0:00:02 > 0:00:06In today's property market, choosing the right home is harder than ever.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08How can you make life easier and get what you want?
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Should you renovate a wreck?
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Or find a ready-made home?
0:00:12 > 0:00:16As a surveyor, I know that renovation projects can lead to big rewards,
0:00:16 > 0:00:20so I'm on a mission to hunt down the best wrecks on the market
0:00:20 > 0:00:22and convince our couples that renovation is best.
0:00:22 > 0:00:27But I think if you're savvy, you can find properties ready to move straight into
0:00:27 > 0:00:29and they don't need to cost the earth.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33So I'm going to show our house hunters that pristine pads are where it's at.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37So will our couple be tempted by one of my readies?
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Or can I persuade them to roll up their sleeves
0:00:39 > 0:00:41and tackle one of my wrecks?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Today, we're searching around stunning South Wales.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56It's a beautiful area stretching from the Brecon Beacons
0:00:56 > 0:00:59to the golden sands of the south coast.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Our house hunters are mum and dad, Nick and Louise,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09who want to make a leap up the property ladder for the whole family.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12So we also need to please son Alfie, daughter Ellie
0:01:12 > 0:01:15and of course toddler Ruby.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Nick and Louise sold their house in Neath, got temporary digs for the family
0:01:19 > 0:01:23and want to move to a dream home right now.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Adventure man Nick has ridden motorbikes all over the world
0:01:27 > 0:01:29and taught Alfie and Ellie a few tricks, too.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32He's even taught Hollywood movie stars Ewan McGregor
0:01:32 > 0:01:35and Charlie Boorman how to ride.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Nick now runs a local motorbike business, where he works full time.
0:01:39 > 0:01:40Louise used to work there, too,
0:01:40 > 0:01:45but is now a busy mother of three with house and kitchen to rule over.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Before we can start looking for a new dream home,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50we need to find out what their criteria is.
0:01:50 > 0:01:51And see who's up for a wreck.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53And who wants a ready.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Let's find out all about them.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Hi, my name's Nick.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03Hi, my name's Louise.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05We're living in temporary accommodation,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08which isn't so bad because we've got quite a big living room
0:02:08 > 0:02:11but we're all in the same bedroom at the moment.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Five of us in the bedroom isn't quite working.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- Like Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.- It is!
0:02:15 > 0:02:17I don't mind the challenge
0:02:17 > 0:02:19and I would actually go for the wreck,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21just to put my finishing touches on it
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and just make it the house that I really want.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26I want to move into something completely done.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29I'm not green-fingered or I'm not a DIY person,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33so I'm probably more going along the lines of having somewhere ready to go.
0:02:33 > 0:02:34That's my type of man.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37You can tell he's not into DIY - he says he's not green-fingered.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39You don't grow walls!
0:02:39 > 0:02:42I want this property to be a kind of a statement place for us.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47We're hoping it's going to be our last property that we're going to have to move into and buy.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52My requirements for a property would be a spacious hallway.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Kind of five bedrooms plus, so we can have people round and stay over.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58A big, er...kitchen-diner
0:02:58 > 0:03:00because I want that to be the heart of the home.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01I'm all about land.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05I want somewhere with a nice bit of land so I can ride my bike on, ideally.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Big bedrooms, um, two reception rooms.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12When it comes to the home side, Louise is in charge,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14when it comes to work, I'm in charge,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16so I can almost see Louise winning this one.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21Ooh, I don't know whether to just hang my hat now and just walk away.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24No, I think, I...I wouldn't want to call it.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25I'm actually quite worried.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Really?- Yeah.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32It's a first, I know, because Louise, for sure, knows what she wants
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and she wants something that she can make her own
0:03:35 > 0:03:38and therefore whatever I show her isn't going to make the grade.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41I wouldn't give up so easily. She's hinted the fact that...
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- she wants something that she can put finishing touches on.- Mm.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Show them the right property and it could be anyone's game.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49Come on.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54Jonnie, we've got a role reversal on our hands here.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57She wants a wreck and he wants a ready.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01So, Nick and Louise want an enormous five-bedroomed house.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03with a huge garage and lots of space for visitors.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07They also want some outbuildings in their massive dream garden,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11all for a maximum budget of £430,000.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15They've got champagne taste and, frankly, shandy pockets.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Especially if they want that from a ready.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19It's a massive challenge, Jane.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Large, five-bedroomed properties are hard to find,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25especially in towns around here.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28As much as I hate to admit it, I think Jonnie may have an advantage here.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31I'm so used to having the female onside wanting a ready,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33but today Louise wants a wreck...
0:04:34 > 0:04:39What am I going to do? This one...is a big challenge.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Our tricky house hunt begins in Cwmgwrach,
0:04:45 > 0:04:4711 miles outside the centre of Neath,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50so Nick's work would be a 25-minute commute away.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Now I've heard Cwmgwrach means "Valley Of The Witches" in Welsh,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56so, Jane, you could be lucky here.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Ha, I don't need magic on my side to win this one, Jonnie.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Property prices have dropped in the last year
0:05:02 > 0:05:05and the average detached house is £180,000.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07But we're not looking for average today.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Yes, they want a lot for their money.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11Well, prepare to be amazed
0:05:11 > 0:05:14because I'm starting today's search with a giant.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17On at 425 grand, this six-bedroomed detached house
0:05:17 > 0:05:22has those all-important big rooms and lots of land around it
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and it just sneaks into their 430-grand budget.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28This looks nice, Jane.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Yes, we start the search for the ready.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Is that enough of a statement for you?
0:05:32 > 0:05:34It definitely is, I would say.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35Yeah.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37It's a large, large house.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41I'm looking at the view, to start with. I admit, that view's cracking.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45There is a slight sticking point. Basically, can you see the pegs?
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- Yes.- Well, the vendor has applied for planning permission
0:05:48 > 0:05:50for six houses to be built.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53It's not to say it's going to be granted.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56All I'm asking you is to keep an open mind, as the house is fantastic.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00'Ouch. Looks like we might be losing them already, Jane.'
0:06:00 > 0:06:04It's all right, Jonnie, the inside's got what Nick and Louise are looking for...
0:06:04 > 0:06:05space.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11Now, this is definitely a statement home. It is all about space.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Look at that.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- That looks cracking straight away, doesn't it?- Lovely.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- For me, it's this window here, I mean, that's giving in so much light, isn't it?- Yes.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21It floods in, doesn't it?
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- It's like being in Dallas! - It's great.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26I can see the kids looking over there now...come on!
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Somebody'll be sliding down there, I can see that.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Let's go through to the kitchen.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35This huge house is under budget
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and it gives Nick and Louise almost everything they want.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43It's got a master bedroom, with dressing room and en-suite.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46There are five more double bedrooms, four reception rooms,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50clean lines, spotless interiors and a view to die for.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Every single room in this house is big.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57We've had a good look around and I'm walking around,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00just can't believe the dimensions of these rooms.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- I probably would have liked this a bit bigger.- Oh.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06OK, well look, you've got a utility there...
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- Utility.- ..which is the size of most kitchens, it's even got kitchen equipment.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Get your white goods out, get rid of that island
0:07:12 > 0:07:15and then you've got a much bigger kitchen.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18It's definitely that kind of open-plan feeling that, you know,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21we kind of do, I do want, but it sounds like you've got that scope.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Yeah.- You might have the scope but that'll cost you money.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Listen, one person we haven't heard much from...
0:07:26 > 0:07:27is Louise.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29It's my kitchen, yeah.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Is the kitchen your domain, Louise? - Definitely.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34OK then, then shout out.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37I thought in the next property I'd have a dishwasher
0:07:37 > 0:07:40but with a view like that, I'd be quite happy to stand at the sink.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44I think it works really well. It's a big space.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47I think it's just the fact that you've seen lots of big rooms
0:07:47 > 0:07:49and, er...maybe were expecting more.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51This was built in 2004, by the way.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53It's actually come down in price...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- We haven't spoken about that. - ..by £25,000.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59It's on the market right now for 425,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- but it has been on the market for two years.- Two years. OK.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07I'd suggest it's been on the market for that long because of the planning consent.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12It should be a worry for you guys but, if you can see past that,
0:08:12 > 0:08:17then you might get your hands on a massive property that you don't have to do any work to.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19It's all going to be about size today.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22These guys want loads of room and lots of luxury.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24It's going to be seriously tough
0:08:24 > 0:08:27and I'm not totally sure this pair know what they want...
0:08:27 > 0:08:28except space.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30Time to up our game.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34That went down better than the house!
0:08:34 > 0:08:37I know, I thought this would be their statement home
0:08:37 > 0:08:40but all they can talk about is the kitchen and the size of it.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I...I know it's a big house
0:08:43 > 0:08:46and I thought your big hurdle would be that planning consent.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Yeah. - It's probably put people off before
0:08:48 > 0:08:51but if they're thinking that kitchen's a bit small,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53then they might think all the kitchens we show them are a bit small.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Now, if big is beautiful for Nick and Louise,
0:08:57 > 0:09:03then I think I need to move to an area that gives them even more for their money.
0:09:03 > 0:09:04We're in Glynneath
0:09:04 > 0:09:08but the question is, can you find a wreck large enough for this pair?
0:09:08 > 0:09:09Well, let's find out.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13I've found a real opportunity, which should be exactly what Louise has asked for.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Not one house, but three old miners' cottages knocked together,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19so it's REALLY big.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22The interiors are divided and need work to knock together,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25but there's space to play, with loads of land around the house.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29The price recently came down under the Stamp Duty threshold to 249,950,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31so it's 200,000 under their budget,
0:09:31 > 0:09:35which means plenty of money to spare to create their dream home.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40It certainly looks like you found the size and space we're looking for.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Let's hope it measures up to Nick and Louise's dream.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50Now, we couldn't decide which side of the house to show you,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53because the other side looks amazing as well.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57Beautifully white plastered, needs a bit of TLC. What about this?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00It's got that kind of cottagey feel to it, actually.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03And it's very secluded when you walk down those stairs.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05No question about it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10So you've got another garden of equal size the other side,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13really beautifully-manicured garden and then behind the house there is some land.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Now that's owned by a Miners' Trust.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19We've been informed that they'll let it to you on a peppercorn rental,
0:10:19 > 0:10:20if you wanted some extra land,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24so you could be surrounded by your own land here, if you so desired.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25What do you think so far?
0:10:25 > 0:10:27I like it, actually.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I've never really looked at, um... cottages or anything before
0:10:30 > 0:10:34but I quite like that... It's given me a homey kind of feel.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35- Good.- And I like...
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- You wanted the wreck, Louise. - Yes.- Something to put your stamp on.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41You like clean lines, so what are you thinking?
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I don't mind an old look from the outside
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- but it has to be modern on the inside.- With this place...
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I've been told by the agent it's not listed.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53So inside we're giving you free will to do what you want.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54- Let's look inside now.- OK.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59This converted 18th-Century block is now a four-bedroomed detached house
0:10:59 > 0:11:01with a large garden.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05These walls can all be knocked through to create some huge rooms.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07This is more you, you'd have to visualise this
0:11:07 > 0:11:11because this, you know, this does scare me to hell there's no...
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It is scary but I think you could...
0:11:13 > 0:11:17you could just make it something totally different, couldn't you?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Well, I think... - Rip it all out and start again.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Sounds like Louise is starting to think about it
0:11:24 > 0:11:27but in Jane's last ready, the kitchen where it all started to go wrong.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31So I'm thinking about Jane's first offering to you.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It was a big kitchen...
0:11:33 > 0:11:35but you thought it wasn't big enough,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37so here I'm giving you options.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41We're not listed, we can do pretty much what we want to do here,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43subject to building regulations.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Now, at the moment you've got two options
0:11:46 > 0:11:49of having two really good-sized rooms.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Behind that wall there...
0:11:51 > 0:11:55is a slightly more modern extension and that is a boiler room,
0:11:55 > 0:11:59so you can push this wall out that way to have a bigger kitchen, or...
0:11:59 > 0:12:01have this as a temporary kitchen
0:12:01 > 0:12:03whilst you're going back into the workshop
0:12:03 > 0:12:06and you push the wall through the workshop
0:12:06 > 0:12:09through to another reception room and have a huge kitchen-diner there.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Does that scare you off?
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Or are you looking at this and getting really excited?
0:12:16 > 0:12:18It scares me, there's no question about it,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20because I kinda look at it...
0:12:20 > 0:12:23old house, loads of work, we don't know what we're doing.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24No.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Don't get me wrong, I like the little area surrounded bit but um, for me, it's just not...
0:12:30 > 0:12:32..it's just not, I think it's not in the right area,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- it's too far away from my workplace. - Oh, OK.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Right area, now this doesn't sound like your dream home,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41so we need to know, if we're not getting it right, please tell us.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42Yeah, I like...
0:12:42 > 0:12:47this little hidden feel you're getting from the outside, that's...
0:12:47 > 0:12:49I'm liking that, but the minute I step back out there,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52it's not quite for me. No.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58So now we're in the wrong place and again it's too small.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00So how big is big enough for this pair?
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Nick and Louise want the near impossible -
0:13:03 > 0:13:06masses of space and loads of luxury.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Something has got to give.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- We haven't got it right, have we? - No. Haven't done a good job
0:13:10 > 0:13:13so we need to get on and find somewhere else.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18Even if I find the right area, I still think I'm pushing string uphill, trying to find them a wreck.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Phew, you know, a wreck of this standard, yeah.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24I think you're right. But...
0:13:24 > 0:13:27we can try, we've got to show them options.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Come on then. - All is not lost, Jonnie.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32All has not started yet, has it?
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Well, at half time, it's nil-nil for both of us.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40We're in trouble. To find anything big enough,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42we need to split up to cover more ground.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44May the best man...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46..or woman win this epic battle.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Concentrated on the wrong location this morning.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Time to move on, start again, um...
0:13:55 > 0:13:58and find them a house in which they can enjoy the fruits of their labour.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Something with the wow factor.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Will it be a wreck or ready? I have no idea.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05And I don't think they know either.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13There's one place you can find loads of space and loads of luxury
0:14:13 > 0:14:15and that's right out in the country.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18I need a great, big, beautiful farmhouse
0:14:18 > 0:14:22that's going to give Nick and Louise that fantastic space they're looking for.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24So, I'm taking them to Salem,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27which, although rural, is just north of Swansea
0:14:27 > 0:14:31and 23 minutes' drive away from Nick's work and their kids' school in Neath.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Careful, Jane, I made that mistake with location last time.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Don't fret, Jonnie, I think my next ready will have them forgetting the commute.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41This four-bedroomed property is on the market at 450 grand.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45There's also planning permission for an extension, so more space to be had
0:14:45 > 0:14:48and potentially this could be a six-bedroomed house.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Hang on, I thought you said it was ready.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Are you stepping on my toes again?
0:14:53 > 0:14:57It's ready to move into now but they could extend in the future.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02Nick and Louise, I've brought you to Felindre, to this detached home.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05It's a 17th-Century home, actually, um...
0:15:05 > 0:15:07and does it have the wow factor for you?
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- It definitely has the driving in and the space out the front.- Yeah.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12I love the...I'm loving the outside.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Yeah, the outside looks good to me,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17I'm liking the size of the property from the outside.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19The thing I love about this property
0:15:19 > 0:15:21and why I had to bring you, is the view.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23On a good day - it's a bit hazy today - you can see all the way to the sea.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27You might have noticed the work going on in the garden.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30The vendor at the moment has got planning permission
0:15:30 > 0:15:35to build a really large detached garage and above that...
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- a gym.- Oh, OK.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40But it is right over your budget, this property, at the moment,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44but it has been on the market for quite some time, about a year.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45It's on at 450.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49And is the 450 with the work done or without the work done?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Yeah, the 450 includes the building of that garage and gym,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55so obviously there's negotiation on the price.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Another thing I have to tell you is, just up the hill here,
0:15:59 > 0:16:03there's 3.5 acres of land that's yours.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- And that's part of the 450?- Yes.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08I can show you in more detail from the balcony that you requested.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Let's do that. - Let's go and have a look.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17This house is a whopper, plus it feels like the statement property
0:16:17 > 0:16:19that I think Nick and Louise are looking for.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24It's got the land, the large family rooms, the gorgeous features...
0:16:24 > 0:16:26What's not to like?
0:16:26 > 0:16:31This is a really large living room. Lots of seating area.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34This is a nice, a nice family space, a nice living room.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- Great. That bit round there as well. - Really nice. That's a feature, which is good.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Now tell me, is this space,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44this downstairs space working for you and your family?
0:16:44 > 0:16:46For a living space, this is good for them.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50The only thing is you know the bit, front of the kitchen, I can see us wanting to do more with that,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53because what I really want is a bigger kind of kitchen
0:16:53 > 0:16:56where you can, kind of, have a little sofa
0:16:56 > 0:17:00and lounge in the kitchen area. That doesn't do it in there at the moment
0:17:00 > 0:17:02but the bit next door to the kitchen,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- we might be able to make something like that.- Yeah.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09Ouch. Jane, our kitchens are just never big enough,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11and it looks like there's a problem upstairs, too.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- It's a shame because... - Everything's...
0:17:14 > 0:17:16..the bedrooms are looking a bit small up here,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19compared to downstairs.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20Spoiling it a bit for me.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24I mean, you couldn't do anything in here really, could you?
0:17:24 > 0:17:28So, what do you make of the upstairs?
0:17:28 > 0:17:29It's not quite...
0:17:31 > 0:17:33..doing it for me, upstairs.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35It's feeling a little bit too small.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39It's a shame. Downstairs, with some moving around, you could do something with,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- but up here... This room's great. - Yeah.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45But those rooms, definitely far too small.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Oh, dear, this is going the way of my last wreck.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52The kitchen's still too small, the bedrooms are too small and the decor hasn't bowled them over.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54And Louise's face says it all.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59Well, here's hoping and praying, that Jonnie comes up with a stonker.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01I'm sure he will, he's going to find something,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03even though it's the side...
0:18:03 > 0:18:06The part of the programme that I didn't want,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08which is the wreck part,
0:18:08 > 0:18:13but um, let's see, let's see what he might have up his sleeves.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16I've played my last hand today and still not found the right house.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19They want a big one. It's all on you now, Jonnie.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23I think Jane and I have been focusing on the wrong kind of property,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27we've been looking for that statement house, without thinking about the location.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31I've given it some thought and for a family like Nick and Louise and their children,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33they want somewhere for the children to go to
0:18:33 > 0:18:36without having to be Mum And Dad's Taxi Service.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41So, I've just rang an agent in Neath and they've got a wreck that could be right up their street.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I'm quite confident now.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49I'm thinking location and size are the key here,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52so I'm going for broke with a new plan.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I'm in Neath, where Nick, Louise and the children currently live,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57so it's fair to say I think they like it.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Now, brace yourself, Jane, for a real doer upper.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01I'm not holding my breath.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06So you can see and hear we've got a bit more hustle and bustle,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09which is part of my cunning plan.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10OK.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12This is the house we're going to have a look at.
0:19:12 > 0:19:13Can't see a lot, can you?
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- No.- No.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18It's got a whopping great garden, where you can see a whole lot more.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21So follow me and I'll show you.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25This 1920s detached house is actually two semis
0:19:25 > 0:19:27knocked into one massive five-bedroom home.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30It's on the market for £285,000,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33well under Nick and Louise's budget of 430,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36so plenty of change for renovation.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41This is why we're here.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45That is what we're going to have a look around in in just a moment.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- It looks big from here. No question about that.- Yeah.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52It used to be two houses. Built around 1920.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53What are you thinking?
0:19:53 > 0:19:56It's deceiving because you think it's...it's overgrown
0:19:56 > 0:19:59and you can't see the full size and potential of it,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02when you get here, it's like, "Whoa. That's big".
0:20:02 > 0:20:04So, let's have a look inside.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- You on board?- Let's do it.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Good, come on.- Most definitely.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Well, so far so good.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16It's in the perfect location, has quirky features
0:20:16 > 0:20:20and has the potential to create that all-important massive kitchen.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25It certainly needs some work but they've got 145 grand to do it.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29You might think this is ready to move into, especially you, Nick. You'll love this.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31All this and there's a massive room the other side -
0:20:31 > 0:20:35could be one huge kitchen, maybe with the staircase in the middle.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Oh, nice, nice feature, yeah.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Look at the parquet flooring! - Original?- It is, yeah.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Very nice, I like.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Yeah, they love parquet flooring and here comes the real wow.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Come in.- Oh, my Lord.- Oh, wow.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52That's a cracking space, this, eh?
0:20:52 > 0:20:53'What?! Rewind!'
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- That's a cracking space, this, eh? - 'I did hear that right, didn't I?
0:20:58 > 0:21:00'We've finally found a space that impresses Nick
0:21:00 > 0:21:03'but what about Louise?'
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Look, that is a grand piano and it's dwarfed in this room.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08Is that staying, is it?
0:21:08 > 0:21:10I don't know, I'll find out for you.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12At long last.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16We've been up and down, country to coast, looking to impress Louise
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and all it took was a grand piano.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- It's a beautiful size room this, eh? - Yeah.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Imagine Christmases here. - Yeah, lovely.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28And, maybe opening up one of those windows
0:21:28 > 0:21:30to take in that beautiful back garden.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Nice.- Maybe a conservatory?
0:21:32 > 0:21:34I think the thing with us, we just need to know...
0:21:34 > 0:21:36what you think we can do with this,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38because I look at it and I'm scared, no question about it.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42But if you tell us that we can do all this stuff with it...
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- then I'm well excited.- OK. - It's so close to where we did want.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Well, this is the beauty of a wreck.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55The huge garden can be cleared and landscaped for the kids.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Interior walls can be blown away for bigger rooms,
0:21:57 > 0:22:01plus the house has been on the market for over two years,
0:22:01 > 0:22:05so there could be some more leverage on the price.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08If that's not enough, the vendor will throw in the grand piano too.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10So how can Louise resist?
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Are you not scared?
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Yeah, it is frightening, isn't it?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18I mean it's the unknown but...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20it's still so exciting at the same time, isn't it?
0:22:20 > 0:22:23You know, you've got loads of ideas going round in your head,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26what you can do in each room. No, I like it.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Hey. You don't have to serenade me. - The best thing I've ever played.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35This is good, isn't it? So what do they think?
0:22:35 > 0:22:39I think they really liked it. I know Nick needs to be converted...
0:22:39 > 0:22:42but he loved the space, he loved the garden.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44I think he quite likes the area.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I'm quietly confident that I've done all I can
0:22:47 > 0:22:49on behalf of all the wrecks of the world.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55We started off at my fabulous, giant ready
0:22:55 > 0:22:59but Nick and Louise thought the large kitchen was too small.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Then my ramshackle block of miners' cottages
0:23:01 > 0:23:05but it was in the wrong location and the, er, kitchen...
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Yeah. That was too small.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10So I headed way out of town
0:23:10 > 0:23:12to show them a stunning ready and guess what?
0:23:12 > 0:23:16The bedrooms AND the kitchen were too small.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Well, size certainly has mattered like never before today.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I finished with a massive renovation,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24which had the tiniest kitchen ever and guess what?
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Ha! They loved it.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Will the charms of the parquet floor
0:23:28 > 0:23:31and free grand piano be enough?
0:23:31 > 0:23:32Hello.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Hello.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36So, you're still smiling?
0:23:36 > 0:23:37We are, most definitely, eh?
0:23:37 > 0:23:40We've had a bit more of a look around this place
0:23:40 > 0:23:44and it's, er, it's a daunting idea, scary idea isn't it? But I...
0:23:44 > 0:23:45But it's exciting as well.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- I mean, upstairs every room you go into you can see potential for it. So it's...- Great.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55Are we agreed that the first three properties, both my readies - ooh -
0:23:55 > 0:23:58and Jonnie's first wreck, they're no-goers?
0:23:58 > 0:24:01For me, I'd say you saved the best till last.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Get in, Jonnie.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Hey, hey, hey. What about Nick?
0:24:06 > 0:24:08No, I'm probably exactly the same
0:24:08 > 0:24:11but I suppose the only downside with wrecks...
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Where I want to walk away from here and say,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16"Let's put in an offer, I want that house."
0:24:16 > 0:24:18There's too much to find out.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23I would say, from a wreck point of view, nothing good is ever easy
0:24:23 > 0:24:28and what I think I need to do for you guys is arrange for a meeting,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31not with just one builder, maybe with a couple, or even a few,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34to bring round here, someone to hold your hand through the whole process
0:24:34 > 0:24:38and get two or three quotes, detailed quotes...
0:24:38 > 0:24:40with your vision in mind
0:24:40 > 0:24:43and then when you've got all that information in front of you,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46then, hopefully, you'll be in the position to put a bid in.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I'm truly relieved, I really am,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51because you are living in the one-bedroomed flat.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- Yes, we are. - You do need to move
0:24:53 > 0:24:55and I hope this could be a fab family home for you.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56- We hope so as well.- Definitely.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- Fingers crossed and we'll let you guys know... - Please do.- ..how we get on.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07My final project has blown them away.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Even Nick got excited about renovation.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16Next day, we arranged for them to revisit with their kids
0:25:16 > 0:25:20and look at some old renovation plans, which a previous builder left behind.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22You know, in an ideal world you'd want a nice hallway coming in
0:25:22 > 0:25:25but you want quite a kind of dramatic hallway, don't you?
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- A bit of a statement. - So as you walk in you go, "Wow".
0:25:28 > 0:25:30So it's a thumbs up for the plans,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33but are Alfie and Ellie as positive as Nick and Louise?
0:25:33 > 0:25:37It looks like a proper mess.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39It's, like, obviously where it's been abandoned
0:25:39 > 0:25:41and obviously hasn't been looked after
0:25:41 > 0:25:44but I reckon after it all being stripped down and redone,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46I think it will look very nice.
0:25:46 > 0:25:53I feel it's very old fashioned and it smells damp and very dirty.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58Oops. Kids say the funniest things. Maybe Mum and Dad are a bit keener.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01It's good to be able to come back again today but I've still,
0:26:01 > 0:26:05for me, I've still got that... excitement feeling
0:26:05 > 0:26:09and I'm still wanting the house, the project.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12I'm probably more excited today than I was yesterday.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14I just think for one...
0:26:14 > 0:26:16If I pop my head through the loft area up there
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and the space upstairs is just incredible.
0:26:19 > 0:26:24Um, so already I'm starting to think of what we can maybe do with that space as well.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27If we can get that dream of that ideal home on here
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I think it'll be fantastic.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34But...we...I'm still scared we're a long way from that at the moment.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37After a few days to think, Nick and Louise had a change of heart
0:26:37 > 0:26:40and decided that my project was just too much work for them
0:26:40 > 0:26:44but the good news is they realised a ready home was their best option
0:26:44 > 0:26:47and have since put in an offer on a new build,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49so in the end, I suppose it was a victory for Jane.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52So join us again when we'll be battling it out,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54proving that buying a renovation project...
0:26:54 > 0:26:59..or a ready is definitely the key to finding your dream home.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk