0:00:02 > 0:00:06We all want to find the right property at the right price.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09So, do you invest more time and effort in a wreck?
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Or, do you sit back and relax and enjoy a home
0:00:12 > 0:00:14that's ready to move into?
0:00:14 > 0:00:16I'll search high and low to prove that renovate
0:00:16 > 0:00:19doesn't always have to mean giving you a headache.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22I'm here to find today's couple properties that hit the mark
0:00:22 > 0:00:24without them having to get their hands dirty.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- So will today's buyers go for one of my wrecks?- Or one of my ready's?
0:00:36 > 0:00:41Today, we're searching in an area around 20 miles south of central London.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46West Kent has rightly become known as the garden of England with its green and pleasant pastures,
0:00:46 > 0:00:50abundant wildlife and picture postcard villages.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56With some of the more bustling towns here being less than 20 minutes by fast train to the capital,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59it's also prime commuter country, so the property market here is strong.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03The average cost of a home in one of the pricier locations here is almost
0:01:03 > 0:01:10£345,000, that's almost 35% above the national average.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Looking for anything but an average property are today's buyers,
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Tish, and her mum, Liz, who have a combined budget of £460,000.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Single mum, Tish, currently rents a house with her daughter, Rhana,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and works for an investment bank in the city.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28She's finding it tough juggling a full time job and her duties as a mum.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33Cue her mum, Liz, to the rescue. She's lived in Australia for the last 15 years,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37where the rest of her family are based, but has just sold her house in Perth
0:01:37 > 0:01:42and is moving back to the UK to be closer to Tish, baby Rhana, and Tish's brother, Anthony.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46They're looking for a home that can comfortable accommodate three generations.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Before we start looking for a property that fits these lovely ladies,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53we need to find out exactly what they hope to find.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58And more importantly, see who's up for a wreck, and who wants one of those horrible readies.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Well, who've we got today, then?
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- Well, the grapevine informs me we've got two ladies.- Ooh.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Hi, my name's Tish.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12Currently I live by myself with my daughter, called Rhana Natasha.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13She is 14 months old.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16She's walking now, she's running everywhere.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Being a single mum, doing everything myself,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25working full time, it's very tiring. You've got friends you can talk to,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28but nothing's the same as family, really, at the end of the day.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Upsey Daisy!
0:02:30 > 0:02:37My mother lives in Australia and she is moving back here to live with me.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42Yes, Tish, I'm looking forward to coming back to be with Rhana
0:02:42 > 0:02:48and more so, also to be near you as well, as you bring Rhana up.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50That is long distance baby sitting.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53She's seen my daughter and I suppose it's just that pull of
0:02:53 > 0:02:56wanting to see her grow up and be a part of the family again.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- Can't put words to it. - She's very lucky.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Wow, yeah, that's quite some support.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06We're very desperate to find somewhere to live, a bit bigger.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11The floor space and the house size is just not adequate for us, really.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15My mum deserves a space of her own, really, at the end of the day.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- She is her own person.- Please tell me they don't want a wreck.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Because it sounds as if they've got enough going on.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25My mum wants the wreck, and I want the ready.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28And my mum wants the wreck because she likes the thought
0:03:28 > 0:03:32of having something that's probably got a bit more history,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and then adding a few of our personal touches on top of it.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39I just want something that when I come home from a long day at work,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41it's just there and ready and lovely
0:03:41 > 0:03:44and I don't have to worry about how much money it'll cost me
0:03:44 > 0:03:47if something happens to it, because it's old.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Our budget for this move is 460,000.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55We would like a three bedroom house with an annex.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Doesn't have to be attached, it could be separate.
0:03:59 > 0:04:07My mum's requirements are that she wants to be able to have her own entrance to her area in her annex.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11So very much own lounge, kitchen, bathroom.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- Now two properties almost. - Almost, yeah.
0:04:14 > 0:04:20So, yes, time deadlines are as soon as possible, please.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Realistically, it's essentially a small house and a flat.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25From my side of it, I think the wreck element
0:04:25 > 0:04:28will be the work that needs to be done,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32in maybe separating living areas, so splitting this house up.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34This is such a different kind of task, isn't it?
0:04:34 > 0:04:37I'm looking for a different type of wreck than normal.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40I reckon it's probably our toughest task to date.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- I'm flummoxed.- You look worried. - I'm really worried!
0:04:44 > 0:04:47So to sum up, mum Liz wants a wreck.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49And daughter Tish wants a ready.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53What they're both agreed on though, is that they want a three bedroom main house.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57They also want a decent sized garden for Rhana to play in.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59An annex for Liz, and it has to be within
0:04:59 > 0:05:02easy commuting distance of central London.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- All of this for the princely sum of £460,000.- This is tough.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11If you're looking to try and create two separate living areas, a wreck seems ideal.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14The big issue here is Tish, she's already got her hands full,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18she's a full time mother in full time employment.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22Taking a wreck on will be a huge task.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27Essentially, what Tish and Liz want are two separate living quarters in one.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31But whether I can bring that in on budget is anyone's guess.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I need to focus on finding a renovation project that
0:05:34 > 0:05:37gets Liz excited, but doesn't scare Tish off completely.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Good luck with that one, Jonnie!
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Properties with an already established annex are hard to find
0:05:43 > 0:05:47in west Kent, so I'm having to widen my search by about 15 miles.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50But the location of my first ready, the relatively new town
0:05:50 > 0:05:54of Maidenbower in West Sussex, still has everything
0:05:54 > 0:05:58a modern family needs. A vibrant community of shops and schools,
0:05:58 > 0:06:03plus a direct rail link to the city, so Tish can be in central London within 40 minutes.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06All in all, what's available in this cheeky little number,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10on the market for just under 390 grand, is well worth the extra push.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15It's got three bedrooms, one with an en suite, a gorgeous family bathroom,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18kitchen and dining room, plus the double garage.
0:06:18 > 0:06:24Which has been converted into an attached annex, with its own lounge area and en suite bedroom.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29It's a gamble, but it could pay off if you can convince them to move this far from their original area.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33I really like it. Well, I like the outside of it.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- It's very pretty, it feels very homely.- Really?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- From the outside.- Really?- Yeah.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39And is the area working for you?
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Yes, I think so.- Yeah.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45I like the proximity of the field, that's really nice.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49I saw some playing areas over there, so that's quite nice.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52And with that, there might be other amenities.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- It looks like it's been built for families.- Exactly.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- Every house is a family home, hence the park.- Yes, Exactly.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- It could suit you guys.- It could. - 'There's only one way to find out, Jonnie.'
0:07:03 > 0:07:07So, ladies, I'm going to bring you straight in here.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Because this is...
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- what would be, Tish, your living area. Which is a nice size.- Yes.
0:07:13 > 0:07:19Conservatory onto a small but perfectly formed garden, very child friendly out there.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24It doesn't fill me with warmth, but I think that might be the decor that they've done,
0:07:24 > 0:07:31rather than the actual house. Because it's lovely, it's clean, it's a good space, it's nice and bright.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- No, feels small.- It feels small!
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I knew you'd be trouble!
0:07:36 > 0:07:41The reason why I say it's small is because I thought, "Oh, I can touch that," or not!
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- You can try.- I can try. - You're tiny, though.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- How old is this house, Jane? - It's ten-years-old, so it's a fairly new property.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Low on maintenance.- Yes. - Wooden floors, good to clean.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55To be honest, that's a great plus point for my daughter, definite plus point.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- It looks very practical. - Practical.- Yeah, it is.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- Yeah, I agree with you. Yeah. - That's what I'm looking for.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04'Practically perfect then, Jonnie.'
0:08:04 > 0:08:06'Liz is feeling a bit cramped, though.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- 'Where does she fit in to all of this?'- 'I'm coming to that.'
0:08:09 > 0:08:13OK, so I've even got you a downstairs loo, very practical.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Nice kitchen. Overlooking the garden, Tish, so you can leave
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Rhana to play out there quite safely.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23And then in here, is where Liz will be.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26This is what would be your living area, Liz, so whether you
0:08:26 > 0:08:30wanted to put a kitchen in here, that would be entirely up to you.
0:08:30 > 0:08:37And then this is the largest bedroom in the house, with its own en suite behind.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- Oh, lovely. Like it.- Yeah!
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- It's massive.- I do. I do like it.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Are you feeling a bit jealous? - It's massive.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I think it's a nice space, but what do you think?
0:08:49 > 0:08:52It's still a low ceiling, but I like it. I do like it.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- I love the floorboards in here as well.- Yeah.
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- Let's be practical here, this is clearly a massive bedroom, it's wonderful.- It is.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- Your living space isn't massive.- No.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06The majority of the time, we'll be cooking and living together,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- but it's basically when she wants to have her friends over.- Mmm.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12And she wants to do some entertaining.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14We don't have to cross paths. And same goes for me.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17If I want to have somebody over as well.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21So, it's just on those occasions, to be able to separate.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Let me tell you the price, because your budget's 460.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30- Yeah.- This is actually coming in, it's just shy of 390.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Mmm.- So that gives you... - Room to manoeuvre, then.- Yeah.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- To do things.- Yeah. That's surprising, actually.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- That means I can get a new car, then.- Oh, my...
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- Hey!- Let's vote for that house. - A sports car.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46'The price certainly warmed them up, they sound like two very happy house hunters.'
0:09:46 > 0:09:49'Hang on a bit, they haven't seen the upstairs yet.'
0:09:49 > 0:09:53The only thing that the house doesn't have is any grass outside.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58On my side, the corridor worries me, because I'd like to have a sitting area.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01We'll talk about it, because overall, I like the place, I do.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Yeah, I like it, other than that. I really like it. It's very nice.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10Because this is practical, it's really appealing to them, which makes me a little bit worried
0:10:10 > 0:10:13because to find a project means a lot more work.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17But I think a project might be able to give them a bit more living space for both of them.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- That's what I'm going to try and give them now.- Yeah, maybe.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23What do you mean, "maybe"? Deffo!
0:10:23 > 0:10:26What I am certain of is that to win both Tish and Liz over,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I'll have to spark Liz's enthusiasm for a project, on the one hand,
0:10:29 > 0:10:34but also reassure Tish that it won't cause too much disruption on the other.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37I've decided to bring them closer to London and back to their
0:10:37 > 0:10:39original search area for my first wreck,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42which will drastically cut Tish's commute.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48Orpington, in the London borough of Bromley, is around a 20 minute train ride from the capital.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53It's a town rather than a village location but, like Jane's ready, there's plenty of open space
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- and schools are within a walking distance.- That sounds great, Jonnie,
0:10:57 > 0:11:01but I don't see Liz moving from Australia to a home on the high street.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Ah, well she won't have to.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07This four bed 1930s semi, just outside the town centre,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10is on the market for offers in the region of 390 grand.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14There's bags of potential to make improvements here,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18plus, it's already been extended to include a one bed annexe.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Oh, and unlike the paved paradise at your ready, Jane,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24the garden here is one thing they won't have to touch.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- I like it.- Do you, Liz?- Mmm.- Good.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- I don't.- Ah!- What don't you like about it?- I don't like the outside.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34But I know that I don't have to look at the outside,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37that's everybody else's problem, not mine.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41But, just for clarification here, what don't you like about it?
0:11:41 > 0:11:44I don't like that lace in the windows and the pebble dash.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47I think the lace is putting me off it at the moment.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- We're not asking you to keep that.- No.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54'Definitely divided opinions there, Jonnie, I hope you have more luck inside.'
0:11:54 > 0:11:56It really smells in here!
0:11:56 > 0:11:58It's been empty for a while.
0:11:58 > 0:12:04But, first of all, you've got oak floorboards. Peel the carpet back, sand them down.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06You've got another reception room on this side.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10So, a steel in the wall there, huge reception room.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14Alternatively, you can bring the kitchen into that side of it as well.
0:12:14 > 0:12:21I can see what you can do to this. Take off all this, rip the wallpaper off,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24and put your colours and I think, yes, I can see potential in this.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26And that doesn't scare you at all?
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- No, no, it doesn't.- No? - There's a lot of work to be done.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33It's almost like, I think everything needs to be changed.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Yeah.- So, I'm wondering...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38the dust and that kind of aspect, around a child.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41'You'll have your work cut out convincing Tish on this one.'
0:12:41 > 0:12:45'My plan is for the work to be carried out before they move in.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49'Luckily, Liz is fired up by the potential. Opening up the lounge, dining room and kitchen
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'would cost around 17 grand and take up to eight weeks to complete.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56'And there's still more potential to come.'
0:12:56 > 0:12:58So, now look, I want you to stand right here
0:12:58 > 0:13:01so we can see what I'm going to talk about.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- Look at the size of this garage.- Ah!
0:13:03 > 0:13:07You've got real bonus of a lot of square footage here.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Mmm.- This, Liz...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Is MY living area.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13I'm sticking you in the garage!
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- Oh, I have to have a lot of imagination.- Yes, you do.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- Outside, that's a garage door.- Yeah. - That can be a window, lots of natural light coming in.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27And then you're going to have a living room at the front and maybe an area at the back here.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30And a staircase going up, because there's accommodation
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- for you upstairs as well, this is just your living room. - Ah, great, yes.
0:13:35 > 0:13:41So, sounds like Liz is making the right noises about converting the garage. On top of that,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43with a bit of wily negotiation,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46there might be a bit of a deal to be done here.
0:13:46 > 0:13:52That leaves you around 90 grand to do these much more than cosmetic changes.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Are you willing to take something that big on board?
0:13:55 > 0:13:59I am, I think, because I can see the potential.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01A team of builders should take two months to do this.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- So that's actually...- Not too bad.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Two months is actually quite good. - Yeah, it's good.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Well, well, Jonnie,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10looks like you've managed to work your charms on Tish.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Fair enough, it needs quite a bit of work. To make this home livable,
0:14:14 > 0:14:20it needs a new kitchen, bathroom, windows and a staircase to the upper level,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23but with a potential purchase price of £370,000,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25they should have plenty of change left
0:14:25 > 0:14:28from their budget of 460 grand.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- There's the garden. - Ooh, the garden's lovely!
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- Isn't it?- Lots of grass.- Yes.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36Much better than the last one. We wouldn't have to do anything out there.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Beautiful, isn't it? - Yeah, gorgeous.- Yeah.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- It's really nice. - And this is a spacious room as well.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Yeah, still lots of work.- Yeah.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Right, with one in the bag each, it's time for us to go it alone.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51I'm going to get stuck into finding Tish and Liz a project they can improve on,
0:14:51 > 0:14:53but live in at the same time.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55While the pressure's on me to find the perfect ready
0:14:55 > 0:14:58without compromising on outside space or location.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02They really did love the garden in Jonnie's renovation,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06so I think I'm going to try and find them a little bit more outdoor space
0:15:06 > 0:15:08for the little one to run around in,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11and that may involve finding them a village location.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16Sounds easy, but ready properties are difficult enough to find in best locations as it is,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20even without the added necessity for a self-contained annexe.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Close to Kent and the Surrey border
0:15:22 > 0:15:25is the picturesque village of Tatsfield.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29I think Tish and Liz will love it because it's in an idyllic semi-rural location
0:15:29 > 0:15:32and close enough to where Tish lives now,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35so it shouldn't upset her existing routine.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39But one things for sure, my next ready is a cracker!
0:15:39 > 0:15:42This two-bed semi has literally just come onto the market
0:15:42 > 0:15:44with an asking price of 475 grand.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49Er, Jane, do you remember their budget is 460 grand and they wanted three bedrooms?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52It's all in hand, Jonnie. Liz gets her annexe,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Tish and Rhana can have a bedroom each in the main house
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and there's an extra reception room for visiting guests.
0:15:58 > 0:16:04Plus the vendors would be willing to accept an offer within Tish and Liz's budget.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- That's IF they like it. - Oh, they will.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07Call it female intuition.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- Oooh!- It's lovely.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- It's really nice. - Oh, I like it, look at it.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- It's beautiful.- It's beautiful.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- It's very unusual.- Very refreshing.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22We've got a semi-detached property here.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25That is joined to an annexe,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- which has the one bedroom and lots of space.- Sounds good.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- I want to look inside.- You do?- Yes.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Well, I'm not one to say, "I told you so," Jonnie,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37but...I told you so! Liz might be excited now,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40but just wait till she sees inside the annexe!
0:16:40 > 0:16:41We've got the garage there.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46But more about that later, because this would be YOUR living area.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- Come right in and get a feel for this lovely, light room. - Oh, my god.- Oh, yes.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- Can you see yourself here, Liz? - It's gorgeous.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55- Yes.- Look at the light.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Look at the light. Isn't that gorgeous?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00God, I want to live here. JANE LAUGHS
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- This is really nice. - But you can't.- I know!
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Ah, yes, yes. - Oh, my God, it's lovely.- Very nice.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Of course, it's being used as an artist's studio,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12it has been, so it may need a little bit of money spent on it.
0:17:12 > 0:17:18- Mmmm.- We've had a quote of about £15,000 to put a small kitchenette in here and a bathroom,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- cos it doesn't have the bathroom you require at the moment.- OK.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24But I'd envisage putting that in the back of the garage.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25Yeah, and that's great.
0:17:25 > 0:17:32- And as Tish said, I'll be at her end most of the time.- I think the ceilings are high enough.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- Oh, yes.- Yes. - THEY LAUGH
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- Well, listen, why don't you go upstairs and have a little look in the bedroom?- Yes. I will, OK.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- I'll meet you in the main house in a couple of minutes.- OK.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Oh, great!
0:17:44 > 0:17:46I think I'll be hard pushed to get these guys out of here.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Jonnie needs to be very worried.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51I am, Jane! I'm very worried - that's quite some annexe,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55but, er, adding a kitchenette and bathroom? What's ready about that?
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- Almost ready, Jonnie, that's what it is.- Hmm.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- Oh, my God, look at that!- Excellent.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- So unfair.- This will work.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- That's beautiful. - And lots of windows.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09It looks as if I have to be dressed all the time.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11I should hope so. I'm very jealous.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14It's a beautiful space, really beautiful.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Let's go and have a look at yours. I don't think you're going to get what I've got.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Time to seal the deal by showing you the main house
0:18:23 > 0:18:26with its two bedrooms, bathroom and ample living space
0:18:26 > 0:18:29and of course, the heart of any home - the kitchen.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30I love this area.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Again, I mean, the house seems so bright.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Lots of windows. It's gorgeous.
0:18:36 > 0:18:42That aspect out there is just lovely, and so much space to cook.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46And that is just beautiful, very lovely.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Never ever, ever thought that I would get a range cooker like that,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- so that's very nice.- Listen,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55it is new to the market at 475,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58but the agent has informed us that she does think
0:18:58 > 0:19:01that's a little bit top-heavy for the market and the area,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- so we know that we can bring it in under your budget.- Right.
0:19:05 > 0:19:11- Which should give you then some money to do the necessary works in your annexe.- Yes.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15However, let's not forget there's enough space in here in the meantime for you to live...
0:19:15 > 0:19:21- While that's being done.- Yeah. About six weeks, I think, the work on there.- Excellent.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Um, does that work?- Yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:30I mean, it would... They would need to accept offers cos, as you say,
0:19:30 > 0:19:35we need to probably do some work on her side, more than anything.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- Because she needs a bathroom more that anything else.- That's right.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43So, yeah, I mean, potentially, it's...
0:19:43 > 0:19:48I think so. I think if we need to inject a wee bit of funds,
0:19:48 > 0:19:49yes, I think we will.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54Music to my ears. Liz is willing to dig deeper if she needs to because this one is over budget,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58so if Tish can work with having two bedrooms, it's in the bag.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02I think with this property, we would have to adapt ourselves to it,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- although it's not hard, it's quite lovely.- Yeah.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11I think with the second property, the property would have to adapt itself to us
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- because we could make it exactly what we want.- Yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18Hear that, Jane? My wreck is still very much in the running.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20I'm not going down without a fight.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21For my final property,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25I'm going back to an area Tish and Liz have already rubber stamped.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28On the outskirts of Orpington, where my first wreck was,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30is the leafy suburb of Petts Wood.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35Although it's not as close to the town centre, there are the usual array of handy amenities
0:20:35 > 0:20:39as well as a direct 25-minute train link to London.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42So that's the area sorted. Now to find the perfect project.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Don't worry. I've not lost my marbles.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49I do, however, think whilst today's property went well,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52reading between the lines, Tish was a little bit daunted.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Perhaps I need to show them something that she can move into right away,
0:20:56 > 0:21:01but improve to make more living space for both of them, maybe later on.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03And that's exactly what they can do here.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05It's a three-bedroomed detached house
0:21:05 > 0:21:08on the market for just under 430 grand.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- And not a dash of pebble in sight. - Much better, Jonnie,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15but it's no wreck. What's the story?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18That's a fair cop. The main house is pretty much there.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20It's Liz's annex that needs the real work.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25There's a double garage and several outbuildings ripe for renovation,
0:21:25 > 0:21:30so Liz gets her project, Tish gets a home that's almost ready
0:21:30 > 0:21:33and they can both move in while the work's being done.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34Perfect.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- What do you think, Liz?- Dark.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- Oh, God. - THEY LAUGH
0:21:38 > 0:21:40I haven't got onto the house yet.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- Oh, you know, that's wood.- Right.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44I'm not sure, not sure. Hmmm.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Good. That's a fantastic start(!) Let's go inside.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Oh, dear. It's obviously not that perfect, Jonnie.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54I don't think they're ready to move to the dark side just yet.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Once inside, we've got a living room at the front,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59another reception room to the side.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04You can see straight away, it's not a project like the first one.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06I think this is more cosmetic.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10Yeah, I think it needs a lot of updating. It is quite dark.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- Yes.- I don't know whether that's just because of the wood.
0:22:13 > 0:22:19I don't think it is. I just think it just needs...a bit of updating.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21A bit of a better touch.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23OK. This isn't going as well as I'd hoped.
0:22:23 > 0:22:29The reason I've brought you here is quieter road, detached...
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- Yep.- ..massive garden, and initially, at least, less work.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36You could move in here,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39but the work is to be done in the annexe again.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43You're converting the garage and an outbuilding.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- The outbuilding already has a kitchenette in it.- Oh, right.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50We've had a very rough estimate from a builder.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52We're talking around 30 grand to put a stud partition in,
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- fit the kitchen and the shower and bathroom there.- OK.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00The house itself is on the market for just shy of 430 grand.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- OK.- OK. 430.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Right, that surprises me.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I'm sure for the space it is, that it's worth that amount.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10I suppose I'm surprised,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13purely because of my taste in the decor.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16But it's very solid and within,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19the space is excellent,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21but still too dark.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- Is there light at the end of this tunnel, Jonnie? - I'm beginning to wonder.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26Aw, look at it.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28This is very cosy.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I just don't get the same feeling.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33As in the other place? As the last place, yeah.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34OK, let's go to the other...
0:23:34 > 0:23:38So, it looks like I've fallen at the last hurdle.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40But what a race it turned out to be.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Today we've been searching to find the perfect home
0:23:43 > 0:23:45for three generations of the same family.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49They loved the turnkey appeal of my first ready,
0:23:49 > 0:23:50but in the end the garden size
0:23:50 > 0:23:53and lack of space for Liz turned them off.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Liz's face lit up when she saw the potential of my first wreck,
0:23:57 > 0:24:00though Tish initially had issues with its lack of kerb appeal.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05My second ready really hit the spot, all but for a few minor tweaks.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09And my final wreck would have meant less work for Tish and Liz,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11but they just weren't feeling it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15So time to find out which property, if any, they want to go back to.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Will it be my wreck? - Or will it be my ready?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20By the time I saw the second one,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23I thought I was bananas having said yes to the first.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26It was chosen more with you in mind, actually.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28I know you wanted the idea of a project.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Yep. I still like that aspect of it,
0:24:30 > 0:24:35but once we saw the third property, that sort of fell out of the way.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- Mmm.- Because why would I wait three months
0:24:37 > 0:24:39when this could do the trick now?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Do you think the same, Tish?
0:24:42 > 0:24:43I was very surprised by your choice
0:24:43 > 0:24:48because I found myself liking the thought of moulding a house
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- and I loved the garden and the little conservatory bit as well.- Yeah.
0:24:52 > 0:24:58- But when we got to see the property after that, I realised, actually, this is what- I- envisaged
0:24:58 > 0:25:01and it had every aspect of the property you looked at,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03but it was already there.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07So I think it's pretty safe to say that my ready is the favourite?
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- Yes, I think so.- Yeah, I think so.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Very safe.- Well done. - Good.- Yeah, well done.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Would you like to revisit that one, is that the one you want to see?
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- Yeah.- Yes, I think we'd like to. - Definitely think so.- We'd like to bring my son, Anthony.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25Just to see if we've missed anything that could be improved on the property that it already is.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Almost immediately, another viewing of my second ready was arranged
0:25:28 > 0:25:34so that Tish's brother Anthony could offer his support and give it the family seal of approval.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Wow, look at this place!
0:25:36 > 0:25:39That's amazing! Just look at all the woodwork and the size.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44- And again the light, right? I mean, it's just... - I mean, again, the light, again.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- It's just incredible. - It's amazing.- What a space!
0:25:46 > 0:25:52So after a good look around, would Anthony be happy for his mum and sister Tish to live here?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54To come and visit them in a place like this...
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Well, anyone with a mother will know that's very important for both of us.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00So that's all the family now on side.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03How do Tish and Liz feel after seeing the property again?
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Here they are now. They're going to hopefully have a decision for us.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Hi, Jane.- Hello. - We still really, really love it.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Good.- We've decided that we'd love to make an offer on it.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17That's really good news. I'm so glad you still love it.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21They asked us to put in an offer of £430,000.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25That's 30 grand under their original budget of £460,000.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26If, like Tish and Liz,
0:26:26 > 0:26:30you're thinking of making an offer below the asking price,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33you're in a better position to negotiate if you're a cash buyer,
0:26:33 > 0:26:37you're chain free and can be flexible about when you move in.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44So what about Liz and Tish?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47I'm ecstatic to say that Tish and Liz have had an offer accepted
0:26:47 > 0:26:49on that wonderful ready you showed them.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54And thanks to some nifty negotiation on your part, Jonnie, we brought it in well under budget.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- So join us next time on Wreck...- ..Or Ready.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:19 > 0:27:22E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk