Harborne To Buy or Not to Buy

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy.

Yes, today we are in south Birmingham,

in the prestigious B17 postal area,

-or Harborne.

-Between us, we will be finding three properties

before we hand over the keys to our house-hunters so they can...

Try before they buy.

-We're here to lend a helping...

-and hopefully healing...

-..hand to a complementary therapist.

We'll be analysing the market and giving the full To Buy Or Not To Buy treatment...

-..to help remedy...

-Get it? Cure.

-..her housing needs.

And here she is. Julia Fearon, who runs her own complementary health clinic in south Birmingham.

She's qualified to teach a range of therapies, including massage, aromatherapy and baby yoga.

On hand to help is trusted friend Jan,

making sure Julia finds somewhere with plenty of space for her legendary dinner parties.

So then, Julia, ably assisted by your good friend Jan.

-You're about to find yourself in a very commanding position as far as house hunting is concerned.

-Yes.

I've sold my existing house. Almost done and dusted.

-So I'm all up for finding somewhere new to live.

-Why are we finding somewhere new to live?

Erm, basically, my partner, Alan, died in April this year,

actually six months ago today.

And the house we were in, frankly, it was too big for two of us, so decided to downsize a little bit.

Something I can manage and yet doesn't take four hours to clean.

-Life's too short to do the cleaning.

-Quite right.

But I'm hoping that I'm not going to need a mortgage, I don't think, or only a very small one, so...

-So not only no mortgage, also ready to proceed?

-Yeah. Absolutely.

-You really are quite a catch for any vendors out there.

-I hope so.

Jan, obviously, you're a good friend of Julia's.

Are you in tune with what her requirements are going to be

-and you can advise her correctly on this?

-I hope so, yes!

I think I know what she's looking for.

-Somewhere that needs nothing doing.

-A move-straight-into kind of job.

-A move into.

And she does long hours here at the clinic, so she needs to just go home, relax.

And when you say you know what kind of things she likes, go on, describe what period property would it be?

I think whatever age it is, as long as it's true to its age.

You know, original features would be nice.

But also, some of the modern efficiencies that you'd expect as well. Getting that balance right.

THEY ALL LAUGH

A good mixture, cos a lot of the older homes take a lot of maintenance, don't they?

And though I know Julia would love an older home, I think maybe somewhere...

When you say downsizing, what are we downsizing to?

I certainly want two good-sized, double bedrooms, because I often have people to stay.

I've got friends and colleagues who travel from all over.

I'd like somewhere as a kind of study, office space,

so that would either be like a box room or a third bedroom, something like that.

I love entertaining. So that's kind of my dilemma about downsizing,

cos, like Victorian terraces, which I do like,

but when you've got two small kind of living areas and a tiny kitchen,

-that doesn't fit with doing a dinner party for ten people.

-What else is on your list?

-If you're talking ideal wish list...

-Yes!

-Ideal wish list...

If we cover the very basics, we can layer the luxuries.

-OK, OK. So definitely an upstairs bathroom.

-Right.

Downstairs cloakroom would be ideal.

An en-suite shower room or something would be fantastic in one of the bedrooms.

I do like a separate shower to the bath.

-OK. You're getting a bit carried away now.

-But as you said,

-she's in a commanding position.

-Slightly partial to a Conservative.

-To a CONSERVATIVE?!

-That's a conservatory.

-OK.

-Not a political Conservative!

-That clears things up for us.

OK, I'm putting you on the spot again.

Where do you think Julia should be living?

-It would be nice to still be in Harborne.

-Harborne? Right.

It would be nice to get a house of Julia's desires, but with some sort of off-road parking.

-Garage would be lovely.

-Big question, then.

-Yes, absolutely.

You're in a commanding position. You're about to complete on your place. Hopefully, mortgage free.

-What are you giving us to play with?

-Well...

This has changed quite...

In view of the current market, cos with the market being sort of fairly dodgy and on the way down,

I've actually kind of upped my budget a bit, really.

So I think I'm looking kind of around the sort of the 300 mark, but I could go up...

-Come on!

-Come on!

-You push it with us.

How far would you be prepared to stretch to?

-Knowing you could be picking up some good properties now...

-That's the thing.

-So I think I'd go up to 350.

-OK. Shall we get going?

-Yeah. Thank you.

-We're going to hit the street.

-We'll see you in a while.

-See you.

-See you later.

-All right. Cheers. Bye.

Right, Harborne - a leafy, Midland suburb three miles south of Birmingham city centre.

Its high street has a host of classy independent retailers,

trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and book market chains.

Add to that a farmers' market and a cook's tour of global cuisine.

The area also has a great sense of community.

There are more clubs and societies than you can shake a 9 iron at, golf, an annual carnival

and a tennis club. Indeed,

one hostelry was formerly the home of the gooseberry growers' society in the 19th century

and its members finest moment arrived in 1875,

-when they exhibited wait for it - the largest berry in all of England.

-So, all in all,

I guess you could say that Harborne has a village feel with a large dash of urban sophistication.

And we've got up to 350 grand to spend on Julia's potential new property.

But what could that money get elsewhere in our fair isles?

Well, if she fancied upping sticks to Inverness,

she could find herself living in this detached place on the Black Isle.

It offers five bedrooms, one with en suite, huge kitchen/diner

and stunning countryside views.

On for offers over £350,000.

Or in the East Ridings of Yorkshire, she might like this detached house

in a select development in a picturesque village.

Four double bedrooms, two en suite,

and a sprawling farmhouse-style kitchen/diner.

She could have some great dinner parties in there!

On the market for 349,950.

But if Julia fancied moving to the coast,

she could bag this highly individual property in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Four bedrooms, a sunroom and another great party kitchen.

On the market for £360,000,

part exchange considered. But how does Harborne shape up?

-Hi there, Berni.

-Morning.

-Thanks for speaking to me.

-You're very welcome.

-Hopefully, you'll help me out on our mission.

Sell Harborne to me.

Why do you love Harborne?

The people are absolutely fantastic.

We're like a big community.

Everybody smiles at each others,

waves at each others,

hug, kisses, everything. It's such a lovely place to be.

We've got a lady that's looking to...

Well, she lives in Harborne and she wants to stay there.

About £350,000 is the maximum budget we've got to play with.

And she wants three bedrooms in a nice period property in and around the area. Can you help?

I've lived here all my life.

I just love the people and the shops.

Everyone's just really friendly and it's just the best place to be.

You will pay a premium to live in Harborne, anyway.

The schooling's good, the location's good.

But, yeah, she'll get a nice property.

I think there are very good houses along here.

If you wanted a bigger house, then you can get it in Harborne.

-Gorgeous, period properties.

-Yeah. Some great roads to live in.

Nice, Victorian, period-style semi.

Very, very good location.

Excellent schooling, nice road, walking distance of the high street.

-That's lovely.

-Parking.

Is it one of those places that, once you move here, you don't have to leave to do anything?

Yeah. I've been living here for eight years now.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in Birmingham.

It's like a village on the outskirts, really.

-That's great. If we want to view any, we get in touch with you?

-Please do. Phone number's there.

-Great stuff. Berni, cheers.

-You're welcome.

-See you later.

-See ya.

Quick stroll and a chat to the local people, and you can see why they love Harborne.

There are independent shops, traditional pubs,

very nice restaurants, designer boutiques, great schools and lovely houses.

No wonder they want to live here.

So how have you got on, Jonny?

-Fantastically well.

-And I hope you have.

-Just you wait.

I've had a lovely wander round the leafy lanes of Harborne and for the first property today, my choice,

what I've gone for is, well, quietness. Peace and tranquillity.

We've got a hint of Deco style. Lovely '30s semi.

And Julia and Jan said they didn't want any work doing to these houses. It ticks that box, I assure you.

-That's property number one, my choice.

-OK, well, property two...

This place is quite simply stunning, inside and out.

I love it. It's that perfect blend of having contemporary finish inside

as well as having more character, period features available as well. It's absolutely superb.

All the space Julia wants and I think Jan will like it.

OK. And the wild card - a joint choice. Now then,

why is it the wild card?

Well, let's put it this way, there is no other property like this in the world

and the same could be said of its neighbours.

It's also the quirkiest of our properties today.

-That's all I'm saying.

-Yeah, another great property.

-It was a worker's dream. Will it be Julia's dream, though?

-Mm.

We shall find out, but let's start the tours now with my choice, property number one.

Yes, first up today, we're going to ease Julia into her potential downsize

with this majestic 1930s property in a quiet avenue just on the cusp of her preferred area.

There are plenty of rooms for entertaining, studying and baby yoga alike.

Substantially extended over the garage, this place has a manageable garden

as well as off-road parking.

Julia and Jan, property number one today is my choice.

The team and I have brought you, unsurprisingly, to Harborne.

So I think we've ticked that box, to start with?

-Yes, certainly.

-This street is a lovely, quiet cul-de-sac,

but we're just off the main drags, so easy to get into town.

What do you think? First impressions?

-It's quite tidy from the outside, which I like.

-Certainly is, yes.

-This is good.

Ticking boxes, ticking boxes.

-What is it? Probably 1930s?

-It is.

Yes, early 1930s.

-Yes, so it has that touch of Deco about it.

-Yeah, I think... Yeah.

When thinking about downsizing, is this the style of property you had in mind?

Erm, yeah. I don't mind. I'm happy to look. My absolute ideal is probably Victorian,

but I'm happy to look at other stuff as well.

You said so long as it was of the period, it would be all right.

So you can't start adding stuff...

I'm really sorry. I'm very sorry.

Right, so that's the outside of the place.

The inside will be the first test of how willing you are to downsize.

-OK.

-Cos we often find people say, "I want to downsize,"

-and then go, "It's too small." So we'll find out now!

-We will.

-OK? Get in and enjoy it.

-Have fun, Jan.

-Thank you. Bye.

OK, Jonny, I think the ladies are about to start massaging my ego.

They might feel more like acupuncture, mate.

And nice hallway.

Neutral, neutral. Neutral's good.

Neutral's good. Somewhere to start.

-Yeah.

-I like the way the staircase goes up.

-It splits.

-Yeah.

-It's nice, isn't it?

-It's great.

-So what is Julia downsizing from? How big is her place?

-Big.

-Yeah?

-Yeah. This is a downsize. Not too much, but this will test her will to do so.

-So this must be the garage that they converted, I would guess.

-Yeah. Oh, they've got it as an office.

Oh, that's... I did say I wanted an office.

So you've got a study converted from the garage.

-A good use of space, because those garages are no good for modern cars.

-Not wide enough.

-Make a good office space, though.

-It would.

-And if you needed to, you could have a sofa bed there.

-For...?

Are you thinking you want to come and stay?

-Maybe. It'd depend on how many bedrooms it's got.

-Yeah. Nice.

-Yeah, it's very nice. Very nice.

Mind the step.

-So, the study, ticked box number one.

-Yep.

It's clean and it's tidy. Beautiful fireplace.

Oh, isn't it? I hadn't noticed that.

-Yes.

-Isn't that lovely? I do like that.

-I like the tiles on there.

-I wonder if it's original.

The fireplace I really like. It's not quite of the correct period.

-No, but it's pretty, isn't it?

-Yeah, it is.

Yeah, it's, erm...

It's just simple, isn't it? But it's fine.

-It's clean and it's tidy.

-Plain canvas.

Exactly. You could do things with it.

But the fireplace is a nice feature, I suppose.

-That is the point about this place, isn't it? It's done.

-Yeah.

If you want to change the laminate flooring for carpets, that's up to you - but you could move in.

The decor's subjective, but you could get in and make the changes over time.

Mmm, what's through here?

-Ooh, yellow! Mm!

-Another reception room.

-Bright!

-You've got...

-Oh, wow! Oh, through...

-Almost three reception rooms, haven't you?

Eh, Jan, the Conservative!

-But isn't that a nice space?

-It is.

Look how excited she is. You've given her a conservatory.

Well, you know, I like to go that extra yard.

-They do sound very bright!

-Yeah, so far, so good.

This is more of a summer room than a conservatory, look, because it's got a solid roof.

Is it? It's just a nice idea, I suppose, isn't it?

It's an extra space and you don't have to have it in this configuration.

-You could...

-Oh, of course not.

-You could make that the living room or the other way round.

-I like that it's all cosy, compact.

Yes, yeah. Actually, the size seems fine.

It's good, cos I haven't got too much furniture.

Cos you know what I was like. It was so cluttered up.

I'm going to be minimalist in the future.

That's brilliant, Julia.

She's embracing the downsize.

-And big kitchen!

-Square kitchen?

Square kitchen. That's actually a good size.

Big, square kitchen. You heard it.

Like you say, buckets of space.

-Buckets of space.

-You can have a new top put on here.

-Yes.

-Cos these are nice.

-There's no table, or anything, which is a bit odd.

-Mm.

But plenty of room for one, cos it's quite a way all the way round to the dining room.

-Or you could have an island, the big...

-Yeah... Oooh!

-Yes, yes.

No, you know what's occurring to me, though...

isn't that the Conservative and the dining room there?

Just open the whole lot up.

-There you go. Great minds think alike.

-I did suggest that, didn't I?

Knocking through into the dining room, so that while you're prepping,

you can talk to your guests and open up that whole rear space.

Ah! It is nice. I do like the way it splits in two.

-It's good, isn't it? It gives a bit of interest, doesn't it?

-Yeah. Absolutely. So shall we go this way?

-Yes.

-And have a quick look. Ooh! Look, Jan, it's like a...

This must be over the garage.

-I do like that.

-Isn't that lovely?

-An extra bedroom.

-Yes.

Or a study or ironing room.

-The luxury of having a room just to iron in.

-Yeah.

-Nice and light, though.

-Isn't it?

-Yeah.

-This window.

And actually, for a sloping roof...

I know it doesn't bother me, but it's...

You could sit up in bed and you're going to... Unless you're really tall!

-I think you'd have to be very tall to be that tall from the waist up.

-Yeah, exactly.

And that's important. A lot of time when you've got a sloping ceiling, it restricts headroom. Not here.

OK, so bathroom. It's actually quite similar to mine. A bit darker, but...

I like the big...

-Big tiles, yeah.

-They're nice.

Ooh, and the radiator's nice.

Great size bathroom, and beautifully refitted.

-There is one thing missing, though.

-Separate shower.

-Separate shower.

-But it's got shower, bath and sink. Does the job.

-Not the separate shower you were looking for.

-Well, no, but I suppose you can't have everything.

-No, you're right.

-Well done, girls.

-Succinct and to the point.

-So...

-This is a good size.

It's a good-sized double.

Blank canvas again. There's nothing here.

But room for a wardrobe, bedside cabinet, bed. Don't need anything else, do you?

A radiator, so heated. So that's great.

When you walk into a property and it's got clean, fresh lines, it's neutral,

it's easier to envisage how you'll put your personality into it.

Right, so this will be the third bedroom we've seen.

-Yes.

-And again, good-size bedroom.

Again, light by the window.

Backed on to by other houses, but it's not massively...

-No.

-I suppose it is. Actually, it is overlooked, you know.

Ah, you see, first big question about the downsize.

Julia said she wanted a smaller garden, but she's concerned that it's overlooked.

So final room. So this must be... Oh, look what I've just seen.

-The fourth bedroom.

-It's not the final room.

-Wow!

With a huge en suite.

Ah, isn't it...

Ah, it's wonderful!

This is ideal.

Well, this has obviously been done very newly, hasn't it?

And the nice big shower-head, look.

-Oh, yeah.

-Oh, isn't it...?

-Oh, it's gorgeous, isn't it?

-Yes.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

I love that shower. It's a huge shower-head that rains water down on to you.

-And then another huge... Well, yeah, another big bedroom.

-Yes.

You see, that is the thing, isn't it?

This age of house, you get so much more space for your money.

Well, yeah, you do. I think it's ideal.

-Yeah, it's good, isn't it?

-You're not really downsizing much, are you?

-Well...

-But it's compact.

Yeah. We haven't been outside yet.

And everything you've mentioned is just superficial.

Yeah, yeah. It is. Like you say, it's been done simply and cleanly,

but it's got plenty of room for me to do my own thing with it.

Yeah. And a nice quiet road.

Absolutely. Till I move in. THEY LAUGH

-They'll upset the neighbours. We'd better have a word.

-Yeah, does the party start here?

Now, the literal translation of "cul-de-sac" means "bottom of the bag",

and if the neighbours aren't your bag, then living in a cul-de-sac might be a nightmare.

On the other hand, all the properties are visible to one another,

thereby improving security and, of course, there's no through-traffic, so they tend to be child-friendly.

OK, Julia, your first experience of the desire to downsize.

How did that go?

Well, brilliantly, but as we were saying, it's not much of a downsize, really.

-Just a gentle introduction, really.

-Yeah, absolutely.

I was really impressed by the amount of space in that house and the arrangement of it.

I hope you'd agree with me, Jan, as well. We've downsized the garden.

-Yes.

-Perfect. That actually is much more the kind of thing I'm thinking of.

It's more keeping the space inside, but getting rid of the space outside.

-Yeah, it's a very, very good start.

-It is.

-Out of ten?

-Erm, eight, I think.

-Really? That leads us nicely into guess the price.

-Oh!

-So, you're maximum budget is in the region of 350,000.

-Yes.

Erm, who wants to go first? Julia, you go first. What do you think?

I reckon that's got to be at the top end for the amount of space you're getting and where we are.

I would say 349,950.

OK. Good hit. Jan?

-320.

-320? You're optimistic for your friend, aren't you?

-You're trying to save her money for her.

-That's right.

-You've failed.

-Oh.

Because, in actual fact, Julia, you did brilliantly.

-You're only 50 quid out.

-Really?

-It's absolutely on the nail.

£350,000, this place is on the market for.

That surprises me, actually. I'd say actually that it might be a bit more than that.

It was until recently. Current conditions, they've lowered the price.

-Shall we go and take a look at my place?

-Absolutely.

-It's this way.

-Let's go.

-After you, ladies.

OK, stop two today is my choice.

It's a gorgeous period semi, but with a truly modern interior throughout.

It's got three good-sized bedrooms, one of which could easily be turned over to an office

and there's a compact back garden.

But most important of all for round these parts, off-road parking.

Right, ladies. It's often been said, by myself included, and you may have heard this before,

-location's pretty important when buying a house, right?

-Indeed.

-We find ourselves on one of the finest streets Harborne.

-According to you.

It's factually correct. I did research. What do you think from the outside?

It's a very pretty little house.

Very nice, very nice, yes.

-You did mention "little" there, didn't you?

-Yeah, it's... Yeah. Well, appearances can be deceptive.

-It could be a bit of a Tardis, but from here it looks small, but who knows?

-It is a great place.

We are downsizing, let's not forget that. But enough about that.

-Get yourselves inside. There's the keys.

-Marvellous.

-See you in a bit.

-Enjoy.

Another good porch. Storage.

My property eased them into the downsize.

-Yours is going to throw them into the deep end.

-I think so, too.

So living room.

-Oh, it's another through room, Jan.

-Oh, yes, it is.

-Yeah.

Lounge/diner.

-Fireplace is nice.

-Fireplace again.

It's very similar to the first house.

It's green instead of black.

-Lovely fireplace. Focal point in the room.

-Yep.

Not original as such, cos it has been converted to gas, but a very nice feature.

So another through room.

A bit of a cage, I presume.

I'm not sure I'm tall enough to get in that.

You could get a nice-sized dining table in here.

I could get my own, actually.

-Yeah, a good size.

-Very nice.

-Yes, I think that is quite...

-I do like that through effect.

-Quite stylish.

-Yeah.

Cos otherwise, they would be small rooms, wouldn't they?

And then through again.

And downstairs loo. Oh, and the boiler's in there, that's good.

So it's out the way, isn't it? And then through into the kitchen.

Oh, I like! I like quite a lot.

The kitchen is beautiful in this place.

As much as we've got period features throughout, this is ultra-modern.

Oh, wow!

-That's been done beautifully, hasn't it?

-Wow.

-A really nice mix.

-I do like that.

-Yeah, the natural brick and beautiful work surfaces.

-Double oven.

-Yeah.

-Oh, and a gas hob.

-I could lift you up on to one of those stools.

-Yeah, I might need a hand!

-You could get a small step ladder to get up on the stool...

-Poor old Julia.

-Oh, it's lovely, isn't it?

-That would go straight out into the garden there.

I like that, being able to walk out into the garden. Those doors are lovely.

-It is beautifully done, isn't it?

-It is.

It has been done to a really high standard.

It just needs somebody tall to clean the tops of the cupboards for me.

Not me. Not me.

The quality of the finish is so high here, that I don't think that Jan and Julia

-have even noticed how much smaller this place is.

-Which is a really good sign, isn't it?

-These look original.

-Yeah, absolutely. And the banisters.

-I love the stripped banisters.

-Yeah. Beautiful.

-I reckon they've done the carpet recently. It's hardly worn.

So... Goodness!

Very modern lighting. Again, it's a reasonable size, actually,

-isn't it?

-Very good size.

-I think that's a king-size bed.

-And again, you've got those wardrobes there. Again, that's quite good storage.

-Yeah.

Nice little view outside, as well, isn't it? It is nice.

-And the mirror just to make it look bigger.

-Very nice.

-Very nice.

Very nice indeed.

The other thing we could be confirming here is, as Julia said, she only really needs two bedrooms.

You spoilt her with your property. Four bedrooms plus a study, plus a conservatory.

-Oh, ho, ho! I love it.

-What have you found?

-Another ultra-modern bathroom.

-Oh, wow!

-I do like that.

-Look at that sink.

-It really is...

-That's a nice bathroom.

-Very nice.

And I like this tile effect.

Shower in the bath.

Yeah, but...

-You wanted separate, but...

-Yeah, but it's, erm...

Yes. I mean, it's fine. It's work, doesn't it?

Yes, designer bathroom, Jonny.

The bathroom is absolutely gorgeous.

It is. Although if a designer designed it, why didn't he put a freestanding shower in there?

-There wasn't space, Simon.

-I think there was.

-I beg to differ.

So bedroom num... Second bedroom.

Oh, this is a bit snug. But it works, doesn't it? Cos again, that's certainly a proper double.

-That's a double, yes.

-And you could...

That's a tiny wardrobe. You could get cupboard space without too much of a problem.

Or even fitted straight across.

I like the mix of the very modern furniture with the traditional-style house, actually.

When it's done properly. It's very stylish, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Very nice.

Little bedroom there, Jonny. You know, perfectly decent size.

-Nothing to write home about, but a good double bedroom.

-Yeah.

Tastefully decorated and Julia only needs two double bedrooms,

so that one could double up as a bedroom/study if she wants office space.

You ARE downsizing, aren't you?

And final bedroom.

Gosh another big bedroom.

This is bigger than either of the other two, isn't it?

-Beautiful little...

-Yeah, fireplace. Yeah, it's lovely, isn't it?

I don't suppose... No, it's not used, but it is nice.

In a lot of period properties, you've got these cast-iron, Victorian fireplaces,

but they seldom get used and they rarely work.

-I don't know why that is.

-Because they cause a mess. Cleaning them out every day.

Oh, you ask your granny. It was no fun, mate.

It's a beautiful little house and I love all the original features.

-Yeah, yeah.

-They've mixed modern...

-Modern and traditional very well.

And it's come off well. It is done to a really high standard.

It is. It's beautiful, which I love.

But a lot smaller than the house before.

It is a lot smaller.

So then, Julia, I knew it was going to be a compromise size-wise, but how was the property for you?

Oh, it was very good. It's a beautiful house and it's done, as you said, to an extremely high standard.

And at the end of the day, I am supposed to be downsizing.

And actually, I probably don't need any more space than is in that house.

And when you've got something as beautifully presented as that,

all the fittings are superb, and it blends all the period features with modern efficiencies.

-It's kind of got to be ticking pretty much all the boxes you're after...I hope.

-Jan, come on.

You know Julia better than anyone else.

Yeah, I think this house is just ideal for her.

That's what we were discussing.

You obviously fell in love with this place so much

that all the problems you would have downsizing evaporated.

Cos you've got the two double bedrooms that you wanted.

-Yeah.

-And the third one can double up as a bedroom and study if need be.

-Yeah, absolutely, and ironing room.

Of course! The elusive ironing room.

I'm going to invent an ironing board I can pull out of a cupboard and goes away tidy.

-I think that's...

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-Right. You're obviously very, very keen on this place.

Will you be so keen when you know how much it's on the market for?

Who's going to go first? It's one-nil to you, isn't it, Julia?

-Um-hm.

-OK, so come on, Jan.

-Well, I was way out last time.

I'm going to go for 310.

-310.

-310.

I think I'm going to say...

-355.

-OK. First of all, you're brilliant at this game.

You didn't get it bang on this time, but you're right, we did take you over budget.

This place is on the market for 365.

So you're not far off.

But you can see the reason why it is on the market for this.

I know I'm pushing your budget a little bit, but you're in a great position.

You've sold. You've got no lower chain.

Potentially a cash buyer, so could take a reasonable amount off that.

I'd have to take a reasonable amount off that!

I mean, I love it, but, you know.

Yeah, I do love it, but that's a lot of money.

But again, it's location, isn't it?

-It is.

-You do pay a premium for it.

Anyway, that's two properties down,

but we haven't finished yet because everyone loves a wild card and that's this way. Follow me.

Now the wild card today is on what is known as the Moorpool Estate,

which was built in the model of the garden city movement.

Garden cities aim to be planned, self-contained communities surrounded by green belt.

When most of Britain's working population lived in squalid back-to-backs,

the estate offered the luxury of a mere nine houses per acre, as opposed to 40 everywhere else.

It also gave the opportunity for all residents to own and manage

their estate's affairs through a one household, one vote scheme.

Ladies, this is the wild card.

-What do you think?

-Twee.

-It's very nice.

-It's twee.

-Yeah.

-It's cute and it's lovely. Yeah.

It's superb. Now, this place was built in 1907

and the great thing about this area is, it's a real community.

You really do buy into a whole culture here, so location is very much important with this.

-Jan, what are you thinking?

-I think it's very cute. It looks very nice. Can't wait to see inside.

Yeah, it's "cute". We've had "twee".

-They're all small words, aren't they? But we are downsizing.

-Yeah, I'm only 4ft 10!

That's probably a good thing.

-Get in there and have a look round.

-See you in a bit.

-I think they're beautiful.

-Chocolate-box houses.

-Can you get out the way?

-Oh, sorry.

-Thanks.

Oh, wow, lots of stairs.

-Oh, it's charming.

-Isn't it?

You'll have to excuse me, Jonny, if I get a little bit misty eyed

as they wander round this place. I grew up in a house like this.

Oh, well, if you do, here's a tissue for you. OK?

Oh, thanks.

I love places like this...

-Yeah, I know.

-That aren't just square.

-Yeah.

Lots of little stairs going...

-Basement.

-It's really cool and quirky, cos you've got

stairs up and down straightaway when you get in there. Something a little bit different about this place.

This is actually not a bad size.

It's bigger than house number two, isn't it?

-I think.

-Oh, yes. It's wider, I think.

-Yeah.

-I like the bay.

-I love the way she's got the furniture.

You've got more traditional-type fixtures in here, which are actually rather lovely.

See, what you have here with the Arts and Crafts movement

is basically this is grandeur in miniature.

These are copies of the big merchants' houses

and they just brought them down in proportion, so you've got every single room as you would

find in a bigger house, but just on a smaller scale.

-Shall we go this way?

-Yeah, up.

Up, up, up.

Do watch the stairs, Jan!

Erm... Oh, I see. Oh, like a study.

Oh, yeah. Oh, and another fireplace.

It could make a wonderful study.

-And again, I mean, that's a big dresser that she's got there.

-Yeah. Without that in here...

-No, it's a good space, isn't it?

-Ideal really.

It's good that they've got a good bit of imagination.

They can see beyond the furnishings to see there's quite a lot of space available in that room.

So bedroom. OK.

-Look how bright.

-Oh, it's lovely, isn't it?

Actually, for a small house that's the first time we've been somewhere that's got a really good light.

-It's south-facing obviously, cos the sun's out.

-Oh, it's gorgeous.

-This is going very well indeed, Jonny.

-Yeah, surprisingly well.

But that's a really good use of space, those cupboards. I could fill those in an instant!

No, not with clothes.

With rubbish, despite the amount I've got rid of. A whole skip load.

-And again, nice doors.

-Yeah, absolutely.

-Shall we go upstairs?

-Yeah, why not?

Actually, it's quite a good-size staircase for a small house.

You know, it's...

The only trouble when you've got all these numbers of stairs on different levels...moving in.

It's another bedroom. Oh... and more fitted wardrobes.

Again, 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.

-Oh, it is a double room.

-No problem.

As Jan clearly points out, you've got a single bed in there.

It is easily a double room and loads of fitted furniture in there.

Double room or estate agent's double room?

-It's a real double bedroom.

-OK.

The stuff I have kept would actually fit.

-You're ready to move in.

-Yeah!

I can't wait to see what else there is.

Yeah, come on. Next, next!

Bathroom.

Compact and bijou, but it's a nice, light room.

Oh, it's one of those pea-shaped baths so you get the widths at the end with the shower.

It's a good job I'm only 4ft 10.

You know I like to soak in the bath.

Yes, compact and bijou just like?

-Julia?

-Yes.

-Do you reckon I can get in there?

Course you can! Why not?

Go on, Julia. You have a go.

Oh, perfect fit.

There are advantages to being 4ft 10!

-OK, just carry on without me, tell me what the rest of it's like.

-Get out!

Go on, Jan, turn the taps on. Go on, I dare ya!

Another bedroom.

-So that's one, two, three bedrooms. Another good size, isn't it?

-Used as a single, but...

-Yeah, again, you could have...

-This way could be a double.

-Easily be a double. More lovely furniture.

Another fireplace.

I can't believe there's more.

There's another set of stairs here.

They're both really surprised by how much space is in here.

I guess it's what we would call deceptively spacious.

From the kerb you see two storeys, but it's spread over four floors this house.

-What, because the ground drops away?

-Yeah.

-So it steps down and steps up.

So a basement. I've never lived anywhere with a basement.

Again, another little window. Another useful cupboard, I presume. Let's have a quick look.

So far, so good then for the wild card. Bedroom size is all OK.

Julia can fit in the bath. And there's a magic cupboard. Amazing.

-And what's in the magic cupboard?

-Another loo.

-All done out beautifully.

-Yeah, that is nice.

-That's great.

-And useful.

-Yeah.

Well, I always prefer to have a second loo, if possible.

And then into...kitchen and diner.

Nice. Lovely and light.

-Lovely and light.

-Would you get your table in here?

-I don't care.

-You've passed that now.

-Yeah, passed that now.

-Have a new table.

-Yeah.

-OK, that is the response you're looking for.

-It is.

"Would your table fit in here?" "I don't care."

Oh, wow!

That is a nice kitchen.

-Now, isn't it? Square...

-Quite square, yeah.

Working space next to cooker.

More working space. Cupboard space. Cos I've got

so much crockery and china and cooking stuff. I tried to be really strict.

I got rid of a load of it, but I've still got a lot.

-Do you know, I quite like that wooden ceiling.

-Yeah.

-I think we could be on to a winner here, Jonny.

-Yeah.

So got everything.

-This is...

-Downstairs loo.

-Yeah.

Three bedrooms, good-size bedrooms.

-Yeah.

-Three double bedrooms AND a study.

-Well, four bedrooms if you...

-Count the study.

-Yes.

Dining room, kitchen, living room...

nice-sized living room.

-And quirky.

-Oh, it's just gorgeous.

-Isn't it?

-So all we've got to do is find out what it's going for now.

-See the boys.

-Mm. Come on then.

Built between 1907 and 1913, no two of Moorpool's 500 houses are identical.

93 years on, and the basic structure and idyllic lifestyle of Moorpool

appears largely unscathed by the rush of modern life.

The residents are determined to keep it that way

and are opposing plans to build new homes on a number of sites. And there's all the appeal

of the high street just five minutes away.

Ladies, do come and join us in this gorgeous back garden.

Lovely and secluded and mature.

-It certainly is. It's beautiful.

-Gorgeous, isn't it?

That seemed to go very well.

-Very well.

-It's fantastic, yeah.

-Yes.

It's all about playing your cards close to your chest.

-Not giving it all away.

-I know. I'm hopeless, I know.

-How was it for you?

I absolutely love the place.

The way it's laid out, the quirkiness of it, the feel of the place, the shapes of the rooms.

I think it's just gorgeous. I love it.

Jan, I'm finding those signals hard to read. Do you think she liked it?

I got the inkling.

-Something about what she said made me think, "Yeah she liked it."

-But it has got bags of character too.

And the area is fab. The garden's gorgeous. It's beautiful and peaceful out here today as well.

Does it come at a premium?

It's going to cost, isn't it? It's guess the price time, yeah?

Now then, who's going to go first? It's two-nil at the moment.

-I think I'm going to say 360.

-OK.

I'll go a little lower. 355.

355.

You have restored that pride.

-Yes!

-Yes, you've scored one back.

This place is actually on the market for £335,000.

335. That's really interesting actually. That is really interesting.

-We can see by the smile on your face.

-I kind of went high because I'm thinking,

"I like it so much, if I put it kind of out of my range, then it'll be no question of it."

-Yeah, that's good news.

-No, it's in your range.

-Very good news indeed.

So now you've seen three fantastic properties, I think...

Simon's, mine and the joint choice.

-You need to decide which one to test drive, or as we like to say...

-Try before you buy.

-And even though we've a suspicion of which one you're going for...

-Have you really?!

-..give it some thought and we'll come and see you in a bit. OK?

-Marvellous, will do. Thank you.

-Take care. See you later.

-Mm, I wonder which one she will test drive?

-Can you guess which one it is?

-No. While they make their minds up, here's a quick recap for you.

Even though it's hardly worth saying, house one was my choice.

A gentle downsize with a more manageable garden,

but plenty of space for studying and entertaining.

With that surprise en suite

that's nearly as big as the master bathroom

it could be Julia's for...

Or will the charm of property two draw Julia back?

With much sought-after off-street parking, this terrace is immaculate.

Three beautiful good-sized bedrooms and that amazing designer bathroom.

-Slightly over budget.

-But she is a cash buyer.

And it is a prestigious property.

On at £365,000.

Or, I wonder, will the wild card win out on the purpose-built Moorpool Estate.

It's got all the space Julia needs over four quirky floors.

Very recently on the market at...

Well, surprise, surprise, ladies, you decided to test drive

the wild card -

this gorgeous Arts and Crafts house here in the Moorpool Estate.

Absolutely.

-How did you guess?!

-We are bewildered(!)

Now our sleuth-like surveyor's given this place the once over

and has some interesting points. It's not a legally binding survey

and if you do proceed with this place,

get all your full surveys and searches done through a solicitor.

-It goes without saying.

-Absolutely.

That's right. Now one of point he mentioned was with regards to the windows. Now they are original.

They're wooden framed and in some areas they are peeling and breaking away.

You're probably going to have to spend a little bit of money making sure these windows are looked after.

And because it is a conservation area as such, if you wanted to put plastic ones in -

-which I hope you don't...

-No, no! Trust me, I don't!

-Great! ..you need planning permission.

But get them reconditioned, maintain the wood frames,

get some double glazing glass in cos it is only single at the moment.

And just a couple of other little points as well.

He did note there's no door up on the bedroom on the top floor. That's a bit of a fire hazard.

You'd want a door on your bedroom anyway!

-Obviously, yeah.

-I didn't notice that.

Just on the safety side of things.

And just one other structural thing.

There's a fireplace which has a replacement concrete lintel and he can't see how that's supported.

Oh, right, OK!

But honestly, honestly... This is an old house, you know that.

It adds to the character. The more cracks and nooks and things like that the better, I think.

Possibly! I'm not quite sure.

-Easy for me - I'm not buying it. Good luck, have fun. We'll see you in a bit.

-OK.

-Enjoy. In you go.

-Thanks.

So Jan's given her seal of approval, but will Julia's yoga babies find the house adequate

-for limbering up in?

-Good morning!

-ALL:

-# Mr Sun, Sun, Mr Golden Sun

# Hiding behind a tree. # Boo!

Plenty of space for the Mr Sun routine in there.

And as Mr Sun himself is shining out back, they explore that gorgeous, secluded garden.

# Sun, Mr Golden Sun, please shine down on me. #

-Well, gurgles of approval all round it seems.

-Excuse me, ladies.

Could we just grab you for a moment?

-Stay here with the babies by all means. Can we just grab Jan and Julia?

-OK.

Thank you very much. We've just got to finish things off. Enjoy the garden.

Julia and Jan, you've now spent a bit more time in the house.

-How did it feel?

-It felt great to me.

-Cosy.

-Yeah, yeah. Really liked it.

-Really homely.

-The babies seemed to enjoy themselves.

-Absolutely.

Yeah, sorry to break up the party in the back there.

But, listen, a little bird tells me you received a phone call not long ago.

Yeah, I certainly have, Simon.

I've just had the phone call to confirm that the sale of my own house has completed.

-Oh, brilliant. Congratulations.

-Huge relief

and that means obviously that I'm in an even better position now to go and find somewhere else.

You are in the best position possible in this kind of market.

You experienced how it would be like living in the house for a few hours.

You've got money in your pocket.

Time to ask the big question. To buy or not to buy?

-Well, I think there is every chance that I'm going to explore buying this one.

-Really?

-Very much so. Yeah.

-I really do.

-Oh, great.

-Listen, you've got the money. We can make the call for you now if you want?

-Jan, would you encourage that?

-Oh, yes. I think it's a charming house.

-Yeah. This is a "to buy", isn't it?

-I think it could be.

-She'd be happy here.

-Yeah.

If you do complete let us know. It's been a pleasure showing you round.

We want to come to a dinner party.

-Yeah, we do, knowing how much money you've got in your pocket.

-Champagne everywhere.

-Let's go. Thanks.

-Cheers, guys. Bye.

-Bye.

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