0:00:02 > 0:00:06With the housing market so unpredictable, make sure you buy a solid investment.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10But pick the right property, and you could find you're quids in.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14I reckon doing work to the house you buy can be a great way of taking
0:00:14 > 0:00:16a giant leap up the property ladder.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21So, I'm on the hunt for Wrecks that will convince our buyers that doing up is the best way to trade up.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25But bargains can be had on even the very best properties,
0:00:25 > 0:00:27so I'm on a mission to prove
0:00:27 > 0:00:31that buying a ready-to-move-into perfect pad is the best option.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35Why go to the hassle of getting builders if you can move straight into your dream home?
0:00:35 > 0:00:39So, will today's home buyers go for one of my renovation projects?
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Or will they choose one of my ready-made homes?
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Today, we're helping a family choose between a Wreck or Ready
0:00:58 > 0:01:03in the budding city of Newcastle, proud capital of the Geordie nation.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08The average semi-detached house in the city costs.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16So our house-hunters today should get a lot of bricks and mortar for their hard-earned dosh.
0:01:16 > 0:01:22Sunderland-based restaurant owner, Romeo, new mum, Claudia, and their four-month-old son, Luca,
0:01:22 > 0:01:28are desperate to find their dream home and they've not yet found anything that fits the bill.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Romeo moved to the UK from his home country, Georgia, ten years ago
0:01:32 > 0:01:36and after settling in Sunderland, he met and married Claudia.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40After years of waiting tables, he's recently fulfilled his lifelong dream
0:01:40 > 0:01:44and opened his own restaurant on Newcastle's fashionable quayside.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47The long hours and the 35-minute drive from Sunderland
0:01:47 > 0:01:50means he's missing out on spending time with Luca.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54And with Claudia having loads of friends in Newcastle, it's time to up sticks,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56rent out their house and buy a big family home.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00But before we can start the search, we need to find out exactly
0:02:00 > 0:02:04what they're looking for and, who's up for taking on a Wreck.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06..and who wants a Ready.
0:02:08 > 0:02:14I am desperate to move house, because Luca obviously is getting bigger every day,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18he's going to toddling around. We're getting under each other's feet.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22A lot of stuff there and not enough floor space for anything else, is there?
0:02:22 > 0:02:24It just overtakes your life.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27The house that we're in now, you come straight into the living room
0:02:27 > 0:02:31and the pushchair is in the living room because there's nowhere to put it.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34So an entrance hallway would be fantastic.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Something nice and quiet because, having a child,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40I would prefer somewhere like a good neighbourhood.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44My ideal scenario to have a lounge that we can sort of keep tidy and keep for best,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48and then have a more open-plan kitchen/dining area.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50And then a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54If there was a possibility for us to extend to make a fourth bedroom,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56I' be interested in that.
0:02:56 > 0:03:02Our maximum budget will be £200,000 and that's including any renovation work that needs doing.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06It's a clear remit. It's a family home they're looking at, they just need more space.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Every single room that we saw there on that video was small,
0:03:10 > 0:03:15so if we can get her extra size in every single room, I think she'll be happy.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17I don't think that we should get a Wreck.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Having a new baby is difficult anyway,
0:03:21 > 0:03:27but I guess most couples, the dad will go to work nine to five and then be back in the house for six,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29but Romeo's at work till midnight.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I personally probably prefer the Wreck one,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36because then being able to do some work.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39I mean, I won't have the time myself to spend some time in there,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42but I've got my dad coming round in this month
0:03:42 > 0:03:46and he's quite a good handyman, so probably he'll be a good help.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49She's absolutely dead set against it, isn't she?
0:03:49 > 0:03:55- If he buys a renovation project, he's going to need a hard hat, not for the work, from her.- Ear bashing!
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Who's going to win?
0:03:57 > 0:03:58I always do.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06No, but now you have to think of Luca, and so you just can't think about what YOU want any more.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10You have to think about what's best for the family.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Well, I might be prepared to give up in the end,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17but I'll fight to the last drop of my blood!
0:04:19 > 0:04:23So, this property search is going to be a real battle of wills.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27And not just yours and mine, Jane. With a new baby, Claudia is dead set against a Wreck,
0:04:27 > 0:04:31but entrepreneur Romeo is on the hunt for somewhere he can add value.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46All for a budget of...
0:04:49 > 0:04:54We're going to concentrate our search in the northern suburbs of Newcastle,
0:04:54 > 0:04:59an area popular with young families, but within an easy commute of the city centre.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02For my first Ready, I'm taking them to the former village of Forest Hall,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04now very much part of the city.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09There are several good schools nearby, so it's an ideal place to bring up Luca
0:05:09 > 0:05:12and any more little 'uns that come along in the future.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15It's all a bit identikit housing here, isn't it?
0:05:15 > 0:05:19It might not be to your taste, Jonnie, but I think it'll suit Claudia and Romeo to a T.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24It's a 15-minute drive from Romeo's restaurant and Claudia's got friends just round the corner.
0:05:24 > 0:05:30The first property I've lined up for them is a three-bed detached new-build-style house
0:05:30 > 0:05:33in a quiet cul-de-sac, on the market for...
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Not much left over in their 200 grand budget then, Jane.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Not a problem, Jonnie, this place is ready to move into.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Claudia wants the hassle-free option.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48There is one compromise - it doesn't have the separate hallway they were after,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50but there's room in the garage.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57So, first property of the day is a Ready, we've come to a new estate.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02What are your first thoughts? It is a detached property, new build in a quiet cul-de-sac,
0:06:02 > 0:06:03so it ticks the boxes.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Nice area, good area, quiet area. it's ideal for families.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09I like it. It's detached, which is a bonus.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13You will find out that this house is as ready as they come, once we go in.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- Come on.- Let's have a look. - This is worryingly promising.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21'Yes, Jonnie you should be worried, very worried.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25'Janie, in my experience what new-build properties usually offer in convenience,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28'they often take away in terms of space.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31'We'll see if that's a compromise they're prepared to make.'
0:06:31 > 0:06:36So straight in to what could become your living space.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41What I really want to highlight in this property is that you don't need to do anything,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44it's all been done for you.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48You basically move your stuff straight in and start enjoying family life.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Segregated sort of living space here with a dining area.
0:06:51 > 0:06:58Added bonus of a conservatory, nice-sized conservatory on the back, and also a good-sized kitchen.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- Fantastic.- Great. I like kitchens.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- Have you not seen a kitchen before, then(?)- No, not really, no.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10I like cooking, so probably my point would be a nice kitchen.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15The thing that immediately I'm concerned about is, again, we've got no real entrance hallway,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- and that's a problem in our current house.- OK.- Having the pushchair,
0:07:19 > 0:07:23I don't see where we could put it, and that's one of the problems we've got.
0:07:23 > 0:07:29'Pushchair aside, this place has got more of the family living space that these guys are desperate for.'
0:07:29 > 0:07:34It's good that we've got a separate space for eating, because that's one thing we don't have now.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38And the conservatory could probably be a multi-use room as well.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42'So whilst the layout's not quite what Claudia wanted, she's warming to it.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46'But Romeo wants investment potential, and so a Ready would have to tick
0:07:46 > 0:07:49'absolutely every box to convince him to pay top dollar.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55'And at £195,000, this place is just five grand under their £200,000 limit.'
0:07:55 > 0:07:57It is almost at the top of your budget.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02Is that something you feel comfortable with because I know that you were keen to add value?
0:08:02 > 0:08:08In the situation we have, I probably would need to compromise, but I have to see the Wreck one first.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13But because of her and the baby, I may be softer this time.
0:08:13 > 0:08:19'Ah, you're a gentleman, Romeo, but I don't think Claudia's going to be fighting too hard for this one.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23'She wants to move straight into her ideal family home, and I don't think this is it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27'You may be right, Jonnie, but I need to hear it from Claudia.'
0:08:27 > 0:08:31What I want to gauge from you is whether you could see yourselves living here as a family.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35You know, it is immaculate, you don't need to do anything to it,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39you've got the nursery all ready there for Luca.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Could you see yourselves here?
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Practically, it is a practical house, we could just move straight in.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Probably I was expecting a bit larger.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52It's quite similar to the house that we're already in.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- Mm.- That's what I'm saying. - This is the problem.- Uh-huh, yeah.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- Is this in a better location than you've got?- Definitely. - So, location ticks the boxes?
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- It's just the size of the property. - Yeah.- There's always a compromise.- Yeah.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Maybe you don't get the detached house...
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- No.- ..maybe we go to a cheaper area.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13We've got to decide. Location, space.
0:09:13 > 0:09:21I suppose if the house was right, then you probably would be willing to compromise on the location.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27So now Claudia and Romeo are seeing the compromise they are going to have to make.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31It's just not Wreck versus Ready, it's space versus location.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35My first Wreck is less than three miles down the road in Cochrane Park,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38an area that Claudia and Romeo like, but the compromise is the busy road.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44Hang on, Jonnie, that's not the only compromise, is it? Claudia won't like the hideously-dated interior.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49Ah, but the good news is that all the original 1930s features are intact.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52This spacious three-bed doer-upper is on the market for...
0:09:54 > 0:09:56..which leaves them 45 grand
0:09:56 > 0:09:59to knock through some rooms and create their ideal layout.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Now admittedly, we're on a busier road.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- Uh-huh.- OK, it's not a main road. This is the house.- It's quite pretty.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- I like it, but I'd change it.- You like it, but you'd change it?- Yes.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Let's hear about how you'll change it inside. Come on.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19'Changing it is absolutely fine, that's the whole point of taking on a Wreck.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- 'You're not paying for someone else's taste.- I'm not sure if this is anybody's taste, is it?'
0:10:24 > 0:10:29This is one of the two fairly-equally-sized reception rooms.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- OK.- Right.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- Interior designer Jane must be loving this!- It's fabulous!
0:10:35 > 0:10:40- So, what do you think about the size here?- I think it's a really good size.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- And is that the living room? - Well, you tell me.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47It's the same size as this, facing the front. You've got a very...
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- an estate agent would describe it as a modest-sized kitchen.- Right.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Personally, I think it's too small for modern families.- OK.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00- I'm suggesting you punch that wall through for big dining kitchen, opening out into the garden.- Uh-huh.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01That sounds perfect.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Good idea.- And then keep a living room for grown-ups.- Yes, quite.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Grown-up business. Uh-huh.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09'Claudia can see that, with a bit of imagination,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'they could get the layout they wanted,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15'with the open plan kitchen/diner, great for the family.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20'Well, yes, but there's going to be months of mess and dust, plus an awful lot of hard work.'
0:11:20 > 0:11:26Do you like the idea of getting your hands dirty and doing the work yourself?
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Probably my dad and her dad.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31I've got no time, but I would love to, yes, I would love to take a part in it.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37I would definitely want to knock through and make it open-plan, that would be brilliant, but...
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- That's the best... - ..avenue, isn't it?- You favour the Ready or the renovation now?
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Yeah, I'm confused!
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Now you change your mind.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- Just space-wise, this is so much better than...- It is bigger.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..than mine.- We have to look past this not so fantastic...
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Close your eyes. - Can you look past that?
0:11:54 > 0:11:59Oh, definitely. I can see the space and the nice big bay window.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05'What a turnaround. All it took was to show Claudia how much more you get for your money
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- 'and she's up for taking on a project.- I can see why she's enthusiastic about the potential,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13'but when she's had a chance to see for herself just how much work
0:12:13 > 0:12:16'they're going to have to do around the rest of the house,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19'I think she'll have second thoughts.'
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Now, I don't think you're going to want to do anything to this bedroom.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- It's lovely!- It is a project, it's a renovation project.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- There's quite a bit needs to be done to make this into a modern home. - Yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:37- I love all this Art Deco stuff scattered around the house. The bathroom has amazing tiles.- Uh-huh.
0:12:37 > 0:12:45Personally, I've done up an Art Deco property before and I kept all the old tiles and made the most of them.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49'Even with Romeo's dad helping out to keep the renovation costs down,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'they'll need a builder for structural work.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55'They'll have to budget 25 grand to refurb the house from top to bottom,
0:12:55 > 0:12:59'but they'd still get their dream family home
0:12:59 > 0:13:02'for around 20 grand less than their £200,000 budget.'
0:13:02 > 0:13:07It's on the market for £154,950.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12However, I know they've had an offer of £140,000 and they've turned it down.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Right.- It's new on the market and they will have a lot of interest.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- This is what young families like yourselves want to get a hold of. - Uh-huh.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23The rooms are all really good sizes.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28I think Jonnie's idea of knocking through the kitchen and dining room would be perfect for us.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30And having the grown-up lounge.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34The only thing that I think concerns me is just the road.
0:13:34 > 0:13:40'So, it's back to that space versus location conundrum again
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- 'I'm not sure you've cracked it for them, Jonnie.- There IS off-street car parking,
0:13:43 > 0:13:48'which means it'll be safe getting Luca in and out of the car.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51'And Claudia's clearly getting excited about the layout.'
0:13:51 > 0:13:57Having the massive kitchen/dining room would be brilliant for Luca cos he'd be able to run around,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01and then the living room separately at the front could just be for us.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- I think I'm warming to it.- Yeah.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07'They wanted child-friendly outside space for Luca to run around in
0:14:07 > 0:14:09'and this property delivers on that as well.'
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Ah, it's a nice-sized garden.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15'Looks like I could be onto a winner.'
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Well, I'm pretty happy with that. - And so you should be.- Mm.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21I think it's perfectly clear what I need to provide.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- What, a renovation project? - No, more space.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Yeah. He's a big lad and he wants a big room, I reckon -
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- I am going to stick with this winning formula.- Yeah, you do that.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Good luck with yours, by the way. You'll need a lot of luck.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37'I wouldn't be so sure. The next property I've found gives them pretty much
0:14:37 > 0:14:42'everything they liked in the last house - apart from, it's ready to move into.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47'It's another three-bed 1930s semi in the same area,
0:14:47 > 0:14:52'on the market for 199,000. So it's still under their 200 grand budget.'
0:14:52 > 0:14:56'Very nice, Jane. The only feature you've forgotten to mention
0:14:56 > 0:15:00'is that, in estate agents-speak, it's described as "not overlooked".
0:15:00 > 0:15:04'Come on, Jane - I know they wanted peace and quiet, but a cemetery next door?!
0:15:04 > 0:15:06'Good luck with that one.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08'I'd rather concentrate on the GOOD points, if you don't mind -
0:15:08 > 0:15:14'this house has got all sorts of mod cons that your place didn't.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16'Central heating, double glazing and a luxury shower.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18'I think it's a no-brainer.'
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- It's very pretty from the outside. - First impression.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Nice low maintenance front yard...
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- First impression quite good.- Good. So do you want to have a look inside?- Yes.- Of course we do.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30'So, it's got that all-important kerb appeal -
0:15:30 > 0:15:33'so I'm hoping that they'll like what they see inside.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36'I think the flexibility to create their own layout
0:15:36 > 0:15:38'really appealed in my last property -
0:15:38 > 0:15:40'something this place doesn't offer them.'
0:15:40 > 0:15:42I do like it...
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- You DO like it?- I do like it, yes, it's sort of nice and open.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I think that I would prefer to have a private living room,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- and a kitchen/diner. - Dining room separately.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54I mean, I do like the double windows
0:15:54 > 0:15:58and the door out onto the garden, it is fantastic...
0:15:59 > 0:16:03..but I just think, thinking practically on how we're going to live our lives,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06I don't know if it would work for us.
0:16:06 > 0:16:12It wouldn't be terrible - but it wouldn't be my ideal situation, I don't think.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Because somebody else has pretty much done all the work in this house
0:16:15 > 0:16:17and you get to move straight into it,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- obviously it comes with a higher price tag.- OK.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24So this is actually on the market for 199. So that's right at the top of your budget.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Uh-huh.- It is. Um...
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Being honest, I probably will change something here.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36I wouldn't say it's just ready, cos it's not like, straight away obviously...
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Yeah. There's no BIG jobs to do...
0:16:39 > 0:16:41No big jobs, but there is some little bits.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Change it to our taste.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Which probably everyone does do, anyway.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50'Well, a bit of redecoration is better than a lot of renovation,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52'especially when you've got a young child to think about.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56'And I'm still confident the layout could work for Claudia.'
0:16:56 > 0:16:58So, Claudia, this is
0:16:58 > 0:17:02a nice big kitchen that looks directly onto the garden - but come round here
0:17:02 > 0:17:07because this space has already been added for you.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Currently being used as a sun room,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- but I think it would be perfect as a play room.- Yeah, definitely.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Directly onto the garden.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17So Luca could be with you while you're in here during the day,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21then as he gets a bit older he can play out in the garden while you're watching him,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24and it means you can keep that other room pretty much to yourself.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Yeah. I like the skylights, and...
0:17:26 > 0:17:29it has a really nice... it has a good feel to it.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Very unusual shape, isn't it? It just gives you a sort of...
0:17:31 > 0:17:33It even makes the kitchen look bigger.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36It could be workable, definitely.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39'So, the kitchen/play room gets a thumbs up.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43'Yes, Jane. But how are you going to sell them that view?'
0:17:43 > 0:17:47And you don't get any problems from the neighbours here, none at all.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Is it quiet?- Fantastic. - There's a cemetery right behind you!
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- Oh, is that why?- They're nice and quiet!- They're quiet, are they?
0:17:54 > 0:17:56No parties at night.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58'Mm. Very sneaky, Jane!'
0:17:58 > 0:17:59I think I'd need to see it upstairs
0:17:59 > 0:18:02before I could make a complete judgment...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05'Claudia's not giving much away here.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08'I'm not sure which way she's leaning on this one.'
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Oh, this is a nice-sized room, isn't it?
0:18:10 > 0:18:12It's big in here, because you've got the...
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Nice built-in wardrobes.- Wardrobes.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18I like the window as well, the window's really nice.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20That goes out like a square bay window.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22So, this place seems to be growing on them -
0:18:22 > 0:18:25and there's the added bonus of a loft conversion,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27which would make an ideal den for Luca.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Well, as long as he doesn't grow as tall as his dad(!)
0:18:30 > 0:18:33It's quite nice, actually. It's sort of cosy.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I can fit a single bed, and a TV, PlayStation...
0:18:36 > 0:18:39This could be your office, I suppose.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Yeah, could become a good office here.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45As long as you close your eyes and don't look on the right-hand side for a little bit!
0:18:45 > 0:18:48'Well, despite their reservations about the downstairs layout
0:18:48 > 0:18:51'I think this house could be a contender after all.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53'I'm not convinced Claudia's in love with it though,
0:18:53 > 0:18:57'and I think Romeo is still hankering after a renovation project.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59'Three houses down,
0:18:59 > 0:19:04'and we're struggling to give them the perfect combination of space and layout on a quiet street.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06'So for my final Wreck, I've decided to roll the dice
0:19:06 > 0:19:11'and take a big gamble on an area that's not on their original wish list.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13'The suburb of Denton Burn is still only four miles
0:19:13 > 0:19:18'from the centre of Newcastle, but it's in the not as sought after western side of the city.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20'That might be a compromise too far...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24'Well, prices ARE a lot lower around here, so I've been able to find them
0:19:24 > 0:19:29'the biggest property yet, and it's on a nice quiet street.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31'If they can see past the location, they get an extra bedroom
0:19:31 > 0:19:35'plus pretty much everything else on their wish list.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38'This four-bed 1966 property needs completely updating...
0:19:39 > 0:19:41'..but at a shade under £150,000
0:19:41 > 0:19:45'there's 50 grand left in the budget to do all of the work.'
0:19:45 > 0:19:47OK - final property of the day.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- I am showing you something a little bit newer.- OK...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Now it was, once upon a time, a semi-detached.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- It's now been joined up, as you can see.- Yeah.- What do we think?
0:19:57 > 0:20:00I think it's nice. It's nice to have a little front garden.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02What's the big man saying?
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Quite good. I think a job's been done already for me there.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Yes.- It's been joined. Some extra room there!
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Don't worry, mate, there's plenty of jobs for you to do inside. - Let's have a look.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15'Claudia's already come round to the idea of a big renovation project,
0:20:15 > 0:20:19'so I'm confident that the less than loved interior isn't going to scare her off.'
0:20:19 > 0:20:24Remember the first place I took you to - we were talking about knocking the walls through...
0:20:24 > 0:20:25I'm suggesting we do exactly the same.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Space-wise, it's a nice big room, and then obviously if you
0:20:28 > 0:20:32knock through into the kitchen, it would be...it would be good.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34There is work to be done, though.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- OK.- And it's pretty much on the same scale as the first place as well.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42You need new wiring, central heating to put in as well.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45So I'm saying, budget for the similar amount to the
0:20:45 > 0:20:49first house, 25 grand, maybe a little bit more because there's more of it.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Right. Is this room next door the same size, pretty much as big?
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- It's slightly bigger.- Oh, great. - It's got a bay on it.- Oh, fantastic.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01This house came onto the market at 159,950.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05It's now been reduced to 149,950.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Right. OK...
0:21:07 > 0:21:08'So, let me do the maths for you.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10'That's 50 grand under budget,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12'which leaves plenty of dosh to do all of the work.'
0:21:14 > 0:21:17I'm trying to give you something almost...
0:21:17 > 0:21:22a duplication of the first house, but with stuff you asked for.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- A bit more room, and a quieter street.- Yeah.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27'Romeo and Claudia originally had a fourth bedroom on their wish list
0:21:27 > 0:21:30'but up till now we've not been able to give it to them.'
0:21:30 > 0:21:35Here you've got second, third... and fourth bedroom here.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Right. - So we're getting an extra bedroom.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- An extra bedroom.- 'It could tip the balance in this house's favour.'
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Now you're up here, now you know you can get your hands on a four-bedroomed house
0:21:45 > 0:21:49and put your own stamp on it, have an amazing kitchen,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52all within budget...
0:21:52 > 0:21:55It is... it is really tempting.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59I think the area is what I need to research more into, cos
0:21:59 > 0:22:02I'm not that familiar with it and it wasn't one of the places
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- that we'd considered looking at first.- Sure.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06But if you get more for your money,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09then maybe area is something that you have to compromise on.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15'So this place has given Claudia and Romeo a real dilemma.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'It's got the potential to make the spacious family home they wanted,
0:22:18 > 0:22:19'and an extra bedroom.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23'Maybe, Jonnie, but buying a house is just as much about the heart as
0:22:23 > 0:22:27'the head, and if Claudia hasn't fallen in love with it I don't think they'll go for it.'
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I'm not...jumping for joy about it.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33I'm not... I don't strongly like it or dislike it.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- And if that's... - The street seems nice enough,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39it's nice and quiet. It's nice that we've got the...
0:22:39 > 0:22:42off-street parking, and the little front patch of lawn as well.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- It is, yeah. Quite pretty. - Makes it feel dead homely.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50'Claudia and Romeo are still torn between space and location, but while Claudia originally
0:22:50 > 0:22:54'wanted a Ready, at least now I've got her thinking about on a Wreck.'
0:22:54 > 0:22:55Hello, Jane.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Hello. Are you basking in glory or sunshine?
0:22:58 > 0:23:01You know what, I think maybe glory.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02- Yeah?- Mm, I'm quite confident.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Oh, well, I'm glad someone is.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09'Our search for Romeo's and Claudia's ideal family home
0:23:09 > 0:23:12'has taken us round the houses and all over Newcastle.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15'We started with Jane's three-bed modern detached
0:23:15 > 0:23:16'in a quiet cul-de-sac.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18'They loved the family-friendly location
0:23:18 > 0:23:20'but the house just wasn't big enough.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24'Then Jonnie gave them this three-bed un-modernised semi,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26'with loads of interior space.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28'It got Claudia considering a renovation -
0:23:28 > 0:23:30'but the only downside was the busy road.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32'Jane's next property, this three-bed semi-detached,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35'was just as spacious, and ready to move into.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37'Unfortunately, they didn't like the layout.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40'And finally Jonnie gave them a fourth bedroom
0:23:40 > 0:23:41'in this extended doer-upper.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44'They loved the extra space, and weren't put off by the work -
0:23:44 > 0:23:47'but they're not so keen on the area.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50'All four properties offer a different compromise
0:23:50 > 0:23:51'on their 200 grand budget,
0:23:51 > 0:23:55'so Claudia and Romeo have got some tough choices to make.'
0:23:55 > 0:23:58You can either tell us your favourite now, or sleep on it.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00I think we should sleep on it.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Sleep on it, I think. - I knew you'd say that!
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- I think you two need to be singing from the same hymn sheet...- Yeah.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08..before you go back and view any property.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- What properties is it out of, then? - I wonder!
0:24:11 > 0:24:14I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's out of the two Wrecks.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- Ah...- And I was the one that wanted to move into a ready-made property.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Fortunately, I have to agree with Claudia.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Renovation time - property number two.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- We liked the Art Deco house a little bit, didn't we?- We did, yeah.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Yeah, but...obviously work needs to be done to it...
0:24:30 > 0:24:35But it had a lot of potential. Only downside however, is the road.
0:24:35 > 0:24:40This last place - quieter road, bigger house,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42slightly unfamiliar area...
0:24:42 > 0:24:45That's the sticking point with this house.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I think Romeo can see a lot of potential in this house, probably
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- more so than with the first Wreck we looked at.- I'll give you that.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56But the area is something that I'd have to research into a lot more
0:24:56 > 0:24:58because it's not one I'm familiar with.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03However, it's got some extension already done to the property. That's a plus.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08Plus we've still got some room to go behind the house, do more extension to it.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14'Well done, Jonnie. In the end, the promise of all that extra space,
0:25:14 > 0:25:16'and the potential to create their ideal family home,
0:25:16 > 0:25:20'has won out over the convenience factor of my Readies.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28'After sleeping on it, next day Romeo and Claudia have decided to go back
0:25:28 > 0:25:34'and have a second look at my first Wreck, the rundown three-bed semi in Cochrane Park.'
0:25:34 > 0:25:39I was initially a bit hesitant about taking on a renovation project.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42I think coming here, Jonnie's sort of inspired me a little bit,
0:25:44 > 0:25:48and having seen a couple of Ready properties that weren't to our taste,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51that didn't give us all the space we needed...
0:25:51 > 0:25:57it just seems to make sense to do something that we really want
0:25:57 > 0:25:59and get the space that we really need.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03We'd have to obviously do all the electrics, rewiring...
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- There's no central heating. - Central heating.- Has to be done.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Replastering the walls...
0:26:08 > 0:26:11New bathroom, new kitchen.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Extension onto the back, probably...
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Knocking a few walls down.
0:26:16 > 0:26:23So really, I mean, we need to figure out exactly how much it's going to cost when you factor everything in,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27cos we don't want to start something that we can't finish.
0:26:27 > 0:26:33'Claudia and Romeo have gone away, totted up the figures, but in the end they've come to the conclusion
0:26:33 > 0:26:39'that with the property needing a complete top-to-toe renovation, it's just too much work to take on.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41'But they're still looking, and Claudia's now up for
0:26:41 > 0:26:46'taking on a project - just one that doesn't involve QUITE so much work.'
0:26:48 > 0:26:52So, after revisiting one of my Wrecks, I think I can put that down as a victory.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54I'll allow you that one. Congratulations.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Good, cos I have just put that down as a victory.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- And join us next time. - On Wreck...- Or Ready!
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