don't know, so...
0:37:02 > 0:37:06Exactly! I don't know! I think it might not be Nikki's.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- Wander off that way, and we'll see you later on. Good luck. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- Sorry about being cruel about your house.- You're not just cruel.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18Whilst they make their decision, here's a recap for you at home.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Will Irena and James go for my property today?
0:37:21 > 0:37:24The viewing couldn't have gone better if I'd tried.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27They loved the three bedrooms, upstairs bathroom, and kitchen-diner.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Dean the estate agent certainly came up with the goods.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Well, my lovely, three-bed semi certainly wasn't lacking in size,
0:37:37 > 0:37:43but Irena and James simply couldn't get over the downstairs bathroom and dining table in the living room.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- Do you think I'm in with a shot here, Ed?- No.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Or will the wildcard swing Irena's view of period properties?
0:37:54 > 0:38:00I'm sure she didn't want to like it, but the kitchen and bathroom certainly seemed to impress.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02And it's just around the corner from her mum's.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Irena and James...
0:38:10 > 0:38:11Look at it.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16You have chosen to test-drive my property. Now, that is not a shock to me.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21But for Nikki's sake, and for the viewers' sake, why did you pick this one?
0:38:21 > 0:38:25Almost, really, we set the bar too high at the start of the programme.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- Why did you go for this one? - It's a lovely house.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30I think we both liked it when we first saw it.
0:38:30 > 0:38:38- It's got three bedrooms, it's nice and modern, good size.- Yep, a nice garden. Nice little close.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- It had everything you asked for... - Pretty much, yeah.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Almost everything. Don't forget the conservatory.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48- But because of the budget... - Remember the price. With a bit of haggling, it's there.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- All right, Ed.- Mm-hmm. - You did a very good job.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- Brilliant job.- Just one thing that I want to point out.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58We've had a survey done - not a legally binding survey -
0:38:58 > 0:39:01but it will give you a very good heads-up and obviously,
0:39:01 > 0:39:05- you can get your own done if you're interested.- You would have to.
0:39:05 > 0:39:12Looking at the property, you've got the barge boards and fascias - those wooden bits. They're rotten.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14The weather's got to them.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19- Now apparently, the fella is going to replace them as part of the deal. - Fantastic.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23So, one thing the surveyor spotted is going to be sorted.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28Obviously you'd want to pin him down that that actually is going to happen, so that's good.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31One of the negatives is already going to be sorted.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35Now also, in the back garden, what's giving you your privacy
0:39:35 > 0:39:39are those trees there, or bushes, or hedges - whatever you want to call them.
0:39:39 > 0:39:46They're called Leylandii and there is actually a little rule in the UK about high hedges.
0:39:46 > 0:39:52- Unless your neighbours complain, that's not an issue.- It's nothing too much to be concerned about.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56- What do you think, though? Are you still prepared to go in there and test-drive it?- Yes.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- OK, in three, two, one, commence that journey.- Enjoy.
0:40:04 > 0:40:09Right, off we go. I think we're in for a Lithuanian culinary adventure.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Mmm. It looks like James's mum has popped in for a tour.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- Hello.- Hello.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18She's an estate agent, you know?
0:40:18 > 0:40:21I'm sure she'll cast a professional eye over the place.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26- Grab a seat.- Mm-hmm.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30First impressions look good. I'm feeling very positive about this one.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Irena is giving the kitchen a thorough test drive.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37It looks like quite a feast she's preparing here.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41Ah, the all-important upstairs bathroom seems to have passed the test,
0:40:41 > 0:40:43but what does James's mum think of the rest of it?
0:40:44 > 0:40:47What do you think of the house in general?
0:40:48 > 0:40:52Er, I like what I've seen. I think it's worth looking into.
0:40:53 > 0:40:59Marvellous! In it goes, but I know James has been itching to do one last thing.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Test the park opposite as a photography location.
0:41:07 > 0:41:08Ah!
0:41:09 > 0:41:11It looks great.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- Still sizzling. - So, how was the test drive?
0:41:13 > 0:41:18Very nice, a lovely kitchen. I really enjoyed cooking it for you.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- Fantastic.- Wow!
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- Hello.- Wow, look at this.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28This is what you did on the test drive?
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Let's not fill our faces just yet.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34How has it been? Obviously, the kitchen has delivered this.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Is it good? This is the first meal you potentially could eat here.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I think it's really fantastic to be able to cook just over there,
0:41:41 > 0:41:45and then to bring your food here and just enjoy the meal. It's lovely.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49OK, and how does it feel to come back on your second viewing...
0:41:49 > 0:41:51- Mm-hmm.- It's a lovely, sunny day, it's very nice.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Could you imagine yourself in here?
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Easily. Easily, yeah.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00And what did you do whilst Irena was preparing this Lithuanian feast?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Erm, I showed my mum round.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06And what did your mum think of the place? Did she like it?
0:42:06 > 0:42:09She did. Like us, she's wondering what kind of area it's in,
0:42:09 > 0:42:12but the house itself looks very nice.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13I could definitely see myself here.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Lovely.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17We're staggering towards the inevitable.
0:42:17 > 0:42:23I want to ask the question quickly, because... This seems insane, but I do want to eat that herring.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Are we ready? Are you prepared? Here it comes.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30To buy or not to buy? That is the question.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33I think it might be a buy.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35- Really?!- Very likely. - Wow, well done!
0:42:35 > 0:42:40- I'm loving it.- Well done, you, Ed Hall.- Well it's not just me.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- Dean.- The mysterious property hunting team, and Dean.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Well, shall we... I'm going to have my herring.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48It would seem insane for us to leave now.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- Shall we say goodbye now? - Let's, yeah.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- We're going to do this.- You eat, Ed.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56If any of you - we can't give you a Lithuanian feast -
0:42:56 > 0:42:57but we may be able to find you a house,
0:42:57 > 0:42:59please don't hesitate to get in touch.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- ED MUMBLES - With your mouth full, no!
0:43:02 > 0:43:04But not for another couple of hours,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07- because we're going to eat this. - I get this every day(!)
0:43:21 > 0:43:25Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:25 > 0:43:29E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk