0:00:03 > 0:00:07Deciding where to put your cash in an uncertain property market
0:00:07 > 0:00:11has never been tougher, so where does the smart money go?
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Do you max out your budget and buy a home that's ready to move into?
0:00:15 > 0:00:19Or find a wreck for less and turn it into the home of your dreams?
0:00:19 > 0:00:22I think why have all the hassle of DIY
0:00:22 > 0:00:24when you can buy a dream home from the start.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29But I'm convinced the smart move is to be bold and buy a project.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31So I'll show today's couple homes,
0:00:31 > 0:00:35that with a bit of imagination, can be turned into the perfect fit.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37But I'm here to win them over by showing
0:00:37 > 0:00:40properties they can move into without having to lift a finger.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45So can I convince them to go the extra mile and buy one of my wrecks?
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Or will they take easy street and go for one of my lovely readies?
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Today we're searching in an area to the east of Maidstone,
0:01:02 > 0:01:07the county town of Kent, just over 60 miles from London.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Kent is known as the Garden of England,
0:01:09 > 0:01:13with its open countryside, rambling orchards and iconic oast houses.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18It's also prime commuter belt, with much of the London working masses
0:01:18 > 0:01:24choosing it as the perfect semi-rural retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27But that sort of convenience comes at a price.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Detached homes in the county cost on average £394,000.
0:01:31 > 0:01:3412.5% more than the national average.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Today's house hunters are financial services worker James,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43stay at home mum Sarah, and 15-month-old Xavier.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48They currently rent a four-bedroomed house in Rochester, which is ideal for James' commute to the city,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51but now they want to buy somewhere close by.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55They've got a generous 580 grand to spend on a dream family home,
0:01:55 > 0:02:00but they've also got big ideas about what sort of property they want.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Sarah's originally from California, and the couple lived in the US
0:02:04 > 0:02:07for two years, so they're used to property on a grand scale.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Super fit James and Sarah share a passion for competing in triathlons,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15so ideally they'd like to be near good sports facilities.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19So before we can kick start the search we need to find out
0:02:19 > 0:02:22what else is on their wish list and see who wants a wreck...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24..and who wants a ready.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26OK, are you ready?
0:02:26 > 0:02:32- Here we go.- Hi, my name is Sarah and I am a super mommy.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34My name's Jim, I work in financial services.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38We have to move out of this rental and the thought of moving into
0:02:38 > 0:02:43another rental, it's just like, it's kind of beyond us at this point.
0:02:43 > 0:02:51The thought of committing to another year of un-passionate living is just kind of like not really in us.
0:02:51 > 0:02:58We're very keen on having a real open plan, American kind of living space downstairs, lots of light.
0:02:58 > 0:03:04The kitchen as it is, is becoming really, really, really bad for Xavier, because when he was younger,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08it didn't matter that he was sitting in the high chair in the corner of this kitchen,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11but now that he's older he wants to eat with us
0:03:11 > 0:03:15and it's just not a sociable environment at all,
0:03:15 > 0:03:21so it just doesn't work and we really, really need to get a space for us to eat together as a family.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24I can see the kind of house they want in my mind.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26It's got a big kitchen diner and it's got a flow to it.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29We definitely have to have four bedrooms.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I mean none of us, including James, has any family nearby,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37so we really have to have accommodation for friends from out of town.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Most people live away from their families, so they need
0:03:41 > 0:03:44bigger houses in order to have somewhere for them to stay.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49The house we buy just has got to have a load of storage, so we can buy lots more triathlon stuff.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51We really want a garden.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54One that we can have a vegetable patch in.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I just want space to build tree houses with Xav and
0:03:58 > 0:04:02put a full size goal up and teach him to take free kicks.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Even although we like character properties, if they feel
0:04:05 > 0:04:09like a cave, I don't think we're going to be interested in that.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14In all honesty, I think I'm probably more akin to getting a wreck of a place.
0:04:14 > 0:04:20We would want to do a wreck because we just like, we really want to put our stamp on something.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23I think Sarah, while she wants a wreck, she probably wants
0:04:23 > 0:04:26the wreck to be finished within six months, so she's living in a nice ready.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29We need somebody that has expertise on a wreck that can say
0:04:29 > 0:04:33this is how much it's going to cost, this is how much time it's going to take, you know?
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Are you prepared to do that? This is is how much value it might add.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41And on the other side, look this stuff's already been done, you know?
0:04:41 > 0:04:46You're going to love it, you could just put your things in here and go off and work out because
0:04:46 > 0:04:51there's a gym down the road and all. Everything that you guys want is already in place.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Like a fairy princess, you know. - Maybe you are the fairy Godmother.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58It ended on a high there for me, didn't it?
0:04:58 > 0:05:01I've got two people that are open-minded about doing a wreck.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04They've got a good budget and I think I know the kind of house they want.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I can see walls coming down.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08I'm quite happy with this one.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Yeah, I mean, I might well find them something that's not quite
0:05:12 > 0:05:15as open plan as they would like but ready to move into,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17and, as you said, it may involve knocking a wall down.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- How do you feel about that? - Well, I think you're cheating.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Thought you might say that.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27And cheats never prosper, Jane. So, to sum up, James is up for a wreck.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32And Sarah is too, as long as it can be transformed into a ready quickly enough.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35What they're both looking for is a detached house.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37With four bedrooms.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Big open plan living spaces.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42And a big enough garden for Xavier to play in.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45All of this with a budget of £580,000.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49That's a lot of money but round here you need deep pockets to
0:05:49 > 0:05:52get everything on your wish list, so will this be tricky.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55There's plenty of modern open plan readies to choose from
0:05:55 > 0:05:59but often they lack the character James and Sarah are after.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Whilst chocolate box cottages with renovation potential are often short on space.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08So the first couple of properties we show James and Sarah should
0:06:08 > 0:06:14give us an idea on which features they're prepared to compromise on and which ones are must haves.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18House buyers are often turned off by features that they hadn't even considered,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21so it's just as important to find out what they don't like.
0:06:21 > 0:06:27For my first wreck we're heading to the beautiful village of Ryarsh in the heart of the North Downs.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30There's a wide selection of properties to choose from here and
0:06:30 > 0:06:34although it's semi-rural there's a pub and a school in the village too.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Mm, Sarah and James are competitive triathletes, remember.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40This place looks very sleepy, not sporty.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Ah, but it's only three miles away from the lake where they train
0:06:44 > 0:06:47and it's a good test to see how much stamina they've got
0:06:47 > 0:06:49for a renovation job.
0:06:49 > 0:06:55This four-bed 17th century cottage is on the market for £575,000.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59The low ceilings and old-fashioned layout means that the rooms do feel small,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02but character properties with the potential to be opened up
0:07:02 > 0:07:05into a more modern family home do come at a premium.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Now then, the first offering today for the family home
0:07:09 > 0:07:13for Xavier, James and Sarah is this quaint country cottage.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Looks like an oil tank.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22I have to say that the pipes on the outside are a little off-putting,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- but other than that. - What do you think of...
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Yeah, actually it is an attractive plot, I like it.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31It looks like you could make a nice vegetable patch somewhere.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- There's a vegetable patch... - Love the trees for him, he loves climbing.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37There's an acre of ground here, so plenty to romp around, Xavier,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40but it's a bit rubbish weather, so let's look inside, shall we?
0:07:40 > 0:07:41Yes. Perfect.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44'Hate to rain on your parade, Jane, but I think they like it.'
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Okey dokey. In we come.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- OK.- Sarah, what do you think?
0:07:52 > 0:07:58It feels really small and like James is going to hit his head.
0:07:58 > 0:08:04In America, this is a closet, in England you get a big sofa in it.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Well, look, I'm suggesting this is going to be part of your kitchen.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Oh, OK.- Kitchen in there, you've got a stable door and then
0:08:11 > 0:08:15open that wall up, not a big job, cos it's only a stud partition,
0:08:15 > 0:08:20then coming through here. Look, Xavier's already in the kitchen and he absolutely loves it.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Yeah, he loves it! Well, that would be good then, yeah.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29If this is part of the kitchen, that seems quite spacious, I think that would be pretty good.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31I'd need to see a bit more of the layout just to understand
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- what could be knocked down. - OK, well, through here
0:08:34 > 0:08:38is the living room. Now, you will have to mind your head.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- You...won't.- I won't.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45This is the original part of the house, I'm told 17th century, so you get a lot of history here.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51- Oh, wow, that's nice. - OK, so the whole house at the moment is a four-bedroomed house.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55I'm thinking it will make a three-bedroomed house. Amazingly for a 17th century property
0:08:55 > 0:08:58it's not listed which is an absolute rarity,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01which means you have the flexibility to do stuff, whilst you own it.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04I think there's a lot of work to be done.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Yeah, there's loads of work to be done in this place.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11But I do like the feel of it, I like the look of it.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15I guess I'm really enthusiastic about spending the money if we get more back
0:09:15 > 0:09:19and it's an investment pound and not just a pound for pound.
0:09:19 > 0:09:25Yeah. It's right at the top of your budget at £575,000.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29You've got to be looking at spending 25 odd grand on this place at least,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31just to get it up to maybe modern standards,
0:09:31 > 0:09:36but I would say every pound that you save in negotiating the price,
0:09:36 > 0:09:37you spend on this house.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41I have to admit, though, just feeling-wise,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45I'm not 100% sold yet, just on the couple of rooms we've seen.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48'So this place hasn't wowed them inside,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52'but the cost of property in this part of the country means that
0:09:52 > 0:09:55'there's not much left over for the renovation work.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58'Opening up the downstairs space, fitting a new kitchen
0:09:58 > 0:10:02'and installing a new bathroom will cost at least 20 grand,
0:10:02 > 0:10:07'so to keep this project on budget they'd have to negotiate hard on the asking price.'
0:10:07 > 0:10:10I actually feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount of work.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14I feel maybe it's a little bit over-priced,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17because there's a tremendous amount of work that has to happen.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22The grounds and the concept are better than the internal rooms.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25I don't feel like this will turn into our dream home.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30'And that's my dream of them going for this wreck shattered too.'
0:10:30 > 0:10:34There, there. Allow me to lift their spirits with my first ready.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38We're leaving behind the nooks and crannies of Jonnie's wrecks
0:10:38 > 0:10:40and heading five miles south to King's Hill.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44A relatively new development of landscaped parkland covering 800 acres.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48This highly planned community is based on similar developments
0:10:48 > 0:10:52in the States, so it should feel familiar to Sarah.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54I'm not seeing much character here, Jane.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Agreed, but what you do get is a lot more space for your money.
0:10:57 > 0:11:04This four-bed, two bath detached house is on the market for £595,000.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08It's 15 grand over budget, but it's been on the market for a few weeks
0:11:08 > 0:11:11so the price could be negotiable.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15There's a good sized kitchen and diner, a lounge, a dining room,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19plus a large secure garden, ideal for Xavier to run around in.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23He's been tired out by my first property, so he's gone off for a nap.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Mum and Dad won't rest, though, until they've found their dream family home.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- Looks very quaint.- Oh, you like. - It does look very quaint.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36Well, I've taken you out of the countryside, into a new residential development
0:11:36 > 0:11:41and what I wanted to gauge was your first reaction and quaint, I think's quite good.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Whoa, mine was quaint!- Yes.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46No, yours was quintessentially quaint.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- This is just quaint. - Spacious, that's what I'm getting.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52So location, is it working?
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Not normally, no, we wouldn't have looked here on our own at all.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- But the location on an estate is probably...- Not sure about that.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- Doesn't float the boat. - 'Sounds like you're sinking with this one already, Jane.'
0:12:04 > 0:12:09'Not so fast, Jonnie, just wait till they see inside.'
0:12:09 > 0:12:16So, this property is probably the most ready made property you'll ever find.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18You've got this beautiful country kitchen,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- which you probably weren't expecting. - No, it is beautiful, actually.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- I can imagine myself cooking in this kitchen.- Look at that smile.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29One thing about our property that we're in that I absolutely hate
0:12:29 > 0:12:34is not being able to play with Xavier when I'm cooking.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39There's plenty of room to play in here, you can have a football match if you wanted to.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- You like this style?- I actually do. - Do you?- Surprisingly I do.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49I mean it's not exactly what I would have chosen myself but, you know, it's hard to complain.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52OK. Well, the reason I did bring you here is because it is
0:12:52 > 0:12:55the biggest plot on the whole estate, this property.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58I would tell everybody as I'm walking round!
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Ah, we've just moved in to the biggest plot on the street.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Why does that not surprise me?
0:13:03 > 0:13:05'So things are looking up a bit.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08'The space is beginning to win them around.'
0:13:08 > 0:13:12'I'm not sure if living in an executive style box is going to tick their boxes.'
0:13:12 > 0:13:16And then into a rather grand living room.
0:13:16 > 0:13:23- Yeah, um, I have to say it is very cookie cutter.- What does that mean?
0:13:23 > 0:13:24Yeah, translation please.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Like everybody's place, you know.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- And that doesn't work for you.- Um, it doesn't really tickle me, no.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34This estate was built with the family in mind, you're surrounded by families
0:13:34 > 0:13:39and for a couple that are relatively new to the area, that could be perfect for you.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Not only that, you're ten minutes away from the lake that you currently swim in,
0:13:43 > 0:13:49you've got cycle tracks all the way round, there's a gym on site, it couldn't be more family friendly.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52Definitely convenient for our current lifestyle.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57This has been on the market a little while and the asking price at the moment is 595.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00For me, there's not much of a spark.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03OK, well you've got to feel a home, men have to feel a home too.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Oh, thank you. Very nice. - We'll give them that.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08We are sensitive, me and Jonnie.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Oh, is that what you call it?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Shall we have a hug somewhere cos it's not happening for us. Come on.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16I think I should show you round upstairs.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Well, I'm glad we're all feeling the love, but I'm confused,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23they're changing their minds which each part of the house they see.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Maybe they need time to bash it out between themselves.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32I'm not a fan of the property, but I am a fan of the lifestyle.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37Yeah, I mean you can imagine how much time we would have on our hands to actually
0:14:37 > 0:14:40enjoy all the amenities that we've talked about,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43going on bike rides, still going to the lakes nearby.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46OK, it sounds like James isn't feeling this property,
0:14:46 > 0:14:51but they do both love the access to the great local amenities.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54So it's time for me to go it alone and find a ready in the perfect
0:14:54 > 0:14:58location and that has much more of an individual wow.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02But this is my chance to pip you to the post with my second wreck
0:15:02 > 0:15:06and show them that the best way to personalise a home is to fix it up themselves.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10I have a sneaky suspicion that Sarah's a bit daunted with all
0:15:10 > 0:15:13that work, so this afternoon I want to show them something
0:15:13 > 0:15:17with a lot less work and a little bit more space.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Less than three miles from Maidstone is the village of East Farleigh.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25I think it offers Sarah and James the perfect location
0:15:25 > 0:15:27because it has the semi-rural feel
0:15:27 > 0:15:31but is still well connected to all the facilities of a busy town centre.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34The village itself has a lively community too
0:15:34 > 0:15:37with bags more individual character than your ready, Jane.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Not style over substance though I hope, Jonnie.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44Well, you know me, Jane, I'm all about the substance
0:15:44 > 0:15:47and this three-bedroomed house on the market for £490,000
0:15:47 > 0:15:50is ripe for renovating and knocking through.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54But has it got the four bedrooms James and Sarah asked for?
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Not yet, Jane, but as well as the three double bedrooms,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00lounge, kitchen and conservatory,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03there's also two extra rooms with a double garage.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05That's just screaming guest annexe to me.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Well, all this noise has woken Xavier up, so you've got
0:16:08 > 0:16:12the whole family to impress on this one, Jonnie. Good luck.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14We love the area, for sure.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Big fans.- Eh, now listen, what do you think of this, mate?
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Yeah.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Yes, he's got his hands up, he loves it. Let's go inside, come on.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26'Thumbs up all round I think there, Jane.'
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- OK, in we come.- Oh.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34Now keep this space in mind, keep it in your mind, we'll go straight into the kitchen.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39Straightaway I'm talking about pushing this through and making an American style kitchen.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Oh, really big, that would be really big. That would be nice.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Because at the moment, Jonnie, it does feel like a men's changing room,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49which not many kitchens feel like that.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54No, but, just think, push that wall through and that will be a big dining kitchen,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58an island in the middle and that would go into the conservatory as well. You could even...
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- That would be really nice. - Pull the conservatory back here,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- so you have a massive dining kitchen. - Yeah, yeah.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08In order to get this dream kitchen, are you prepared to take on a bit of a project like that?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Of course we are.- Yeah, that kind of project would be fine,
0:17:11 > 0:17:15in fact it seems a lot less daunting than the first place we saw.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19I just don't know why, maybe I'm completely wrong.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23But just, maybe because I can visualise it better.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26'Result. James is excited about a potential project,
0:17:26 > 0:17:32'Sarah's not daunted by the amount of work and baby Xavier is deciding where his den's going to be.'
0:17:32 > 0:17:35'And how much is that little lot going to set them back?'
0:17:35 > 0:17:39'Well, to knock the wall down between the current kitchen and dining room
0:17:39 > 0:17:44'would cost around £10,000, including all new fixtures and fittings.'
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- 'But what about the fourth bedroom?' - 'Yes, Jane, I'm coming to that.'
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Now when you start to convert downstairs.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54We're above the garage here. I think they've missed a trick.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59If they put a bathroom in downstairs, you've got not only guest accommodation,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- but self-contained guest accommodation.- Yeah.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- If your folks come over, they're not coming for a weekend.- No.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08They're coming for a long time, so they can come in and out as they please,
0:18:08 > 0:18:12they've got their own space away from you, but you can share meals.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14That is really actually amazing.
0:18:14 > 0:18:21I think it is, it is that whole lack of character thing a bit,
0:18:21 > 0:18:26that I'm having a little bit of trouble getting over but at the same time,
0:18:26 > 0:18:31your idea, to knock down that wall, like, wow, that could be a dream come true.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36'Hear that, Jane, my first wreck wasn't their dream home but this could be.'
0:18:36 > 0:18:38I'm not feeling a no here at all here, but...
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Maybe Xavier has decided about it, Xavier, do I get a high five?
0:18:42 > 0:18:45If I get a high five from Xavier. High five?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Oh, that's a good sign.- It's a done deal. Shall we just go home?
0:18:48 > 0:18:49'There's another great deal to be done here.
0:18:49 > 0:18:55'Converting the extra rooms into a fourth bedroom or annexe would cost around ten grand,
0:18:55 > 0:19:01'that's a total of £20,000 for all the renovations this house needs to make it work for Sarah and James.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04'Plus, it would take around five weeks to complete.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09'It would also mean them coming in around 70 grand under their budget of £580,000.'
0:19:09 > 0:19:12The good thing about this place is the right location
0:19:12 > 0:19:14and they've got it on for the right price.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Like we could bling this place up big time,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20because we'd have lots left over.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Would you, would you pimp the annexe?
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- SHE LAUGHS - Pimp it out, yeah.
0:19:25 > 0:19:32'Well, that's an unusual approach to renovation but if they get the crib they're after, then why not?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34'Time to give Jane the heads up on how the viewing's gone.'
0:19:34 > 0:19:38They can see the potential although I've got a sneaky suspicion
0:19:38 > 0:19:40they've got one foot still in the character pocket,
0:19:40 > 0:19:45so if you can show them anything with character, I think you'll certainly get Sarah on board.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47'Well, thanks for the tip, Jonnie.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51'The trouble I'm having though is that big open plan readies
0:19:51 > 0:19:56are traditionally not the most characterful, or have already been extended to meet
0:19:56 > 0:20:00a modern family's needs and as a result will command a premium price.
0:20:00 > 0:20:06For my final ready, I've chosen a village Sarah and James should love.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Trottiscliffe, or "Trozli" as the locals call it,
0:20:10 > 0:20:15is home to good schools, a tennis club and two pubs.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20Plus, it's less than 15 minutes from the lake where Sarah and James train for their triathlons.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24This impressive four-bedroomed, detached and extended bungalow,
0:20:24 > 0:20:29on the market for £595,000, should get their hearts pumping too.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34It is over budget by 15 grand but I've been told the vendors are open to offers.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39I do think it would be well worth the extra push though,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42because it's the biggest property we're showing Sarah and James today,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45with over 3,000 square feet on offer.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49There are four bedrooms,
0:20:49 > 0:20:53three bathrooms, a large kitchen breakfast room,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57a sitting and family room, plus a very grand entrance indeed.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Great for tinkling the ivories, Jane, but will it tickle their fancy?
0:21:01 > 0:21:05It's certainly got the character they're after, so let's see.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10So I got the impression that living on an estate wasn't really
0:21:10 > 0:21:13doing it for you, so I've brought you back into the country.
0:21:13 > 0:21:19Village right on your doorstep. You can walk to the local school, tennis courts, village hall, two pubs.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Is it doing it for you so far?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- Yes, definitely.- Bang on the money. Like it. Yeah, really nice.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Do you want to have a look inside then?- Absolutely.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32'Could they be any more enthusiastic?'
0:21:32 > 0:21:34'Oh, wow.'
0:21:35 > 0:21:37'Apparently so.'
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- This is going to give you an idea of the dimensions of this whole house. - All right.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Wow!- Is it working for you, Xav? - Lots of space.- Yeah.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Let's go straight through to the kitchen.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51Cos this is just the most amazing kitchen.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53What do you think?
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Oh... I know you're containing your excitement.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59So you wanted a really wow kitchen, didn't you?
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Yeah. This is really good.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06This is really nice and even more my style, I think.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07It's scarily good, isn't it?
0:22:07 > 0:22:12Yeah, I know it's like, oh, man, it's almost like we did it ourselves.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15It's on the market at 595. So they're after a quick sale
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- and you're in the position to offer them that.- Yeah.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22So there could be, you know, a little negotiation there to be had.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24I wouldn't say a huge amount, because somebody is
0:22:24 > 0:22:27very interested in the property and they've had an offer.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33'I couldn't have asked for better reactions and they don't seem to be put off by the asking price,
0:22:33 > 0:22:38'but they'll need to move quickly if they like the rest of the house, with another offer on the table.'
0:22:38 > 0:22:42This is your living room, behind we've got a play room.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45On this level you've also got the fourth bedroom.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Yep.- OK.- I'm definitely feeling it, that's for sure.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Yeah.- I mean, my heart's feeling it, but.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56Me too, there's definitely... There's wow in every corner.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59'Well, you've finally got the wows you're after, Jane, well done.'
0:22:59 > 0:23:04'I'll just pat myself on the back whilst they explore upstairs.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Oh, this is a great size master bedroom, isn't it?
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Oh, my gosh, it's like really big.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13And it already has mood lighting.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Is that for your moods? - Yeah, for my moods.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19It feels like a country cottage but it's quite a modern house.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22This place is perfect. I mean, honestly, it's perfect.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24We're going to have to have a chat, I think.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29A chat about how much to offer, Sarah? Good girl!
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Hasn't been an easy journey though.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37No, Jane, I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever find something that covered all the angles.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42A perfect character home to rival the dimensions of what Sarah and James were used to back in the US.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Not sure I pulled it off with my first wreck, either,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48which had character but lacked space.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51And my first ready had the space but it lacked character.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Mm. My second wreck got James' creative juices flowing though, and
0:23:56 > 0:23:59even Sarah didn't seem daunted by the renovation work.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00My final ready worked
0:24:00 > 0:24:03because it's all the best bits of today's properties rolled into one.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05But with an offer on the table,
0:24:05 > 0:24:10they'll need to move quickly if they like it enough to want to buy it.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- Nice place.- It is nice, isn't it? - What do they think?- They loved it.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Really loved it and they've gone upstairs.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- I'm interested to see their final response, but it's going well. - They're coming out, let's find out.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Hello.- Hi.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- Found the playground, then? - Yes, we always do.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33I seem to remember getting high fives off Xavi in my last place.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37We had our heads really spinning at that last place because it was something of a compromise.
0:24:37 > 0:24:43It was a bit in between, it wasn't too much of a wreck we couldn't live in it when we first got there.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46But at the same time there was lots of potential for
0:24:46 > 0:24:49changing it and making it well maybe a bit like this. That's the thing.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54I thought the first two houses were maybe they were a little bit over-priced
0:24:54 > 0:24:58and then the second two properties, I feel they're just about bang on the money.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Yeah they did, they feel like what they're supposed to be.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04So then I brought you here, and you fell in love with it
0:25:04 > 0:25:07from the moment you walked through the door and what's not to love?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Before that I think. Just when you see it, when you walk up the drive,
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- it just looks, the colours of the front and...- It's so lovely.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16That's the perfect word, I love that English word.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18It's lovely. It's exactly it.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23I'm afraid to say, mate, best till last. I'm sorry.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26I've got to say, I've just walked through the living room.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- No surprises.- Don't blame us.
0:25:28 > 0:25:34This place is almost the version of the place I showed you, the finished version.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Yeah, I thought that myself.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40This place is what you end up with after you've done a wreck.
0:25:40 > 0:25:46Listen, if you do buy this place, I'm afraid Xavier gets the slide but I think that could be Jane's house.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52'Charming, but it does look like you've found yourself a new friend there, Jonnie.'
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Me and him.- Ah, that's lovely. - We're the team.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Jane, you're sacked.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02'And you're just sore because they chose my ready.'
0:26:02 > 0:26:04'But did they decide to go for it?'
0:26:04 > 0:26:07After yesterday and sleeping on it for a night,
0:26:07 > 0:26:12we really settled on property number four, surprisingly.
0:26:12 > 0:26:19And we'd like to make an offer on it that is below the asking price see if they accept it.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23If they do, everybody's golden. If not, we need to do some more research.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26But by the time Sarah and James decided to make their move
0:26:26 > 0:26:31another offer had been accepted on my final property and it was taken off the market.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35That's a shame. They really liked that place.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38They did. It just goes to show that gorgeous ready properties
0:26:38 > 0:26:41at the right price don't stay on the market that long.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Let's hope they'll find something just as good, if not even better.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- Wishing them all the luck and join us next time... - ..on Wreck or Ready.