0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Hello.- Hello. - Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Yes, today we are in south Birmingham,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08in the prestigious B17 postal area,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- or Harborne.- Between us, we will be finding three properties
0:00:11 > 0:00:15before we hand over the keys to our house-hunters so they can...
0:00:15 > 0:00:16Try before they buy.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- We're here to lend a helping... - and hopefully healing...- ..hand to a complementary therapist.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34We'll be analysing the market and giving the full To Buy Or Not To Buy treatment...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- ..to help remedy...- Get it? Cure. - ..her housing needs.
0:00:37 > 0:00:43And here she is. Julia Fearon, who runs her own complementary health clinic in south Birmingham.
0:00:43 > 0:00:49She's qualified to teach a range of therapies, including massage, aromatherapy and baby yoga.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51On hand to help is trusted friend Jan,
0:00:51 > 0:00:57making sure Julia finds somewhere with plenty of space for her legendary dinner parties.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01So then, Julia, ably assisted by your good friend Jan.
0:01:01 > 0:01:07- You're about to find yourself in a very commanding position as far as house hunting is concerned.- Yes.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12I've sold my existing house. Almost done and dusted.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- So I'm all up for finding somewhere new to live.- Why are we finding somewhere new to live?
0:01:16 > 0:01:22Erm, basically, my partner, Alan, died in April this year,
0:01:22 > 0:01:23actually six months ago today.
0:01:23 > 0:01:30And the house we were in, frankly, it was too big for two of us, so decided to downsize a little bit.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Something I can manage and yet doesn't take four hours to clean.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- Life's too short to do the cleaning. - Quite right.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43But I'm hoping that I'm not going to need a mortgage, I don't think, or only a very small one, so...
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- So not only no mortgage, also ready to proceed?- Yeah. Absolutely.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- You really are quite a catch for any vendors out there.- I hope so.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Jan, obviously, you're a good friend of Julia's.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Are you in tune with what her requirements are going to be
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- and you can advise her correctly on this?- I hope so, yes!
0:01:59 > 0:02:01I think I know what she's looking for.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06- Somewhere that needs nothing doing. - A move-straight-into kind of job. - A move into.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11And she does long hours here at the clinic, so she needs to just go home, relax.
0:02:11 > 0:02:17And when you say you know what kind of things she likes, go on, describe what period property would it be?
0:02:19 > 0:02:23I think whatever age it is, as long as it's true to its age.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25You know, original features would be nice.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31But also, some of the modern efficiencies that you'd expect as well. Getting that balance right.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33THEY ALL LAUGH
0:02:33 > 0:02:37A good mixture, cos a lot of the older homes take a lot of maintenance, don't they?
0:02:37 > 0:02:42And though I know Julia would love an older home, I think maybe somewhere...
0:02:42 > 0:02:44When you say downsizing, what are we downsizing to?
0:02:44 > 0:02:51I certainly want two good-sized, double bedrooms, because I often have people to stay.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55I've got friends and colleagues who travel from all over.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59I'd like somewhere as a kind of study, office space,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03so that would either be like a box room or a third bedroom, something like that.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08I love entertaining. So that's kind of my dilemma about downsizing,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11cos, like Victorian terraces, which I do like,
0:03:11 > 0:03:16but when you've got two small kind of living areas and a tiny kitchen,
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- that doesn't fit with doing a dinner party for ten people. - What else is on your list?
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- If you're talking ideal wish list... - Yes!- Ideal wish list...
0:03:24 > 0:03:27If we cover the very basics, we can layer the luxuries.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- OK, OK. So definitely an upstairs bathroom.- Right.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Downstairs cloakroom would be ideal.
0:03:32 > 0:03:38An en-suite shower room or something would be fantastic in one of the bedrooms.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40I do like a separate shower to the bath.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- OK. You're getting a bit carried away now.- But as you said,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- she's in a commanding position. - Slightly partial to a Conservative.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- To a CONSERVATIVE?! - That's a conservatory.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- OK.- Not a political Conservative! - That clears things up for us.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59OK, I'm putting you on the spot again.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Where do you think Julia should be living?
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- It would be nice to still be in Harborne.- Harborne? Right.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10It would be nice to get a house of Julia's desires, but with some sort of off-road parking.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- Garage would be lovely. - Big question, then.- Yes, absolutely.
0:04:13 > 0:04:19You're in a commanding position. You're about to complete on your place. Hopefully, mortgage free.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- What are you giving us to play with? - Well...
0:04:22 > 0:04:24This has changed quite...
0:04:24 > 0:04:30In view of the current market, cos with the market being sort of fairly dodgy and on the way down,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33I've actually kind of upped my budget a bit, really.
0:04:33 > 0:04:40So I think I'm looking kind of around the sort of the 300 mark, but I could go up...
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Come on!- Come on! - You push it with us.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46How far would you be prepared to stretch to?
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- Knowing you could be picking up some good properties now... - That's the thing.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- So I think I'd go up to 350. - OK. Shall we get going?- Yeah. Thank you.- We're going to hit the street.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01- We'll see you in a while. - See you.- See you later.- All right. Cheers. Bye.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Right, Harborne - a leafy, Midland suburb three miles south of Birmingham city centre.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Its high street has a host of classy independent retailers,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and book market chains.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Add to that a farmers' market and a cook's tour of global cuisine.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20The area also has a great sense of community.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25There are more clubs and societies than you can shake a 9 iron at, golf, an annual carnival
0:05:25 > 0:05:27and a tennis club. Indeed,
0:05:27 > 0:05:33one hostelry was formerly the home of the gooseberry growers' society in the 19th century
0:05:33 > 0:05:37and its members finest moment arrived in 1875,
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- when they exhibited wait for it - the largest berry in all of England. - So, all in all,
0:05:42 > 0:05:47I guess you could say that Harborne has a village feel with a large dash of urban sophistication.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51And we've got up to 350 grand to spend on Julia's potential new property.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53But what could that money get elsewhere in our fair isles?
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Well, if she fancied upping sticks to Inverness,
0:05:57 > 0:06:02she could find herself living in this detached place on the Black Isle.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05It offers five bedrooms, one with en suite, huge kitchen/diner
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and stunning countryside views.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10On for offers over £350,000.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Or in the East Ridings of Yorkshire, she might like this detached house
0:06:14 > 0:06:17in a select development in a picturesque village.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18Four double bedrooms, two en suite,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and a sprawling farmhouse-style kitchen/diner.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24She could have some great dinner parties in there!
0:06:24 > 0:06:27On the market for 349,950.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30But if Julia fancied moving to the coast,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34she could bag this highly individual property in Felixstowe, Suffolk.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39Four bedrooms, a sunroom and another great party kitchen.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42On the market for £360,000,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45part exchange considered. But how does Harborne shape up?
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- Hi there, Berni.- Morning. - Thanks for speaking to me.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- You're very welcome.- Hopefully, you'll help me out on our mission.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Sell Harborne to me.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Why do you love Harborne?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57The people are absolutely fantastic.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01We're like a big community.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Everybody smiles at each others,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06waves at each others,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09hug, kisses, everything. It's such a lovely place to be.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12We've got a lady that's looking to...
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Well, she lives in Harborne and she wants to stay there.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18About £350,000 is the maximum budget we've got to play with.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23And she wants three bedrooms in a nice period property in and around the area. Can you help?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26I've lived here all my life.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I just love the people and the shops.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Everyone's just really friendly and it's just the best place to be.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35You will pay a premium to live in Harborne, anyway.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39The schooling's good, the location's good.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41But, yeah, she'll get a nice property.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I think there are very good houses along here.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47If you wanted a bigger house, then you can get it in Harborne.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- Gorgeous, period properties. - Yeah. Some great roads to live in.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56Nice, Victorian, period-style semi.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Very, very good location.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02Excellent schooling, nice road, walking distance of the high street.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- That's lovely.- Parking.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Is it one of those places that, once you move here, you don't have to leave to do anything?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Yeah. I've been living here for eight years now.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in Birmingham.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16It's like a village on the outskirts, really.
0:08:16 > 0:08:21- That's great. If we want to view any, we get in touch with you? - Please do. Phone number's there.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- Great stuff. Berni, cheers.- You're welcome.- See you later.- See ya.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Quick stroll and a chat to the local people, and you can see why they love Harborne.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33There are independent shops, traditional pubs,
0:08:33 > 0:08:37very nice restaurants, designer boutiques, great schools and lovely houses.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40No wonder they want to live here.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42So how have you got on, Jonny?
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Fantastically well. - And I hope you have.- Just you wait.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51I've had a lovely wander round the leafy lanes of Harborne and for the first property today, my choice,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55what I've gone for is, well, quietness. Peace and tranquillity.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58We've got a hint of Deco style. Lovely '30s semi.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04And Julia and Jan said they didn't want any work doing to these houses. It ticks that box, I assure you.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- That's property number one, my choice.- OK, well, property two...
0:09:08 > 0:09:11This place is quite simply stunning, inside and out.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15I love it. It's that perfect blend of having contemporary finish inside
0:09:15 > 0:09:20as well as having more character, period features available as well. It's absolutely superb.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22All the space Julia wants and I think Jan will like it.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25OK. And the wild card - a joint choice. Now then,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27why is it the wild card?
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Well, let's put it this way, there is no other property like this in the world
0:09:31 > 0:09:34and the same could be said of its neighbours.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37It's also the quirkiest of our properties today.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- That's all I'm saying. - Yeah, another great property.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- It was a worker's dream. Will it be Julia's dream, though?- Mm.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48We shall find out, but let's start the tours now with my choice, property number one.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54Yes, first up today, we're going to ease Julia into her potential downsize
0:09:54 > 0:10:00with this majestic 1930s property in a quiet avenue just on the cusp of her preferred area.
0:10:00 > 0:10:06There are plenty of rooms for entertaining, studying and baby yoga alike.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10Substantially extended over the garage, this place has a manageable garden
0:10:10 > 0:10:12as well as off-road parking.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Julia and Jan, property number one today is my choice.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19The team and I have brought you, unsurprisingly, to Harborne.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22So I think we've ticked that box, to start with?
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- Yes, certainly.- This street is a lovely, quiet cul-de-sac,
0:10:26 > 0:10:30but we're just off the main drags, so easy to get into town.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33What do you think? First impressions?
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- It's quite tidy from the outside, which I like.- Certainly is, yes. - This is good.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Ticking boxes, ticking boxes.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- What is it? Probably 1930s?- It is.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43Yes, early 1930s.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- Yes, so it has that touch of Deco about it.- Yeah, I think... Yeah.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51When thinking about downsizing, is this the style of property you had in mind?
0:10:51 > 0:10:57Erm, yeah. I don't mind. I'm happy to look. My absolute ideal is probably Victorian,
0:10:57 > 0:10:59but I'm happy to look at other stuff as well.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03You said so long as it was of the period, it would be all right.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05So you can't start adding stuff...
0:11:05 > 0:11:07I'm really sorry. I'm very sorry.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Right, so that's the outside of the place.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13The inside will be the first test of how willing you are to downsize.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- OK.- Cos we often find people say, "I want to downsize,"
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- and then go, "It's too small." So we'll find out now!- We will. - OK? Get in and enjoy it.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Have fun, Jan.- Thank you. Bye.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31OK, Jonny, I think the ladies are about to start massaging my ego.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34They might feel more like acupuncture, mate.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38And nice hallway.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Neutral, neutral. Neutral's good.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Neutral's good. Somewhere to start.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Yeah.- I like the way the staircase goes up.- It splits.- Yeah.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- It's nice, isn't it?- It's great.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- So what is Julia downsizing from? How big is her place?- Big.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- Yeah?- Yeah. This is a downsize. Not too much, but this will test her will to do so.
0:11:57 > 0:12:03- So this must be the garage that they converted, I would guess.- Yeah. Oh, they've got it as an office.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Oh, that's... I did say I wanted an office.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08So you've got a study converted from the garage.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- A good use of space, because those garages are no good for modern cars. - Not wide enough.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Make a good office space, though. - It would.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- And if you needed to, you could have a sofa bed there.- For...?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Are you thinking you want to come and stay?
0:12:22 > 0:12:29- Maybe. It'd depend on how many bedrooms it's got.- Yeah. Nice. - Yeah, it's very nice. Very nice.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Mind the step.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- So, the study, ticked box number one.- Yep.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37It's clean and it's tidy. Beautiful fireplace.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Oh, isn't it? I hadn't noticed that.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Yes. - Isn't that lovely? I do like that.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- I like the tiles on there. - I wonder if it's original.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48The fireplace I really like. It's not quite of the correct period.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- No, but it's pretty, isn't it? - Yeah, it is.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Yeah, it's, erm...
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It's just simple, isn't it? But it's fine.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- It's clean and it's tidy. - Plain canvas.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Exactly. You could do things with it.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03But the fireplace is a nice feature, I suppose.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- That is the point about this place, isn't it? It's done.- Yeah.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11If you want to change the laminate flooring for carpets, that's up to you - but you could move in.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15The decor's subjective, but you could get in and make the changes over time.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Mmm, what's through here?
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Ooh, yellow! Mm!- Another reception room.- Bright!- You've got...
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Oh, wow! Oh, through...- Almost three reception rooms, haven't you?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Eh, Jan, the Conservative!
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- But isn't that a nice space?- It is.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Look how excited she is. You've given her a conservatory.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Well, you know, I like to go that extra yard.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- They do sound very bright! - Yeah, so far, so good.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45This is more of a summer room than a conservatory, look, because it's got a solid roof.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Is it? It's just a nice idea, I suppose, isn't it?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52It's an extra space and you don't have to have it in this configuration.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- You could...- Oh, of course not.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59- You could make that the living room or the other way round.- I like that it's all cosy, compact.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Yes, yeah. Actually, the size seems fine.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05It's good, cos I haven't got too much furniture.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Cos you know what I was like. It was so cluttered up.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09I'm going to be minimalist in the future.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11That's brilliant, Julia.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14She's embracing the downsize.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- And big kitchen!- Square kitchen?
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Square kitchen. That's actually a good size.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Big, square kitchen. You heard it.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Like you say, buckets of space.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Buckets of space.- You can have a new top put on here.- Yes. - Cos these are nice.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- There's no table, or anything, which is a bit odd.- Mm.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36But plenty of room for one, cos it's quite a way all the way round to the dining room.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- Or you could have an island, the big...- Yeah... Oooh!- Yes, yes.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44No, you know what's occurring to me, though...
0:14:44 > 0:14:48isn't that the Conservative and the dining room there?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Just open the whole lot up.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- There you go. Great minds think alike.- I did suggest that, didn't I?
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Knocking through into the dining room, so that while you're prepping,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01you can talk to your guests and open up that whole rear space.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Ah! It is nice. I do like the way it splits in two.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- It's good, isn't it? It gives a bit of interest, doesn't it?- Yeah. Absolutely. So shall we go this way?
0:15:09 > 0:15:15- Yes.- And have a quick look. Ooh! Look, Jan, it's like a...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18This must be over the garage.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- I do like that.- Isn't that lovely?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- An extra bedroom.- Yes.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Or a study or ironing room.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- The luxury of having a room just to iron in.- Yeah.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Nice and light, though.- Isn't it?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- Yeah.- This window.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34And actually, for a sloping roof...
0:15:34 > 0:15:37I know it doesn't bother me, but it's...
0:15:37 > 0:15:41You could sit up in bed and you're going to... Unless you're really tall!
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- I think you'd have to be very tall to be that tall from the waist up. - Yeah, exactly.
0:15:45 > 0:15:51And that's important. A lot of time when you've got a sloping ceiling, it restricts headroom. Not here.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57OK, so bathroom. It's actually quite similar to mine. A bit darker, but...
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I like the big...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Big tiles, yeah.- They're nice.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Ooh, and the radiator's nice.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Great size bathroom, and beautifully refitted.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- There is one thing missing, though. - Separate shower.- Separate shower.
0:16:09 > 0:16:16- But it's got shower, bath and sink. Does the job.- Not the separate shower you were looking for.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- Well, no, but I suppose you can't have everything.- No, you're right.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Well done, girls. - Succinct and to the point.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- So...- This is a good size.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28It's a good-sized double.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Blank canvas again. There's nothing here.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36But room for a wardrobe, bedside cabinet, bed. Don't need anything else, do you?
0:16:36 > 0:16:38A radiator, so heated. So that's great.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42When you walk into a property and it's got clean, fresh lines, it's neutral,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45it's easier to envisage how you'll put your personality into it.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50Right, so this will be the third bedroom we've seen.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Yes.- And again, good-size bedroom.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55Again, light by the window.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Backed on to by other houses, but it's not massively...
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- No.- I suppose it is. Actually, it is overlooked, you know.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Ah, you see, first big question about the downsize.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11Julia said she wanted a smaller garden, but she's concerned that it's overlooked.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16So final room. So this must be... Oh, look what I've just seen.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- The fourth bedroom.- It's not the final room.- Wow!
0:17:21 > 0:17:23With a huge en suite.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Ah, isn't it...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Ah, it's wonderful!
0:17:27 > 0:17:29This is ideal.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Well, this has obviously been done very newly, hasn't it?
0:17:32 > 0:17:35And the nice big shower-head, look.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- Oh, yeah.- Oh, isn't it...? - Oh, it's gorgeous, isn't it?- Yes.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I love that shower. It's a huge shower-head that rains water down on to you.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- And then another huge... Well, yeah, another big bedroom.- Yes.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50You see, that is the thing, isn't it?
0:17:50 > 0:17:54This age of house, you get so much more space for your money.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Well, yeah, you do. I think it's ideal.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- Yeah, it's good, isn't it?- You're not really downsizing much, are you? - Well...- But it's compact.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Yeah. We haven't been outside yet.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08And everything you've mentioned is just superficial.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Yeah, yeah. It is. Like you say, it's been done simply and cleanly,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15but it's got plenty of room for me to do my own thing with it.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Yeah. And a nice quiet road.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Absolutely. Till I move in. THEY LAUGH
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- They'll upset the neighbours. We'd better have a word. - Yeah, does the party start here?
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Now, the literal translation of "cul-de-sac" means "bottom of the bag",
0:18:33 > 0:18:38and if the neighbours aren't your bag, then living in a cul-de-sac might be a nightmare.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42On the other hand, all the properties are visible to one another,
0:18:42 > 0:18:48thereby improving security and, of course, there's no through-traffic, so they tend to be child-friendly.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53OK, Julia, your first experience of the desire to downsize.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55How did that go?
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Well, brilliantly, but as we were saying, it's not much of a downsize, really.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- Just a gentle introduction, really. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07I was really impressed by the amount of space in that house and the arrangement of it.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12I hope you'd agree with me, Jan, as well. We've downsized the garden.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- Yes.- Perfect. That actually is much more the kind of thing I'm thinking of.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23It's more keeping the space inside, but getting rid of the space outside.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Yeah, it's a very, very good start. - It is.- Out of ten?
0:19:26 > 0:19:33- Erm, eight, I think.- Really? That leads us nicely into guess the price.- Oh!
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- So, you're maximum budget is in the region of 350,000.- Yes.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Erm, who wants to go first? Julia, you go first. What do you think?
0:19:41 > 0:19:48I reckon that's got to be at the top end for the amount of space you're getting and where we are.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53I would say 349,950.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55OK. Good hit. Jan?
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- 320.- 320? You're optimistic for your friend, aren't you?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- You're trying to save her money for her.- That's right. - You've failed.- Oh.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Because, in actual fact, Julia, you did brilliantly.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- You're only 50 quid out. - Really?- It's absolutely on the nail.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14£350,000, this place is on the market for.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18That surprises me, actually. I'd say actually that it might be a bit more than that.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22It was until recently. Current conditions, they've lowered the price.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- Shall we go and take a look at my place?- Absolutely.- It's this way. - Let's go.- After you, ladies.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32OK, stop two today is my choice.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36It's a gorgeous period semi, but with a truly modern interior throughout.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41It's got three good-sized bedrooms, one of which could easily be turned over to an office
0:20:41 > 0:20:43and there's a compact back garden.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46But most important of all for round these parts, off-road parking.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51Right, ladies. It's often been said, by myself included, and you may have heard this before,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- location's pretty important when buying a house, right?- Indeed.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- We find ourselves on one of the finest streets Harborne. - According to you.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03It's factually correct. I did research. What do you think from the outside?
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It's a very pretty little house.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Very nice, very nice, yes.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- You did mention "little" there, didn't you?- Yeah, it's... Yeah. Well, appearances can be deceptive.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- It could be a bit of a Tardis, but from here it looks small, but who knows?- It is a great place.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22We are downsizing, let's not forget that. But enough about that.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- Get yourselves inside. There's the keys.- Marvellous. - See you in a bit.- Enjoy.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Another good porch. Storage.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38My property eased them into the downsize.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- Yours is going to throw them into the deep end.- I think so, too.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45So living room.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- Oh, it's another through room, Jan. - Oh, yes, it is.- Yeah.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Lounge/diner.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- Fireplace is nice.- Fireplace again.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55It's very similar to the first house.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58It's green instead of black.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Lovely fireplace. Focal point in the room.- Yep.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Not original as such, cos it has been converted to gas, but a very nice feature.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07So another through room.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10A bit of a cage, I presume.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14I'm not sure I'm tall enough to get in that.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17You could get a nice-sized dining table in here.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19I could get my own, actually.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- Yeah, a good size.- Very nice.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28- Yes, I think that is quite... - I do like that through effect.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29- Quite stylish.- Yeah.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34Cos otherwise, they would be small rooms, wouldn't they?
0:22:34 > 0:22:38And then through again.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43And downstairs loo. Oh, and the boiler's in there, that's good.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48So it's out the way, isn't it? And then through into the kitchen.
0:22:48 > 0:22:54Oh, I like! I like quite a lot.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56The kitchen is beautiful in this place.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00As much as we've got period features throughout, this is ultra-modern.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01Oh, wow!
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- That's been done beautifully, hasn't it?- Wow.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- A really nice mix.- I do like that.
0:23:06 > 0:23:14- Yeah, the natural brick and beautiful work surfaces.- Double oven. - Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- Oh, and a gas hob.- I could lift you up on to one of those stools. - Yeah, I might need a hand!
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- You could get a small step ladder to get up on the stool... - Poor old Julia.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- Oh, it's lovely, isn't it? - That would go straight out into the garden there.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32I like that, being able to walk out into the garden. Those doors are lovely.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36- It is beautifully done, isn't it? - It is.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40It has been done to a really high standard.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44It just needs somebody tall to clean the tops of the cupboards for me.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Not me. Not me.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50The quality of the finish is so high here, that I don't think that Jan and Julia
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- have even noticed how much smaller this place is.- Which is a really good sign, isn't it?
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- These look original.- Yeah, absolutely. And the banisters.
0:23:58 > 0:24:04- I love the stripped banisters.- Yeah. Beautiful.- I reckon they've done the carpet recently. It's hardly worn.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07So... Goodness!
0:24:07 > 0:24:12Very modern lighting. Again, it's a reasonable size, actually,
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- isn't it?- Very good size. - I think that's a king-size bed.
0:24:16 > 0:24:22- And again, you've got those wardrobes there. Again, that's quite good storage.- Yeah.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27Nice little view outside, as well, isn't it? It is nice.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31- And the mirror just to make it look bigger. - Very nice.- Very nice.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Very nice indeed.
0:24:33 > 0:24:39The other thing we could be confirming here is, as Julia said, she only really needs two bedrooms.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44You spoilt her with your property. Four bedrooms plus a study, plus a conservatory.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- Oh, ho, ho! I love it. - What have you found?- Another ultra-modern bathroom.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- Oh, wow!- I do like that.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Look at that sink.- It really is...
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- That's a nice bathroom.- Very nice.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59And I like this tile effect.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Shower in the bath.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02Yeah, but...
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- You wanted separate, but... - Yeah, but it's, erm...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Yes. I mean, it's fine. It's work, doesn't it?
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Yes, designer bathroom, Jonny.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13The bathroom is absolutely gorgeous.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18It is. Although if a designer designed it, why didn't he put a freestanding shower in there?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- There wasn't space, Simon. - I think there was.- I beg to differ.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25So bedroom num... Second bedroom.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30Oh, this is a bit snug. But it works, doesn't it? Cos again, that's certainly a proper double.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- That's a double, yes. - And you could...
0:25:32 > 0:25:36That's a tiny wardrobe. You could get cupboard space without too much of a problem.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Or even fitted straight across.
0:25:38 > 0:25:44I like the mix of the very modern furniture with the traditional-style house, actually.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48When it's done properly. It's very stylish, isn't it?
0:25:48 > 0:25:49- Yeah.- Very nice.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53Little bedroom there, Jonny. You know, perfectly decent size.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Nothing to write home about, but a good double bedroom.- Yeah.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Tastefully decorated and Julia only needs two double bedrooms,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04so that one could double up as a bedroom/study if she wants office space.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06You ARE downsizing, aren't you?
0:26:06 > 0:26:08And final bedroom.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Gosh another big bedroom.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13This is bigger than either of the other two, isn't it?
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Beautiful little...- Yeah, fireplace. Yeah, it's lovely, isn't it?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21I don't suppose... No, it's not used, but it is nice.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26In a lot of period properties, you've got these cast-iron, Victorian fireplaces,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29but they seldom get used and they rarely work.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- I don't know why that is. - Because they cause a mess. Cleaning them out every day.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Oh, you ask your granny. It was no fun, mate.
0:26:35 > 0:26:41It's a beautiful little house and I love all the original features.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45- Yeah, yeah.- They've mixed modern... - Modern and traditional very well.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49And it's come off well. It is done to a really high standard.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51It is. It's beautiful, which I love.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54But a lot smaller than the house before.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56It is a lot smaller.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04So then, Julia, I knew it was going to be a compromise size-wise, but how was the property for you?
0:27:04 > 0:27:11Oh, it was very good. It's a beautiful house and it's done, as you said, to an extremely high standard.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14And at the end of the day, I am supposed to be downsizing.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19And actually, I probably don't need any more space than is in that house.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22And when you've got something as beautifully presented as that,
0:27:22 > 0:27:27all the fittings are superb, and it blends all the period features with modern efficiencies.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- It's kind of got to be ticking pretty much all the boxes you're after...I hope.- Jan, come on.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35You know Julia better than anyone else.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Yeah, I think this house is just ideal for her.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41That's what we were discussing.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44You obviously fell in love with this place so much
0:27:44 > 0:27:47that all the problems you would have downsizing evaporated.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Cos you've got the two double bedrooms that you wanted.
0:27:49 > 0:27:56- Yeah.- And the third one can double up as a bedroom and study if need be. - Yeah, absolutely, and ironing room.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57Of course! The elusive ironing room.
0:27:57 > 0:28:02I'm going to invent an ironing board I can pull out of a cupboard and goes away tidy.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07- I think that's...- Yeah.- Yeah. - Right. You're obviously very, very keen on this place.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Will you be so keen when you know how much it's on the market for?
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Who's going to go first? It's one-nil to you, isn't it, Julia?
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- Um-hm.- OK, so come on, Jan. - Well, I was way out last time.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20I'm going to go for 310.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- 310.- 310.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25I think I'm going to say...
0:28:25 > 0:28:29- 355.- OK. First of all, you're brilliant at this game.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33You didn't get it bang on this time, but you're right, we did take you over budget.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35This place is on the market for 365.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38So you're not far off.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40But you can see the reason why it is on the market for this.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45I know I'm pushing your budget a little bit, but you're in a great position.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47You've sold. You've got no lower chain.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Potentially a cash buyer, so could take a reasonable amount off that.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54I'd have to take a reasonable amount off that!
0:28:54 > 0:28:56I mean, I love it, but, you know.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Yeah, I do love it, but that's a lot of money.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01But again, it's location, isn't it?
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- It is.- You do pay a premium for it.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05Anyway, that's two properties down,
0:29:05 > 0:29:11but we haven't finished yet because everyone loves a wild card and that's this way. Follow me.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17Now the wild card today is on what is known as the Moorpool Estate,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19which was built in the model of the garden city movement.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24Garden cities aim to be planned, self-contained communities surrounded by green belt.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27When most of Britain's working population lived in squalid back-to-backs,
0:29:27 > 0:29:33the estate offered the luxury of a mere nine houses per acre, as opposed to 40 everywhere else.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37It also gave the opportunity for all residents to own and manage
0:29:37 > 0:29:41their estate's affairs through a one household, one vote scheme.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Ladies, this is the wild card.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- What do you think?- Twee. - It's very nice.- It's twee.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- Yeah.- It's cute and it's lovely. Yeah.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's superb. Now, this place was built in 1907
0:29:53 > 0:29:56and the great thing about this area is, it's a real community.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00You really do buy into a whole culture here, so location is very much important with this.
0:30:00 > 0:30:07- Jan, what are you thinking? - I think it's very cute. It looks very nice. Can't wait to see inside.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Yeah, it's "cute". We've had "twee".
0:30:09 > 0:30:14- They're all small words, aren't they? But we are downsizing.- Yeah, I'm only 4ft 10!
0:30:14 > 0:30:16That's probably a good thing.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Get in there and have a look round. - See you in a bit.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25- I think they're beautiful. - Chocolate-box houses.- Can you get out the way?- Oh, sorry.- Thanks.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Oh, wow, lots of stairs.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- Oh, it's charming.- Isn't it?
0:30:34 > 0:30:37You'll have to excuse me, Jonny, if I get a little bit misty eyed
0:30:37 > 0:30:39as they wander round this place. I grew up in a house like this.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Oh, well, if you do, here's a tissue for you. OK?
0:30:43 > 0:30:44Oh, thanks.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46I love places like this...
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- Yeah, I know. - That aren't just square.- Yeah.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Lots of little stairs going...
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Basement.- It's really cool and quirky, cos you've got
0:30:54 > 0:30:59stairs up and down straightaway when you get in there. Something a little bit different about this place.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01This is actually not a bad size.
0:31:01 > 0:31:07It's bigger than house number two, isn't it?
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- I think.- Oh, yes. It's wider, I think.- Yeah.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- I like the bay.- I love the way she's got the furniture.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17You've got more traditional-type fixtures in here, which are actually rather lovely.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20See, what you have here with the Arts and Crafts movement
0:31:20 > 0:31:22is basically this is grandeur in miniature.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25These are copies of the big merchants' houses
0:31:25 > 0:31:29and they just brought them down in proportion, so you've got every single room as you would
0:31:29 > 0:31:31find in a bigger house, but just on a smaller scale.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Shall we go this way?- Yeah, up.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Up, up, up.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Do watch the stairs, Jan!
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Erm... Oh, I see. Oh, like a study.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Oh, yeah. Oh, and another fireplace.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46It could make a wonderful study.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51- And again, I mean, that's a big dresser that she's got there. - Yeah. Without that in here...
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- No, it's a good space, isn't it? - Ideal really.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56It's good that they've got a good bit of imagination.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00They can see beyond the furnishings to see there's quite a lot of space available in that room.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03So bedroom. OK.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- Look how bright. - Oh, it's lovely, isn't it?
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Actually, for a small house that's the first time we've been somewhere that's got a really good light.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- It's south-facing obviously, cos the sun's out.- Oh, it's gorgeous.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- This is going very well indeed, Jonny.- Yeah, surprisingly well.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21But that's a really good use of space, those cupboards. I could fill those in an instant!
0:32:21 > 0:32:23No, not with clothes.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27With rubbish, despite the amount I've got rid of. A whole skip load.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- And again, nice doors. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- Shall we go upstairs?- Yeah, why not?
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Actually, it's quite a good-size staircase for a small house.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37You know, it's...
0:32:37 > 0:32:42The only trouble when you've got all these numbers of stairs on different levels...moving in.
0:32:42 > 0:32:50It's another bedroom. Oh... and more fitted wardrobes.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Again, it's a good room, isn't it? I know they've only got a single bed, but you could get a double in here.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55- Oh, it is a double room.- No problem.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58As Jan clearly points out, you've got a single bed in there.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01It is easily a double room and loads of fitted furniture in there.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Double room or estate agent's double room?
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- It's a real double bedroom.- OK.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08The stuff I have kept would actually fit.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- You're ready to move in.- Yeah!
0:33:10 > 0:33:12I can't wait to see what else there is.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Yeah, come on. Next, next!
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Bathroom.
0:33:17 > 0:33:23Compact and bijou, but it's a nice, light room.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28Oh, it's one of those pea-shaped baths so you get the widths at the end with the shower.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30It's a good job I'm only 4ft 10.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31You know I like to soak in the bath.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Yes, compact and bijou just like?
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- Julia?- Yes. - Do you reckon I can get in there?
0:33:38 > 0:33:39Course you can! Why not?
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Go on, Julia. You have a go.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Oh, perfect fit.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47There are advantages to being 4ft 10!
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- OK, just carry on without me, tell me what the rest of it's like.- Get out!
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Go on, Jan, turn the taps on. Go on, I dare ya!
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Another bedroom.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02- So that's one, two, three bedrooms. Another good size, isn't it? - Used as a single, but...
0:34:02 > 0:34:07- Yeah, again, you could have... - This way could be a double.- Easily be a double. More lovely furniture.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Another fireplace.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10I can't believe there's more.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14There's another set of stairs here.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17They're both really surprised by how much space is in here.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I guess it's what we would call deceptively spacious.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23From the kerb you see two storeys, but it's spread over four floors this house.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- What, because the ground drops away? - Yeah.- So it steps down and steps up.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30So a basement. I've never lived anywhere with a basement.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37Again, another little window. Another useful cupboard, I presume. Let's have a quick look.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40So far, so good then for the wild card. Bedroom size is all OK.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Julia can fit in the bath. And there's a magic cupboard. Amazing.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- And what's in the magic cupboard? - Another loo.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- All done out beautifully. - Yeah, that is nice.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50- That's great.- And useful.- Yeah.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55Well, I always prefer to have a second loo, if possible.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00And then into...kitchen and diner.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Nice. Lovely and light.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- Lovely and light. - Would you get your table in here?
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- I don't care.- You've passed that now.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- Yeah, passed that now. - Have a new table.- Yeah.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- OK, that is the response you're looking for.- It is.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17"Would your table fit in here?" "I don't care."
0:35:17 > 0:35:20Oh, wow!
0:35:20 > 0:35:22That is a nice kitchen.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- Now, isn't it? Square... - Quite square, yeah.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Working space next to cooker.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31More working space. Cupboard space. Cos I've got
0:35:31 > 0:35:36so much crockery and china and cooking stuff. I tried to be really strict.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38I got rid of a load of it, but I've still got a lot.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- Do you know, I quite like that wooden ceiling.- Yeah.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- I think we could be on to a winner here, Jonny.- Yeah.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46So got everything.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- This is...- Downstairs loo.- Yeah.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Three bedrooms, good-size bedrooms.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- Yeah. - Three double bedrooms AND a study.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- Well, four bedrooms if you... - Count the study.- Yes.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Dining room, kitchen, living room...
0:36:00 > 0:36:01nice-sized living room.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- And quirky.- Oh, it's just gorgeous.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- Isn't it?- So all we've got to do is find out what it's going for now.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- See the boys.- Mm. Come on then.
0:36:13 > 0:36:20Built between 1907 and 1913, no two of Moorpool's 500 houses are identical.
0:36:20 > 0:36:2493 years on, and the basic structure and idyllic lifestyle of Moorpool
0:36:24 > 0:36:27appears largely unscathed by the rush of modern life.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30The residents are determined to keep it that way
0:36:30 > 0:36:34and are opposing plans to build new homes on a number of sites. And there's all the appeal
0:36:34 > 0:36:36of the high street just five minutes away.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41Ladies, do come and join us in this gorgeous back garden.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Lovely and secluded and mature.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- It certainly is. It's beautiful. - Gorgeous, isn't it?
0:36:45 > 0:36:46That seemed to go very well.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- Very well.- It's fantastic, yeah. - Yes.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52It's all about playing your cards close to your chest.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- Not giving it all away. - I know. I'm hopeless, I know. - How was it for you?
0:36:56 > 0:36:58I absolutely love the place.
0:36:58 > 0:37:05The way it's laid out, the quirkiness of it, the feel of the place, the shapes of the rooms.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07I think it's just gorgeous. I love it.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11Jan, I'm finding those signals hard to read. Do you think she liked it?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13I got the inkling.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18- Something about what she said made me think, "Yeah she liked it."- But it has got bags of character too.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23And the area is fab. The garden's gorgeous. It's beautiful and peaceful out here today as well.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24Does it come at a premium?
0:37:24 > 0:37:27It's going to cost, isn't it? It's guess the price time, yeah?
0:37:27 > 0:37:31Now then, who's going to go first? It's two-nil at the moment.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- I think I'm going to say 360.- OK.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37I'll go a little lower. 355.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38355.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40You have restored that pride.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- Yes!- Yes, you've scored one back.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46This place is actually on the market for £335,000.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51335. That's really interesting actually. That is really interesting.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- We can see by the smile on your face.- I kind of went high because I'm thinking,
0:37:54 > 0:37:59"I like it so much, if I put it kind of out of my range, then it'll be no question of it."
0:37:59 > 0:38:03- Yeah, that's good news.- No, it's in your range.- Very good news indeed.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06So now you've seen three fantastic properties, I think...
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Simon's, mine and the joint choice.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12- You need to decide which one to test drive, or as we like to say...- Try before you buy.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- And even though we've a suspicion of which one you're going for...- Have you really?!
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- ..give it some thought and we'll come and see you in a bit. OK? - Marvellous, will do. Thank you.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Take care. See you later.- Mm, I wonder which one she will test drive?
0:38:24 > 0:38:29- Can you guess which one it is? - No. While they make their minds up, here's a quick recap for you.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Even though it's hardly worth saying, house one was my choice.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34A gentle downsize with a more manageable garden,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37but plenty of space for studying and entertaining.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39With that surprise en suite
0:38:39 > 0:38:42that's nearly as big as the master bathroom
0:38:42 > 0:38:45it could be Julia's for...
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Or will the charm of property two draw Julia back?
0:38:47 > 0:38:53With much sought-after off-street parking, this terrace is immaculate.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Three beautiful good-sized bedrooms and that amazing designer bathroom.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59- Slightly over budget. - But she is a cash buyer.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01And it is a prestigious property.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04On at £365,000.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09Or, I wonder, will the wild card win out on the purpose-built Moorpool Estate.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It's got all the space Julia needs over four quirky floors.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Very recently on the market at...
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Well, surprise, surprise, ladies, you decided to test drive
0:39:23 > 0:39:24the wild card -
0:39:24 > 0:39:28this gorgeous Arts and Crafts house here in the Moorpool Estate.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Absolutely.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- How did you guess?! - We are bewildered(!)
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Now our sleuth-like surveyor's given this place the once over
0:39:35 > 0:39:38and has some interesting points. It's not a legally binding survey
0:39:38 > 0:39:40and if you do proceed with this place,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44get all your full surveys and searches done through a solicitor.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- It goes without saying.- Absolutely.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50That's right. Now one of point he mentioned was with regards to the windows. Now they are original.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53They're wooden framed and in some areas they are peeling and breaking away.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58You're probably going to have to spend a little bit of money making sure these windows are looked after.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02And because it is a conservation area as such, if you wanted to put plastic ones in -
0:40:02 > 0:40:07- which I hope you don't...- No, no! Trust me, I don't!- Great! ..you need planning permission.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09But get them reconditioned, maintain the wood frames,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13get some double glazing glass in cos it is only single at the moment.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15And just a couple of other little points as well.
0:40:15 > 0:40:20He did note there's no door up on the bedroom on the top floor. That's a bit of a fire hazard.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22You'd want a door on your bedroom anyway!
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- Obviously, yeah. - I didn't notice that.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Just on the safety side of things.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28And just one other structural thing.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33There's a fireplace which has a replacement concrete lintel and he can't see how that's supported.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Oh, right, OK!
0:40:36 > 0:40:40But honestly, honestly... This is an old house, you know that.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44It adds to the character. The more cracks and nooks and things like that the better, I think.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Possibly! I'm not quite sure.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- Easy for me - I'm not buying it. Good luck, have fun. We'll see you in a bit.- OK.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51- Enjoy. In you go.- Thanks.
0:40:54 > 0:41:00So Jan's given her seal of approval, but will Julia's yoga babies find the house adequate
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- for limbering up in?- Good morning!
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- ALL:- # Mr Sun, Sun, Mr Golden Sun
0:41:06 > 0:41:10# Hiding behind a tree. # Boo!
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Plenty of space for the Mr Sun routine in there.
0:41:13 > 0:41:19And as Mr Sun himself is shining out back, they explore that gorgeous, secluded garden.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24# Sun, Mr Golden Sun, please shine down on me. #
0:41:24 > 0:41:29- Well, gurgles of approval all round it seems.- Excuse me, ladies.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Could we just grab you for a moment?
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- Stay here with the babies by all means. Can we just grab Jan and Julia?- OK.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Thank you very much. We've just got to finish things off. Enjoy the garden.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Julia and Jan, you've now spent a bit more time in the house.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- How did it feel?- It felt great to me.- Cosy.- Yeah, yeah. Really liked it.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- Really homely.- The babies seemed to enjoy themselves.- Absolutely.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Yeah, sorry to break up the party in the back there.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56But, listen, a little bird tells me you received a phone call not long ago.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Yeah, I certainly have, Simon.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04I've just had the phone call to confirm that the sale of my own house has completed.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Oh, brilliant. Congratulations. - Huge relief
0:42:06 > 0:42:11and that means obviously that I'm in an even better position now to go and find somewhere else.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14You are in the best position possible in this kind of market.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18You experienced how it would be like living in the house for a few hours.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20You've got money in your pocket.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Time to ask the big question. To buy or not to buy?
0:42:23 > 0:42:29- Well, I think there is every chance that I'm going to explore buying this one.- Really?- Very much so. Yeah.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34- I really do.- Oh, great.- Listen, you've got the money. We can make the call for you now if you want?
0:42:34 > 0:42:39- Jan, would you encourage that?- Oh, yes. I think it's a charming house. - Yeah. This is a "to buy", isn't it?
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- I think it could be. - She'd be happy here.- Yeah.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45If you do complete let us know. It's been a pleasure showing you round.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46We want to come to a dinner party.
0:42:46 > 0:42:52- Yeah, we do, knowing how much money you've got in your pocket.- Champagne everywhere.- Let's go. Thanks.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54- Cheers, guys. Bye.- Bye.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd.