0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, To Buy Or Not To Buy is in the West Midlands,
0:00:04 > 0:00:10- just outside Birmingham City Centre. - Home to this, one of the UK's finest cricket grounds.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13If you're a fan, you will recognise this as Edgbaston.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Which is one of the most affluent places in Birmingham to own a property.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21And that's why we're here, to find an all-rounder of a house for today's house-hunters.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- Got your box?- Have you seen my helmet?- You'll be all right.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38Good morning. Today, we're hoping To Buy Or Not To Buy
0:00:38 > 0:00:41will be a bit like a game of Twenty20 cricket.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46Yep, one day, three properties, with an inning each.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Before we both go in to bat together for the wildcard.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Instead of a test match, it's more of a test drive. Catch it!
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Before they have their own innings, when they get to try one before they buy one.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- Ah! Good shot, old boy! - Less of the old.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07'Coming up on To Buy Or Not To Buy, today's house-hunters have a size complex.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- If this is the main bathroom, it's small, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16If I hear the word small once more...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19'Jonny gets the silent treatment.'
0:01:19 > 0:01:23What do you think to the outside? 1920s detached, gorgeous property.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- Erm...- Wall of silence.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- The wall of silence. Stunned silence cos they love it so much. - It's different.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36'And we have two completely gobsmacked buyers.'
0:01:36 > 0:01:38SHE GASPS
0:01:38 > 0:01:40SHE LAUGHS Look!
0:01:41 > 0:01:46'Meet Pravin and Barti Patel. They currently live in this detached five-bed house in Moseley.'
0:01:46 > 0:01:49'Along with their three children, Sharia, 17,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53'Vishan, 16, and Janeel, 19.'
0:01:53 > 0:01:58'Pravin works as an IT manager, which takes up most of his time, even when at home.'
0:01:58 > 0:02:02'Meaning the poor fella doesn't get much opportunity for the old R&R.'
0:02:02 > 0:02:07'So Barti makes up for that for both of them, and spends most of her spare time in her beloved garden.
0:02:07 > 0:02:13- 'I wish I was a bit more green-fingered.'- 'Mm, you're just sharp-tongued, fella.'
0:02:13 > 0:02:18Listen here. We're going to ask you some questions and I want you to answer them with a straight bat.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- What are we looking for? - A house.- Yep.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- That's why we're here.- Thank you. - Succinct and to the point.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29A detached house, hopefully with a bit of work that needs doing to it.
0:02:29 > 0:02:35Barti, I'm going to put you on the spot. When he says, "Something we can do some work to..."
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- He's not going to do anything. - Ah, there you go!
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- THEY LAUGH - So you're the delegator.- Yes.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- I'm the financier.- OK. - The kids are growing up, he thinks I need another project,
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- so this is what the whole idea is. - All right. The kids are growing up,
0:02:50 > 0:02:55does that means you're looking for a smaller property? Are you downsizing?
0:02:55 > 0:03:00No, no, no, I think, for the next decade, certainly for the next five years,
0:03:00 > 0:03:05they'll still be in and out and we've got a couple of years to go before the younger two are off to uni
0:03:05 > 0:03:10and, in this climate, I think it'll be a long time before they're completely gone.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15So I think we need another house for the next decade
0:03:15 > 0:03:18which I feel they will still relate to as being a family home.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23Are you looking to stay in the same location or is it a relocation? Where do you want to be?
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Well, to be fair, we love where we are at the moment,
0:03:27 > 0:03:32but Edgbaston's just a mile or two away and we've liked that area for a long time.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Will it make certain things easier for you? Will that change...
0:03:35 > 0:03:40For the children, the school will be one bus rather than two.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- So it's convenience, then.- Yes. - As well as the fact that Edgbaston is a gorgeous area.- Yeah.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- How many bedrooms? - Well, we've currently got five,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52so we're looking for something of that sort of size.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57Will you need your own space in the house as far as reception rooms are concerned, the downstairs?
0:03:57 > 0:04:04I think that is more for when... We tend to have large family gatherings.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Even today, we've got two nephews staying.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- Nieces and nephews are in and out. - Yeah.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15So we need space where the adults can chill and the kids could chill together
0:04:15 > 0:04:20and our present house works for us and we're looking for something similar so they can have space.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25When you've got this big focal point, the heartbeat of the family home,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29all the other rooms do become redundant, so are you looking to replicate
0:04:29 > 0:04:33either having that kind of room or building an extension?
0:04:33 > 0:04:38It does depend on what it looks like now in terms of the properties as to what sort of work we'd want to do.
0:04:38 > 0:04:45- We just don't know yet.- OK. - So, garden-wise, are we looking for a big garden? Are we green-fingered?
0:04:45 > 0:04:51I am and I think I would like somewhere where I can potter round in the garden,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- so at least the size that I've got at the moment.- Not quite as big as this?
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- Not quite as big as this. - Nice lawn this, though.
0:04:57 > 0:05:03Not unless he could get the gardener in and I'll just do the pots and baskets. But, no, not that big.
0:05:03 > 0:05:09Anything else spring to mind? We're looking for the big family room, separate reception rooms.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Anything else? This is your last chance.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16The only other major thing is an old, traditional house, not a new one.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- OK.- So that's very much on the cards. It has to be old.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- We like the period houses.- Bigger rooms.- We like the high ceilings.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29So, Barti's project. How much do we have?
0:05:29 > 0:05:33500 for the base property
0:05:33 > 0:05:37and then, to do some work, a couple of hundred thousand.
0:05:37 > 0:05:43- Right. We've got all the information we need. Shall we get going? - Absolutely.- We'd better get changed.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- That was a seamless conversation. - Stop it, you've got me in creases.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- Do not worry, we are going to knock this one out of the park.- As long as we don't slip up. No, come on.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56This is a good budget in a lovely part of the world. Let's get down to business!
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Indeed. We need to find a lovely period home.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- I know you're enjoying wearing these whites, but let's get changed and get to work.- OK.
0:06:04 > 0:06:11'Earlier, Jonny told you Edgbaston has a reputation as being one of Birmingham's most affluent areas.'
0:06:11 > 0:06:14'I did, indeed. Edgbaston is a classy suburb
0:06:14 > 0:06:18'and if you live here, you avoid doing the commuting schlep every day,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22'as it sits just 2.5 miles outside the city centre of Birmingham.'
0:06:22 > 0:06:25'Known as "where the trees begin" because of how leafy it is,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28'it has a huge amount of beautiful specimen trees
0:06:28 > 0:06:33'lining its streets, which are full to the brim with period properties.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37'You can easily see why it often gets compared to St John's Wood in London.'
0:06:37 > 0:06:40'Sport plays a major role in Edgbaston.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45'We've introduced you to the first-class cricket ground, soon to become even more first class
0:06:45 > 0:06:50'once its £32 million update is complete. But Edgbaston certainly boasts more than that.'
0:06:50 > 0:06:54'It has a lawn tennis club dating back 130 years.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57'A golf club almost as old.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03'And a croquet club which was established in the 1900s.'
0:07:03 > 0:07:07'Hard to believe all this is squeezed into 610 hectares,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10'and it's all right on the perimeter of the second city.'
0:07:10 > 0:07:15'On the subject of cities, let's see what other properties are available to buy in some of the UK's largest.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18'In the ninth biggest city, Manchester,
0:07:18 > 0:07:23'there's this super four-bed end-of-terrace townhouse, complete with a south-facing balcony
0:07:23 > 0:07:26'onto a marvellous terrace. All that for 450 grand.'
0:07:26 > 0:07:28'Down to the tenth biggest city now, Bristol.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32'Situated in the salubrious suburb of Clifton, this home is light and bright
0:07:32 > 0:07:35'and on the market for 545 grand.'
0:07:35 > 0:07:39'Back up north to the fourth largest city, Glasgow, is this simply stunning detached villa.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43'Immaculate throughout with a private, enclosed garden,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46'it could be yours for offers over 575 grand.'
0:07:48 > 0:07:54'Now back to the second city, where Simon's going to reveal how the decisions on the area's past
0:07:54 > 0:07:57'have made Edgbaston what it is today.'
0:07:58 > 0:08:04Believe it or not, the whole of Edgbaston has been owned by one family since the 1700s,
0:08:04 > 0:08:09the Calthorpes. In 1717, a wealthy merchant, Richard Gough,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13bought the land and then married into the Calthorpe family.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16As well as rebuild Edgbaston Hall and Edgbaston Church,
0:08:16 > 0:08:21the Calthorpes are crucial to this area for one particular reason.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24As the new trades brought wealth to Birmingham in the 1800s,
0:08:24 > 0:08:30the family slowly allowed the estate to be developed into a very sought-after residential area.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33In vogue Georgian villas were built
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and they still look as fabulous today as they did then.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41As the industrial revolution started to change the face of the world,
0:08:41 > 0:08:47the Calthorpes refused to allow this to affect the rural and scenic nature of their estate
0:08:47 > 0:08:52by not allowing any workshops or warehouses to be built on their land.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58Edgbaston and the lucky people who live here have much to thank the Calthorpe family for,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01because due to them and the restrictive covenants they put in place,
0:09:01 > 0:09:06this area is as prosperous and as lovely a place to live in as it ever was.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09I could wander around for hours.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- OK, Jonny, how have you got on? - Very well.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15I think I've done even better! I think my property will just edge yours today.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- Shall I tell you all about it? - Go on.- It is beautiful.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21They said they wanted a period property, they've got one.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24They said they wanted five bedrooms, they've got them.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26They said they wanted a lovely garden, they've got it.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30It's detached, it's perfect, there it is, it's a beauty, that's my choice.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35I've gone team Patel with my choices. A little bit of something that they both want.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Pravin wants to spend extra money on the house and Barti needs a project,
0:09:38 > 0:09:43so it does offer them both those opportunities, because they can move straight in,
0:09:43 > 0:09:49- but there'll be a few things they'll want to change.- Gorgeous. Let's talk about the wildcard.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54Really, on this programme, you get to see a house that you would never get access to
0:09:54 > 0:09:56and it is a unique property and it's absolutely fabulous.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00That's the wildcard today. Shall we show them?
0:10:00 > 0:10:03A bit of a tip of the hat to whoever did the floor plan,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06because that is incredible. It is an architectural charm.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- That's all we're going to say. - That's the wildcard. Who's going to bat first with property one?
0:10:11 > 0:10:15In a traditional cricket manner, we'll toss a coin. Heads me, tails you.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Oh.- Tails, you.- Me. Property one.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28'I'm hoping Pravin and Barti are going to be bowled over by the property I'm putting in to bat,
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- 'a detached period family house in Edgbaston. How's that?' - 'Brilliant.'
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Right then, you lovely couple,
0:10:36 > 0:10:41sometimes on To Buy Or Not To Buy, we show houses to people that we think will suit them.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to show them houses that we love. This, my choice, is one of those.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51I would happily buy this house. First impressions, please?
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- It's a bit smaller than I'd expected. - Is it now?
0:10:54 > 0:10:57You know you should never judge a book by its cover, don't you?
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Let's just talk about the front, because look at this.
0:11:00 > 0:11:06- It's on the cusp of Victoriana and Edwardian.- Yes.- It's literally is.
0:11:06 > 0:11:111903 we think it was built, and it's got a sense of the Arts and Crafts movement about it. It's very simple
0:11:11 > 0:11:16but beautifully done, I think. But is it too small, that's the question?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Yep, it definitely is. That's my first question.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Simon is right. One thing I'd add, the location is absolutely spot on.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Mm.- Are you happy with this? Does this feel right?
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- I think, from...- We're surprised, because we've looked at the other side of this road.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Yeah.- And driving up here and seeing this, it's opened our eyes,
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- cos we've not considered this side at all.- It's hidden in the corner. - We try and tell you...
0:11:40 > 0:11:44So that's the first impression as far as we're concerned.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- Get in there, check out this place. - Go on.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Lovely door.- Mm. - I like the stained glass.- Yeah.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Ahh.- I reckon you might be onto a sticky wicket here.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Oh, no, once they've seen round this place, this competition is over. - You said it.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- I like the floor. - I like the fact it's on two floors. We haven't got that.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- The colour I wanted before. - Yeah.- Nice.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Nice and airy. Oh, wow.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I like this. - Yeah. This is nice, isn't it?
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- Yeah. The windows are nice, stained glass.- Look at the fireplace.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32That's like ours. That's a live fire, isn't it?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- Although it looks absolutely spot on...- It's not original.- No.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40It was actually bought by the current owners, but it was from exactly the same period.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- I like the... - Whoa, look at the garden.- Mm.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- That is lovely.- Gosh. - Oh, my goodness!
0:12:47 > 0:12:50I like that you can go from here into the garden, as well. It's nice.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Ah. Interesting.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Similar to ours. Old meets new.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Great example of how to redevelop a property of this period.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Leave your reception rooms, cos that's the grandeur,
0:13:05 > 0:13:09but then make that open-plan kitchen-diner on the back.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- Extend, open it all out. Best of both worlds.- I like it.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18I don't know, it doesn't quite feel right to me at the moment.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22I like it, but if we're looking to change things,
0:13:22 > 0:13:27I don't think we'd have to change anything here, because it's all done, isn't it?
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Don't tell me I've shown them a house which is too good and needs nothing doing! Oh!
0:13:34 > 0:13:38That window's good. It's bringing lots of light into the hallway.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41It's not dark. Ours is a bit dark.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- That's nice.- It's a fair size.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- Do you think this is as big as Janeel's? Just a tiny bit smaller, do you think?- Mm. It's a fair size.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- If this was to be Janeel's, we'd get his bed in, wouldn't we?- Mm.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00I'm hearing a lot of positivity in Barti's voice, but not in Pravin's.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Whoa. This is big!
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- Yeah.- It's much bigger than ours!
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- I suppose this'll have to be our room.- Yep.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- And I love the built-in cupboards. - Yeah. It's nice.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18His and hers as far as the cupboards are concerned, so that's good.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20And I love the view of the garden from here.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23It's beautiful.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Ah!
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Interesting.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- So, this is...- If this is the main bathroom, it's small, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36If I hear the word small once more...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- But...it's quite a small bathroom, that, isn't it?- Yes.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41Ah.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Another bathroom?- Another bathroom.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48So this must be the family bathroom, then.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- That's OK. This would work, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- So, what's this? The third bedroom? - Third bedroom.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- And, again, good size.- This is OK.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Pink. I suppose Sharia would like this.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06She'd miss her en suite, you know? SHE LAUGHS
0:15:06 > 0:15:08She's been used to that en suite since she was six.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- Jonny, what do you do? - You're defending it, I'm not.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16You put in an en suite. You said you want a project, you want something to do.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- The light is good. - Has this all been converted?
0:15:21 > 0:15:25The boys will want a floor of their own, depending on what's here.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27OK.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- So this would be...- Ah, now this could work for Sharia more.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- Is there a bathroom, though?- No.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Oh, no, hang on. Another bedroom.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43So how's that going to work?
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Well, the boys could have it, then, couldn't they? The two boys up here.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- I actually think it would be better if there was just the one room here. - This room is very big.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55This is fantastic.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- I'd knock it through.- What for? You'd need the two bedrooms.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05Hang on, Pravin, I know you like knocking places around. Do not get rid of a bedroom. Jonny, come on.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09No, devalues a property, particularly something of this style and era.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Ah, right, OK.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15So that's the bathroom for the boys, I guess.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20Yeah. We'd have to convert this into just a walk-in shower type of thing,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- that's the only thing that would work for the boys, if they were upstairs. - Yeah.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27I'm not convinced yet.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29I think we've got a split camp here.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- Really?- I think Barti really likes this place, but Pravin has just not felt the love.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I'm just here acting as a shield, cos he's an angry man.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44No, no, no, not at all. First of all, before we talk about the house, garden.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Garden's nice.- I think the garden's very interesting.
0:16:47 > 0:16:53- I love the traditional plants. - It's a very mature, settled garden. - Yes, it is.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56So, I think I'm happy to say, location-wise, you seem happy.
0:16:56 > 0:17:03Minutes from the city centre, lovely old place. But mixed reaction. Come on, speak to me.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08Personally, I find it... It hasn't got a wow thing for me.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11It's not sort of screaming out, saying, "buy me".
0:17:11 > 0:17:17Don't forget, when we started this discussion, you said you wanted a place that could be a project,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20but basically had the bones of a period house,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22and I think that's why I'm a bit confused,
0:17:22 > 0:17:27because I think what I've provided is a beautiful period house with a lot of original features
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- but with potential to improve and develop and become a project. - You have.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35But I think, when I look at the first floor, where you've got the three rooms,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38and the two bathrooms on the one side,
0:17:38 > 0:17:43it just doesn't gel. I can't see how that's going to work.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Nothing is impossible. Some things can be tricky,
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- but that's down to the builder. - Yeah.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52So, budget-wise, around about half a million for a purchase
0:17:52 > 0:17:55with about 200K, give or take, to do some changes to it.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00But how much do you think for Simon's choice? Who's going to go first?
0:18:00 > 0:18:04OK, I'll put my neck out and say round about 595.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Barti, what do you think?- 550.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10550. 595.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13You've given me a dilemma there. Doing the maths quickly,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Prav, you're the winner, only just. - 575.- Exactly.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20This place is on the market for £575,000,
0:18:20 > 0:18:27which, again, if my bad maths is correct, leaves about 125 grand in the pot
0:18:27 > 0:18:31to make the changes that you would want, and that has got to be doable.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Mm. Yeah. Could be.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36But I want to see the other two places.
0:18:36 > 0:18:42- Keep all these things in mind as we go off to see my choice, property two, OK?- OK.- After you.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49'I think Pravin and Barti might have been stumped by Simon's property.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54'I have to admit, I'm worried. I might get caught out with mine, too, as it's not a renovation project.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57'That said, it certainly has scope for so much more.'
0:18:59 > 0:19:03OK, guys, here we are at my choice, property number two in Harborne.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Highly sought-after area. The English pound doesn't go as far,
0:19:07 > 0:19:14so before you start saying it's small, what do you think of the outside? 1920s, detached, gorgeous.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- Erm...- Wall of silence! The wall of silence. - THEY LAUGH
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Stunned silence because they love it so much!
0:19:21 > 0:19:27- It's different.- My thinking was that Simon showed you a property that needed knocking about a bit
0:19:27 > 0:19:32to make it work for you, and you were kind of reticent to want to take those things on board,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36maybe that vision wasn't there, so instead, I've found you a property
0:19:36 > 0:19:39that doesn't need anywhere near as much work doing to it.
0:19:39 > 0:19:45There's perhaps a little snagging list, but beyond that, it's already been done for you.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- OK.- Well, we'll...- What?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Reserve judgement. - Thank you! Yes, do that!
0:19:50 > 0:19:54It's been beautifully done. There are improvements I think you'll want to make.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59Things that were lacking upstairs in property one are here in property two, twice,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02so certain people in the family will be happy. Give it a chance.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Don't pre-judge. - OK.- Go on, in you go.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Very new.- Yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Nice and clean.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20This is a house that Barti and Pravin would never normally have chosen to look at,
0:20:20 > 0:20:25but if you're looking for a horizontal move, you've got to look at everything in your price range
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- to make sure that there's not something that might surprise you. - That's common sense.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Hm.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Looks a bit too clinical for me. You know what I mean?
0:20:36 > 0:20:39It's all perfect, isn't it?
0:20:40 > 0:20:42It's nice.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Probably one of the first tours we've had where the viewers have come in
0:20:46 > 0:20:49and it's perfect and that's a negative.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Hm! Nice size.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Yeah, this is nice, isn't it? Yeah.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59This feels a lot more homely, I think.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Oh, the positivity just oozing out of them so far!
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Well, I love the fact that it looks out onto the garden
0:21:07 > 0:21:10and that we can go straight into the garden from here.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15Looks a bit plain, though, doesn't it? Needs lots of nice borders and stuff put in.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- My work cut out, trying to make it... - Mature plants, yeah.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- Ah! This could be your study.- Yeah.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26I could cook in peace.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30This is the right sort of size for a little study thing, isn't it?
0:21:30 > 0:21:34This would work for me. I don't need any more room than this, really.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Yes, that is the study, formally the garage.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42To be fair to whoever's done that conversion, they've done a brilliant job
0:21:42 > 0:21:48- by introducing a bay window to match up with the character of the property.- It is seamless out front.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Hm.- It's a nice size kitchen.- Yeah.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- Yeah. But we like our kitchen with the family area, don't we?- Yeah.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05With a family room attached. So this wouldn't work for us.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- The only way it could work... - Is if we do something on the outside, I guess.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14We'd actually have to do something outside here.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17If they're concerned about the size of the downstairs living space,
0:22:17 > 0:22:22coming off the back of the living room, above this patio area, would be perfectly sufficient.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Absolutely.- It would give them a nice L-shaped lounge.- Massive.
0:22:26 > 0:22:32- Not a bad size.- So is this the first or the second?- First bedroom.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- This would be over the first bay downstairs.- Yeah.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- It's a nice size. I like the size. - Yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- Ah! An en suite.- Oh, right.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- Actually, that's...- That's lovely.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- This is nice.- It's really nice.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51And a walk-in shower.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- This is nice.- This'll work, won't it? - Yeah.- This room works.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58A bedroom's a bedroom. It's a double, en suite,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02beautifully done, porcelain tiles, walk-in shower, fantastic.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- This is a nice size, as well. Fair size.- Yeah.
0:23:06 > 0:23:12- Actually, this is all right. - Which would you... I mean, they're equally good in size.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Nice view to the garden.- Yeah.
0:23:15 > 0:23:21- Yeah.- And another en suite. So that's two.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Credit, though, to Barti and Pravin,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27because it's really hard to wax lyrical in a property that's completely empty.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- It really does ask a lot of you. - Yeah. It's like sitting next to you.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34You're completely empty. It's very hard to wax lyrical.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38And, again, I like the beams which have been exposed in there.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42That's a nice feature that they've left in. That's very good.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44And another walk-in shower.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48So that's just the opposite of the other bathroom, isn't it? This is fine.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50I could live with this room, as well.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53There you go. That's two rooms so far that Pravin's liked.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57I can't recall him liking any of your ones.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58Hm.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- This is a bit small. - Is this smaller than Vishan's room?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- Er, yeah.- It is, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:24:05 > 0:24:11- The thing is, Harborne's quite an expensive place to live. - Very sought-after.- Yeah.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16- So you just get less for your money round here.- Very sought-after. - So you've got to make compromises.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Ah, OK. This is nice.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Small. Too small for our family bathroom.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26We've got two en suites, that would work,
0:24:26 > 0:24:31but for a family bathroom, I think this is too small, so this, again...
0:24:31 > 0:24:35This corner's been taken into the bathroom area, that's why.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39I don't think I'd be prepared to do the kind of work that needs doing here
0:24:39 > 0:24:43just to bring it to what we want, cos it really doesn't tick
0:24:43 > 0:24:46many of the boxes that we want.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I think it's nicely laid out.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53It's done nicely, but not to our taste, not what we would be looking for in a period property.
0:24:56 > 0:25:02So, how does the idea of buying a property that's already done strike you?
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- Not this one.- Yeah. Yeah, this one looks a bit too clinical for us.
0:25:07 > 0:25:13- Yeah.- But I think there's a lot of features that have been ripped out. That's how I feel.
0:25:13 > 0:25:19- Mm.- And if they're old and traditional, it's very difficult to put those back in.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- Cos they're always going to be new. - That is a fair comment.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25But you can go round to architectural reclaim places.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30What we were discussing was, you don't go the whole hog and try and rebuild what was there,
0:25:30 > 0:25:35but to just put a few Deco touches in, find a nice old fireplace that'd fit,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38go and find the original doors that would fit in,
0:25:38 > 0:25:43- and just tip a wink to the past, really.- Mm.- Yeah?
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- Yeah.- I take it that this property is maybe not exactly what you were after,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- but it's still got benefits to it. - And that can all change.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Listen, if all of a sudden, he was getting you an absolute bargain of a place
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- in the most sought-after area in the city of Birmingham...- Ah!
0:26:00 > 0:26:05How much for this place? It's 1-0 to you, Prav.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- OK, so...- I think I'll go for the price, again, of about 500.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- OK.- 550, I think.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- And that would be it, really. - Well, Prav, you'd get it for that. Well done.
0:26:19 > 0:26:24- Is that right?- 2-0. It's on the market for £550,000.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27When you are looking to do a horizontal move,
0:26:27 > 0:26:32it's one of the hardest moves to do, because you essentially want your house but in a different location,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36so that is what makes it difficult for us as finding agents.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40So, if that is what you are doing, you have to look at everything in your price range
0:26:40 > 0:26:42to rule it out as much as rule it in.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Right. Anyway, two properties, very different.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Listen, you are in for a treat. You want to see a different wildcard?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- You come with us. Come on.- OK.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59'Jonny, how many different cricket grounds have you been to?'
0:26:59 > 0:27:02'Simon, I've been to a fair few. I do love my cricket.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- 'But I've never been to The Oval.' - 'Ah! Well, I can't offer you a trip to The Oval,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09'but I can offer you an innings at The Round House.'
0:27:09 > 0:27:11'You crease me up!
0:27:11 > 0:27:17'Anyway, let's hope Pravin and Barti enjoy the run and don't feel it's game over with the wildcard.'
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Every now and then on To Buy Or Not To Buy,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23we have the privilege of viewing a truly unique property.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25That is today's wildcard.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28We give you The Round House.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- It's amazing. I'm really excited! - Looks fantastic outside.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Very nice. Very nice.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Just look at it. It is conspicuous by its appearance, it's an architectural gem
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and it's just incredible fun! You've got no idea
0:27:42 > 0:27:45what lies in store from the outside appearance,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48apart from the fact you're going to have a few rounded walls.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- This has got the wow factor. - Wallpapering will be fun!
0:27:51 > 0:27:56You think the wallpapering will be fun, finding somewhere to put your corner units, that'll be fun!
0:27:56 > 0:28:01It was built in 1819, but only the round part, and you've got to try and imagine it originally
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- with a thatched roof on it. - Oh, right.- That burnt down and they put a slate roof on instead.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11But from there, over the years, bits and pieces have been added here and there
0:28:11 > 0:28:15and it is just... Well, Jonny said it right, it's just a fabulous, fun house.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- Are you intrigued?- Absolutely, yes. Can't wait to get inside!
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Well, then, we won't stop you. Get in and enjoy it. It's beautiful.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27- Shall we go and find a corner to sit in? Ah. - It's The Round House.- Tricky.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Right, Jonny, let's find out if the weird and wonderful Round House leaves them stumped.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45Original beams and original floor, as well.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48It's really quaint.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- I love the windows.- Yeah.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56- There is detail everywhere. This is deco-licious. - HE LAUGHS
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Look at the kitchen!
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Oh, gosh!
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Yeah, traditional, oldy-worldy.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Whoa! Look at the garden!
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Oh, my God! SHE LAUGHS
0:29:13 > 0:29:19The garden is beautiful. You cannot believe that you are less than a mile from Birmingham City Centre.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Oh, my goodness!
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- What's this, then? Oh, is that the garage?- That's the garage, yes.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Whoa. Look!
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Wow, that's a good idea.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- Now, that really is an unusual feature to find in a garage, isn't it?- Absolutely!
0:29:36 > 0:29:42- A glass lantern roof in a garage? That is just decadence, isn't it? - It is decadence, yeah.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Your dream, to have a house with a cellar.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- Ah, ah, ah. Are you ready for this? - Yeah. Let's have a look..
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- Go on, then.- Oh, my God.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- Another room!- This could be your office, couldn't it?
0:29:59 > 0:30:04Yeah, I think we could do this up, this part, and that'd really work.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- What's this?- A tool room?- Whoa.
0:30:07 > 0:30:14Is this a garden room? So, you could use this as it is, which is a shed for the tools.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- No, I think I would have this as... - I think it's a great idea. - ..a kids' games room.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22No, all the tools and stuff can be here, and the garage can be left empty.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Whoa, whoa, whoa, that's not going to be a tool store.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- It's a bit damp at the moment, but that is not a problem. Get it dried out. Come with us on this one.- Yep.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35Ah! Wine solution. SHE LAUGHS
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Gosh!
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- Now, this is what you call a cellar. - Definitely!- Oh, my God.- And look!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- This is a dream come true for you, not for me.- Absolutely.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- I've got the garden. Look at this! - Gosh.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51Yeah, I think we'll buy this. Do you think?
0:30:51 > 0:30:56OK, so they're sold on this place after they've seen the kitchen, one shower room and the cellar.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- Wait till they see the rest of the place!- Our work is done.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Oh, this is a good size. - Fantastic size.- Yeah.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- And straight into the garden. - This would be the dining room,
0:31:06 > 0:31:11because I like their table, it's similar to ours, and it would fit.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13And it'd work, as well.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Ooh, wow!
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- Oh, my God.- A bedroom downstairs!
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Wow.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Now we're into The Round House.- Yes.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Oh. And that bedroom, it's on the ground floor, but forgive it.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- So this is half the semi-circle. - Yeah.- This is the round part
0:31:34 > 0:31:36at the back of the house, isn't it?
0:31:36 > 0:31:41- OK.- So do you reckon all the round parts are going to be bedrooms? - No idea.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48You'd have to get a bed commissioned to be built that specifically sat in that shape room.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- So a flat headboard and then a semi-circular bed?- Yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55Because, at the moment, the bed is sat against the only flat wall,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57which is a feature fireplace,
0:31:57 > 0:32:01so you would allow yourself to open that up and make it a focal point.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- So this is the other half, isn't it? - Ah!
0:32:05 > 0:32:07- OK.- I'm just confused now.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- Totally confused! - So what's this, then?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- What could this be?- I've no idea. I don't know what you'd call this.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15SHE GASPS
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- SHE LAUGHS Look at this!- Oh, my God!
0:32:18 > 0:32:21They have definitely given us a wildcard here.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24You are going to be totally confused.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- Oh.- Oh, my goodness!
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Now, this is our lounge. Oh, this is great. Gosh!
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- This is our lounge? Not the lounge. - This is happening, isn't it?
0:32:38 > 0:32:40I'm just dumbstruck.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Look at that fireplace! The windows!
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Look at those windows!
0:32:48 > 0:32:53Another great feature of the windows in that room is those lovely iron grills, the decorative grills.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56They're copper. If they were cleaned up, they are copper.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Imagine that. Beautiful! But you're right, just a really simple feature,
0:33:00 > 0:33:05- not part of the window, just something that someone's designed to add a bit of detail.- Great.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Goodness me.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- So, what's this? - Wow. Look at this bath.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- This is the bathroom.- Yeah.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- I wouldn't change this.- Wouldn't you?
0:33:22 > 0:33:28- I...- It's a good size for a bathroom and I love it. It's absolutely beautiful.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Whoa. Sharia will have this.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Mm.- Or we would have this.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39- It looks over the garden, which is fine.- Yes.- OK.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42I'll just have a little look at the garden, if I can.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Ah, there's the canal. Oh, the railway's there, as well.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- They go past, as well. - How do you feel about that?
0:33:50 > 0:33:54I don't know. It just depends on how noisy it is, I guess.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58The railway, local trains, really not much to listen to, and also, you get used to them.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02I used to have a train line at the bottom of my garden. You don't hear them.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05That's the other semi-circle here.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- So that's bedroom one. And this is quite a good size.- Yeah.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11That is a fair size.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16And, again, fitted wardrobes, so we wouldn't have to worry about any more furniture.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- And an original fireplace yet again! - Mm.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- Right.- Very good size.- Yeah.
0:34:25 > 0:34:31- So that's the other half of this one, so that makes... - And fitted wardrobes again.- Yeah.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36We'll have to think about the bathroom compromise. I could live with a compromise somewhere,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- but we will definitely need one more somewhere.- Yeah.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- Even if it's a downstairs shower room.- If you've got these two back-to-back,
0:34:42 > 0:34:47there may be something we can do in the middle. Let's have a chat with the boys about that.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52There we go. The tour's gone very well, but let's hope we can wash away their bathroom dilemmas.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57The house is mind-blowing.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- And the garden...- Dream come true, as far as I'm concerned.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03It is absolutely fabulous!
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Whilst we're in Edgbaston, let's talk boundaries,
0:35:06 > 0:35:11- because this garden, it's a big old space.- Mm-hm.- It doesn't all technically come with the house.
0:35:11 > 0:35:17As you can see, you've got neighbours here. But because the current owners got on so well,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21when they sold this house, they just kept the shared garden.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26Right, from this tree, straight out, there's a wall that runs behind us.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31This, looking back the other way, that's your garden.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36- Is that enough?- That's plenty! - Beautiful, isn't it?
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- It's absolutely beautiful, yes! - So the option would be yours.
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- If you like the neighbours, keep it shared, if not, you can separate it. - That's not bad.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- Shall we have a stroll around and see if we can find the boys?- Yep.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52- Let's stroll around this sumptuous garden.- This is a dream come true. I can see myself pottering around.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- It's amazing, this, isn't it? - I... Words defy me.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- I don't know what to say about this. Definitely a lot of potential. - Exactly.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05When you've got such a fantastic garden to step out into, it opens up so many options,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08the versatility of a room like this.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13Because it is a quasi-cellar, that's a new term I'm coining for today, there are elements of damp.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18We can see behind this. The thing is, if you're going to pursue a property like this,
0:36:18 > 0:36:23you'll want to get a specialist in to have a look, because you can get this sorted out and protected
0:36:23 > 0:36:27and it will then enable you to utilise this room
0:36:27 > 0:36:32- for so many reasons, one of which is wine storage, I understand. - Oh, absolutely!
0:36:32 > 0:36:34I don't think that's an issue at all.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39I think what we can do is literally have this re-gutted
0:36:39 > 0:36:43- and have probably a couple of rooms down here. - Can I just interject here?
0:36:43 > 0:36:46I don't know about you, Barti, but I'm very confused.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50We've got this beautiful, beautiful house with original stucco work,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- fabulous features, and where do we find them?- In the cellar.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57We've done that bit! You've got to get to the real bones of the property.
0:36:57 > 0:37:03- But, you know, it would cost a few bob to get this place right.- A lot.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Let's just recap this. Your budget, £500,000,
0:37:06 > 0:37:13- with a pot of £200,000 or so if the place needed some work.- Yeah.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17So, how much for this place? Come on, Barti, I'm going to put you on the spot,
0:37:17 > 0:37:22- cos I know you've fallen in love.- I know. It's probably the 5 plus the 2.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25I think you're taking our full budget.
0:37:25 > 0:37:31- So we've spent all your money and the pool for any renovation work, 700?- Yeah.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- OK. Prav? - I'm going to go for about 675.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- 675?- Yeah. - Do you want to reveal?- Yeah.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41You've won again, it's 3-0 to you.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44However, Barti, I know you are going to be absolutely overjoyed, as well.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49- This place is on the market for £625,000.- Is it really?
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Mm.- Wow. Oh.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- Ahh! That's got the cogs turning, hasn't it?- Fantastic!
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- That sounds interesting. - Doesn't it just?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Before we get carried away with this place, I can see the cogs turning,
0:38:02 > 0:38:08we've shown you three very different properties, all unique in their own way, so...
0:38:08 > 0:38:14You two have now got to go and decide which one you would like to spend more time in to test drive,
0:38:14 > 0:38:18so pop those heads together, get through there, have a think about it.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Well, there you go, a three-wicket maiden for Pravin on Guess The Price
0:38:22 > 0:38:27- and they are both bowled over with this one.- Certainly are. While they decide, here's a quick test cap.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32'First in to bat today was my opener, a beautiful Edwardian detached property,
0:38:32 > 0:38:37'full to the brim with period features with a well-executed modern twist.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40'But will Barti and Prav dismiss it out of the equation for today's test drive?
0:38:40 > 0:38:45'I hope not, because I think it offers them all the space they need and value for money
0:38:45 > 0:38:48'at £575,000.'
0:38:49 > 0:38:53'The second innings was held at my property at Harborne, a detached 1920s family home.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58'Now, this may have completely stumped Prav and Barti, and myself,
0:38:58 > 0:39:02'but for someone, it will make a great family house for 550 grand.'
0:39:02 > 0:39:05'Jonny, if you were going to describe today's wildcard
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- 'as an all-time great cricketer, who would you choose?'- 'That's easy.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13'The wildcard could only be compared to the one and only Freddie Flintoff,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16'a great all-round player with a surprise always up his sleeve.'
0:39:16 > 0:39:19'Let's see if Prav and Barti think the same about The Round House.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23'And at 625 grand, I think they'd be mad not to.'
0:39:28 > 0:39:34Surprise, surprise, you have chosen to test drive the beautiful Georgian Round House.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- I genuinely didn't see that coming. - THEY LAUGH
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- We're not the only people who've had access to that front door.- No.
0:39:40 > 0:39:45You get the benefits of having our surveyor give this place a quick once over.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49It's not a legally-binding survey, so do go through the normal channels if you proceed.
0:39:49 > 0:39:55- It's come up with a couple of things.- First of all, the heating system itself is a strange one.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57It's heated by two different sources.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02You've got a combi heating one half of the house and a heating system which should be listed itself,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05a 1960s hot-air system on the other side of the house.
0:40:05 > 0:40:11His suggestion is to start the heating system from scratch, get a boiler that will do the whole place.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16The other things to bear in mind, the Round House originally had a thatched roof.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21It burnt down and was replaced with this gorgeous Welsh slate in this fantastic conical shape,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24but some of those slates have started to slip,
0:40:24 > 0:40:30so a little bit of maintenance would be required, but that's nothing you wouldn't expect for this age.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- Go on, get in there and enjoy!- OK.
0:40:37 > 0:40:43'Look, Jonny, Prav's wasting no time getting a damp specialist round to give him the lowdown.'
0:40:45 > 0:40:51This bitumastic damp-proof membrane has gone wrong, so you're getting lateral penetration coming through,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- typical of underground basements. - Yeah.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56I can't see it being a problem.
0:40:56 > 0:41:04- It's not a big job, no? - Not really. You could do all this for about £15,000.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07'And it looks like they want to get the kids' lowdown, too.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10'Hang on, they can't all be their kids, can they?
0:41:14 > 0:41:17'Barti will want the seal of approval on the bedrooms
0:41:17 > 0:41:21'from daughter Sharia. I wonder if the lack of en suite will be a deal-breaker.'
0:41:21 > 0:41:25OK, shall we go and see what the boys are up to? Yeah?
0:41:25 > 0:41:30Probably knock out this wall over here, as well, and it'd be fantastic. Just for me.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- No, I think we should turn it into a games room.- I don't think so.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38- 'Personally, I think the boys have got the right idea for Prav's potential office.'- The food's here.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44'Bit of family time now with a takeaway. I wonder if they're blown away by the wildcard.'
0:41:44 > 0:41:48'I have a feeling we might have won the match with this one.'
0:41:48 > 0:41:52Let's talk damp. What did he come up with for you?
0:41:52 > 0:41:58He suggested it's probably about £10,000 to £15,000 worth of work to put it right.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03So the basement could become a liveable area for £10,000, £15,000.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- Yeah.- That would add some significant value to this place,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09because it's an unused ground floor, it's just storage.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- You can then make that liveable accommodation.- Yeah.
0:42:12 > 0:42:19Also, it's OK the two of you bowling round this big, old place, but once you've got seven, did we count...?
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- They're not all ours. - Nephews and nieces.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25Is this space still big enough? Does it feel big enough?
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Well, we can't hear them now, so I guess it probably does.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- I don't know where they are. - That answers the question, really. - It does.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37OK, it's obvious you like this place. Can I ask you, is this to buy or not to buy?
0:42:37 > 0:42:42- I would say to buy. - A very strong possibility.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- Yeah?- I'd still need the tick list from the children, I think.
0:42:45 > 0:42:50- Of course.- But, for me, it is definitely to buy.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55- Fabulous!- We'll leave you to bask in the glory of these wonderful surroundings and get cracking.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Yeah. And we'd like to thank you, not only for being such fun,
0:42:59 > 0:43:03but also for allowing us to look at such a beautiful building.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Thank you for getting it right. Thank you.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Have a look around.
0:43:10 > 0:43:15There we go, another fine innings for the To Buy Or Not To Buy team avoiding the follow on.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19- All right. It does prove, though, we are never far wide of the mark. - Well done!
0:43:19 > 0:43:22- No heading back to the pavilion, no tea breaks...- Enough!
0:43:22 > 0:43:25Whichever county you're in, if you'd like us to find your dream home,
0:43:25 > 0:43:28- do get in touch.- Rising from the ashes of the property market.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32- You're just being silly now! - Mid on? Silly mid on?
0:43:33 > 0:43:37Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:37 > 0:43:41E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk
0:43:41 > 0:43:41.