0:00:02 > 0:00:05Searching for that ideal home in today's market is tougher that ever.
0:00:05 > 0:00:12So, how to make the right move? Should you find a wreck to renovate or somewhere ready to move into?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15I'm determined to find properties that hit the spot,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17without having to get your hands dirty.
0:00:17 > 0:00:22Because I think fully finished and gorgeous is the way forward.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26But I reckon one of the best ways to get value for money is to renovate,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29so I'm flying the flag for doer-uppers,
0:00:29 > 0:00:32to show our house hunters that Wrecks are the best bet.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36So, which of the options will they go for? One of my Wrecks?
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Or one of my Readys?
0:00:44 > 0:00:50Today we're searching along some prime London commuter belt, the southern home counties.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54From desirable Surrey, to irresistible West Sussex.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Property prices here are ferocious!
0:00:57 > 0:00:59An average detached house sells
0:00:59 > 0:01:01at nearly £623,000.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05A terrifying £278,000 above the UK average.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09It's an expensive area, but today's house hunters have a healthy budget.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Simon and Nicola are only two months away from their planned wedding.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15They want to climb the property ladder and get some
0:01:15 > 0:01:19extra space because they also want to start a family.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24The chemistry is great with this pair as they both work in the highly lucrative pharmaceutical industry.
0:01:24 > 0:01:30Simon's work is in Surrey and Nicola works in West Sussex, so they need to be commutable to both counties.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34They have a buyer for their current property who's willing to wait,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37but they won't wait forever, so we need to get cracking
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and find out what Simon and Nicola are looking for.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43We also need to find out who's going to be tempted by one of my Wrecks.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46And who wants one of my lovely Readys.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- Right, fire it up.- To work.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- I'm Simon.- I'm Nicola. I'm really for a Ready House
0:01:55 > 0:02:00because of the circumstances that we're getting married quite soon and
0:02:00 > 0:02:05we'll be looking to start a family quite soon after that, so I'm not really up for a really big project.
0:02:05 > 0:02:11I think I'd probably be more interested in a Wreck that we could add value to. This is our garden.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14We've had to tier it because of the gradient it's on.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19Ideally, in the next property, this is something that we'd like to have - a flat, flat plot.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- Fair enough.- This is the summer house that I built with my Dad.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26It's currently being used as sort of a lads games room.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29If he can build a summer house that size, maybe he's quite handy.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33He's obviously handy. I think it's going to be timescales that's the issue today.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36This is our master bedroom. I love this space, it definitely works for us
0:02:36 > 0:02:40in terms of the size and we've got a fantastic en-suite bathroom as well.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43And the only down side is unfortunately our bedroom
0:02:43 > 0:02:46is on the front of the property and it overlooks the main road.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48We're still yet to find our ideal property and
0:02:48 > 0:02:52that's after viewing eight or nine different properties.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54The property we already have, we really like.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57I think it's finished to quite a high standard.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02For us, we're looking at the next step up and sometimes, I see them as a step across rather than a step up.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I'm struggling with this.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Why are they moving?
0:03:06 > 0:03:10I know. It does seem they've got almost the right house but by the looks of it, it's not
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- a house they've bought together and there's a few issues with it, so...- The road.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- Yeah, and the garden.- Garden.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22So we'd really like four bedrooms, all of which hopefully could be doubles.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23A nice open plan kitchen.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28And also an additional sort of living area that, you know, we can close
0:03:28 > 0:03:31the kids off in the future, let them have that as a crash room.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- The main challenge today is this looming wedding.- Mmm!
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- But don't worry, I've got a plan. - Have you?
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Yeah. I'm going to call the wedding off, get the date pushed back.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42Not if I can help it.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46We won't delay their nuptials just for you to find them a project, Irwin, that's for sure.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50I've got no worries at all about finding a Wreck with enough land.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52My major concern here is finding a Wreck
0:03:52 > 0:03:56that can be done up in time for the wedding. Now, that's a big ask.
0:03:56 > 0:04:02So I'm looking for a minor renovation rather than a full on wrecking ball project.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06These guys are in a great position cos they've already got a buyer for their home,
0:04:06 > 0:04:11but I'm not, because I've got to find them something bigger and better than what they've got already.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16And with a big budget comes and even bigger wish list.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Simon and Nicola are looking for a large family home.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21A quiet street.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23A big open plan kitchen.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25And space for further growth.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28All this for a maximum budget of, get this, £750,000.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33That's a massive budget but still, it doesn't go far in this part of the world.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Well, we're not here for the easy house hunts, Jane. Let's get to work.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40It's all about moving up for this pair and I reckon I can find them
0:04:40 > 0:04:44more space in a quieter, less developed part of Surrey.
0:04:44 > 0:04:50Average house prices here are over half a million pounds, so my Wreck radar has brought me to Hersham,
0:04:50 > 0:04:55just nine miles up the road from where currently live and Simon works in Leatherhead.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59But nearly an hour's commute for Nicola to work in Horsham.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Ouch. Sorry, Nicola.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05This Hersham Wreck is a five bedroom detached Edwardian house
0:05:05 > 0:05:07on the market for £725,000,
0:05:07 > 0:05:08so pretty close to Simon
0:05:08 > 0:05:11and Nicola's ceiling of £750,000.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14We're looking at a modernisation rather than a total renovation here,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17so potentially the project can be finished before the wedding.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22OK, then, my first offering
0:05:22 > 0:05:29is this little beauty here. Now, I want your first impressions here.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30- It's...- I really like it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Yeah, it's got real character, erm it's nice that it's double fronted
0:05:33 > 0:05:37and I like the bay window downstairs and certainly the bay window upstairs as well.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39We're a little bit further out of your search area.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44On a bad day, you might be travelling anything up to maybe an hour to work.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49Well, that's OK cos Simon works quite close to here, so it's only 15 minutes maybe for Si, so...
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- Yes, so I gain from this. - There's a bonus.- I can see why you're getting married now!
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Aw, isn't that lovely?
0:05:55 > 0:06:00Well, look, these are good first impressions. Erm...let's get inside.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03So far, so good. This detached Edwardian house has five bedrooms
0:06:03 > 0:06:07and there's a good stretch of garden at the back,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10but also, there's a potential deal-breaker on the side.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Half the garden has been annexed to sell separately for a new build.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Not an ideal prospect, even for a Wreck option.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23So, living room. I'm not going to say anything yet,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- I'm going to wait for you to say things.- OK.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Good or bad, I don't mind.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- I like it, I like the double aspect which is quite nice.- Right.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35And that you've got the view out to the garden. I quite like that.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Yeah, it feels a little bit small but that's probably cos of what we're used to.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- You're used to a bigger house. - Yes.- You asked for a bigger house, didn't you?- Yes.- OK.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47So let's talk about potential extensions.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50You've got garage space behind here, OK,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- which means you may well have to get rid of this chimney.- Yes.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- But, you can have a gable end extension going this way.- Yeah.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57Two storey.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Or - and I think cheaper and easier,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04bearing in mind you've got a whole lot of stuff going on in your lives - going out that way.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07So, two choices of extension here.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12Option one, extending sideways, will cost at least £150,000.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14But my favourite, option two - to extend out the back -
0:07:14 > 0:07:17they'll need to budget around 100 grand minimum,
0:07:17 > 0:07:22but the market price is at the top of Simon and Nicola's budget, so they'll need some leverage.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26We're obviously talking about doing quite a bit of work to this property,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28so it's good to know the price right at the top, isn't it?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31It's on the market for offers around 725,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34but the owner is trying to sell off some associated land.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36And so, they tell us - the owners themselves -
0:07:36 > 0:07:40that they're prepared to settle around 640-ish, maybe even less.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44So, you've got plenty of money left in your budget, haven't you?
0:07:44 > 0:07:45Yes, very much so, yeah.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47What do you think about what you've seen?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Oh, certainly. With having that amount of money left in the budget,
0:07:51 > 0:07:56that gives us a massive amount of scope to extend, you know, at the back, to the side.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59As long as it's considered acceptable on this plot.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Nicola?- Yeah, I'm really positive.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05I'm surprised that they're willing to come down so far on the asking price.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07So that's very positive.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12So that's all positives. Now, how about a nice juicy negative to add to my challenge here.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Remember I mentioned some associated land being sold off?
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Well, here it is.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21The vendor is hoping to sell that bit of land off
0:08:21 > 0:08:24for someone to put a house on it, a small three-bedroomed house.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30Now, you've got the option of spending say, negotiation wise,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34there or thereabouts maybe another 180 grand and having that land yourself.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Or leaving it be,
0:08:36 > 0:08:40but I want you to know that if it did get planning consent,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43then you'd be living next door to a building site.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45We couldn't afford to buy that land.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49So I am a little bit concerned about a property being so close.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53I think without that screen, you can see what a great plot this was.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57Separating it to me, it's difficult to sort of visualise
0:08:57 > 0:09:02how that would work, reducing the garden to the plot that it is.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Erm, certainly the extension here,
0:09:04 > 0:09:08I can see that adding great value to the downstairs living space.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12So there's an assumption there, that upstairs would be acceptable to us.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Jonnie, you've found yourself a really tough sell here
0:09:15 > 0:09:18but your silver-tongued pitch does seem to be working.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Yeah, I know, I'm surprising myself here to be honest.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- This is the study. - A study at the moment.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Yeah, it's quite small, isn't it? That first one's a double.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Oh, yeah.- It's quite nice over the back.- There's no en suite to the master, is there?
0:09:31 > 0:09:36Well, the garden's not put them off but the bedrooms don't seem to be working for this pair.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Would you fit a double bed in?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- No, not in here. - No.- I think we'd struggle.
0:09:40 > 0:09:46Well, that's got me thinking, we need to find Simon and Nicola more space inside and out.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50They're looking at children's bedrooms already.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- Hi there. - Hello.- Hello there.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- Seen enough?- I think so, yes.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Right then.- Let's go.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02More space, more land and somewhere great for a young family.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Tough call for a Ready,
0:10:04 > 0:10:10so I'm taking the party 34 miles away from Hersham into deepest mid-Sussex.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11Crawley Down is more rural
0:10:11 > 0:10:13and there's more space to be had,
0:10:13 > 0:10:19plus average detached prices here are a good £200 grand or more below Surrey.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23This Crawley Down Ready is a...
0:10:26 > 0:10:29..so it's right at the top of Simon and Nicola's budget.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Simon, Nicola, welcome to Crawley Down.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37We start at the back of the property because, with this property
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- I'm giving you all of this, it's almost three acres.- Wow.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Now, it is amazing.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48What are your thoughts? I mean cos this is just quite something.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49- Yeah, got it.- It's beautiful.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54This is a wonderful feature without a doubt, with established woods and it's really pleasant.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59But obviously there's a compromise, one of the main things you said to us in the DVD
0:10:59 > 0:11:01was that road was an issue.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Now can you live with that, before we go any further?
0:11:04 > 0:11:09I think it's a good question. It would be interesting to see what it's like when we're in the house.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Mm-hm.- We're in the garden at the moment, we can hear it.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18We're also aware that Gatwick is close by, so interesting to see if there's any plane noise as well
0:11:18 > 0:11:23but, first impressions, potentially that we could overcome that, I think.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- If we fell in love with the house, I'd make that compromise.- Yeah? - Yeah.- Oh, that's good!
0:11:28 > 0:11:31OK, OK, there are compromises here.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37Firstly there's some noise, we've got a main road out the front and a flight path to Gatwick overhead.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42Plus the house is smaller, it's only got three bedrooms, one less than they wanted,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45but I'm not convinced they need as much space as they're asking for.
0:11:45 > 0:11:51Well, they might just love it anyway, Jane, let's hope the kitchen's got a wow.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55So, straight off the garden into what I think
0:11:55 > 0:12:00is a beautiful country kitchen with a really lovely feel to it.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Your first reactions would be really good.
0:12:03 > 0:12:04It's a bit dark for me...
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- Uhh!- ..I must admit, maybe it's cos it's not a sunny day at the moment.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Ouch! Not quite the wow we were hoping for, Jane, maybe Simon will come to the rescue.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- There's a good family space near the kitchen.- Thank you! - I love the range cooker.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22That's a great feature, at the side of the kitchen, very country feel to it.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24My first impressions of here are good.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27You wanted four or even more bedrooms.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Yes, ideally four.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- OK, you're getting three here...- OK.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35..two of which are en suite
0:12:35 > 0:12:40and what I really want to get to the bottom of, we all want the dream, the big house,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44But the question I put to you now is, why do you need it,
0:12:44 > 0:12:48right now, before the wedding, before the kids have come along?
0:12:48 > 0:12:53We're now looking for the forever home, so once we move, we don't want to move again
0:12:53 > 0:12:57until the kids have gone and we're ready to downsize so that's why we want so many.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03'Hat's off, Jane, it's a tricky subject to broach and I'm glad I'm not the one doing it. Good luck.'
0:13:03 > 0:13:09It's just going to be the two of you moving in here, and say in the next three years, you have children,
0:13:09 > 0:13:14you double in size, you still only need three bedrooms.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18And then in the long term, if this works for you now,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21maybe in the next three, four, five years, you could add to it.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- There's scope for extension here on this property.- That's fine,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29in the short term, we can live with three bedrooms, if we have the potential to add to it.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Phew, I'm relieved.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- It's quite a nice staircase. - Yeah, I like the way it turns.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Jane's winning the battle but the bedrooms were a let-down on my last Wreck,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42so will hers be big enough?
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- Ah this is a nice bedroom. - It's quite pleasant.- Yeah.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48Have you noticed that, though?
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- Yeah, just need to check how often they go over.- Yeah.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Yes, not that hard to notice - that overhead flight path to Gatwick above your chimneypot.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01Is it worth having nearly three acres of land if you can't get any peace and quiet? Probably not.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- Well, what do you think about the property overall, though? - There's a couple of compromises.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11You've got the road noise which being in the property isn't as apparent as I thought it would be.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13But there's the plane noise as well.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Yeah, I think it's a little bit too much and it's probably noisier
0:14:17 > 0:14:19than the property we've currently got.
0:14:19 > 0:14:25Those pesky flying machines and it's not only the noise they don't like, there's just not enough space here.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30One thing they haven't seen is a house they can have a big family in, have relatives over to stay.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34I want to find a house where they think, "It's massive, we want this."
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Yeah, I'm definitely going to look for something of a much bigger size.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- Cool, all right, well, good luck. - Yes, thank you.- After you, after you. - I think I'm going to need it.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47'So, two properties down and I'm not sure either of us have got it right yet.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51'We need to split up and cover more ground.'
0:14:51 > 0:14:56What I want to find them is something a little bit big bigger than my last property
0:14:56 > 0:14:59but maybe something they CAN extend, over time.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Good things come to those who wait, apparently,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05so I need to push the idea of having less now and more later.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09This house-hunt needs a power surge to get the guys a massive renovation project.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14So I'm taking Simon and Nicola 22 miles further down the road
0:15:14 > 0:15:15to Billingshurst,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17on the Surrey/Sussex border,
0:15:17 > 0:15:21where I've found a doer-upper of epic proportions.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Even with the hard sell that Jane gave in her last property,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29I don't think Nicola and Simon are prepared to compromise on bedrooms,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32in fact, I think they maybe ever want more than four.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35So I'm going big and in here, I'm gone very big.
0:15:35 > 0:15:42This Billingshurst Wreck is a five- possibly six-bedroomed detached house, requiring a full restoration,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45but with all the space Simon and Nicola have asked for.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50It's on the market for over 120 grand below their budget ceiling.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55Jane, can you hear that?
0:15:55 > 0:16:00No, nor can I, cos there's no flight path, no A road, just lovely peace and quiet.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05Well done, Jonnie, you're an excellent house-hunter and so modest too(!)
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Well, if you've got it...
0:16:07 > 0:16:14- Quiet, isn't it?- Very quiet.- That's a private road, OK, so this is where I'm hoping you might think is,
0:16:14 > 0:16:19in your words, not mine, "a forever house".
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- OK.- What do you think?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- I like it.- You do?- I do.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Yes, yeah, definitely.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- It looks big.- It's a whopper.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- It's large, the tranquillity's here, it'd be interesting to see what's inside.- Great!
0:16:32 > 0:16:39A very good start, Jonnie, although this is quite an odd house, it's very quirky, to say the least.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Well, you say quirky, I say inspiring,
0:16:42 > 0:16:47they could get really excited here and create their dream home.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- You wanted big.- Wow.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- It's huge!- I kind of laughed when I came in here as well, it's kind of comical,
0:16:56 > 0:17:01you've kind of got the sort of 1960s, '70s B movie in this, in this place, can't you?
0:17:01 > 0:17:07- It's the split level, the wood, is it big enough?- Definitely.- Oh, yes, definitely, without a doubt.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Could land a plane in here! Looking around the place, there's money to be spent,
0:17:11 > 0:17:17now do you want to talk about how much it's going to cost here or see a little bit more of it?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I think I'd like to see it as a whole so we can envisage what we'd like to do
0:17:20 > 0:17:22and then how much that would cost.
0:17:23 > 0:17:29There's so much potential here, it's a very adaptable, if slightly peculiar, space.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Oh, it reminds me of being in a sauna actually.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Just need to find the coals!!
0:17:33 > 0:17:37And I reckon they could get the renovation work completed within their budget.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42This could be exciting. It's going to cost a lot of money but it could be an amazing home.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- My goodness, another room!- Wow! It's like a TARDIS, isn't it?
0:17:50 > 0:17:56TARDIS?! To be honest, Jonnie, I reckon they would need a time machine to get this place ready
0:17:56 > 0:17:58before the big day, it's only two months away.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- A lot of work, though.- Yes.- Don't you think?- Without a doubt.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- Jonnie!- Farnham! How are you? - All right, thanks. How are you getting on there?
0:18:08 > 0:18:14Erm, good, I'm kind of halfway through, so I don't know whether they really like it or not.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- It could be quite daunting to them but I just thought I'd give you a bit of a tip off.- OK.
0:18:19 > 0:18:25The big is beautiful campaign is the one to go with cos I've shown them a massive room and they love it.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28You've got every right to be confident Jonnie, but will they go for it?
0:18:28 > 0:18:30This leads into the garage.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35Well, it depends on how much work Simon and Nicola are prepared to take on.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39The house is on the market at 625 grand and I've got a quote for modernisation works.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44New windows cost around £30,000.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45A new kitchen -
0:18:45 > 0:18:47put around £20,000 in the funds.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50And new bathrooms each at three grand a pop.
0:18:50 > 0:18:56I really like the house. One part I'm struggling with, it seems quite disconnected in areas.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01It seems to me it's like two houses than one house, it'd be good to try and discuss
0:19:01 > 0:19:03how we could make it feel like one house.
0:19:03 > 0:19:09It's been built at different times, you can tell that annexe, was definitely an afterthought.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Any building you do, you want to connect it on the ground floor.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18And I think that connection would be made via the back of the kitchen.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Yeah.- There's a lot of work to be done but by professionals, OK?
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Now, the house itself, the builder reckons he could get your house
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- ready to move into in ten weeks. - Wow.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- OK.- OK? It's going to cost you at least £100,000.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- But if you consider that every room will be how you want it.- Mm-hm.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- Yeah and that's very appealing. - Yeah.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42I thought it could take months rather than weeks,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- so it's nice to hear that it wouldn't take as long.- Yeah.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49So the work could be completed in time for their return from honeymoon.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Well, Jane, I wouldn't say my Wreck is a tough act to follow,
0:19:53 > 0:19:58but no, actually, yeah I would say that - my Wreck is a very tough act to follow.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Hands up, I'm struggling here. I've been up and down the southern home counties
0:20:02 > 0:20:07and big Ready properties just cost an absolute fortune.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12This is amongst the most expensive areas in the whole country
0:20:12 > 0:20:18and even Simon and Nicola's generous 750 grand budget just doesn't go as far as I want it to.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23So I'm playing my last hand and taking our soon-to-be-married couple nine miles down the road
0:20:23 > 0:20:25to the pretty village of Storrington.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Property here is more expensive
0:20:27 > 0:20:29than Billingshurst
0:20:29 > 0:20:31but I've managed to find a beauty.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35Right, my first property, I showed you, come on up, don't be shy.
0:20:35 > 0:20:42You weren't so keen because of the road, the planes...
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Yeah.- ..the size.
0:20:44 > 0:20:50- I was sweating, erm, we've got a quiet road here, so no through road. - Yeah.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- No planes.- No planes. - House!- It looks beautiful. - Very appealing house.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- Absolutely beautiful.- Yeah, it's got a lot of curb appeal.- I love it. - Brilliant!
0:21:00 > 0:21:05My final Storrington Ready is a very, very attractive four-bedroomed detached house
0:21:05 > 0:21:08on a quiet road with the all important flat garden.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12It's on the market at...
0:21:12 > 0:21:13leaving 100 grand spare
0:21:13 > 0:21:18in Simon and Nicola's budget for a possible additional development project.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- As it stands, it's only four bedrooms.- Right.
0:21:22 > 0:21:28- OK.- But there's scope for a huge extension which would double the size of the property...- Wow.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32..to here and these are the plans for them.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33What are you thinking now?
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- I'm intrigued. - Yes, very much so, knowing there's the potential to extend it further,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41that's a bonus. It's the first I'm excited about.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Sorry, Jonnie, as you said, big is beautiful today,
0:21:45 > 0:21:49so I'm being a bit cheeky and sneaking in the possibility of an extension.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53I cannot believe you've turned traitor to the Ready cause just to beat me,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56but I actually like your style, Jane, well done.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Do you get a feel for the place?
0:21:58 > 0:22:03I've got a really good feel for the place and we've only just walked in and I really like it.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06And I definitely think we could live with four bedrooms
0:22:06 > 0:22:11and extend as and when we need to, so it's nice we've that flexibility to be able to do that.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- But the whole grounds and the house itself?- It's just beautiful.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- Yes, the proportions for the plot are excellent.- So it's on at 645.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24It's under your budget, that leaves you over £100,000 to play with,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26should you wish to go up to your budget.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29You might decide that you don't need to extend quite so much.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33This is all music to my ears and I think, possibly,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37finally I've found the right property for the happy couple.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Ah, this is nice. - Master bedroom, is it? Yeah.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42It's a lovely size, isn't it?
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- Double aspect windows, which is really pleasant.- Yeah.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50It's nice overlooking... the front garden here.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52This is going very well, Jane,
0:22:52 > 0:22:56it looks like it could be curtains for my big Billingshurst Wreck after all.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- So how do you feel about this then? - Having seen the plans, I think there's so much potential.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02My favourite of the day.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04This looks very nice.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- It's a beauty, isn't it! - Really does look quite pretty.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- They're in love.- Are they?- Mmm. Not just with each other!- Oh, right.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15With the house too. It's not quite as big as they need forever,
0:23:15 > 0:23:20but it's got lots of potential to extend in the long term.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24"Potential" and "extend", normally words you'd associate
0:23:24 > 0:23:28with maybe a project or something I would show them, Jane.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33Yes, erm, you may feel I'm standing on your toes ever so slightly, but it's ready to move into.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Unbelievable.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- You love it!- I don't actually!
0:23:39 > 0:23:45Well it's been a thoroughly exciting day, we've learnt a lot about Simon and Nicola's plans for the future.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49My first renovation project of the day had half its garden missing,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51but had great potential for development.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Then my Crawley Down Ready had curb appeal
0:23:56 > 0:23:58but a lot of noise from planes and traffic.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01So I found some peace and quiet with a massive,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03if slightly confusing Wreck in Billingshurst,
0:24:03 > 0:24:05but it was just too odd.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I saved the best till last with, to be fair, a cheat.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12This property is ready to move into but has potential
0:24:12 > 0:24:16for lots more space, sometime after the wedding.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Unbelievable, so which house
0:24:18 > 0:24:20- will they go for?- You have to ask?
0:24:20 > 0:24:25- Which is your favourite? - This, definitely.- So you'd like to come back and see this?
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- Very much so, and talk about the plans in more detail and...- Mm-hm. - ..and how we achieve that.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- I'm sure I can arrange that for you.- Here's your stinking plans!- Thank you for your help.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- I admit defeat. - It's been a pleasure.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Have a great second viewing, you going to arrange it now?
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- Mmm, yes, of course, we'll arrange it for you for tomorrow.- Lovely.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50Well, well, well, it seems they want to re-visit one of our properties, which one was it again, Jonnie?
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- I don't know.- Sorry! Oh, yes, it was mine, my lovely Storrington Ready.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Time to go for a second view in a new light.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04Any issues with light around this sort of balcony?
0:25:04 > 0:25:07We sent along a local builder to lend a hand and discuss plans
0:25:07 > 0:25:11for a potentially huge extension, to happen sooner rather than later.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15An extension sooner, doesn't sound very Ready, does it, Jane? No.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I definitely think I could see us with children here.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23There's a huge gorgeous garden our kids could potentially run around in.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25It's really quiet, it's not overlooked,
0:25:25 > 0:25:29I think we would feel at ease with the children running about and having fun
0:25:29 > 0:25:31and hopefully we'd join in with them.
0:25:31 > 0:25:37Well, Simon and Nicola, played it safe with getting all the plans drawn up
0:25:37 > 0:25:41but are still willing to take on a pretty big project, right on the eve of their wedding.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46There's a lot to consider before you put in an offer on a property you like the look of.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50When you return to view, make sure you take someone else with you,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54preferably someone with a different taste so you can spot the things that you haven't.
0:25:54 > 0:26:00Try to view at different times of day to get a new perspective on the property and its area.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03And finally, just as Simon and Nicola have done,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05don't feel pressured into making a quick offer
0:26:05 > 0:26:07before you've thought it all through.
0:26:07 > 0:26:13As this goes to print, Simon and Nicola, placed an offer of £640,000,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17just 5,000 below the asking price and it was accepted.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19I bet they did, it was only five grand underneath.
0:26:19 > 0:26:25They're also hoping to get building plans re-instated to create a huge double fronted extension.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Simon and Nicola have postponed moving from their current house
0:26:29 > 0:26:31until all the building work is finished.
0:26:34 > 0:26:40So, fingers crossed, Nicola and Simon can create their dream forever home in time for their family plans.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- Create?- Mm-hm.- Doesn't sound very Ready to me! Anyway, I'm not bitter, I'll move on.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49Join us next time when I, for certain, will be showing people around a genuine Wreck.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54- And I'll be showing them around genuine Readys.- Will you? Probably won't.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd