0:00:02 > 0:00:06Choosing the right property in a difficult market is harder than ever before.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09So do you pay top dollar for a perfect pad?
0:00:09 > 0:00:11I believe it's worth paying the extra
0:00:11 > 0:00:13in order to find your dream home.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Or do you take a chance and renovate a ruin?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18I think the smart move in today's market
0:00:18 > 0:00:21can be to buy a wreck and add the value yourself.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25It's a tricky decision and there are no second chances.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29So will today's buyers be brave and opt for one of my wrecks?
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Or will they play it safe and go for one of my readies?
0:00:40 > 0:00:46Today, we're searching in and around the ancient market town of Woodbridge in Suffolk.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49It's on the River Devon, just nine miles from the sea.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53The property market here on the coast is stronger than in neighbouring areas,
0:00:53 > 0:00:58but the average detached house costs 317 grand,
0:00:58 > 0:01:02which is 8.1% cheaper than the national average.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06We're looking for a home for civil servant, Tony, and his wife, Sharon,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09and their two daughters, Rachel and Helen.
0:01:09 > 0:01:1412 years ago, they bought this two-bedroomed house in North London as a wreck to do it up.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17They've outgrown it now, so they've sold up and are looking for
0:01:17 > 0:01:21a better lifestyle for them and their girls in the country.
0:01:21 > 0:01:28Tony fell in love with Woodbridge on a visit a few years ago, and now the whole family have caught the bug.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- I love the country, really. - If we get a bigger house, we can have our own room.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37Sometimes you need your own personal space. And to get a couple of dogs.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41And that's basically why I want to move to Suffolk.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44But before we can start looking for a new dream home,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47we need to find out exactly what they're looking for.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51And see who's up for a wreck, and who wants a ready.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Right then, what's the mission today?
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Let's find out.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- Start that video. - 'My name's Sharon.'
0:01:59 > 0:02:03And I'm Tony, I'm a civil servant, for 22 years in length.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06I tend to be the more cautious one in the relationship,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09but I would much prefer to move into a house that is ready to move into,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13life is easy, just plop myself down, move the children in...
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- Blinkers. - '..put the clothes in the wardrobe.'
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Whereas I'm a believer if you see an opportunity, grab it.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23I believe there's one big wreck left in us yet to conquer.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- You're all right, then. - 'When the work was being done,'
0:02:26 > 0:02:30we had threadbare carpets, this wall here was just a bit of cardboard,
0:02:30 > 0:02:35- so we had to get somebody in to re-plaster it, to make it obviously all smooth.- Cardboard wall!
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- Yeah, it was miserable.- Renovations aren't that fun, are they?
0:02:39 > 0:02:41What are you talking about? Look what they've got now!
0:02:41 > 0:02:44The results are lovely and I'm glad I went through it now.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- Proof of the pudding?- Yes, OK.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49We need to move now, so we get the timings right
0:02:49 > 0:02:52for applying for a secondary school for our eldest daughter.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55'We have, you know, quite tight time constraints.'
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- Yeah.- The budget is maximum 450.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- Plus a little more.- Yes!
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- But there's room.- There isn't a little bit of leeway.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08450ish.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Land would be very good.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Neighbours not too close is quite important for me.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Large kitchen, if I could have a utility room as well.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20It would be lovely to have four bedrooms, maybe four bedrooms and a study.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Detached. And outbuildings would be nice, wouldn't it?
0:03:23 > 0:03:25Something tells me, he's not to be trifled with.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30I want to tinker around with a classic car, that's my dream.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35They've got a good wreck behind them, they've done a beautiful refurbishment project
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and they've done very well on it price-wise.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41The area that they're moving into is actually very expensive.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- They want a lot of property, four bedrooms and a study.- Yeah.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50So maybe it's a big house that's a bit tired, maybe that's a refurbishment.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Yeah, so is that a wreck or is that a ready?
0:03:53 > 0:03:57You know what I'm like, if I start seeing walls getting knocked down, I get very upset.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Oh, Jonnie, don't get upset.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03'So to sum up, Tony wants a wreck and Sharon wants a ready.'
0:04:03 > 0:04:10But they're both looking for a detached house with four bedrooms in a peaceful semi-rural location.
0:04:10 > 0:04:16They also want a large garden and ideally, a garage for that classic car that Tony wants to tinker with.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19And all that for a budget of £450,000.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24Their number one priority is to be close to a good secondary school for their daughters.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Their preferred choice is Farmingay School in Woodbridge, so, ideally,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31we want to find them a house within that catchment.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39Our biggest headache will be getting them what they want within such a narrow search area.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43We're at the mercy of the market and there's not a lot around at the moment.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44It'll be a tough one today.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47This estate agent reckons they've only got 30 instructions.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52If they get a wreck that comes on the market, they've got a whole host of buyers ready to snap it up.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56I've got a couple of options that I found earlier,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58just hope they're good enough.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02For my first fixer upper, I've had to go a bit further afield to
0:05:02 > 0:05:04the pretty market town of Saxmundham,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07which is about 20 minutes north of Woodbridge and means
0:05:07 > 0:05:11its too far away to qualify for their number one choice of school.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14But there are two other good options in the area.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19There's also great rail links to London and, by the looks of it,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22a few fantastic wrecks just waiting to be brought to life.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25A bit like my first property.
0:05:25 > 0:05:26What, are you joking?
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Hold your horses, Jane, the caravan's just an added extra.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32I'm talking about this sleeping beauty,
0:05:32 > 0:05:37a detached 19th century cottage on the market for £250,000.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40There's only three bedrooms and the kitchen's a bit
0:05:40 > 0:05:44on the small side, but there's plenty of scope to expand.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48As requested by Tony and the girls, there's a fabulous one-acre garden.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- Plenty of room for dogs, chickens, ponies and llamas.- OK, OK, I get it.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56It's a big garden. Anything else?
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Well, there is one drawback.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- Have I discussed the view with you at all?- Ah!
0:06:02 > 0:06:05That looks like a council gritting depot to me!
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Well, don't worry yourself, Jane, it's all under control.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12This I have got to see. While Jonnie tries to convince Tony and Pauline
0:06:12 > 0:06:17that he's found their rural bliss, I'm going to tag along to keep an eye on the competition.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Right then.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- Dah-dah!- Yes, indeed.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- Well, this is my wreck for you. - Hmm.- Right.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35OK. Now I know, Tony, you're more of the wreck. Sharon, you're more the ready.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Yes, I am. - What's your first reactions, then?
0:06:37 > 0:06:39It's a wreck.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- Definitely is a wreck. - It's a lot of work.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I take it this is the main living space?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48I can see it leads to a room through there, which will be interesting.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53It was adapted for elderly people, so you've got a downstairs shower room.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Well, it's pretty much a wet room down there.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59I suppose the first question is more about location.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04I like where it is down the country roads. It's just opposite,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07where there's a large garage and lorries and things like that.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11At least you're the first ones to get your roads gritted!
0:07:11 > 0:07:13That is the silver lining, my friend. I like that.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15There's always a silver lining on everything!
0:07:15 > 0:07:18'Good old Tony, looking on the bright side.'
0:07:18 > 0:07:20'But Sharon's not having any of it.'
0:07:20 > 0:07:26'Don't worry yourself Jane, I'm a man with a plan and they haven't seen what's out back yet.'
0:07:26 > 0:07:31You can forget all about that depot there, because look at this.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32You've got about an acre.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- Oh, this is lovely.- Crikey. - This is really lovely.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- It's something else, isn't it? - This is something else.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- What a surprise on the back of that! - Yeah. This is gorgeous.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- The girls would love running around here.- That depot,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47it might put some people off when they first get here,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- but if you've got the vision for this house...- Oh, yes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- ..this is what it's all about, OK? - Yeah.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56My suggestion is to bring it all this way, have the house facing this way.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01In conversation with the planning department, they'd be open to sympathetic ideas
0:08:01 > 0:08:04of extending the house. Come out on the gable end a little bit
0:08:04 > 0:08:08and come back a little bit, similar to what they've done next door.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13That way, you get to build a massive open kitchen/dining room,
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- you could put a good-sized master bedroom en-suite above it.- Mm.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Builders have quoted us around £70,000, which sounds reasonable.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- Yeah.- But, if you want it all singing and dancing, complete refurbish of the whole lot,
0:08:27 > 0:08:35you've got the £70,000 for the extension, plus a new roof, complete new plastering,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38everything done for you - that will be an extra 95 grand.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- That's for it all to be done, you not to do a thing.- Mm-hmm.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46Well, I think what you both really need to know, before we go any further, is the price on this one.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51This house is on the market for 250 grand.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Wow.- That IS something to consider. - Yeah.- That makes it very attractive, eh?
0:08:55 > 0:08:58It's not been on the market long, it's been about three weeks.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- It's had 30-odd viewings and a couple of offers underneath 250 grand.- Right.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07By the sounds of that, it means you can get it for less than 250, which
0:09:07 > 0:09:12means on a saving of stamp duty, you've got instantly £9,000 cash.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Yes.- Yeah, yeah.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19But think about this, with the works that we've had a builder price up, to do nothing yourself,
0:09:19 > 0:09:25to get the builder to refurb, put a new roof on, put the extension on and buy it at 250...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27420, you've not done anything
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- and you've rented a place in the meantime, though.- Yes.- 250,000.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33And with all this big garden and land with it.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Didn't I tell you, Jane? They're loving my vision.
0:09:36 > 0:09:42I think this place has great potential, but they need to think hard about what they'd be taking on.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45The extension alone will set them back around 70 grand.
0:09:45 > 0:09:51But it'll take over a year to renovate the main house and cost another £95,000.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54That's a grand total of £165,000,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58but it's still 35 grand under their budget of 450.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02Yeah, but can Sharon deal with all that grit?
0:10:02 > 0:10:06What do you think? I mean, it's you know, this sort of room is...
0:10:06 > 0:10:09My gut reaction, it's just too much,
0:10:09 > 0:10:14with the road, the gritting lorries out front, everything else.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I might have to agree with you on this one.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19As I say, if the rooms had the size in it,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22I think that would have given me the extra persuasion.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- But even with rejigging this, it takes a lot of rejigging.- Yeah.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Because the room sizes anywhere just don't work.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Well, it looks like it's a project too far for Tony and Sharon.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34The readies are back in the running.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38For my first offering, I'm taking us to the picture perfect village of Eyke.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42It sits on the edge of the historic Rendlesham Forest,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45so lots of walking and riding opportunities for the girls.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48The village itself has plenty of local amenities
0:10:48 > 0:10:51and it's only four miles north-east of Woodbridge,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55so it's well within the catchment area for their favourite school.
0:10:55 > 0:11:01I'm going to show them a detached new build house, on the market for £420,000.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05There are only three bedrooms, but it's got some very natty bathrooms
0:11:05 > 0:11:10and absolutely no work needed, just turn the key and walk right in.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14However don't forget Tony. We know he loves a project.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18But Sharon doesn't. And after the last wreck you showed them,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21this could be just the tonic she needs.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- I like the look of this already. - It's very pretty, isn't it?
0:11:24 > 0:11:25Yeah, very pretty.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28It's kind of quirky. Positive vibes already.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Good, I'm glad.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Tony?- Certainly quirky.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Land certainly seems to be filled up, but there seems to be
0:11:36 > 0:11:40bits and pieces, so I'm reserving judgment for it for the moment.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43You do that, cos I've got lots to tell you about this place.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- Oh, lovely.- But let's go inside, we're going to go in the back way. - Oh, smashing.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54We're coming in the back way through a rather large utility there.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56It looks lovely, that really does.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Lovely big kitchen.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Already, it's very appealing on the eye. So, I'm quite excited.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- This place is almost gift-wrapped, Put a ribbon round it!- Absolutely.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- But there's nothing for you to do here.- No, this is a fantastic space.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12You walk in here, it really is. Ticks all the boxes for Sharon,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15it's got all the space that you need for the kids.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18You could have a little dining room area, floor's fantastic,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20cooker range, space, it's all there.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- It really does tick those boxes. - Tony, do you give up that easily?
0:12:25 > 0:12:26- THEY LAUGH - Trust me!
0:12:26 > 0:12:29He lives in a house with women, of course he does!
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- You've got no chance. - It's the land around it,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35Jonnie, that I reserve judgment, because it looks great, as it is,
0:12:35 > 0:12:39but I'm sensing, you know, that we could be a bit closed in here.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I need to see the rest of it, I'm not quite sure yet.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43What sort of price are we looking at?
0:12:43 > 0:12:46It's on the market for 420, so it's still within budget.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- That's brilliant, yeah. - Yeah.- Absolutely.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50With some money left over as well.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52The price is right, Sharon's keen.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56But my boy Tony seems to have a few reservations about the lack of space.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Wait until I wow them with this beautiful conservatory
0:12:59 > 0:13:02and get a load of those blissful rural views!
0:13:02 > 0:13:07A bit too peaceful for you though, Jonnie, without the rumble of those grit lorries.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12The garden area is small, and it's smaller than we have at the moment.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16But the positive side of that garden is, if you licked the back of it,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- you could put it on an envelope and send it to someone. - THEY LAUGH
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Oh, he's so mean!- He is.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27OK, it's not a 100ft garden, but if they want to live in this village,
0:13:27 > 0:13:31qualify for their first-choice school and avoid the hassle of a wreck,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33this is the best ready on the market.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36What do you think, size-wise?
0:13:36 > 0:13:39If this is the main bedroom,
0:13:39 > 0:13:40I'm not sure.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- The thing is, we'd have to get wardrobes in here somehow.- Yeah.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- But this is what we're learning, isn't it?- Yes.- To compromise.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Absolutely.- The ready is going to have smaller space.- Yeah.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54And the wreck is where you're going to have the chance to expand and...
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Yes.- ..get the space you want. This is the problem.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02It's a quandary, isn't it? Because downstairs is perfect, but you come upstairs and you think,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05if we're going to be here for another ten years or so, as we say,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- the girls will be nearly 6ft! - Where do you expand?
0:14:07 > 0:14:11This is the problem with readies, my friend, there's no room to improve.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16And it sounds like the one thing they're not prepared to compromise on is space.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21True, but they didn't go for your spacious wreck and its year-long building project either.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23This search is a toughie,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27because this area is really popular and house prices reflect that.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29I can get them a house within their search area
0:14:29 > 0:14:32and within the school catchment that they want,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35but finding one with four beds may be pushing it slightly.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Right, it's every man, or woman, for themselves.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I'm going to comb the area for any last minute readies on the market.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47Now I know that wrecks are Tony's thing, but I need to conquer Sharon's fear of a project.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Luckily, the perfect place
0:14:49 > 0:14:53is just around the corner in the same village.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It's a five bed, five bath house
0:14:55 > 0:15:01with a 100ft garden and it's on the market for £375,000.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Unfortunately for the girls, the labrador's not included.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07But the good news for Sharon is that the main rooms are good to go.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Hang on a minute, that's not a wreck!
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I'm warning you, Jonnie, stay out of my territory.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18What do you mean? It needs a refurb and there's potential to convert the attic.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Besides, what the client wants, the client will get.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Site and situation, tingling's good. - Really? We're tingling?
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Yeah, we're tingling.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Well done, Jonnie. Now let's see you get a buzz out of Sharon!
0:15:34 > 0:15:40I'm looking forward to seeing a certain lady's reaction to this kitchen.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Oh, this is lovely.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Can you see yourself in here?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Oh, I love this. I do love it, yeah. - Do you?
0:15:46 > 0:15:50I do like the kitchen, the living area, the eating area.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52It's an impressive first room.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55The size of the house is just lovely and astounding.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57And it's what we want, a bigger house.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Did you hear that, Jane? Astounding.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Yeah, yeah, of course she likes the kitchen, it's ready!
0:16:03 > 0:16:07She hasn't seen the work that needs doing in the bathrooms.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Tired they may be, but this is all about potential and space.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14And in my opinion, this place has got the lot.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19So the master bedroom.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- Big, isn't it?- It is.- This is a good size.- It's a lovely size.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Well, this in a previous incarnation was a B&B.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Hm.- So the bedrooms you've got have all got en-suites.- Right.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- Oh yeah, right.- Now, you won't want to keep this as is.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Have a quick butchers.- No.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41But it's just... Imagine what this could be like.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46Now what I haven't told you is there's another bedroom upstairs,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48bedroom number five.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- But the entire rest of the top floor is unconverted.- Yeah.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57But, in time, you could put another at least two bedrooms up there.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01You know what you're doing, you know your way around a refurb project.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04You can live in this house now and do up the rest of the rooms
0:17:04 > 0:17:06over the next few years, that's your hobby.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Mm.- And every room you do up and every improvement you make,
0:17:10 > 0:17:15you make an improvement to the value and the saleability of this property.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18I can't argue about the space. It's got all the space you require.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22And I can certainly see a resale on this house, which would be very good.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Also, I've got the room to concentrate on certain areas,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29get them done, get them squared away, then the girls can move in.
0:17:29 > 0:17:35You've certainly got the site and situation as regards to schooling, main roads into town.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40A nice location and, again, it's a property that's got a lot of potential.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45'Looking good. I think these two should check out the garden.'
0:17:45 > 0:17:46I'm really chuffed.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Tony can see the endless, endless possibilities for this house,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53and I think Sharon's come round to it a little bit.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58OK, I think she still wants to find a ready, but she can move in here.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00And just imagine, five or six years of ownership,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02what Tony could do to this place.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05It could be a really, really beautiful home.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Tony can really see the potential for this place.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12All it needs is five new bathrooms at an estimated cost of 20 grand,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14and it's up and running.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19Then in the future, there's the possibility of the attic conversion to create even more space.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23But is even that too much work for Sharon?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- Overall, it's a stunning house. - It is.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29There is a lot of work that needs to be done and even if,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33you know, for the price of the house and what we'd have left over,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36compared to what we've spent already on our own present home,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38we're just not going to have enough.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Well, I've done my bit. I've provided them with a cracking opportunity.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- It's up to my man Tony now to win Sharon over.- Once bitten, twice shy.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53I'm telling you, Sharon is not up for another building project.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Well, we'll see about that, won't we? She didn't much like your ready.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- Not enough space, not enough land... - Until now!
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Call off the dogs, Jonnie, the hunt is over.
0:19:03 > 0:19:09My last-minute search has turned up a gorgeous ready that's just come onto the market.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13This old cowman's cottage is for sale at 450 grand,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15right at the top of their budget.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19But it's got rural bliss written all over it,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23and it's still in the catchment for their favourite school.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27It's in the tiny hamlet of Tunstall, eight miles north of Woodbridge.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32It's just 500 yards from the famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34founded by composer Benjamin Britten
0:19:34 > 0:19:37and home of the internationally famous Aldeburgh Festival.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Nice, culture right on their doorstep. What's the house like?
0:19:41 > 0:19:46Quite simply, Jonnie, I think it could be their dream family home.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Large, airy, well-proportioned rooms, peaceful rural views,
0:19:51 > 0:19:56outbuildings, a garden with plenty of space for dogs and chickens,
0:19:56 > 0:20:02and there's even a garage and parking for Tony's classic car.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Well, that sounds almost TOO perfect.
0:20:05 > 0:20:06So what's the catch, then?
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Typical! Always looking for the downside.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Well, since you ask, there are only three bedrooms.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15But that would still give the girls a room each.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- Site and situation is spot on. - Yeah, spot on.- It is lovely.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20- Yeah.- Good so far, then.- Yeah.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- Absolutely.- Sort of semi-rural. - Character as well.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26It's pretty much everything you asked for.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36OK, so...the hallway, obviously.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- Sharon, first reaction?- It's lovely.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- It looks lovely.- Yeah?
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- Really nice.- Tony, you're looking pretty impressed too.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46I have to admit. What can't you say about this?
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- This is absolutely stunning. - It's beautiful.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50It's light, airy, it's beautiful.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55OK, let's go straight through to this rather lovely sized living room
0:20:55 > 0:20:59with the most fantastic views.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Oh yeah, it's just amazing! - Look at the smiles on your faces!
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- Amazing.- Oh, you're sending goosebumps up my arm!
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- I can't believe that. - You can't fault a view like that.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- No, that's just gorgeous.- Absolutely. - It's three beds.- Right...OK.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19You wanted four, in an ideal world, but we knew there was going to be a compromise somewhere.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25But what's really important here is that the bedrooms are all huge.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- Right.- And they've all got their own bathrooms.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Oh, lovely.- With three girls in your house, Tony, I'm sure you'd appreciate that.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Absolutely, it would, yeah. I could actually sit in my own bathroom for a change.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Yeah, it'd be marvellous.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- I can't fault this so far.- Lovely. - Obviously, we've got more to see.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- Of course. - But so far, this is stunning.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Wow, how are you feeling there, Jonnie? A bit worried?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51No, I'm fine thanks, Jane.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Tony is just humouring Sharon,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56he's not going to forget my five-bed fixer-upper in a hurry.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Wow, this is lovely.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Oh, this is nice and big.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Master bedroom.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Crikey, look at the windows, plenty of windows.- Yeah.- Big square room.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Yeah.- And look here, there's a little en-suite again.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Plenty of room though.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Lovely views.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15But would you compromise?
0:22:17 > 0:22:19I think I probably would.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22We'd have to chat later and talk through it again.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Definitely. It's a lot to take on, isn't it?
0:22:24 > 0:22:29It's a lot to think about, but you could definitely see yourself compromising.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Did you hear that, Jonnie?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34She loves it. It looks like I'm back in the game.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Only having three bedrooms is the compromise with this place,
0:22:37 > 0:22:43but the rooms are large so the space flows and the garden is to die for. So it should be worth it.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47We've been trying to find Tony and Sharon's semi-rural dream home.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50I started the day with my bargain 19th century cottage,
0:22:50 > 0:22:51complete with a caravan.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53And gritting depot!
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Yes, thank you, Jane. Either way, they didn't go for it.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59No. Then we went to my new build, which was close to
0:22:59 > 0:23:02their favourite school, but the rooms and the garden were too small.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06At least we had a more successful afternoon, didn't we, Jane?
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Yep, I'm pinning my hopes on my five-bedroom five-bathroom house,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12complete with massive garden.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16It's Tony's dream project, and could be the ideal family home
0:23:16 > 0:23:20for them and the all-important girls.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23But don't forget my final ready, the cowman's cottage.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Right location, right style, practically perfect in every way.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Yes, perfect apart from having only three bedrooms, of course.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35'We've done all we can. Time for me to catch up with Jane before we hear
0:23:35 > 0:23:38'the final verdict from Tony and Sharon.'
0:23:38 > 0:23:41I'm blown away by their reaction, actually.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43I am, they really like it. Sorry.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- You shouldn't be surprised. - I know, but...
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- It's your choice! - They are making a compromise,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51there's one less bedroom than they wanted.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I hear your last wreck went well, and that was huge!
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Yeah, I never know with wrecks, wrecks can inspire great emotions.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02But then people think, ooh, can be a bit scared. But I'm pretty positive.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- Hm-hmm.- And I'm dying to find out what they think.- Yeah.- Shall we?
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Yeah, let's do it.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10So which one will Tony and Sharon want to take a second look at?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- Will it be my final wreck? - Or maybe my final ready?
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Your last one, Jonnie, I thought, this is the one.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19There is a project here, but it can be achieved.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- Over a long period of time, mind you.- Mmm.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24The funny thing was, you almost did too well,
0:24:24 > 0:24:28because there was so much space I think we'd never utilise it all!
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Yeah! It was marvellous.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34And Jane, when you showed this property, the second ready,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36I must admit site and situation, bang on.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39As soon as we walked up the driveway,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42looked at the house, it just had that really nice, warm feel about it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46The bedroom sizes for the girls, perfect, something we always wanted.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49You can get the tables in there that they like.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51It's definitely my favourite, yeah.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56Well, this is a big move for you guys, away from where you're living at the moment.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Are you ready to move away from having shops on your doorstep
0:25:00 > 0:25:02and maybe pubs within a walk?
0:25:02 > 0:25:04This is the next stage for you?
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Absolutely. You know, a couple of pubs down the road, so that's very handy.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10You're going to become a taxi driver for the girls!
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- Yeah, but I'm prepared to make that sacrifice.- Yeah.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16No, it's not too far down into Woodbridge.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Basically, what I'm saying is, this is my last attempt!
0:25:19 > 0:25:22You know, there's a pub next door to my house!
0:25:22 > 0:25:27But, you know, it does to me sound like you've got a favourite.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31This'd be the house we'd like to come back and view tomorrow with the girls.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Yes, the second ready has... Yeah. - It's ticked so many boxes.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36There's nothing not to like.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40So come back in the morning with the girls, have a look round their bedrooms.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42If you want to take anything further,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47or advice on negotiation or anything, just give me a shout and we can sort that for you.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- Lovely.- Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55The next morning, Tony and Sharon went back to the cowman's cottage
0:25:55 > 0:25:57with the girls, who loved the place.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59This is a good hide and seek place.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Do you think so? Let's have a look round the back and see where we can put a den.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06But since then, there's been a bit of a disagreement.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Sharon has got cold feet about being out of town.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14She's worried about being too far from the school and the girls' activities.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17I think we've got this little conflict going on at the moment.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20I do love the thought of a more rural area, but I suppose
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I tend to think of the realities of everyday life,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27spending most of the time in the car toing and froing...
0:26:27 > 0:26:29maybe is not the perfect dream.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33But the good news is that they now realise exactly what they want
0:26:33 > 0:26:36and where they want it, and that's in Woodbridge.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38Semi-rural, semi-urban, the important thing is
0:26:38 > 0:26:43they've made up their minds that readies rock, and wrecks do not.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47Well, it sounds like that's technically a win for the ready department today.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Technically, I think you're right.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53But we've helped them focus on where they want to be, in a town and not in the country.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Join us next time as we battle it out between renovation projects...
0:26:57 > 0:26:59..and readies.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:11 > 0:27:13E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk