0:00:02 > 0:00:08Once in a while, a property programme comes along which is head and shoulders above the rest
0:00:08 > 0:00:10and gives you vistas like this.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15Head And Shoulders being a staple in Simon's shopping basket.
0:00:15 > 0:00:21- Do you know one of the best things about this programme? - Yes, but you tell them.
0:00:21 > 0:00:27You don't have to wait until later on tonight to see it because this one is on now.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32This one is the bee's knees. This one is To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Now, when developers and estate agents throw down the gauntlet,
0:00:46 > 0:00:50it's normally the potential house buyers who end up paying the price.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56But that's why we're here to help shelter today's plucky house hunters
0:00:56 > 0:00:59from the shock and awe of the property market.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03And unlike other property shows, this is the only one
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- to give buyers the unique chance to...- Try before they buy.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13So time to meet Wolverhampton born and raised Jacqueline McDonald.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18She lives with her husband Clive and three of their six children.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24Part-time teacher and student and full-time mum to boot, Jacqui will need a little help.
0:01:24 > 0:01:31Cue loving mother Gloria, who will need to put down her prize knitting to aid Jacqui on her property quest.
0:01:31 > 0:01:38After walking in and out of the same front door for 25 years, they feel it's time to find a new house
0:01:38 > 0:01:42with a new front door which they can call home.
0:01:44 > 0:01:52- Jacqui, Gloria, why are we moving from this lovely home?- OK, well, I've been here for 25 years now
0:01:52 > 0:01:57and as much as I've enjoyed my time here, I think it's time to move on.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02I'm looking for somewhere that I can spend the rest of my days.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07Three of the children have left, but we'd like to go somewhere else.
0:02:07 > 0:02:14- So is it just a change of scenery you're going for then?- Yes, I'd like something that's a lot more scenic.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18I'd like to look out and see some trees.
0:02:18 > 0:02:24It would even be nice to have a little bit of a scenic view.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28We want the English countryside disappearing off into the distance.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- Yeah, but...- It's probably asking a bit much.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34But you never know. That's the view from the window.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37What kind of property are we looking for?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Ideally, it needs to have three bedrooms.
0:02:40 > 0:02:47Possibly four. Two receptions, like I've got at the moment.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I wouldn't mind if it didn't have too much of a front garden,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53but we enjoy being out in the garden in the summer,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55so a back garden is a must.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58What sort of age property would you be looking for?
0:02:58 > 0:03:03I love the older properties, but if there's something newer that I like?
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- So something with period flavour about it?- Yes, bit of character.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Period flavour, I like that.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16There's an estate agent coming through you yet. And location?
0:03:16 > 0:03:20The children need to be fairly close to school.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26So Codsall and Bilbrook are where they go to school at the moment, very green and leafy.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31If we found somewhere that needed work doing on it, can she do it?
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Yes, between her and her husband.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- Why? What does husband do? - He's in the building trade.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- Well, there you go.- What's his name? - Clive.- We'll find an old wreck.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48As long as it's got a view, Clive can get stuck in, mate!
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Do you need a garage or off-road parking? What about these kind of things?
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Again, I can compromise on that.
0:03:54 > 0:04:00We've not had a garage in 20-odd years. But we've always had the space to park a vehicle,
0:04:00 > 0:04:05so it would be nice to have a parking facility.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09OK. So we've got location. We've got style of property.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11We've got the number of bedrooms.
0:04:11 > 0:04:17- How much have we got to play with? - No more than about 220.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I think we'll find a decent property for that price,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24especially as the market seems to be slowing down.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27We'll be the judge of that! We're in trouble here.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31We better get going. That's great. We've got the money.
0:04:31 > 0:04:39- So we're looking for a place with a view.- Somewhere that Clive can really get his teeth stuck into.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- See you later, ladies. - Thank you.- Bye.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49This will be exciting. Jacqui and Gloria are looking for a fresh start and we'll be part of that journey.
0:04:49 > 0:04:56- But this could be the one move she makes for the rest of her life! - She seemed a bit young to retire.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- So does Gloria. Anyway, focus.- Well, I'm going to meet the estate agents.
0:05:01 > 0:05:08- I'll see you.- See you later. I'll find out a bit about the local area. Yeah.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15OK. So let me tell you about this here, Wolverhampton.
0:05:15 > 0:05:22Founded way back in the year 985 by one Lady Wulfruna, the city now boasts several accolades.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27It is inhabited by Wolves. Not that sort. Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32And drum'n'bass supremo Goldie who would feel very much at home
0:05:32 > 0:05:35playing the Civic Hall, a top music venue.
0:05:35 > 0:05:41The civic motto here promises that "Out of the darkness cometh the light."
0:05:41 > 0:05:48Wolverhampton has certainly become a bright metropolis and is now the 13th largest city in England.
0:05:48 > 0:05:56And the locals back in 1927 received the country's first ever set of automated traffic lights.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Owww!
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- Despite those wolves... - It's not that kind of wolf.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07Despite that, the city was recently named the second happiest in the UK.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13And it's no wonder the region's house prices on average have risen to just shy of 165K.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17So we're sitting pretty with today's mission.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22But how far would their £220,000 stretch around the rest of the UK?
0:06:22 > 0:06:29Well, first off in Harrogate, there's this gorgeous four-bed, three-storey, traditional semi.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34It's bang on their budget at precisely £220,000.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38And our Jacqui also loves the idea of rural,
0:06:38 > 0:06:42so she would like this 18th-century cottage in Norwich.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46Sympathetically restored with three good-size bedrooms
0:06:46 > 0:06:50and just slightly over budget perhaps at £224,950.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54And finally with village living being all the rage these days,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58perhaps we could tempt her with this charming period cottage
0:06:58 > 0:07:00in beautiful Hatherleigh in Devon.
0:07:00 > 0:07:06Complete with beamed reception rooms, it's a steal at £225,000.
0:07:06 > 0:07:13But we need some local knowledge. So I've called on a local property expert to chew the fat with.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18Glyn kindly joins me on the streets today. I'm an estate agent.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20There'll be an estate agent-off right here.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24But let's talk about budget. I've got £220,000.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29Three bedrooms, semi-detached, preferably a period property.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- Are those requirements realistic for that budget?- I think so.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39At 220, there's a number of traditional properties in this area.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Wolverhampton Wanderers are no Everton FC.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45They are one year older than my beloved team,
0:07:45 > 0:07:49having been formed in 1877. They were founding members of the football league.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51They reside in Molineux Stadium,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54which, surprisingly, was not named after a kettle,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57but a wealthy landowner, Benjamin Molineux.
0:07:57 > 0:08:03OK. So what areas should we be looking at around Wolverhampton then?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Castlecroft is a popular area.
0:08:05 > 0:08:11But the surrounding areas, Finchfield, Tettenhall, are popular.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14When was the Estate Agents Act introduced?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17These are difficult questions, aren't they?
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- 1979.- One-nil Glyn.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Wool, locks and many other industries
0:08:23 > 0:08:26have made Wolverhampton the commercial hub it is today.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29But back in the Middle Ages,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33the traders who couldn't read the written deed
0:08:33 > 0:08:37would come here to the Bargaining Stone.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41Here, both parties would put their hands through,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43shake on it and clinch the deal.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47OK. Estate agent-off question number two -
0:08:47 > 0:08:51internal dimensions have to be accurate to within how many inches?
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I believe it's three inches.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56This man is all over it.
0:08:56 > 0:09:02And the first public appearance that Queen Victoria made outside London
0:09:02 > 0:09:08was here in Wolverhampton when she came in 1866 to unveil the statue of Prince Albert
0:09:08 > 0:09:13who sits proudly astride his steed in the aptly-named Queen's Square.
0:09:13 > 0:09:18According to the Estate Agents Act 1979, what does section 21 relate to?
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Section 21? I haven't got a clue.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26Section 21 was a declaration of where, if you are related to the vendor or the purchaser...
0:09:26 > 0:09:27Oh, right, yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33..you must declare it in writing. Glyn, thank you very much.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36We will put things in a complete spin today
0:09:36 > 0:09:39because we're doing the wild card first.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- Shall we tell them what's wild about our wild card?- Yes.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Jacqui said she wanted to move further afield.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Well, she could walk to this place. What have you got?
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Well, I've gone for a 1960s period semi-detached property
0:09:55 > 0:09:59with a loft conversion. I think they'll love it.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Did I hear you say 1960s period? - Yeah, just stick with me.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08I've gone for a more traditional period property, a Victorian villa.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12It is beautiful with bags and bags of potential.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17OK. Let's get started then with a look round the wild card.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Shall we go the other way? I'm feeling sick.
0:10:25 > 0:10:32We're not travelling too far for today's wild card as it's only a mile away from Jacqui's front door.
0:10:32 > 0:10:39I don't use this term often, but this distinctive and most impressive traditional semi is simply stunning.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44With four bedrooms, two receptions and a kitchen-diner,
0:10:44 > 0:10:49Jacqui may not have noticed this '30s classic, but she should have.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55OK then, Jacqui and Gloria, we are going crazy with the wild card today
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- by showing you it first, of all things.- That is very wild indeed.
0:11:00 > 0:11:08- It is also wild because you said you wanted to move further afield from where you are?- Yes, I did.
0:11:08 > 0:11:16But this is just around the corner. We wanted to show that your dream may not be not as far as you think.
0:11:16 > 0:11:22- There it is. What are you thinking? - First impressions - it's a lovely house.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I've been driving past it for 20 years.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29I've often wondered what it would be like to look inside
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- and I think I'm about to find out. - You are indeed. Gloria, what are you thinking?
0:11:33 > 0:11:36It's a lovely building.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40It's exactly the type of property.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- I just hope it's as lovely in as it is out.- Yeah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Well, there is more wildness to be had inside.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- So have a look around and we'll see you soon.- OK.- Thanks.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54There they go for a good "deco" around this place.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- See what I did there? '30s - Deco. - This guy - great.
0:12:04 > 0:12:11- It was good, that, wasn't it? Deco, because this is like an Art Deco house?- Great(!)
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I'll think of something Nouveau now.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18First impressions - I think it's very nice.
0:12:18 > 0:12:26- It is a lovely welcoming hall space, isn't it?- Oh, look at it. No need to buy a fireplace.- This is lovely.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30It's a beautiful view. And you can hardly hear the road.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Because of the position, the road noise gets lost.
0:12:34 > 0:12:40- Look at the detail on the ceiling. - That's nice. - And it's still quite bright.
0:12:40 > 0:12:46- Original features throughout.- It is Deco-licious.- I'm not keen on this.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52That picture rail is part of the architectural features. Leave it alone, Jacqui.
0:12:52 > 0:13:00- Oh, my gosh!- Oh, that is lovely. - I wasn't expecting that at all. - That is lovely.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Again, this would be a nice, relaxing room.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09I'd want to put down a wooden floor for the children coming in and out.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13Kids? Carpets? No. Wooden floors, perhaps.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18It's not as... I thought it would be longer.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22I don't know why. But it needs a lot of updating.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27Some of those cupboards are part of the features of this house.
0:13:27 > 0:13:33I wonder what this is? I'm sure Clive could do something with this.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Clive, my friend, you are being put to work.
0:13:36 > 0:13:44Downstairs toilet, good idea. But we could probably incorporate this utility bit more into the kitchen.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48There are rooms you don't even have, a downstairs toilet
0:13:48 > 0:13:52and a utility room. Where is the enthusiasm?
0:13:52 > 0:13:58This is a bit small, considering that there's five of us at home. This wouldn't be adequate.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01We couldn't fit our table in here.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Do not buy around your furniture.
0:14:03 > 0:14:09But if it's a Chippendale table, buy everything around your table.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12I think it's getting better.
0:14:13 > 0:14:21- Yes. This is a good-size bedroom. - This is how the girls' beds are set out at home, opposite each other.
0:14:21 > 0:14:27It's probably about the same size with the one built-in cupboard.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- I like the look you get from the window.- It's a nice view.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- They wanted a view with greenery. What's this?- A view with greenery.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39It's a little dated, but that's nothing.
0:14:39 > 0:14:45I know we've gone crazy with the wild card first, but so far, so good.
0:14:45 > 0:14:51And the good thing about Jacqui and Gloria is they use their imagination.
0:14:51 > 0:14:58- That's another good size as well.- If this is only a three bedroom, then Rhys would have to have this room.
0:14:58 > 0:15:05The girls would have to share. We'd be in the master bedroom. But Rhys would be happy with this.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10You could take off the doors and dip them.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15You can get the doors stripped, but dipping pulls them to pieces.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20- That's the bathroom. Toilet. - Separate toilet and bathroom.
0:15:20 > 0:15:26In a family house, do you have a separate toilet to the bathroom?
0:15:26 > 0:15:33- Yes.- But if you remove the wall between the toilet and the bathroom, you get a bigger family bathroom.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37You'd have to rip all of this out. It's not very nice.
0:15:37 > 0:15:45- Clive, get your tool belt back on. - Mum, have you noticed the skylight? - Yes. It's unusual.
0:15:45 > 0:15:53Apart from the original features, the best thing about this house is all that natural light pouring in.
0:15:53 > 0:16:00And that light well over the top of the landing makes the whole place lovely and light.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05I don't know if I'm too keen on that though. I don't know.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- You could change it.- Put a piece of plasterboard on and skim it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- Jacqui, you will not touch that! - We know where you live.
0:16:17 > 0:16:24- And this must be the box room.- Yes, it definitely is.- Not a bad size for a box room, still.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30- It's not even a box room.- In those days, dimensions were more generous.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35If the kids wanted to have a bedroom each, I might use this as a study.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40You wanted separate rooms for the kids and now you want a study?
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- Look at this.- It's a good size. - It's an excellent size.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50It is a good size, Gloria. It is an excellent size, Jacqui.
0:16:50 > 0:16:58I'd totally rip out everything in here. The windows are the one endearing feature of the house.
0:16:58 > 0:17:06- The one endearing feature?- It's a solid property.- Yes, you can't go wrong with solid properties.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10You can't go wrong with a good, solid '30s property.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- It's got a lot of potential.- Yes.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Jacqui, we're coming to find you.
0:17:18 > 0:17:25- Now, Gloria, this house also comes with this lovely family garden. It is a lovely family house.- It is.
0:17:25 > 0:17:32- It's a good, solid house.- It is. - But there's one other requirement as well - off-road parking.
0:17:32 > 0:17:39- And this property also comes with a good, solid garage.- Oh, that's a surprise.- We like to surprise.
0:17:39 > 0:17:46On average, having a garage with a house puts about £8,000 on the value of the property.
0:17:46 > 0:17:53- So it's worth having.- It is.- So that brings us to guess the price time. Let's find Jacqui and Jonny.
0:17:57 > 0:18:04- Jacqui and I are just kicking back on the window seat. How did it go for you?- The house is lovely.
0:18:04 > 0:18:12It's got some beautiful original features. It's just the type of house that I'm interested in.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- The decor is dated.- No, let's leave it there! I was happy with that.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22No, there's a few issues decor-wise and you can easily change that.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24The kitchen's slightly on the small side.
0:18:24 > 0:18:31- Clive's sledgehammer is coming out, isn't it?- Yes.- This house recently went through a price reduction,
0:18:31 > 0:18:37which is obviously a benefit to you. And they've brought it underneath the stamp duty level of £250,000.
0:18:37 > 0:18:44And the major benefit to you is anything over £250,000, you've got to pay 3% stamp duty,
0:18:44 > 0:18:473% of the property's value, as tax.
0:18:47 > 0:18:55That's literally if you go £1 over 250,000. If you go over 500,000, it's 4% and so on and so forth.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58That reduction means that you're saving on tax as well.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Before he waffles on any further...
0:19:02 > 0:19:10- I was delivering factual gold. - Yes, I'm sure you were. It's guess the price time, though, ladies.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15Now, Jacqui, you love this property and the period features.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- And you picked up on the gorgeous windows.- Yes.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- They are lovely, aren't they?- They are.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24A lot of people replace these.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27But I think you could secondary glaze
0:19:27 > 0:19:29and that would help with the insulation.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32You can't hear the road anyway.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37I wouldn't get rid of the windows. They are a feature of the house.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Brilliant. That goes for the picture rails as well.- No.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Oh, yes, it does! It's part of the original features.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46We'll have to disagree on that point.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49OK. We have a budget of £220,000.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- So it's guess the price time. Who's going to go first?- I will go first.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58I'll give you one other clue. It's definitely under 250,000
0:19:58 > 0:20:00because of stamp duty. What are you thinking?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- 245.- 245,000. OK.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- Jacqui?- I'm thinking closer to... 235,000.
0:20:09 > 0:20:17Well, this is going to be a tough one to call as it's actually in the middle of your guesses for 239,950.
0:20:17 > 0:20:24- What do you think about that? - Not a bad price.- Yes.- Food for thought, though, isn't it?- It is.
0:20:24 > 0:20:31- Technically, I think Jacqui won by 50 quid. I'm sorry, Gloria. 50 quid is 50 quid, Jonny.- She is closest.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34You can take the man out of Liverpool, as they say.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- Let's check out Jonny's choice. - After you, ladies.
0:20:42 > 0:20:49Jacqui wanted a blend of space and panache. Well, she's got it with my choice.
0:20:49 > 0:20:55A semi, yes, and an extensively extended family home with a massive lounge-diner
0:20:55 > 0:21:00and a penthouse bedroom over which the children will be squabbling.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Let's see if the ladies share my enthusiasm.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07OK, Jacqui and Gloria, I take you from the madness of the wild card
0:21:07 > 0:21:11to the tranquillity of my choice. What are your first impressions?
0:21:11 > 0:21:17It's not a bad-looking house. I don't know if I would've picked it myself.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- With it not being a period property? - Yes.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24The '60s is a period, you'll find. Gloria, what do you think?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26I like the look of it from the outside.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32- We'll see what it looks like inside.- Well, get in there.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Have a look around. We will be listening.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- OK. Thank you.- There was no holding Gloria back there!
0:21:43 > 0:21:48Excuse me, I'm older than you, how come you got the chair?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51It's my house, man. My rules. My chair.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56But you know what straight away? The lower ceiling.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Jacqui, I feel lower all round.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- Shall we go in here? - Mum, this is wicked.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- "Mum, this is wicked." That is a great hit.- This is wicked.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11This is the wow factor of the house. It's like mine.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- You wouldn't have to do anything.- I like this door.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Yes.- This door's beautiful.
0:22:18 > 0:22:24This place is more contemporary inside, so that'll appeal to Jacqui's tastes.
0:22:24 > 0:22:32- Let's hope the next room's the same. Oh, Mum!- Oh, this is fantastic. - This is gorgeous.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35I'm on to a winner here.
0:22:35 > 0:22:41We haven't got a problem with seating, so they've obviously knocked through.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44No, it's been extended to open it up.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50- The furniture fits in with the house beautifully.- It is nice. I like it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54I think the five of us could live in this space quite easily.
0:22:54 > 0:23:01Jacqui's being very accommodating because she said she wanted two reception rooms.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05It's a little bit tight coming up the stairs.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- Yeah.- Not a bad size.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11You could easily turn this into a box room, couldn't you?
0:23:11 > 0:23:18Think of those fights between Rhiann and Tia. I'm taking it out of the equation.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- This is the next room.- This is obviously the master bedroom. - I don't think so.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26I think so, because of the pictures.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- It can be the master bedroom if you want.- You may be right.
0:23:30 > 0:23:36- Don't give in, Gloria. - It's a bit on the small side. My furniture wouldn't fit.
0:23:36 > 0:23:45- But minimalist living seems to be in vogue at the moment.- Don't start your estate agent stuff! No! No!
0:23:45 > 0:23:51- This is the next bedroom. - This is obviously a girl's room. This is very nice.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56- It is.- Tia would love these colours. Tia would love this room.
0:23:56 > 0:24:03- She'd like any room as long as it's her own.- You don't have to worry about getting furniture in here.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- It's lovely.- It is nice. A bit on the small side.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11It's starting to feel a bit small. Bit like me down here!
0:24:11 > 0:24:17- So this is the bathroom.- Mm-hm. - It's small.- Extremely small.
0:24:17 > 0:24:25- There's that word again, Jonny - small.- It's not quite a family-size bathroom.- Aren't they a family?- Yes.
0:24:25 > 0:24:33- I'd feel really claustrophobic in here.- Oh, Jonny, it's not small any more, it's claustrophobic.
0:24:33 > 0:24:40Now this is a surprise. I don't know where to look first, actually. There's so much of it.
0:24:40 > 0:24:46That is a wicked kid's bedroom. You've got this awesome beam, a skylight. It's really cool.
0:24:46 > 0:24:53- This is in the way.- I know, but obviously they need that to support the roof.
0:24:53 > 0:25:01But it takes up so much of this space. They've made the most of it. But I think it's on the small side.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05OK. Presentation here is not as important as the size is.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07(Too small. Too small.)
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- Have you seen enough now?- Yes.- We'll see what the boys have got to say.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Shall we go in, if there's room for us all?
0:25:17 > 0:25:23So you like the presentation of this property, but space is an issue?
0:25:23 > 0:25:31- Just a little bit on the small side. - But you referenced this gorgeous door, but you didn't open it.- No.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- It's time to reveal all. - What treasures lie within?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Your utility area-cum-garage, cum-storage room.
0:25:38 > 0:25:44- It's absolutely awesome, isn't it? - It's a bit of an Aladdin's Cave.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48You could develop the bottom half of the garage.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53Make that into a room for the kids and having this kind of side access
0:25:53 > 0:26:00- where they haven't got to traipse through with dirty boots will be really handy for you.- Very. Very.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06I'm thinking how you could remodel the downstairs of the house a bit
0:26:06 > 0:26:11to bring the space into the main body of the house and make more use of it.
0:26:11 > 0:26:17- That's what architects are for. - At the right price.- Yes. And it's time to guess the price.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- Let's find Gloria and Simon. - And find out this price.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- Lovely, peaceful area, isn't it? - Yes.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28We stayed out here cos we were getting too claustrophobic in there.
0:26:28 > 0:26:35- I've been showing Jacqui some extra space in the house. - You looked in his ear?
0:26:35 > 0:26:40Chuckle-chuckle. What was your overall opinion on this place then?
0:26:40 > 0:26:47I thought it was a lovely house. But I'm not sure if it's the house for me because of the space issue,
0:26:47 > 0:26:55- even though it has got potential to expand to the side.- What do you think, Gloria?- It's a lovely house.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00- But, space-wise, with a big family, they need more space.- Yeah.
0:27:00 > 0:27:07You're giving him ammunition to rain down on me. So let's guess the price. Jacqui, what do you reckon?
0:27:07 > 0:27:10I think, because of the location,
0:27:10 > 0:27:16- probably about 190, 195. 195.- OK.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21- And Gloria?- 175.- I am just going to add insult to your injuries.
0:27:21 > 0:27:28- This property is actually on the market for £219,000, so right at the top of your budget.- Mm-mm.
0:27:28 > 0:27:34- How does that grab you? - To be honest, I'd be looking for a bit more for 220,000.
0:27:34 > 0:27:41- I'm getting the feeling it's not the place for you.- I don't think it is.- Don't make any decisions.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Let's see if I can find you more room in Simon's choice. Come on!
0:27:48 > 0:27:55Well, my beautifully presented Victorian peach of a property is the juiciest of them all.
0:27:55 > 0:28:03Built in 1854, it has been wonderfully restored, but is still brimming with original features,
0:28:03 > 0:28:10high ceilings and the requisite four bedrooms to comfortably tuck everyone in at night.
0:28:10 > 0:28:17- OK. Jacqui, Gloria, Simon's choice. Now, you did say, Jacqui, that you liked period houses?- Definitely.
0:28:17 > 0:28:25- When you looked round the wild card, you loved those big high ceilings. - And the authentic features.- Yeah.
0:28:25 > 0:28:32- What do you think?- This is more in keeping with what I was thinking when we thought period property.- Is it?
0:28:32 > 0:28:39- Can you see where I'm going here, Jonny?- I can't hear. It's the road noise.- What do you think, Gloria?
0:28:39 > 0:28:47- It's all right from the outside. - All right from the outside? Look at it!- We'll wait until we get inside.
0:28:47 > 0:28:54- Then we'll be surprised. - Don't let him twist you with his words.- It is nice.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59- I'm glad you said that. Do you want to see inside?- Yes, please.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- Well, don't let us keep you. Get in there.- Thank you.
0:29:03 > 0:29:09- Sorry?- I can't hear.- No?- Not a word. - A bit of sympathetic double glazing is all you need, mate.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20- You see, lovely and quiet back here. - Can't hear a word you're saying.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25- You cannot hear the traffic back here.- Sorry?- I'm not listening.
0:29:25 > 0:29:30I like the entrance. I don't really like the floor.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Look up! The space! The space!
0:29:33 > 0:29:39OK. Impressive. This looks like the study room, reading room.
0:29:39 > 0:29:45Hang on. Why aren't they going, "Wow"? This is a beautiful Victorian house.
0:29:45 > 0:29:52- Not much in here except for the high ceilings.- That's how I thought it would be from the outside.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55You can't hear any of the traffic.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Did I mention sympathetic double glazing?
0:29:58 > 0:30:02This is not a busy road, Mr Benarr.
0:30:03 > 0:30:08- Is this the kitchen?- This is nice. - It's a nice kitchen.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- You'd need to do nothing with that kitchen.- OK.
0:30:12 > 0:30:18The cupboards might be a bit dated. But it's really nice. I love the worktop.
0:30:18 > 0:30:24- Kitchen-breakfast rooms are popular. - Yes.- To have your morning coffee, chew the fat.
0:30:24 > 0:30:31The view from the window is lovely as well. It's nice and long. You could do a lot with that.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I say, it's a lovely big garden!
0:30:39 > 0:30:42What? That is brilliant.
0:30:42 > 0:30:49If that hasn't demonstrated to you people at home the sheer size of this garden, nothing will.
0:30:49 > 0:30:56- This is the official dining room. Oh, Mum, look at this.- That's nice. - It's just nice and spacious.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01We could easily put our table and the six chairs in here.
0:31:01 > 0:31:08Then you've got the walk out into the back garden. It's just nice and comfortable.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13Comfortable? I'd go a step further. I'd say plush surroundings.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Oh. This is the side extension.
0:31:16 > 0:31:24- A bit of a storage area. We could make this into a more useful area than just storage.- Utilise it more.
0:31:24 > 0:31:31It's the utility room. It's a very useful area. And Jacqui, it could be your office.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Right. Back into the hallway.
0:31:35 > 0:31:40It is... I mean, I thought the other house had a really nice hallway.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44But this is two, three times the height of that.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49In these period properties, the hall was where your guests greeted you.
0:31:49 > 0:31:56- And you wanted that to set the tone for what the property had to offer. - Exactly.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00OK. Oh, look at the bathroom, Mum.
0:32:00 > 0:32:07- It's not a bad size.- No. - Quite a good size.- Probably the second biggest that we've seen.
0:32:07 > 0:32:15I'm surprised at how low the ceiling is. But I think this might be part of the extension.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21Yes, it is. I'm guessing it's when this villa got its first internal water.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25It became fashionable to have your bathroom inside.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30- The first bedroom. This is a nice size.- Yes.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33This is lovely.
0:32:33 > 0:32:40I don't know if this is the master bedroom, though. I can't tell by the way it's laid out or the furniture.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- I don't think it is.- It might just be...- Maybe it's at the front.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50- And again, we've got the beautiful sash windows.- It's a nice view.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Mum, look at how much garden you've got.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57Look how far away he is.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04I guarantee he is going to be exhausted by the time he gets back.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- How are you, fella?- Fine.
0:33:06 > 0:33:12- Bedroom number two. Obviously it's where the person works.- Their office.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Yes, it's their office space, which is great.
0:33:16 > 0:33:22In my opinion, it's big enough to be a double bedroom, quite comfortably.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27OK. This is definitely what you call a box room.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- It is.- I'm disappointed, because from the outside of the property,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36I thought the rooms were going to be so much bigger.
0:33:36 > 0:33:42But there's still one more to go and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
0:33:42 > 0:33:49- It wouldn't be any good for the kids. - That's a perfect size for a kid's bedroom!
0:33:49 > 0:33:57- Let's see the size of this room. This is a good-size room.- This has got to be the master bedroom.
0:33:57 > 0:34:04- Jacqui almost said, "This is my bedroom."- "Yeah, this is m-m-master bedroom."
0:34:04 > 0:34:10- I think I like this one better than the rest, for the size. - It's a good size.
0:34:10 > 0:34:15The wild card was tasty. Forget my choice. This one - contender?
0:34:15 > 0:34:19I think so. I'll race you to the bottom of the garden.
0:34:20 > 0:34:28- At the wild card, Simon showed you a pretty standard garage, didn't he? - Yes.- Now he's gone one step better.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Look at this.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33THEME MUSIC: "2001: A Space Odyssey"
0:34:46 > 0:34:48There we go, Gloria.
0:34:48 > 0:34:54I think that is what we call rustic bling. But the lad has done well.
0:34:54 > 0:35:01- He's given us off-road parking and the garage. He's looking after your Jacqui, isn't he?- Yes, he is.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- Let's see what the price of this place is.- Let's guess the price.
0:35:08 > 0:35:14Not only have I provided you with that GLORIOUS house above us,
0:35:14 > 0:35:21also down here, I've given you approximately 476 square feet of cellar.
0:35:21 > 0:35:28- Now how do you feel about converting basements into living areas? - I think that's a very good idea.
0:35:28 > 0:35:35The negative for me is I like natural light in a room. That's what puts me off.
0:35:35 > 0:35:42But you can put natural light in here. You've got that entrance there. There's another window.
0:35:42 > 0:35:49Every room in this cellar could have natural light. You dry-line the walls, put a screed under the floor
0:35:49 > 0:35:56- and you've got more living space. How about that?- Perfect. - Spending other people's money!
0:35:56 > 0:36:04So it's guess the price time. You were both dreadful last time. Let's be honest about it. So nul points!
0:36:04 > 0:36:07You're our primary buyer. Your budget is £220,000.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12So for this pile that Simon has provided, what do you think?
0:36:12 > 0:36:17I'm thinking about £200,000.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22- £200,000. Gloria?- 229.
0:36:22 > 0:36:28229. So a big split there. And the answer again lies somewhere in the middle.
0:36:28 > 0:36:35This place is right on budget. This place is for sale for 219,950 quid.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40- (Winner.)- 50 quid short of your budget.- Excellent.- Excellent!
0:36:40 > 0:36:45I've given you a whole new house down here, let alone what's above!
0:36:45 > 0:36:52- It's a good price. - And the back garden is an absolute...- It's gorgeous.- It is.
0:36:52 > 0:36:59OK. Listen. Enough about this place because you've actually seen three lovely properties.
0:36:59 > 0:37:06- So why don't you have a think about it and tell us which one you'd like to test drive?- OK.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09And here's a recap for you at home.
0:37:09 > 0:37:15Our wild card proved that Jacqui's radar should've been targeted closer to home.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20Right on her doorstep is this wonderful family property.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24And it's all on the market for only £239,950.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29And my choice? Not as traditional but just as impressive.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Three storeys of pristine decor and homely attributes,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35nicely priced at 219,000.
0:37:35 > 0:37:43But of course, we saved the best to last. Fact. My classic Victorian villa is full of character
0:37:43 > 0:37:48and original features with a mammoth garden, a basement to intrigue,
0:37:48 > 0:37:53and sneaking under budget at only 219,950!
0:37:56 > 0:38:04OK, ladies, you decided to test drive the wild card. Our choices out the window. Why this one?
0:38:04 > 0:38:11Location, mainly, more than anything else. It's got a possibility of adding to it,
0:38:11 > 0:38:15like doing something with the loft, but mainly location.
0:38:15 > 0:38:22- What do you think, Gloria? - Yes, the location and the bedrooms, the amount of bedrooms.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24I think the children have one each.
0:38:24 > 0:38:30Well, our beady-eyed building boffin has come up with what you'd expect
0:38:30 > 0:38:34of a property of this age and on an elevation like this.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37He's just got a few issues here and there.
0:38:37 > 0:38:44And he thinks it's worth getting a structural engineer to check out the drains before you went any further.
0:38:44 > 0:38:51- But apart from that, it wasn't bad at all.- And you'd expect those problems in a property of this age.
0:38:51 > 0:38:58But the real positive thing is the loft space is absolutely prime for converting into an attic.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03- So you can get Clive busy up there. - Yes, that would be my room.
0:39:03 > 0:39:10- Oh, Gloria's at the top of the pile! Of course you are.- Yes, keep an eye on them downstairs.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- You've got to climb all those stairs.- Yes. Good exercise.
0:39:14 > 0:39:22The survey isn't legally binding. And we'd always recommend that you do get a full structural survey.
0:39:22 > 0:39:28- OK.- OK? Go and enjoy. Make yourself at home again.- Thank you very much.
0:39:28 > 0:39:35- There you go - Simon's choice? No. Jonny's choice?- Nul points. - Well, your choice(!)
0:39:35 > 0:39:37The wild card's a joint choice.
0:39:44 > 0:39:52Well, it hasn't taken Gloria long to take the weight off her feet and nestle in with her knitting needles.
0:39:52 > 0:39:59- And in the meantime, Jacqui's straight on to the reinforcements. - Come and look for yourselves.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03MUSIC: "Little Green Bag" - George Baker Selection
0:40:07 > 0:40:11# Looking back on the track For a little green bag
0:40:11 > 0:40:16# Got to find just the kind Or I'm losing my mind
0:40:16 > 0:40:20# Outside in the night Outside in the day
0:40:20 > 0:40:25# Looking back on the track Gonna do it my way
0:40:25 > 0:40:30# Outside in the night Outside in the day
0:40:30 > 0:40:34# Looking back on the track Gonna do it my way
0:40:34 > 0:40:38# Looking for some happiness
0:40:38 > 0:40:42# But there is only loneliness to find... #
0:40:48 > 0:40:54And with the family safely gathered in, it's test drive time.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- Hello, Gran! Are you all right?- Yes.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Cheers.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09- How are you getting on with the knitting?- All right.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- A cup of tea?- Thank you very much. - Just as you like it.
0:41:18 > 0:41:26Let's not forget Jacqui's a student and with exams looming, she needs to catch up on her studies.
0:41:26 > 0:41:33Jacqui, Glo, you've spent some time in the house now with the family. How did it feel for you?
0:41:33 > 0:41:38- It felt nice. It felt comfortable. It felt homely.- Very homely.
0:41:38 > 0:41:45- What do the family think?- Bit of a mixed reaction. One of the daughters think it's still a bit small.
0:41:45 > 0:41:52- But the majority of them like the house.- Thinks it's still a bit small? - There is no pleasing some people.
0:41:52 > 0:41:59- They haven't got my vision.- What's that?- It's to do up the loft, put a conservatory on the back
0:41:59 > 0:42:06- and see how much additional space that yields.- You're leaving those picture rails alone, aren't you?
0:42:06 > 0:42:14- I've been told I have to leave them. - Who told you that?- My daughter said, "You can't get rid of them."- You see!
0:42:14 > 0:42:21- So we move quickly on to the ultimate question then - to buy or not to buy?- I think I'd like to buy.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26- Yeah?- Definitely.- Result, my friend! - That's great.- Fantastic.
0:42:26 > 0:42:33- So you don't have to move too far to find what you want, do you? - Absolutely.- That's true.
0:42:33 > 0:42:41- It's been a pleasure working with you.- It's been brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed it.- I did as well.
0:42:41 > 0:42:49- And we hope you move in here. And Gloria, you get to live in the top of the house.- Definitely I will.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52- Cheers, girls.- Take care. - All the best.- Bye.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2008