0:00:02 > 0:00:06Negotiating a steady path through today's property minefield has never been tougher.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09One road could lead to the home of your dreams...
0:00:09 > 0:00:10And the next to a financial cul-de-sac.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15So is it really safer to splash your entire budget on a ready-made home?
0:00:15 > 0:00:19Or is it possible to get everything you want in a Wreck you do up yourself?
0:00:19 > 0:00:23With a bit of imagination, I believe that you can get a property
0:00:23 > 0:00:26that's ripe for renovation and turn it into the home of your dreams.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Yeah, yeah, but not everybody loves DIY, Jonnie.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Why not pay a bit more to find a home that's perfect
0:00:32 > 0:00:34from the moment you open the door?
0:00:34 > 0:00:40So I'll be showing today's couple properties that are ready and can be homes without the hassle.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44But I'm here to prove the potential rewards are worth the effort for renovation.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49- So with so much at stake, will today's buyers go for one of my Wrecks?- Or one of my Readies?
0:00:57 > 0:01:03Today we're searching in the South Cotswolds, an area spanning five English counties.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's home to the archetypal English village,
0:01:05 > 0:01:07with its rolling, picture-perfect countryside.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10The Cotswolds are so sought-after, that they've been
0:01:10 > 0:01:15relatively unaffected by recent fluctuations in the property market.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18A detached house in one of the premium villages
0:01:18 > 0:01:21goes for a pricy 489,000.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25That's almost 29% above the national average.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28And with such high property prices, we could be in a bit of trouble
0:01:28 > 0:01:32finding today's couple, Matt and Emma, a property on their budget.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36They've got 400k to spend on their first family home,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39where they can bring up their up their one-year-old son, Alexander.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43The couple moved to Australia in 2005 but, after four fantastic years,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47decided to move back to the UK and be closer to their folks.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Emma worked in risk management before emigrating to Oz,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54and now runs a business consultancy service from their rental home in Almondsbury,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56a village just north of Bristol.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01It's a handy location, because Matt also commutes every day to Filton, near Bristol,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05to work as a management consultant for the family business.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09But before we can help them get out of rented and settled back in the UK,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11we need to find out exactly what they want in their new home.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14And see who's up for a Wreck...
0:02:14 > 0:02:16And who wants a Ready.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Now apparently,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- Emma and Matthew today.- Lovely.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Let's have a look, shall we? - Hi, my name's Emma.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- Hi, my name's Matthew.- We decided to move out to Australia because
0:02:27 > 0:02:31we'd just got married and fancied a new start somewhere different.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36So Matt was asked to take a job working for an aerospace company in Australia and I managed
0:02:36 > 0:02:42to tag along and get offered a job at the same company, and we were out there for a total of four years.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47I think the turning point was, we had a young family out there, our son.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52That was the catalyst to say, we've enjoyed it, we've had a great time, but now let's migrate back.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- It's obviously all about the family, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58My ideal scenario, I would probably lean well towards a Wreck.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02I'm keen to make my mark on a property.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07Yeah, but the realities of living in that when you've got a toddler running round...
0:03:07 > 0:03:09It's huge, the implications are huge.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Something we could just move into and decorate a bit would be just be perfect.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17Our budget for this search really is 350,000 to 400,000.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22Having been in Australia, we really like the open-plan lifestyle that goes along with that.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24For me, I'd want some off-street parking.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Minimum of three bedrooms. Preferably more.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Ideally, detached property.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33We're obviously looking for as much space as we can, for the growing family.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38I'd love an en suite, into the main bedroom, which we don't have at the moment.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Safe environment and a really village-y environment is what we're looking at.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47I think if we had a choice, we'd prefer a period property, with more period features.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49What comes with period features, though?
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- Small rooms.- Exactly, and they've just said open-plan.- Yeah.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- Large, spacious, airy rooms.- Mm-mm.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Not necessarily period, is it?- No.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00That's a first compromise, I reckon.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04And the budget would have to include the work, if we're buying a Wreck.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07It would have to be something we could live in for the time being,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10if it was going to take us to our maximum budget and that we could then work on,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12over the next few years.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- So an ongoing project.- Well...
0:04:14 > 0:04:15- If a project at all.- Yeah.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17They don't sound...
0:04:17 > 0:04:20They're quite green, in fairness, aren't they...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23They don't sound like they've done a DIY project before and loved it.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27I want to be able to take a property, do the work to it and say,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29"This is how we want it and it's perfect."
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- Do you really think we've got the time to do that? - That's a very good question.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Maybe if we got something... Maybe a new kitchen or a new bathroom
0:04:36 > 0:04:40would be much more practical than trying to rip off the back of a house,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43build another storey or do big renovation work.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48The cards are stacked towards the Ready, just with experience and what have you.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53Yeah, I think so, but whether I'm going to be able to give them
0:04:53 > 0:04:57the space they require within their budget, is another thing altogether.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01I think they're open-minded, but they're going to need their hands held.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Yeah, I think, and you're the man to hold their hands, Jonnie.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Well, I like holding hands, you know, I'm a friendly guy. Come on.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12So, to sum up, Matt wants a Wreck and Emma wants a Ready,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15but they're both looking for a detached, open-plan house.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17With a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20In a pretty village location.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24And a maximum of 40 minutes' drive from North Bristol.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27They also want a garden big enough for children to play in.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31All within a budget of £400,000.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35They've been spoilt in Oz by big spaces and open-plan living,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38but Emma wants that in a ready-made home, without doing any work.
0:05:38 > 0:05:45And cottages in the Cotswolds are often big on character, but tight on space, so for their budget,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47open-plan Readies aren't going to be easy to find.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52Not without a bit of work, anyway, and I might get that... off Jonnie as a result.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- But I'm sure it'll be worth it. - You will get that off me as well!
0:05:55 > 0:06:00Renovation projects are my domain, but in this area those with enough convertible living space -
0:06:00 > 0:06:03and in Matt and Emma's favourite villages - are few and far between.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05So I'm going radical with my first offering.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09It'll also test Matt's mettle as a rookie renovator.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14Brace yourself, because this derelict village house is clearly in need of a total renovation.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17And is on the market for just shy of 300 grand.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21That's only 100 under their budget.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25With the amount of money that needs spending here, Matt and Emma will get a rude awakening.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29But this might be the only way I can begin to match their budget
0:06:29 > 0:06:31with such a specific list of requirements.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Wow, I'm speechless. You're playing right into my hands, Jonnie.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Just think of all the potential, Jane.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42It sits on an acre plot and has about a 200-square-metre footprint,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46so room for four bedrooms and as much open-plan living as they can handle.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Plus, it's only 35 minutes to Matt's work, so if the location works,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53this long shot might just hit the target.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Matt and Emma, welcome to Leonard Stanley.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- I love that name. It's great, isn't it?- It is.
0:06:59 > 0:07:06What I was really looking forward to showing you was your quintessential
0:07:06 > 0:07:10English village. You've got a primary school.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- Latest Ofsted report put it down as outstanding.- Excellent.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19- There's a baby-and-toddler group that meets up on a Wednesday.- Good. That'll be mine.- Good, good, good.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Football, cricket clubs, church, and most importantly, there's a pub.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Brilliant.- Brilliant.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Yet it's only around, what, 35 minutes from where you need to be.
0:07:28 > 0:07:29- Yeah.- Excellent. - How good's that?- Great.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- First impressions, yes. - It's really nice.- Very positive.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- Prices in this village are at a premium, OK.- OK.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- Right.- So deep breaths. Let's go and have a look at the house.- OK.- OK.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Yeah, they better breathe deep, because this place is a shocker.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Oh, no!
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Wow.- There's, er, no roof. - It's a project.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Matt, you asked for it...
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Yeah, and he's going to get it as well!
0:07:54 > 0:07:56It's Emma's nightmare, potentially.
0:07:56 > 0:08:02It is daunting. I mean, certainly looking at it, it's certainly beyond any of my skills.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- Yeah, I'd say so.- We've still got to see the whole property, but certainly the potential in size...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- I mean, the end result is going to be a big family home.- Yes, it is.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15It's on the market for...
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- just under £300,000. - Right.- Really? Wow.- Mm.
0:08:19 > 0:08:26- Now, the agent has tipped the vendor to say they probably should be looking at more like 250ish.- Mm.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28The guy that owns it is a builder.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32He bought it initially to try and develop the back garden.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34That consent has been declined.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- Right.- So he now wants to offload it, but he will build it for you.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39- Oh, OK.- Oh, OK.- That helps.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- He's put costs in at around £200,000.- Right.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- So at the moment, we're looking at potentially 450.- Emma?
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Is that too much for you?
0:08:50 > 0:08:52I have visions of living in a caravan for the next two years,
0:08:52 > 0:08:57with children and pets and stuff, while we're trying to make something ready to live in.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01What did I tell you? It's Emma's worst nightmare come true.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06Give her time! If they're willing to grasp the nettle, this could be the ultimate labour of love.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11There's a lot to take on here and the sting is that it pushes their original budget.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15We've been quoted in excess of 200 grand to renovate,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18so on top of a potential purchase price of 250,000,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22that's 50 grand more than the 400 they wanted to spend.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Similar properties around here sell for up to £500,000,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29so they shouldn't be out of pocket when all the work's done.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- Certainly got massive potential. - It's just the money.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35I'm concerned it's going to cost a fortune and we'll run over budget.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37See, I told you!
0:09:37 > 0:09:42There's no doubt this place is a big ask for them, and it would push them over budget.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46But opportunities like this one are as rare as hens' teeth.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50I know what you're saying, but I think it was a project too far for Matt and Emma.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55Time for a nice soothing Ready, I think, and they don't come much readier that this,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57four-bedroomed, '70s detached house.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00On the market for just under £360,000.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04I thought they wanted to live in the Cotswold dream.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06That is no period stone cottage.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11No, but it is a perfectly functional family home on the outskirts of Yatton Keynell -
0:10:11 > 0:10:13a beautiful English village.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18As compromises go, and given the price of open-plan Readies in this area, it's not bad.
0:10:18 > 0:10:25The village is also home to a pub, post office and shop, a doctor's surgery and a good primary school.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30Plus, it's under 40 minutes' drive from North Bristol, so easily commutable for Matt.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33It looks like a good-sized family house.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Garage for Matt, which was on the wish list.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Fields out the back, so it seems like a nice quiet cul-de-sac.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43What about the style of it? It's a style I've not seen a lot of before.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- No, it's, different. - What would you say it is?
0:10:45 > 0:10:50It's certainly a period style. It's whether you like that period or not.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Harsh, Jonnie, but at least I'm offering them a roof over their heads,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57which is more than you were with that Wreck.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02OK, it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's got four bedrooms,
0:11:02 > 0:11:08a partially open-plan living area and a large south-facing garden, perfect for little Alexander to play in.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Besides, the village is quintessentially Cotswolds,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14and properties here are selling like hot cakes.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Very droll! Let's hope they've got asbestos fingers.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18Right, Emma.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- There's a cloakroom just out in the hallway there.- Right.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25In terms of being a Ready, this is as ready as they come.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28It's been done very well.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32So you've got a nice, big open-plan space here.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- It looks lovely. It's nice to have somewhere to eat in the kitchen.- Yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40This looks like a good practical house, in terms of just being able to move in, carry on with life,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42without having to worry about everything else.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- That's my girl! It's practical, we like practical things, don't we? - Exactly.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51Practical is one thing, and Emma might be buying it, but Matt's not saying much.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53You don't like it very much, do you?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56I'm yet to be convinced.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Let's...- I know, I know those signs.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00..see what's up stairs.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- It's got a bathroom here.- Bathroom.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- And what looks like a kid's bedroom. - Oh, perfect.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I think he just needs to get to know the place a bit better,
0:12:08 > 0:12:13and wait till he hears the good news about the price.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Dare we ask how much this is on for?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Well, you might be quite surprised actually, cos this is coming in at £40,000 under...- Really!
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- ..your budget, just under 360. - Now you like it, don't you?!
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- Does that bring you over to my side a little bit more? - I'm still sitting on the fence.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34It is a very nice property but I'm not, I'm not getting the real feel from it.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38But look, I mean, it doesn't look like a Cotswolds house, to me.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Now I'm not trying to put words in your mouth,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45but I want to learn from you to see where we go next.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Mm.- Now I've shown you, OK, a complete Wreck.
0:12:48 > 0:12:55- No!- But it was character, an acre of land in the centre of a beautiful little village.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Yes.- This...is practical.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- Move in straight away, but it's smaller and doesn't have that character.- Mm.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Now, where you both figuring here?
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- I think we need the perfect mix of the two.- Yeah.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- Oh!- I know, I know, but... I guess I'm with Matt to some extent that the house is lovely
0:13:13 > 0:13:19and practical, but not necessarily getting the warm, fuzzy, "this is our home forever" type feeling.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22For me it doesn't actually... Once you're inside it's not as big
0:13:22 > 0:13:24as what it looks from the outside.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30- Oh, OK.- Whether that's because of the flow or the openness about it, the open-plan...
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- Mm.- I'm not getting that feel that once we had all our furniture in,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38and Alexander, and the usual destruction that comes with it.. We might be tripping over...
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Right.- ...ourselves a little bit.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Oh, dear, looks like it's back to the drawing board for both of us.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48I reckon for my next Wreck, it needs to be maybe the halfway house
0:13:48 > 0:13:51between this place and the place I showed them this morning.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- Yeah, that was a little bit much, but it was gorgeous.- Wasn't it just?
0:13:54 > 0:14:00It was, it was amazing, but for me, I think location is still really important.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Maybe I'll try and find them something with a bit more character. Wouldn't go amiss.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- Probably halfway between both of our houses, then!- Yeah.- Good luck. - Yeah, Good luck.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10It's time to divide and conquer.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13This area is so sought-after, that even with a healthy budget
0:14:13 > 0:14:17of 400 grand, they're going to have to make some compromises.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21But if the perfect Ready is out there, I'll find it.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26I'm still disappointed they didn't go for my derelict village house, but I'm determined to find Matt
0:14:26 > 0:14:30a project that he can get his teeth into, without biting off more than he can chew.
0:14:30 > 0:14:37So many times I think big is beautiful, but after Jane's last Ready, I don't think it's the size,
0:14:37 > 0:14:43I think it's how useable the space is, so I'm now focusing on a house they can create their best
0:14:43 > 0:14:49open-plan kitchen/dining experience possible, but also has a community feel, and I think it's right here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51So, I'm taking us to Avening.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56It's slightly further away from Matt's work, but they've all but ruled out the two properties
0:14:56 > 0:14:58we've shown them closer to North Bristol,
0:14:58 > 0:15:02so I'm hoping it's worth the extra five-to-ten minute drive.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04It's still got the Cotswold village feel they want
0:15:04 > 0:15:08and has all the local shops and amenities a family could need.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10And look at this - they've even hung out the bunting for me!
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I think that's actually a village fete, Jonnie!
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Or maybe they're celebrating my next property,
0:15:17 > 0:15:21a modern stone-clad house on the market for £295,000.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Whilst it's not a total Wreck, it will need some hefty development,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27to bring it in line with Matt and Emma's needs.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- OK.- Looks big.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- Yes, it's a good size.- Uh-huh.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Right.- I know you liked a bit of character...- Yeah.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36..but you seemed to also like Jane's Ready.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41- Yeah.- So it's a modern house, yet with the Cotswold stone facade. - Good stuff, OK.- Yeah.
0:15:41 > 0:15:49- Now I am suggesting that we extend this house and refurbish it at the same time.- OK.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52You can move into it straightaway, but there's a real opportunity here.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Look at next door. Next door's house has been extended.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58That shows you've got an established precedent.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- The planners should be quite amenable for you to doing exactly the same.- OK.- Right.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- Next door's house is on the market for offers around £420,000.- OK.
0:16:07 > 0:16:13- Right.- This house is on the market for 295,950.- Oh, really?
0:16:13 > 0:16:16All right. Well, that makes it a more interesting prospect.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Huge opportunity. - This is a great opportunity.- Yeah.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21If I'm in Jane's camp, I'm saying, "Look, you know,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24"if you like it, buy next door, it's ready to move into at 420."
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- This place, you can do it exactly how you want.- Perfect.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31With 100 grand change.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- New extension, that could cost you 40 grand.- Yeah.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37And then you can refurb it to how you want it to be.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40There you go, it's your grand design.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42It's very... I'm intrigued, yeah.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46I have to admit it sounds good, Jonnie, but what horrors are lurking inside?
0:16:46 > 0:16:51Well, sorry to disappoint you, Jane, but all it really needs is a bit of updating.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53The structure to me looks sound enough.
0:16:53 > 0:16:59It's got space, light and four bedrooms, plus, look at those killer views.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04Best of all, it makes good financial sense. The asking price is 295 grand.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06The extension would cost 40 grand or so,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09and out of their original budget of £400,000...
0:17:09 > 0:17:13that leaves them with 65 left over to bring this place right up to date.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16I hear what you're saying, but I don't think Emma is going to want to
0:17:16 > 0:17:20start building new extensions with a toddler running around.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Righty-ho!
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Now the kitchen.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27First area we're going to change, isn't it?
0:17:27 > 0:17:31It's not quite the same with all the mod cons as the last one, is it, really?
0:17:31 > 0:17:37No, but I think, unlike Jane's Ready, this could genuinely be opened up into a fantastic room.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Follow me.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44I'm quite interested in hearing what you want to do with this space.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48It's very bright. The whole house is very bright. It's open.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51You can certainly lose the wall there and get the flowthrough.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53I was expecting more work to do.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55You're improving this house.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Now if you did that extension, then you'd have your office
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- on the ground floor at the far end of the property.- Yeah.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06And upstairs, that gives you the opportunity to put an en suite bathroom up there.
0:18:06 > 0:18:12- Nice, like it.- I'm thinking you could do this and extend it with change from your budget.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Yeah, but still cost less than the one that's on sale next door.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Yeah.- And then you've got something that suits YOU.- Yeah.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- Yeah.- It's doable, isn't it?
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- You don't seem daunted, which... - No.- ...which impresses me.- No.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26I really like the elevated position.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27I do have concerns with the garden.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30We're obviously on a sort of tiered plot.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- With the hills. - There's always a compromise.- Yeah.
0:18:32 > 0:18:38But certainly, again private garden, some lovely views across the valley, so yeah, fantastic in that respect.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Yeah, you said it, Matt, this project will be a compromise - mostly for Emma.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Catch you in a minute. Now let's not jump the gun here, Jane.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49The garden aside, I think they both rather like this place.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54I've got a pretty good feeling about this one, and there's plenty of room upstairs.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57I'm really torn with this house.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00It's very bright, it's got the feel...
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Mm.- It feels bigger than it is.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05It feels bigger than the last house, though I don't know if it is,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- but maybe the layout just makes it feel more spacey.- Mm.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14It's still a lot to do, to put our mark on it but...
0:19:14 > 0:19:15- But it's doable.- Mm.- It's nice.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- Yeah.- Not what I would have picked on paper.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Hear that, Jane? Do you think it's worth going to your last house, or should we just call it a day here?
0:19:24 > 0:19:29All right, Irwin, I admit you did a good job selling that place, but I've been busy too.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32And my hard work has paid off.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35I've found them the ultimate Ready and it's a beauty.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40It's a stone village house, for sale at £420,000.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42It's 20 grand over budget,
0:19:42 > 0:19:48but I've been told that the owner would consider offers above 380 grand.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52It's in the village of Hullavington, which is just over 30 minutes away
0:19:52 > 0:19:53from Matt's work in North Bristol.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56So it takes the prize for the shortest commute.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01Other than that, it's got all the stuff we've come to expect from these beautiful Cotswold villages.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07There's a pub, a post office, a church and a village shop.
0:20:07 > 0:20:14- So far, so normal.- Yes, but it does have the distinction of being one of Matt and Emma's favourite villages.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18They've driven through it, loved it, and, I quote, "would love to live here."
0:20:18 > 0:20:21If they like this house, I may have this all sewn up.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24There's certainly a lot of space out the front.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Yeah, keen to see inside.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Are you getting this, Jonnie?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Matt's liking my Ready. Get in!
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- Cloakroom to the left.- Mm.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37In here,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40a really large living space.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- Yeah, it's good.- Now I want you to picture this, with your bits in.- Mm.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Yeah.- Maybe a little playroom through there, for Alexander.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Yeah. Can see that definitely. Positive? Yeah.- Yeah.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55But let's carry on out here, cos this is why I think it's going to really work for you.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- You wanted open-plan?- Yes.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05- Ah.- So we have the kitchen, the dining room, the living room and they all back onto the garden.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- Perfect.- And there's also a utility room, so...- Ah, good.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Let me know your thoughts. - I like it, yeah.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14I think it's a lot better than the other Ready that we saw,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- in terms of what we're after, and the space and the flow is...- Yeah.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19...a surprise actually, it's great!
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- There's some really big furniture in as well.- Yeah.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27So once we got ours in, which is a little bit smaller, it's certainly going to feel even bigger as well.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30From what I can peek at out the back, it looks like a good garden.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33It's a really nice-sized garden. Do you want to go out and have a look?
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Yeah.- Yeah. - Come on then.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40Got to hand it to you, Jane, I think those might be the best reactions we've had all day.
0:21:40 > 0:21:41Good space out here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- It is much bigger than the last property, isn't it?- Mm.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48But it doesn't stop there, it goes on another third.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Right.- It's a great-sized garden.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54How does this compare with the last Wreck that Jonnie showed you, and the garden?
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- I think, certainly, the garden's a lot bigger.- Mm.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59But it's more enclosed and safer.
0:21:59 > 0:22:05- Yeah.- So, yes, this is a lot better garden than the previous property we looked at.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10Well, I'm really pleased you like the garden, cos I think it's fantastic and could really work for you.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12It's got everything you need here.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15In terms of distance to your work, Matt, just 35 minutes' drive...
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- OK, yeah.- ...max, to Bristol, so a great location.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23But you probably want to know how much damage it's going to do.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25OK, it is over your budget.
0:22:25 > 0:22:26- It's on at 420.- Right.
0:22:26 > 0:22:32- Right.- However, I wouldn't be showing it to you if I thought we couldn't bring it in under that.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37- Great.- I have spoken to the agent and he's assured me we could get it in for under four.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- Fantastic!- It's been on the market a couple of months, there haven't been any offers.- Right.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44They're probably quite keen to see some movement.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- So does that sound good?- Positive, yeah.- It does sound good, yeah.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48It was actually built as a four-bed.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Right.- It's now three.- Right.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55You could reinstate that easily with a stud wall. That's your project.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- OK, OK, yeah, certainly four bedrooms is the need...- Yeah.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- But yeah, I'm glad there's something that can be done.- Yeah!
0:23:03 > 0:23:07Hang on a minute, splitting one big room into two smaller ones?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Well, I admire your bravery, Jane!
0:23:09 > 0:23:10Well, there's method in my madness.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15They still get their three bedrooms, plus a dedicated space for Emma to work in.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Yeah, I suppose you just put the wall back in...
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- Yeah.- ...between the two windows. - But it would make this room...
0:23:21 > 0:23:24really only suitable for a study, wouldn't it?
0:23:24 > 0:23:29OK, hands up, this property is a bit bottom-heavy, but I'm hoping Matt and Emma
0:23:29 > 0:23:32will think it's big enough for their expanding family.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35And that's been our aim throughout today's house hunt -
0:23:35 > 0:23:39to find the perfect family home in a fantastic village location,
0:23:39 > 0:23:45so Matt and Emma can finally unpack their boxes after moving back to the UK from Australia seven months ago.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47So your aim wasn't to scare them off with your first Wreck?
0:23:47 > 0:23:52That roofless ruin was a step too far, but it did give me a good idea
0:23:52 > 0:23:56of how far Matt and Emma were prepared to go for the perfect home.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59And my first Ready was a write-off too,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02even though it was in a fantastic location.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05It didn't quite have the Cotswold character they were after,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07and Matt said he wasn't feeling the flow.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10My second Wreck was all ABOUT the flow.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12It was modern, but still had that character.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16And I managed to stay in the race with my final Ready.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20Both Matt and Emma cooed over the amount of downstairs space
0:24:20 > 0:24:22and the child-friendly garden.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25what I want to know is have either of us done enough to claim victory?
0:24:25 > 0:24:28It's now all down to my final Wreck.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- Or my final Ready. - OK, two gone...- Yeah.- Two down.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37- My next Wreck, bit more of a halfway house.- Mm.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42- What do you think about it now?- I liked the feeling that we got from the house, even though it wasn't
0:24:42 > 0:24:44what we'd have picked on paper, I suppose
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- but it had a nice fee, and I think that's cos OF the light and flow through the house.- Mm.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- I was trying to find you more usable space inside the house.- Yes.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56I think, yes, I think certainly with the proposed extension, it would
0:24:56 > 0:25:01give you everything we were looking for, but for me the garden didn't...
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Was the killer on that property.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- And the commute. - Yeah, and the commute.- Ooh, so...
0:25:07 > 0:25:09I thought I was there!
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I thought I was there! I was getting the champagne out.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Well, that leaves us with this beauty.
0:25:13 > 0:25:19- Yeah.- In a beautiful location, with a beautiful garden, with an amazing open-plan downstairs.- Yeah.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- And then you went upstairs and what, what? Tell me!- Yeah.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- Not really enough space, to be honest...- Yeah.- It's quite narrow round the hallways,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- and putting the wall back in is going to make two very small bedrooms...- Mm-mm.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36..and then two bigger ones, and we really need at least three workable bedrooms and a study,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38if not four bedrooms, really, so...
0:25:38 > 0:25:42as much as we love the location and the garden, it's fantastic.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46So out of all of the four properties you've seen, which one would be your favourite, do you think?
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- I think it has to be this one. - This one, yeah.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Yeah, I'll take that as a win! Thank you very much. Sorry, Jonnie!
0:25:52 > 0:25:53That's good. No, no...
0:25:53 > 0:25:55I mean, actually it's good for you guys as well,
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- because now we've got an example of something that was close.- Mm.- Yeah.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05- And you can compare houses that you find in the future with this.- Yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Maybe just the upstairs let it down.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- We're getting close. We're getting to it.- Good. That's a really good sign, and we wish you luck...
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Thank You.- ...in finding your new home.- Happy house hunting!
0:26:14 > 0:26:19And don't forget, you've been to Leonard Stanley! Get a badge!
0:26:19 > 0:26:22So the next morning Matt and Emma decided to go back
0:26:22 > 0:26:25to the village of Hullavington, where I showed them that last Ready.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27And even though the house didn't quite work, Jane,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30I think you may have come up trumps with the location.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34We've seen a few for-sale signs as we've been walking around,
0:26:34 > 0:26:39so keen to explore and get a few more viewings, and pick up where Jonnie and Jane left off.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41So, a partial victory for me.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44A big project was just too much to handle at this stage for them,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48They're now looking for a Ready in one of the locations I showed them.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51That's the thing about Wrecks - they're not always the most practical option.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55They might seem a great idea, but this was a young family we were dealing with.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- So, join us next time on Wreck... - Or Ready.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:04 > 0:27:07E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk