0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Welcome to the garden of Wales. - Today, we're in Llanelli
0:00:04 > 0:00:08where rolling countryside meets the Carmarthenshire coastline.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11This, ladies and gentlemen, is To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Today, we're not just hunting for houses, oh no,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26we are also looking for a first marital home.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Yes, today is about more than bricks and mortar.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31It's about a place to settle.
0:00:31 > 0:00:32A place to put down roots.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34A place to make your own.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38Not only will we throw three property options at our happy house hunters,
0:00:38 > 0:00:40we will give them the unique opportunity
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- to try... - BOTH: ..before they buy.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Today's plucky property hunters are Martin and Helen.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Martin works for local government in Cardiff
0:00:49 > 0:00:51and Helen is a nurse in Llanelli.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55With a wedding in a few weeks' time, the pressure is on to find them
0:00:55 > 0:00:58their dream property and first matrimonial home.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04Helen and Martin, thank you very much for inviting us down to Llanelli Beach.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- Did I do that well?- Well done. Thank you. It's gorgeous down here.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- It is.- I can see why you want to move. Or do you live here already?
0:01:11 > 0:01:14I live here already but Martin lives in Cardiff.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Are we selling two houses? - I've sold mine in Cardiff.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22- Congratulations!- That's part of it done. We're looking to put Helen's on the market imminently.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27We're getting married in four weeks, so looking to move as soon as possible after that.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32Some planning! We've got to find a new marital home. That's what we've got to do.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Why do I feel pressure, when he mentioned that, to find a place here?
0:01:36 > 0:01:39You're moving to Llanelli from Cardiff.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- Llan-eckli.- Llan-eckli, from Cardiff.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Is this the only place we're looking? Is there anywhere closer to Cardiff, in between?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49No, it's really Llanelli and the surrounding areas.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Can you give us any idea of village names?
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Yes. Lovely surrounding areas
0:01:54 > 0:02:00are Llangennith, Bryn, Llannon, Five Roads. Yeah.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05So, given the choice, are you townies at heart or country folk?
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Oh, you're a townie, I'm country.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12I'm a townie but getting converted. This is a transition of my life.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17We're open to either really, it's about the house, I think. Yeah.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Is it just the two of you we're considering?
0:02:20 > 0:02:25Most of the time, yes, but I've got two children who live in London who stay with us regularly -
0:02:25 > 0:02:30school holidays, so we need space for them as they enter their teenage years.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- A room each then for them?- Probably.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Any other rooms that are very important to you?
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- We'd like a big kitchen-diner.- OK.
0:02:36 > 0:02:42We like having people round and entertaining, so a space for that would be good.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44What type of property are we looking for?
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Old, new, borrowed, blue? Leave that!
0:02:47 > 0:02:51I think we're open to either, but what we're really clear about is if it's old,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55we want it to be old and in keeping with the character inside and outside.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58If it's new, similarly, let it be contemporary.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- I see. So you don't want something built in the 90s with a nice mock Tudor interior? No?- No.- OK.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05What about renovations?
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Are you happy to take on a project?
0:03:07 > 0:03:12Not a big project, no, we don't mind decorative work. No, nothing major.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- You've got the wedding to think about.- Exactly!- One or two things.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20You've sold up, so you're in a great position. Yours is about to go on the market.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24I'm guessing that we might end up with quite a decent budget altogether. What is it?
0:03:24 > 0:03:29Hopefully between £250,000 and £300,000 is the range we'd be looking at.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- Have you been looking? Do you know the market?- Yeah, we think that's fairly realistic.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38There are things around, we're confident we'll get something in that range.
0:03:38 > 0:03:45- Helen you'd agree?- Yes, we've been looking and, yes, in that price range we should find something.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- You're confident and putting your trust in us?- We are.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- We'd better get going.- Come on, then. See you guys later. - See you later.- Bye.- Bye.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- Simon, this is going to be a hard job.- No, I disagree. We've got a good budget
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- and we kind of know what they want, I'm thinking somewhere in town. - In the countryside.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- I'm thinking somewhere old, period property.- I'm thinking modern.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Listen, lucky we're not getting married. We can agree on one thing.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- The house is sold, so they're in a good position.- ONE house is sold.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- Lucky we're not getting married. - Are you proposing?- No, I'm proposing that YOU go and speak
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- to the people of Llanelli, I'm off to the estate agents.- Fair enough.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Yeah, dream on, Rani. Today we find ourselves in Llanelli, the largest town in Carmarthenshire,
0:04:28 > 0:04:34- the garden of Wales.- Lying to the west of the Gower peninsula, Llanelli's surrounding coastline
0:04:34 > 0:04:37has been greatly improved and re-developed.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40The Millennium Coastal Park and cycle path
0:04:40 > 0:04:42attract over a million visitors a year
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and offers staggering views across the bay.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49Yes, I've ridden it myself, so make that a million and one.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51This is a town with a rugby union tradition,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55but there's big change in the air, as the local team Llanelli Scarlets
0:04:55 > 0:04:58close the Llanelli - close the gates on Stradley Park -
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and move to the impressive new stadium, the Parc Y Scarlets.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04If you're on the move like the Scarlets,
0:05:04 > 0:05:09here's what £250- to 300 grand would get you around the rest of the UK.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12To start with, on the edge of the New Forest,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15in a picturesque village, this charming semi-detached property
0:05:15 > 0:05:19with loads of living space and a lovely garden,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22worth every penny of £275,000.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Situated within easy reach of Leeds and Bradford,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29there's this stone built link-detached place
0:05:29 > 0:05:31with exposed stonework and beamed ceilings.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36It's a steal at 285 grand.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39What about this one in the village of Porlock on the edge of Exmoor,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42with two en suite bedrooms and a beautiful cottage garden,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45it's at the top end of the budget, though.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54Phew! After that whistle-stop tour around our fair isle, it's time to get looking in Llanelli.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- Hi, is it Nicky?- Yes.- Thank you ever so much for taking time out to see me. It's Simon.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- What's so great about living here? - I brought my eight-year-old son up here
0:06:03 > 0:06:07and it's beautiful to be by the coast and surrounding areas,
0:06:07 > 0:06:09it's an up-and-coming place.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14I don't know this part of the country very well, so go on, sell Llanelli to me.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Largest town in the county of Carmarthenshire,
0:06:17 > 0:06:22offering coastal walks, fantastic countryside.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25What else is here? What else can they look forward to?
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Something for Martin, maybe?
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Scarlets rugby ground.- Everyone's into rugby here, aren't they?
0:06:32 > 0:06:37A lot of new construction in the area, bringing people off the M4 corridor,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39more people moving into the area.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- How long have you been living here? - 26 years.- 26 years! What happened?
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- Did you pop down one day for an ice cream and just stay?- Basically.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51We came for years for holidays and then decided we could move so we got away from London.
0:06:51 > 0:06:57We're looking for hopefully a detached house, four bedrooms, another room for an office.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03They are real social people so they're looking for a nice place with a big kitchen-diner.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08Their budget is 250,000 to 300,000. Is that realistic?
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Yes.- What have you got, come on?
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Tell me more about about this lifestyle?
0:07:13 > 0:07:16It's much more laid back, very few traffic jams,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18six cars and we think we're in a jam.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Here's an interesting property.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Am I right...just guessing, looking at this,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27it looks like a gorgeous place in a fabulous location?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Lovely, adaptable spacious accommodation,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32fabulous elevated plot,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34views across the valley,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37easy commuting and definitely worth a look.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Apart from the beach, one more thing.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41I reckon you're a rugby fan.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Yes, I am.- Is that what's also great, or anything else?- Oh, yes.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48You've been an absolute star. Thank you very much for your time.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- I'll leave you to now. Cheers. - Thank you. Bye bye.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Tell you what, that was hard work, but I enjoyed meeting the folks.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- Did you now? Actually, I found it very easy.- Really?
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- I did.- Have you found some great properties?- I'm feeling very pleased today.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We have come up with a gorgeous property number one.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Our couple said they didn't mind which kind of period property
0:08:08 > 0:08:12they wanted, I just love Edwardian so that's what they're getting.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15They weren't sure about town or country.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19Well, for me, they're in the heart of the town of Llanelli. Look at that - gorgeous!
0:08:19 > 0:08:24Simon, I am so happy you've chosen that property because I've gone completely the opposite.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28I have gone for something new and a little bit more rural
0:08:28 > 0:08:30because I thought that's what Helen wanted.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Now, I hope they're not going to be too scared by this,
0:08:33 > 0:08:35but I do think it is what they want
0:08:35 > 0:08:39and I am giving them four bedrooms and a nice big kitchen.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41OK, fair enough.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Right, we're doing well so far.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46And the wild card, well, what can we say about the wild card?
0:08:46 > 0:08:50They're going to need imagination for this. That's why it's the wild card.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54On the positive side, it's a fabulous location, isn't it, Rani?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57It's good, I'm liking it. So, where shall we start?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00That's fairly obvious, my choice, property one.
0:09:02 > 0:09:08Here we go then. They said they wanted old to be old and this is a perfect example.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Packed with period features and finished immaculately.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16I agree, it's simply beautiful. Understatedly elegant, a timeless classic.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- I could live here myself.- You like my property? Do I owe you money?!
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Right, Helen and Martin, let's get this show on the road with my choice, property one.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29I have to say the team and I have done particularly well here.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I love this period of property.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34It's this gorgeous Edwardian pile in the heart of Llanelli town.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- What do you think?- It's very nice.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39I like the look of the house, but I'm not sure about the road.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42What do you mean? Look at the outlook!
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- This gorgeous leafy suburb. - I'm open-minded, yes.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47OK. You'd better stay open minded.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53- Martin?- Similar in a way, not 100% sure about location, but looks a very nice house, substantial.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55I'd like to have a look inside.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Forget about the location for a second, focus on the property itself. Do you like this period?
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Yes, the house looks very nice, yeah.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05A few original features there, original windows, nice porch.
0:10:05 > 0:10:12- You did say it was very important for the outside to match the inside. - Definitely.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15So has the heart of this place been ripped out?
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Can we go and see? - Yeah, go and find out. In you go!
0:10:20 > 0:10:24OK, I felt that they had reservations about the outside, but don't you worry.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27As soon as they see the inside of this place, they will disappear.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Simon, I'm convinced, but will will they be?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- That's nice.- It is, isn't it?
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- I like the two front doors.- Yes.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Here we go. First impressions are everything in an Edwardian house.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44That's what they want, when people came round, you walked in and went,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46"Wow, this is grand!" Here we go, Helen and Martin.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Very nice. The TV would go there. - Yes!
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Plenty of space to put it.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- I love the windows.- Oh gosh, yeah!
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- Yes.- Actually, even though the road is there, it's still nice, you can see trees. Yeah.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Tall ceilings.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07- Very nice.- Quite neutral decor, original doors. It's nice.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11I was blown away by this place and I haven't got that from Helen and Martin.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Oh, this is nice.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17This is a lovely sunny room.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Quite sunny. Yeah, really nice.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Good fireplace.- Ooh, yeah.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Do you think that's a real fire? - I don't know.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- It's a good feature anyway.- Yeah.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28They wanted features, this place is full of them.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- That's nice. Different. - I like the stairs.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33A bit of character there.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Oh, the dining room.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- Kind of dining-cum-kitchen.- Yeah.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44That's just the dining room, guys, beautifully appointed.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49It is a dining room but it has got a fridge in there so that would make it dining room/kitchen.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51A bit strange - a bit of a hybrid room.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Different to the rest of the house, isn't it?
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Yeah. But then modern kitchen's OK.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- I'm not sure if it flows with the rest of the house.- Maybe not.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Let's go and see the kitchen.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13So, what do you think of this?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16It's nice. I like it but it's a bit...
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Small, compared to the rest of the house.- It is a bit small.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24I took a chance with with this property, the size of the kitchen.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27But it's compensated for in the rest of the space.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- Maybe you could open the whole thing up really.- Yeah, maybe.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- One or two rooms become one.- Yeah.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37I like it being separate, but I'm not sure with the kitchen
0:12:37 > 0:12:40and the freezer being stuck in the dining room.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42It's very nicely done though.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Shall we...- Go upstairs?- Let's.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Perhaps it's just me, but I was expecting more from this place.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52I thought it would bowl them over with its original features and glorious space.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Ooh, bathroom.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00OK.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- Walk-in shower.- That's good.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Yeah.- Yeah,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09it's a bathroom. Quite tasteful. White suite.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Bigger than mine at the moment, yeah.- Yeah.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17- A good sized bathroom. - A family bathroom. It's what you need in a house like this.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Presumably there are some bedrooms.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25This is nice, how the stairs here and the stairs going up there.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- Yes, a split landing effect. - That's the word, split landing.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- I like a landing. - Yeah, you need a landing in a house like this.- I like to have a landing.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Otherwise, you couldn't get into the rooms.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Oh, nice!- A pretty substantial one.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Quite big, isn't it? - Fireplace again.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45You will find that in this property. The original features are not confined to the ground floor.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48It's definitely big. All the rooms have a spacious feel.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Yeah.- 'There you go, Simon.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Substantial bedrooms for a substantial property.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Now we're getting there. Come on, more of that! Come on!
0:13:56 > 0:14:02- Another bedroom. - This must be the master bedroom at the front, obviously. Bay window.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I like a bay window in a bedroom.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Do you?- Yes.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- I do, actually.- Really?
0:14:08 > 0:14:10I love about Edwardian design.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13They've put the bay windows on the north side of the house
0:14:13 > 0:14:16so if you're lacking a bit of daylight,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18with the bay windows, it floods on in.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- Another little room.- It's a study.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- This could be the study, couldn't it?- Yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- So that room could be...- Guest room.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Children's room, our room, office.
0:14:28 > 0:14:34- Yeah.- This is good. And again, it's fine, yeah, nothing untasteful about it, nice window.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Of course it's tasteful, what do you expect? It's my property.- Ooh!
0:14:38 > 0:14:41It is nice though, the wood.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46All the doors are matching and the staircase, it's very nice.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Beautiful original doors throughout and, in my opinion, stripped, not dipped.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Does that make a difference?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56A massive difference. If you dip a door, it can break down the original horse bone glue
0:14:56 > 0:14:58and they become very rickety.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01So it's very important, strip them, don't dip them.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- Gosh.- Wow. This is not your normal attic space, is it?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08It's big. And still high ceilings.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- They're getting quite excited up on the top floor.- That's because they've suddenly realised
0:15:13 > 0:15:17I haven't given them three bedrooms, I haven't given them four bedrooms, nor five.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- Have you by any chance given them six bedrooms?- Yes, indeed.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- Oh look, this could be the girls' room, up here.- Oh yeah, the pink is in place already.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- They'd love this, wouldn't they? - Yeah, or maybe one of them.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- Yes.- Obviously, this makes another bedroom, they can have one each.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Right, so, final bedroom.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Yeah, this is nice. Yeah.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Spacious again, isn't it? Plenty of room. The girls could have this whole floor, then?
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- They could have a room each and they've got space there to do what they want.- Out of the way!
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- Yes! At the top of the house.- Which we would all like.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- And it frees space downstairs as well.- Yes, brilliant.
0:15:52 > 0:15:53This space is brilliant, isn't it?
0:15:53 > 0:15:57Oh, it is. It is a veritable TARDIS, definitely.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01So what do you think, generally? This is Simon's choice. What do you reckon?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I think he's done well, I think he has done well.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09Yeah, the mixture of old and new, I'm not sure of, with the dining room downstairs.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- But the space of the house is brilliant, yeah.- I feel positive.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Yeah.- Shall we go and join them for a chat?- Yes, OK.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Hang on! Mixture of the old and new?
0:16:17 > 0:16:22This is a ten-room house. Because one room has been modernised, I've given them a mixture? I'm not happy.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- I need a word, come on. - Come on, you.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Helen and Martin, when you looked round this place,
0:16:30 > 0:16:34I don't know, you weren't as blown away by the original features as I was.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I mean, look at the gorgeous panelling, the running cornice,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40we have the picture rails, original doors.
0:16:40 > 0:16:41We've even got...
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- ..the bell to call the servants.- I know, I love the original features,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I think they're brilliant, but I just don't think the space works.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- The space?!- I know it's massive!
0:16:51 > 0:16:53I only gave you six bedrooms!
0:16:53 > 0:16:55The upstairs is fantastic
0:16:55 > 0:16:59but I just don't think the kitchen and dining room in particular, I just don't see...
0:16:59 > 0:17:01It didn't just work for me.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03OK. Martin, do you feel the same?
0:17:03 > 0:17:08A bit. The character is there, you're right, but I'm master of understatement,
0:17:08 > 0:17:14hence not seeming bowled over, but love all the original doors, wood, fireplaces, that kind of thing.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19It's great. I suppose for me, a few surprising things like one bathroom in a house this size,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23practical considerations like that. But, you know, a lot going for it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27It's got character, its big, its central, it's in Llanelli.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- A lot of positives there.- A lot of ticks.- But is the price be positive?
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Let's find out. Ready to guess the price?
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- Yes.- It's all right, it doesn't matter if you get it wrong.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Who would like to go first? - Helen, of course.- I'll go first. - You're going to go first?- Yes.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- OK, so your budget is 250, possibly 300 if the house is right?- Yes.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48So, how much is this place worth?
0:17:48 > 0:17:50This huge, spacious place.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54I would say... 275?
0:17:54 > 0:17:57275? OK. Martin?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Do you know what? I think I'd go slightly higher,
0:18:00 > 0:18:06with all the features it got and the size, I'd put it somewhere around 284.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- 284?- OK, then.- Simon.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14Perhaps I can bowl you over with how much this place costs cos, Helen, you're 1-0 up, you were the closest,
0:18:14 > 0:18:21but it is actually on the market for £5 short of £265,000 - £264,995.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- That's a good price. - That's a good price.- Come on, this is a buyer's market.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29But, you know what? Property number two could be the perfect house.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- That's what we want to find out, isn't it?- Yeah.- Shall we go and see it?- Yes.- Come on then, folks.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41Compared with the age of house one, my choice today is new.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Actually, it's not just new, it's really new. Really, really new.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Rani, I hate to tell you, it's not even finished yet.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- I don't know whether you knew. - Ah, exactly, Simon.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55So you know what, it's even newer than new!
0:18:55 > 0:18:59OK, then, Martin and Helen, this is property number two, this is my choice.
0:18:59 > 0:19:05I've brought you out to rural Llanelli, to Five Roads. Do you know this village at all?
0:19:05 > 0:19:08We do, yeah, we really like this area. Yeah, it's a lovely area.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Oh, well that's a good start. OK, this is the property we've chosen for you.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Now, you wanted a detached one, I'm giving you that, and also quite modern.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- So what do you think of it, then, Helen?- I like the look of it, very different from the last one.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- But that's good, it's different, yeah.- Different is good. What do you think, Martin?
0:19:25 > 0:19:28So far, so good, I like it.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30It's new, but it's got a bit of character,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32a bit of exposed stonework.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Looks like it could be interesting.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Yeah, well, it could be interesting.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Now, with Simon's property, he'd given you a great Edwardian property and
0:19:41 > 0:19:44the inside matched the out and you said you were really keen on that.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Well, this is very modern on the outside, but how much it matches on
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- the inside is down to you guys. - Right.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57- So, there's a clue there, you really need to use your imagination once you get in there.- OK.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- All right, good luck with it. - In you go, enjoy.- Thank you.
0:20:03 > 0:20:09- Simon, I think this place is a sight for sore eyes.- It's a site, all right, it's a building site.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Ooh!
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Smell of plaster! It's nice.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Ooh, it's interesting.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- They like the smell of plaster. That is a good start!- I hope they like the smell of plaster!
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- I think this would be the hall. - Really, you think?! OK.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27You said it, Rani, this place will really test their imagination.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- Right, I've absolutely no idea.- I think we're going to have to see the whole place
0:20:31 > 0:20:34to get a feel of what every room is going to be.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- Something tells me it could be a study.- Yeah.- Could be a study.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Well, it wouldn't be kitchen, would it?
0:20:40 > 0:20:43That is the study, how could he tell it was the study? It's a bare room.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47It's just the perfect size for a study, and where it's positioned.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49It's all built very well.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Toilet.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- That is just begging for a toilet. - That's handy, downstairs toilet.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00That's begging out for a toilet!
0:21:00 > 0:21:05It is the downstairs toilet. The plumbing... This whole place is done. The first fix is complete.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Oh my gosh, look at all these rooms.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- Utility room. - Do you think?- Toilet, utility room.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- It's all falling into place. - Right, OK. Back door.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17You see, they've said more about my place than than about your place.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Martin could be an architect.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20- Kitchen.- Kitchen.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23We're probably completely wrong on all of this.
0:21:23 > 0:21:29- Probably!- I think this could well be a kitchen stopcock, that's a clue. There's clues around everywhere.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Is there a stopcock?- Yes.- I don't know what it is.- I'm making it up!
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Simon, I'm really impressed. They used their imagination straight away,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41picturing things, "That's the bathroom, that's the kitchen."
0:21:41 > 0:21:43See, it doesn't have to be scary.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45what's around the corner here?
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Ooh.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53A sort of dining bit, maybe, if that's the kitchen.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- This could be the dining area. - Those are just French doors then, are they?
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- How would you get down?- You jump!
0:22:01 > 0:22:02SHE LAUGHS
0:22:02 > 0:22:04OK!
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Right, so, what we're saying, we may be wrong, but
0:22:09 > 0:22:13utility, kitchen, dining.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- Living room...- More formal sort of dining...- ..Or reception room.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21It is spacious, cos new houses are usually a lot smaller.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- They are right, there's a lot of space.- I agree with you, Rani, I have to admit this much.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28For a new build, a fantastic footprint.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31OK. Hmm...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Fair-sized landing.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Yes, there is a nice space.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39My guess would be that this is probably a bedroom.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- You've got a choice upstairs, bedroom...- Or bathroom.- Or bathroom!
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Or bedroom. Or bathroom.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50OK, so that's one room.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- So there's how many rooms? - One, two, three, four.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Four bedrooms and a bathroom. What did they ask for?
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Four bedrooms and a bathroom.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01I wonder if there's going to be an en suite.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- There could be an en suite, there's potential.- But is there one designed?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- There is one designed.- Is there? - Yeah, there is.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10So this must be another...
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Smaller... but... OK.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15But still, it could be a guest room, couldn't it?
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- A spare room.- Yeah, you could get a double bed in here?- Yes.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24And again, Rani, as with downstairs, because the builder gave this place a good footprint,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28all the bedrooms are double bedrooms, a rare thing in modern houses.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33Right, so, frosted window, pipe work, suggests bathroom.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Frosted windows, pipe work, hmm, this must be the bathroom.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Elementary, my dear Watson.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- It's not that big, but if there's an en suite...- IF there's an en suite...- ..it wouldn't be so bad.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48They never mentioned an en suite, but all of a sudden, they want and en suite.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52OK, this is another room.
0:23:52 > 0:23:58A little bedroom again, not a bad size, maybe for the girls, sharing, you could get two beds.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01And there's a lovely...
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- There's a lovely view. - Panoramic.- Yeah.- It's nice.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10It's not too overlooked, from the back. Because there's not loads of houses.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12I'm getting a good feel.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- Yeah. Do you know what? I think Rani's done very well, yes.- Well, she would, she's a woman.- Obviously.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Oh, Rani's done well, done very, very well!
0:24:19 > 0:24:24Obviously, I did have help from the mystery property hunting team, it wasn't me on my own.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Oh, that's very big of you.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30This must be the last bedroom. What's that, there?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32The last, but the biggest.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- Is there an en suite?!- Darling, I think you've got your en suite.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Either that or a walk in wardrobe. But it's not big enough.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39That would be fine!
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- And it would appear there's a shower.- Oh, that's good. Good, isn't it?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Ah!
0:24:45 > 0:24:49It's such a beautiful sound, to hear her so happy.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52It is just an empty plasterboard box, and Helen is very excited!
0:24:52 > 0:24:58She's got her en suite that she wanted, that she didn't even know she wanted before this.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00I wonder what it looks like, though.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04It would be interesting to see it with everything finished, with floors and furniture.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10I think that's probably when you can get a sense of the actual space, when there's furniture in it.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13So yeah, it would be interesting to see it like that.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16It would be interesting to see it like that, wouldn't it?
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- Can you help, Rani? - You know what? I believe I can.
0:25:22 > 0:25:28- Now then, you two, the last place, no fixtures, no fittings, but you seemed to like it, am I right?- Yes.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- You're right.- We really liked it.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- Yes.- Yeah, you were very upbeat, I was very impressed.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Well, I don't think you should use your imagination any more.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39How would you like to see that property with all the bits added to it?
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- Yes please.- Yes. Thank you.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42Come on in then.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51So, before, you said you loved the smell of plaster.
0:25:51 > 0:25:57This is it with paint, with flooring, with cupboards, with sink, with everything.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- Yeah.- It's nice. - What do you think of it?
0:25:59 > 0:26:03- It's really nice, yeah.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05It's very different, isn't it?
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Because obviously there you've just got all the bare walls.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11It's really nice to see it finished, and yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15You can open these cupboards, good quality, they spent a lot of time on them,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18all these fixtures and fittings, but you can choose those, that's the beauty of it.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21You could choose the floor, you can choose the cupboards.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Do you want to see what the bathroom looks like?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- Yes.- Come on.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28This is what your bathroom could look like.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- Da da da!- That's nice.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- It's tasteful, isn't it? Good quality.- Yeah.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37It is very good quality in here, and a nice romantic corner bath.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41No one has to fight over the end, who's going to have the tap end!
0:26:41 > 0:26:46- Do you get the candles? - No, you don't, but I might get you some as a wedding gift.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- What do you think? - Yes.- It's nice.- Yeah. - Just some ideas for you, you know?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53You don't have to go with all of these, but it's just an idea
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- of how it would look, how things can fit into place.- Nice shower.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58You've got the shower and everything.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03That's lovely in the mirror as well, oh, that's me! Come on, let's play guess the price.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07And this is what the outside could look quite.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10As you see, we've already got it all set up out here.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13You've got a grassy area next to your garage, you got
0:27:13 > 0:27:17an area for a barbecue and a place to have your G&Ts in the summer.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- Look good?- Yeah.
0:27:19 > 0:27:25Ah ha! There you are. Now then, I have to say at this juncture that I can be very critical of new builds.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27I think sometimes they rush through the finish.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31But I've been doing a bit of investigation and I found out
0:27:31 > 0:27:34that this place has been done by a very small firm with all in-house
0:27:34 > 0:27:38builders, so no sub-contractor, and that's reflected in the finish.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Does this quality of finish come at a premium?
0:27:40 > 0:27:43You know what time it is, it's guess the price time.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Your budget is 250 to 300,000.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Who's going to go first? It was Helen last time, Martin, come on.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- OK, right, as you say, it's high quality. It's a class place.- Yep.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57For that reason, I'm going to go for 285.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- You can tell I have taste.- You do.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03I'm going to go slightly lower, 280.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- 280.- Mmm hmm.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07OK, I have to say...
0:28:07 > 0:28:10..congratulations, Helen, you are closest!
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- The actual property we showed you is worth 275.- Mmm hmm, that's good.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16See, it's a buyer's market, come on!
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- Good value, good value. - Yeah. Impressive, eh?- It is.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22But, think about this, if Rani just showed you an empty
0:28:22 > 0:28:27shell as her choice, what on earth could the wild-card be like? Shall we find out?
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- Yes.- It's this way, come on. - Come on.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36So, Martin and Helen said they wanted either a new or old property,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39so that's why the wild card today is, erm, this 70s classic.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41The thing to note is, it's a beauty.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Loads of space, set in the tranquillity of rural
0:28:44 > 0:28:49Carmarthenshire, and with cracking views and an indoor pool to boot.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Right, Martin and Helen, the wild card, our joint choice.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56We've brought you to another rural setting, we're a couple of miles from Llanelli.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58We're showing you a gorgeous...
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- Simon, sorry. Sorry.- Oh dear.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03We've got to confess, we've got to confess, we've seen this house.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Whoa, whoa, excuse me...
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Did the property team ask you for a list of properties you've already seen?
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- You're right. - This wasn't on that list.
0:29:12 > 0:29:13That's your fault.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- It's my fault.- It is his fault.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17And, there's a lot going on at the moment.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- Yeah, we're very busy, were planning a wedding.- OK.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- Yeah.- Ooh, good excuses.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24You saw this probably a long time ago?
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Yeah, it was months ago, it was the first house we saw, so we didn't
0:29:27 > 0:29:32seriously consider it at that time because we thought we'd look around and see what else was available.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- So, maybe we could look at it with fresh eyes.- Yeah, yeah.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Here's an idea. Here's an idea. How about, OK...
0:29:38 > 0:29:41How about... Because I do love this property, it's got potential.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43How about, Helen, if I go and tour with you, and Martin,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46you can listen in on the headphones to the words of wisdom
0:29:46 > 0:29:49that we espouse as we wander around, how about that?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- Sounds great. - Is that a plan? OK?- OK.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- Yeah?- You better send us in, then, hadn't you?
0:29:54 > 0:29:55All right then, you two.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Ooh, look out for the surprise at the back of the house! Hope you enjoy it.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- I think I know what it is, yes! Come on.- Off you go, then.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06OK, Martin. here you go.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Headphones, cherish these.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Now, then - what will Helen think of the house with a fresh pair of eyes?
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Ooh, this is very exciting.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17I've never done this before.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- Oh, this is nice.- Oh, this is nice.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- Oh!- It's nice.- Nice.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22Does that surprise you? It's nice.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25What are your thoughts about this space?
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I think, with this house, if I remember, the space is really good.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33It just needs a bit of updating.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- Decor's not a problem for you guys, is it?- It depends.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39It depends what extreme we're talking about, but probably not.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42See, I like the space, it's got lovely...
0:30:42 > 0:30:45you know, the views, and it's a really light room.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50And also, the other thing I like this room is that you don't really notice the road.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54That road was busy, but because we are raised up and the double glazing...
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- You can't... it's very peaceful. - Very peaceful indeed.- Yeah.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- We can kind of hear the road from here.- Yeah, yeah.- It's not too bad.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- No.- I said it's not too bad!
0:31:02 > 0:31:04You said you liked entertaining.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- Yes.- Well...- Yeah, it's a dining space here, isn't it?
0:31:08 > 0:31:10But not attached to the kitchen, are we?
0:31:10 > 0:31:12No.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Do you... Would you prefer that?
0:31:15 > 0:31:17No, I'd rather...
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- You would like the kitchen to be part of the dining room?- Yes. Yeah.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22I wonder if that's possible.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Could, you know? - I don't know, is it?
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Listen, there's nothing you can't change about a house.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- It just depends on how expensive it is.- Exactly, yeah.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34You'd have to check if that's a structural wall, I guess.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38If it isn't, maybe... Is the kitchen on the other side of that?
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- I can't remember. - I can't remember now, actually.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Shall we go and find out?! Come on, let's wander through!
0:31:45 > 0:31:49- OK.- So we're now giving it a second look...- I'd forgotten about the conservatory.- You see.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51I had forgotten. Yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55Ah, actually, there's more space there than I remember.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- So, Martin, when you saw this place...- Yes?
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Was this quite early on in your hunt?
0:31:59 > 0:32:03It was very early on. It was probably just about the first one we saw.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- Really?- Yeah, yeah.- So it didn't quite jump out at you then, did it?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- Not really, no. No.- Would you say you maybe had some blinkers on, you
0:32:09 > 0:32:12were kind of not really seeing it for what it could potentially be?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Now, this was obviously one of the main reasons this was the wild card.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19This would have been a surprise if we hadn't seen it.
0:32:19 > 0:32:20It certainly is a surprise. Let's go in.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22There you go!
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Now, there's something you don't get every day with a house, isn't it?
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Yeah. It's a nice size, isn't it?
0:32:29 > 0:32:30It certainly is a nice size.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36And it's great quality. But, I dunno, did you ever consider having a swimming pool?
0:32:36 > 0:32:43- No. No, it just wouldn't have been on our list of criteria, but it's a lovely bonus.- It certainly is.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46So what do you think, Martin - if you had the pool, would you use it?
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Yeah, after the four mile run every morning, you know?
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Bit of a dip before going down the gym and onto work. Sure I would.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54I'm sure you'd have plenty of time!
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- And into the kitchen.- Mmm-hmm.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Yes.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Go on, be straight.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02It's just a bit dark, isn't it?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- It is dark, I don't think the dark wood helps.- Dated.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07It's very dated, I agree.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09When we came here first, we saw is you've got to
0:33:09 > 0:33:12rip out the kitchen, you've got to do every room, but actually...
0:33:12 > 0:33:18Yet we showed you a property earlier that didn't even have a toilet,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21a bathroom, a sink, inner units and you went,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- "Oh, yeah. That's fine!" - What kind of thing's she looking for?
0:33:24 > 0:33:29Helen's ideal kitchen will be one that I feel comfortable in.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34My perfect kitchen would be, I'd knock that wall down, there would be a large kitchen diner.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39So we'd be cooking here and a table where everybody could sit round and, you know, enjoy...
0:33:39 > 0:33:41And the chef is socialising with the guests.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44So Martin's cooking, I'm socialising and drinking wine.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45Wine rack, yes. Forgot that.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49An integrated dishwasher's very important, I love my dishwasher.
0:33:49 > 0:33:50Dishwasher is a must.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Integrated dishwasher? Isn't he sitting outside with headphones on?
0:33:53 > 0:33:57Yeah! I never thought of him in that way, but you're right.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- Exactly, that's all he is, isn't he?- That's right!
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- We've planned the kitchen, shall we go and see the rest of the grounds? - Yes.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I think she, you know, she likes me in the kitchen.
0:34:05 > 0:34:13- I would be possibly, maybe considering some chap who's sitting outside with headphones on.- Yeah?
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- For this room.- Oh, right. Yeah.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18No, you'd forgotten all about him already.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Does he need another room? I mean...
0:34:21 > 0:34:23What does he need?
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- A study!- I'm trying, Martin.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26I'm trying, Martin.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30But it depends on how many of the rooms that there... How many bedrooms.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32It depends on how many bedrooms there are.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34So, would you have a bedroom downstairs?
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Downstairs? It would be different.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Is this the only bathroom?
0:34:38 > 0:34:41I don't know.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44But, you know, we've got shower, you know? And if this is...
0:34:44 > 0:34:47There's no bath, though, is there? If this is the only bathroom.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52- But if this is just the downstairs kind of shower room, what a great space.- Yes.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55So, bear that in mind.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59And if there is another bathroom this is a real bonus with a bit of modernisation.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- With a bit of... Yeah.- There's a lot of the M word, isn't there?
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- Modernisation.- Oh! Forget my idea about the front room.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10- This is a study. - We have a study for Martin.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Quite a modern man, you'd like a treadmill in your study as well?
0:35:13 > 0:35:15Definitely, and an en suite!
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- What would Martin want in a study? - What does he need?
0:35:17 > 0:35:19He needs a desk, chair, a laptop.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Need a television, of course, to watch To Buy or Not to Buy.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- Yeah, of course.- What else do you need in a study? I don't know.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27A bottle of wine, wine rack...
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- So you want a bit of man space, do you think?- Yeah, it's important.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Up these gorgeous 70s stairs, which I love so much.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- You love, yes. - I do, you know? I really do.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- OK.- Bedroom.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40One upstairs, it's the second bedroom we've come across so far.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- Nice size.- It's a great size.- It is, a nice space.- And look at the view!
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- I know, it's lovely. - She's looking at the view.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47You do have a great view.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Ooh, carpet! OK!
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Looking past the carpet and the wardrobe, and I'm looking at the view!
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Look at that view again from here, isn't it gorgeous?!
0:35:57 > 0:35:59So you knew the area, are we looking across...
0:35:59 > 0:36:01That's the Black Mountains, towards there?
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Bit of a haze today, but must be magnificent on a clear day?
0:36:04 > 0:36:05- Oh, yeah, it's lovely. Yeah. - Gorgeous.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- Yeah.- That is the feature of this house, you can see...
0:36:08 > 0:36:12That's why we came to see it in the first place, because it's in such a great location.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Is this a good place for you guys to live?
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I think it is. It's one that we'd seriously consider.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- What about that?! - It's a good size, isn't it?
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- And then, also, when you put into context that shower room downstairs...- Yes.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25That is a brilliant addition, isn't it?
0:36:25 > 0:36:29You have a downstairs shower room and a massive bathroom up here.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31I think the bath is OK, I think the fittings are OK.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35I would do something, I don't know, do something with that.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- Oh, you don't like a fitted mirrored wardrobe in the bathroom? - Funnily enough, no.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Are we looking at it now with fresh eyes?
0:36:41 > 0:36:44I am. I have seen it with fresh eyes, yeah. I have.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Do we think that Martin will be listening to it with fresh ears?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49I don't know. Wait and see.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51- Shall we go and find out? - Let's go and find out.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58So, you sounded like you were having a good time around the property. Did you enjoy it?
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- We did. - It was really exciting.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- Really good fun. - Enough about you, Simon - Helen.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Fresh pair of eyes going round it again, what did you think?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- You sounded positive to us out here.- I did, yeah.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11I did see it with fresh eyes, I could definitely see the potential.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14We dismissed it before, but to see it again, we could see past the
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- work that needed doing, with a bit of help, yeah.- Thank you.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21- It was good.- And Martin got to see it through your eyes as well, didn't you?
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I did. I think potential is an emerging theme.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- And, yeah, you certainly seemed quite positive.- Yeah.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- Compared to last time.- That moves on to guess the price time.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33It's 2-0 to Helen, it's not worth playing anyway because, you know,
0:37:33 > 0:37:40you must have an idea that this place is on the market for just five quid short of £270,000.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- Right.- Right? So 269,995.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Bearing in mind what it would cost to bring up to the
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- standards that you need, a lot to consider there. - It's a lot to think about.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- We've shown you three different properties.- We certainly have.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- Yes.- You've got to decide which one you'd like to test drive.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- So take yourself off.- Go on, you guys. Have a little think about it.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01And whilst they do that, here's a quick reminder for you at home.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06So we started our Welsh adventure with my choice, a fantastic example of Edwardian splendour -
0:38:06 > 0:38:11three floors, six bedrooms and an abundance of original features
0:38:11 > 0:38:17epitomising the Edwardian era, and a real bargain at:
0:38:17 > 0:38:21For my offering, we headed out of town and to a wonderful new build.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24What it lacked in fixtures and fittings, it made up for with the
0:38:24 > 0:38:29great footprint and the opportunity to personally design the interior.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34Just add a splash of imagination and it's a beautiful home for 275 grand.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39And after something old and something new,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42we borrowed a bit of the '70s for our joint wildcard choice.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46With loads of living space, bags of potential and an indoor swimming pool,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49the question is, will it leave Martin and Helen feeling blue?
0:38:49 > 0:38:52On for:
0:38:58 > 0:39:02Martin and Helen, what a surprise!
0:39:02 > 0:39:05You've decided to test drive property number three, the wildcard,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- a property you had already viewed and kind of dismissed.- Yes.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- That's right, yeah.- Strange world.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13- It really is. - And we like a twist to the tail.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- Yeah.- Now, before you spend a bit more time in this place,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19the To Buy or Not to Buy surveyor has given this place the once over.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22It's not a legally-binding survey and we always say if you did go
0:39:22 > 0:39:26any further with this property, do get all the full surveys done.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- But he's come up with a few interesting points.- Yeah.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31The first thing he mentioned is if you take a look up,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34the dormer roof is actually covered in felt.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40Now, felt has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, so he did say if you were going to go ahead with this
0:39:40 > 0:39:44property, just to get the condition of that checked out.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48And the only other thing he noted is that are a few little cracks in the property.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50It's quite common in a property of this age.
0:39:50 > 0:39:57But the one thing he did really advise is we're in a mining area, so, again, if you did proceed with
0:39:57 > 0:40:02his property, make sure you get a full coal-mining search done, just to be on the safe side.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05But apart from that, he said this is a fantastic property.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- He agrees with us.- So, are you ready to test-drive this baby?
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- Oh, we are. - Get in there and enjoy it!
0:40:11 > 0:40:17- Off you go!- Ooh, shall we go for a stroll through the countryside? - I thought you'd never ask!- Come on.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22So, after giving Helen the house viewing of her life, it's up to her
0:40:22 > 0:40:25to remind Martin of just how good this property really is.
0:40:25 > 0:40:31And it looks like his memory has been jogged somewhat.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33- Now, this bit here is bigger than I remember.- It is.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Last time it seemed a lot more enclosed.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Last time it seemed like you stepped out of there straight
0:40:38 > 0:40:41into it, but it's more spacious than I remember.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43- Room for barbie, room for lots of friends.- Yes.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47How could they ever have dismissed this beauty so early on in their original search?
0:40:47 > 0:40:52On the upside, it looks like Martin is starting to become convinced,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55but will Helen's family and friends give it their seal of approval?
0:40:55 > 0:40:58I reckon they'll be pretty impressed.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01How could you afford it?!
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Don't you worry about that, young man!
0:41:03 > 0:41:09If Auntie Helen wants it, then Martin will just have to get his chequebook out.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13And, of course, the piece de resistance - the swimming pool.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17How could anyone fail to be impressed by that?
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Martin, you've now had a look round this place again, you know?
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- Helen had the tour earlier.- Yeah.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25What's your thoughts, having giving it a second once over?
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Do you know, it's probably more positive than the first time.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Back a few months ago, didn't quite grab me in
0:41:30 > 0:41:35- the way it has today, so yeah, certainly more interested.- Mmm-hmm.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- Good.- So what has grabbed you about the property now?
0:41:38 > 0:41:42I think... I think when we came first, the decor just
0:41:42 > 0:41:46overwhelmed us, but actually to look past that and see the space and...
0:41:46 > 0:41:52Yeah, it just seems bigger an area and not as, oh, in-your-face as it did the first time.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56OK. And, you know, you have said to us all along it is all about the house, isn't it?
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- The right house. And does this place have a good feeling?- Yes.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- Yeah, I think it does. - Yeah, I think it does, yes.- Yeah.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06Anyway, never mind you two, what did the family think?
0:42:06 > 0:42:08So important.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- They were quite enthusiastic.- Yeah.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Seal of approval of my future mother-in-law, which always helps.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18OK, then. So, that all sounds very, very positive.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23It brings us, then, to the ultimate question in our journey.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25To buy or not to buy?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Well... You have pointed out a few things that we
0:42:30 > 0:42:32need to check first, obviously we take that quite seriously.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37I think we need to do a bit of thinking and a little chat with the bank manager.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Come on, then. To buy or not to buy?
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- We'll buy.- It's a to buy!
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Excellent result!
0:42:43 > 0:42:44Is that a good one?
0:42:44 > 0:42:48- Yes!- Just checking, just checking. Well, that's fantastic news!
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Really, really good. Really positive, new start.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- We better get going, then. - What's the rush?
0:42:53 > 0:42:56You need a new frock, I need a new suit for the big day.
0:42:56 > 0:42:57- Of course.- Yeah?
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Good luck with the wedding day. We'll see you there.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- Fingers crossed. - We expect an invite! See you later.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03- Take care!- Bye!- Aah!
0:43:07 > 0:43:12Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd