0:00:02 > 0:00:04One man born in this beautiful city links physics, chemistry
0:00:04 > 0:00:06and medicine to literature and peace,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09but who was he and where could I be?
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Find out in just a moment as we escape to the continent.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34In today's property search, our couple know a good thing
0:00:34 > 0:00:35when they see it.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Yeah, really nice. I'd like to move in now, please.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41But time is against us.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- It will be gone in a week.- Quick.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44Yeah, it is quick.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47There are shocks in store for our house-hunters...
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- Surprise!- OK, wow. That's pretty impressive.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54..but the biggest one is for me.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Ah! This is a little bit terrifying.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04I'm in the Swedish capital of Stockholm and behind me is the
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Nobel Museum, named after Alfred Nobel,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10a son of this city born in 1833.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13He was a scientist, an engineer and an inventor,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17with some 300 patents to his name, including dynamite,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20so, unsurprisingly, he made an absolute fortune.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22But he had no family to leave his money to,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25so he set up a fund for five prizes,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29the Nobel Prizes, that are held in the highest of regard
0:01:29 > 0:01:33internationally - a lot like Alfred's magnificent city.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Sweden is a 2.5-hour flight from the UK
0:01:37 > 0:01:41and the city of Stockholm is in the south-east of the country.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Stockholm is at the meeting point of two bodies of water,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Coined the Venice of the North,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54this unique capital city is spread over 14 islands.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59But the wider metropolitan area covers a network of 30,000 islands,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02known as the Stockholm Archipelago.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04The old town, locally known as Gamla Stan,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07is Stockholm's original city centre.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09It dates from the 13th century,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12but most buildings are from the 17 and 1800s,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16including colourful examples of North German architecture.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Gamla Stan is also home to Stockholm's Royal Palace.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27Designed in an Italian baroque style, it has 1430 rooms -
0:02:27 > 0:02:30nearly twice as many as Buckingham Palace.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35To the east of the old town lies the island of Djurgarden, with a mix
0:02:35 > 0:02:40of parkland, picturesque canals and some of the city's 70+ museums.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44One of these is home to the jaw-dropping Vasa,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52The heart of modern Stockholm beats in the Norrmalm area, packed with
0:02:52 > 0:02:57shops, bars and restaurants and the striking Waterfront Congress Centre.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02If it's quality of life you're after, then Stockholm could be
0:03:02 > 0:03:04the place for you.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07It was recently voted in the top five best cities in the entire
0:03:07 > 0:03:08world to live in.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10And you wouldn't have to dig too deeply
0:03:10 > 0:03:12into your pockets to move here.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17The average house price in greater Stockholm is around £284,000,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21which is a massive £172,000 cheaper than Greater London.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23And once you get here, you'd have
0:03:23 > 0:03:27plenty of space as the population is around one million people.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29So, let's meet today's buyers and see
0:03:29 > 0:03:32if we can add another two, or three, to that figure.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Today's buyers are Kevin, a software engineer,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and Australian-born Sarah, who works in PR.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43They met at work when they were employed on the same project.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45I ended up just sitting next to him one day
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and I didn't have a lot to do,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51so I was trying to chat to him, not chat him up, but chat to him
0:03:51 > 0:03:54and he really wasn't having that much of a bar of it, really.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56I was actually try to do some work.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59So, we became friends and we were friends for quite a while,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02we just kind of got along and enjoyed each other's company,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04and then we got together.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08They were married in 2007 and settled in south-west London,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10which has been a great base for pursuing their careers
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and their sporting rivalries.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15There is a tennis club just around the corner
0:04:15 > 0:04:18and I used to be better than Kev.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21But then he had some lessons from a friend of his who helped to
0:04:21 > 0:04:23bring his game up to speed.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25So, now he's a little bit better than me,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27so I don't like to play him as often.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Yes, so now you don't play me.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I don't like losing.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I'm Australian, of course I don't like losing...
0:04:35 > 0:04:36especially not to an Englishman.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43And during their time in London, things have moved on.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45We have our two little cats, Milly and Poppet,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and also we've had some great news lately that Sarah is pregnant.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51So, we've another little... Well, a baby on the way.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53With this change in circumstances,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56their London pad is no longer where they want to be.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Currently we live in a first floor maisonette,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03which is really nice, but we are kind of overlooked by neighbours
0:05:03 > 0:05:05and we only have a small amount of outdoor space.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10So, the decision to move to Sweden was born,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14particularly as Kevin shouldn't have too much trouble getting a job.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16I'm reasonably comfortable about finding work.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18My skills are fairly in demand.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21And also, as a software engineer, from what I understand, a lot of
0:05:21 > 0:05:26the companies will actually work in English, at least part of the time.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30And Stockholm is where they hope their forever future lies.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33We are looking to move to somewhere that reflects our social
0:05:33 > 0:05:37and moral values and Sweden, for us, we think really has that.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40You know, they respect family, they respect work-life balance,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43I guess their outlook on life really is something that we want to
0:05:43 > 0:05:46look to experience and see whether that works for us.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49It's not a retirement plan, it's a life plan,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53and we need to make sure that we kind of try and get it right.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58As Kevin plans to work in central Stockholm, we are looking at
0:05:58 > 0:06:03commutable neighbourhoods not more than half an hour from the centre.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06But first, I need to find out a few more details from our house
0:06:06 > 0:06:08hunters themselves.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- Welcome to Stockholm!- Thank you.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12So, why do you want to move to this part of the world?
0:06:12 > 0:06:15What is it about Stockholm in particular?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Well, I came here ages ago on a rugby trip
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and met a few people there, and I'd come back
0:06:21 > 0:06:24and then brought Sarah over, we had a great holiday,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26and we just immediately were drawn to the place, weren't we?
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Yes, we even got married here...just over there.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31So, we've been here quite a few times
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and we have been here in the winter and we've been here in the summer,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37so we know that there are extremes of temperature,
0:06:37 > 0:06:38- so we are prepared for that.- Right.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40It's kind of a different lifestyle.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44They have a really good focus on families and, you know,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46a good work-life balance and it's
0:06:46 > 0:06:49something completely different, so for us that's really appealing.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51You've mentioned that you want to raise a family here
0:06:51 > 0:06:54and that's because that is imminent. You're expecting your first baby!
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- Yes.- Yes.- Due in February. - That's absolutely brilliant news.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59It will be a completely different life,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03and that's a bit of a scary thing because it's all of the unknowns.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05It's exciting and scary both at the same time.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08So, let's find out what your requirements from this property are.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Tell me about your dream home here.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12We'd like a three-to-four-bedroom house,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16we'd like a ground floor bedroom, ideally somewhere with a bathroom.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20So when my mum visits, that's easy for her, because she's disabled.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23How far out are you prepared to go? Do you have anywhere in mind?
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Well, I'd like to be able to cycle in.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28At the moment, I cycle about 11 miles a day,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30so that's probably the tops I'd do.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I guess we're moving here for a lifestyle change as well,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35so we commute a lot in London and, so we want to try and reduce that.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Tell me about your dream house. What does it look like?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42I guess that the outside, we kind of like the very traditional look.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44I don't think we like...
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- We wouldn't like, you know, kind of '70s or industrial looking.- Right.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- And then inside... - A nice kitchen, entertaining area.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Yeah, we don't necessarily want to do a lot of renovation work.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58We've renovated our house in Balham and I think it might be a push
0:07:58 > 0:08:02too far to try and do too much, and also without having the language.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04So, something that, you know, is kind of ready to go.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06So, when are you planning on moving?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Are you going to have the baby in Sweden or in the UK?
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Well, we may need to wait until the baby arrives,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13just because of health care arrangements.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18And as soon as the baby arrives, then we'll pack it up and move it over.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20But you're hoping to have found a property before that?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23So we don't have too rush into doing all of that when the baby arrives.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- You don't want to be house-hunting with a newborn.- No.- No.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29You probably know, but the housing market here works very
0:08:29 > 0:08:31differently to in the UK.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32If you like a property, you're going
0:08:32 > 0:08:34to have to put an offer in straight away.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37It's nerve-racking because people put houses on the market and it's
0:08:37 > 0:08:40sealed bids, and everybody puts their bid in and then it's gone,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43but you can get into negotiations and delay when you move in.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46I guess you could make plans a bit quicker because,
0:08:46 > 0:08:50if it is more secure, then that's probably a better situation for us.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- Let's talk budget. How much have you got to spend?- It's £750,000.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56That is a really decent budget.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59I have got a few properties lined up for you to see. Shall we go?
0:08:59 > 0:09:00- Excellent.- Let's do it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04With their finances in place,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06they are in a position to secure a property,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10but need to negotiate a move in date after the baby is born.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15And what they want for £750,000 is a traditional Scandinavian house
0:09:15 > 0:09:17with an open plan interior.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20They need three bedrooms for their expanding family,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22plus an accessible bedroom for Kevin's mother.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25They want a good-sized garden in a semirural location,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28not much more than ten miles from central Stockholm.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34But they will need to have their wits and wallets about them.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Buying a property here is an unbelievably quick process.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Houses go on the market with all surveys
0:09:39 > 0:09:41and legal documents in place.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Bids go in which can push the price way above the guide price.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48And once the seller accepts a bid, it's sold.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It's a rapid transaction that often sees houses changing hands
0:09:51 > 0:09:53in under a week.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57And what we've got on offer for Kevin and Sarah are four fantastic
0:09:57 > 0:10:00properties, delivering the best of Swedish design and architecture.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03During their time here, we will be putting them up in their own
0:10:03 > 0:10:07property to give them a chance to embed in local life.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Our final property choice is a mystery house,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13which offers something that could sway it for our house-hunters.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22For our first property we are heading to Boo, an area in the inner
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Stockholm archipelago, which is just nine miles from the city centre,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29so within Kevin's 11-mile cycling limit.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32It's a residential, family-orientated area
0:10:32 > 0:10:34with a real community feel.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38There are good schools, great sports facilities and a local restaurant.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41The southern part of this area overlooks
0:10:41 > 0:10:44the bay of Backtorpsvagen, which leads out to the sea.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Within view of this bay and set in beautiful,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50natural surroundings is the first of our Swedish properties.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- I'm going to stop you around about here, and have a look.- Wow!- Wow!
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- Very exciting. - That's great.- It's nice and modern.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- It's got a red door, we like that. - A red door, yes.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05And it's very big, yeah. Yeah, it looks fab, really excited.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Good, that's the right start.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- It was only built in 2006.- OK.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12It used to be a holiday home on this patch
0:11:12 > 0:11:16and then the owners decided to build this.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Wow. An all-year holiday house. - It could be!- Yeah!
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Let's go in.- OK.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25'The setting and exterior of this property have gone down well
0:11:25 > 0:11:29'and I reckon the inside won't fail to impress.'
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Through the lovely red door. - Fabulous. Wow!
0:11:33 > 0:11:34"Wow" is good.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- It's really nice. - First things first,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38what do we do in a Swedish house?
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Shoes off.- Shoes off.- Precisely.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44'With the shoes-off culture, this house, like most in Sweden,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46'has underfloor heating throughout.'
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- This way, please.- Great.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Through this lovely entranceway and, before you look that way,
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- look this way.- Wow, fabulous. - The kitchen - what do you think?
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I can see myself in there. That's really nice.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- That's just how we'd do it, isn't it?- Yeah, exactly.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05I can see a little cat sitting on that bench, keeping warm.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- I love the round window. - Yeah, that's really great.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10One thing you're not going to have a problem with here is light
0:12:10 > 0:12:13because you will see there is just windows everywhere.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16It's very Swedish - clean lines, oak worktop.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18You can see, cos the house is quite modern,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22that everything is just brand-new and clean.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I'd like to move in now, thanks.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Yeah, I could definitely see us living here for sure, yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Search over!
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- That was the easiest Escape To The Continent ever!- Brilliant, yeah.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37All right, this is the kitchen.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Let's see the rest of the living space.- Brilliant.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42'I'm not surprised that they love the design
0:12:42 > 0:12:45'and layout of this house - it's everything you'd hope
0:12:45 > 0:12:46'a modern Swedish home would be.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49'Separated by a breakfast bar,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52'the kitchen is connected to a generous-sized dining area
0:12:52 > 0:12:54'and this leads onto the large living room.'
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Wow, it's really good.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59It's open-plan, but separate still. It feels it, doesn't it?
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Yeah, I feel you could be in this area
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- and not really be in that person's space...- Yeah.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07..but still be able to talk and communicate.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- I think this is the kind of thing we envisioned.- Yeah, totally.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Beautiful log fire behind you. - Excellent.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15You'll be cosy, just what you wanted, Kevin.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17This is also going to make you very happy.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21They are using it as an office, but that could easily be a bedroom.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22Yes, perfect.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27And there's a door that goes round into the entrance on the other side.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Your parents could happily have that room.- Yeah, yeah.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- Also there's a shower room on the ground floor.- Wow!
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- There's a huge utility room and there's a cloakroom.- Perfect.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- All right, should we see the upstairs?- Yes, let's do it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Come with me.- Thanks.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42'Almost every room in this house is double aspect,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45'allowing lots of light in and great views out.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48'Upstairs, there are three bedrooms in total,
0:13:48 > 0:13:53'two of which are large doubles decorated to a high standard.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55'There is a spacious landing area used as more living space
0:13:55 > 0:13:58'and then there's the master bedroom.'
0:13:59 > 0:14:02So here we have lots of light, lots of space.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Is this big enough for you?
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- I think we could manage!- Yeah.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Because what it's got next door is a walk-in wardrobe.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Ah, that was my question.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- And then you can go straight into what is the master bathroom.- OK.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- It's a huge bathroom.- Excellent.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20What feeling are you getting in this house?
0:14:20 > 0:14:21It feels like home does, doesn't it?
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Yeah, definitely. It just feels really relaxed
0:14:24 > 0:14:27and you could imagine having friends and family staying,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30not being on top of each other and seeing out all of the windows...
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Everywhere you look, you can see a bit of a tree
0:14:33 > 0:14:36or see some greenery, so I think it's really calming.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38I have to agree with you.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41There's something really homely and relaxed,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- and it just feels like a home. - Yeah, definitely.- Yeah.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49And it doesn't feel as if you'd need to do anything, which is fabulous.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- All right, shall we have a good look outside?- Yeah, let's go, brilliant.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57'They are really taking to this house.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00'I think it's just the sort of home they were hoping for.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02'Outside, there's a huge decked area,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05'which would add extra living space in the summer,
0:15:05 > 0:15:06'a separate garage,
0:15:06 > 0:15:11'plus a child-friendly garden covering a third of an acre.'
0:15:11 > 0:15:13So this is your garden. Is it big enough?
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Plenty big enough, yeah.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16I don't think we'll know what to do here.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19It's about ten times the size of our current one.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23So let's get to business. How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:23 > 0:15:24Kevin, let's start with you.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29It must be the top end of our budget, I'd say, about £750,000.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I would say just slightly under then, £745,000.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Well, you're actually closer.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37It's actually on at £735,000,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- so you'd have a little bit of change.- Wow, amazing!
0:15:41 > 0:15:45If you like this house, which I'm sensing you really do,
0:15:45 > 0:15:51you are going to have to seriously start thinking about moving forward
0:15:51 > 0:15:54because it works very fast here. People will come and view it.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57It's been on their website for a couple of days,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00over 2,000 people have clicked on it, viewings have begun
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and people will begin to make offers,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04and it will be gone in a week.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- OK, that's quick.- Yeah, it is quick.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09So I'm going to send you off to have another look around the property.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- I'll meet you at the front. - Brilliant, thanks a lot.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- Off you go.- Thanks.- See ya.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18So for £15,000 under their top budget,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22this modern family home gives spacious, light open-plan living.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26There are three bedrooms upstairs plus an accessible one downstairs.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29It offers one-third of an acre of land
0:16:29 > 0:16:30and is set in a rural location,
0:16:30 > 0:16:34whilst being just a 20-minute commute to the city centre.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36But if they really like it - and I think they do -
0:16:36 > 0:16:39they're going to need to move quickly.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41This is good.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44It's a decent-sized room, especially a spare room.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46It's much bigger than we have at home.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I could definitely see little people in here.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I feel really comfortable here and I feel really warm
0:16:52 > 0:16:56and invited into this house, so I could definitely see myself,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Kev, two cats and a new baby living in this house.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01So that's very exciting.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04There's plenty of space for our relatives to come over,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08for my parents to stay and Sarah's parents to stay,
0:17:08 > 0:17:09and it just seems ideal.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12I think what's really surprising for me is that I don't feel as if
0:17:12 > 0:17:15we would really need to compromise with this house.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18This house is fantastic. It's a definite contender.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- There they are.- Hi!- Hi!
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Do we still like this house? - We love it, yeah.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Yeah, it's really great, we really like it.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- We could definitely see ourselves living here.- Yeah.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- How serious are you?- Pretty serious, yeah.- Yeah, for sure.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36That is thrilling news.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Well, it's not yours yet,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40so unfortunately were going to have to leave.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- OK.- This way.- All right, thanks.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50'It's the end of today's house-hunting in Stockholm,
0:17:50 > 0:17:51'which has gone very well.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54'I'm now taking Kevin and Sarah to Gamla Stan,
0:17:54 > 0:17:56'the historic centre of the city,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59'where we've arranged a little something for them.'
0:18:00 > 0:18:03As the two of you do want to move here permanently,
0:18:03 > 0:18:04we thought it'd be a great idea
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- for that experience to start right now.- OK.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11So for the rest of your time here, you will be staying right here.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Amazing, brilliant.- In the penthouse! - Oh, nothing but the best!
0:18:14 > 0:18:15Nothing but the best!
0:18:15 > 0:18:17It'll be fun, yeah, being right in the centre of town
0:18:17 > 0:18:19and being right in the thick of it.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Cos I want the two of you to just get stuck in and become locals.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- We'll try. - As much as you can, yeah?- Yeah.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- And I'll catch up with you in the morning.- Brilliant.- Thanks, bye!
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'In central Stockholm, life is definitely about apartment living.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35'In fact, in Sweden, 46% of the population live in flats
0:18:35 > 0:18:38'as opposed to just 21% in the UK.'
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Shall we unpack a little bit?- Yeah.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45Get settled in. I think there are some drawers over here.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48'This temporary Stockholm pad could be the first steps
0:18:48 > 0:18:51'of Kevin and Sarah's new life here in Sweden.'
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Perhaps we could go and explore.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- Yeah, let's do that. Let's head out, shall we?- Yeah.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58'Daylight hours in Sweden can be extreme.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03'In the north, July and August see an astonishing 24 hours of daylight
0:19:03 > 0:19:06'and January has 24 hours of darkness.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07'Here in Stockholm, however,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10'daylight hours are similar to those in Scotland.'
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- It's really nice, isn't it?- It's really great to be back, isn't it?
0:19:14 > 0:19:15Every time we come back, it feels really good.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19It feels like we could just come and move here tomorrow, really.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- Yeah, definitely. Look, there's a gift shop over here.- Oh, yeah.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Some quite interesting things for kids.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26If we get something like that,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28we could learn a bit of Swedish with our child.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- It'll be good that they'll be bilingual.- Yeah.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44'It's the start of our second day in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46'We're helping Kevin and Sarah,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49'who are looking to swap their London pad for a family home here
0:19:49 > 0:19:54'which will accommodate them and their new baby, which is on its way.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57'During their time here, they're staying in a rented property
0:19:57 > 0:20:00'to get an authentic taste of Swedish living.'
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Now, the first property I showed Kevin and Sarah,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07they absolutely fell in love with.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10They even said it felt like home, which is brilliant.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12It also sets the bar very high.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Today, it's about something a little bit different,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18but if the weather can change this dramatically,
0:20:18 > 0:20:19maybe their minds can too.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- Speak of the devils!- Hey, how are you doing?- Come on out, if you dare!
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- How are you?- Great, thanks. - Did you have a nice evening?
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Year, it was really good, yeah.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29We had some food and we had an early night.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31An early night, but enjoyed your evening in Stockholm?
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Yeah, great, yeah.- Are you prepared to tackle this weather?
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Yeah. There's no bad weather, just bad clothing, so we should be fine.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- That's the right attitude. Ready to see more properties?- Yes.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- Definitely.- Come with me.- Excellent!
0:20:45 > 0:20:46For our next property,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50were going 13 miles north of central Stockholm to the area of Taby.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It may be a bit far to cycle, but it's well connected by rail,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57with a fast train taking just 20 minutes.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59This town is fantastic for amenities,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03with a shopping centre, supermarkets, good schools
0:21:03 > 0:21:05and plenty of facilities for bringing up a family.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08And conveniently, just around the corner
0:21:08 > 0:21:10from a daycare centre is our next property.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- Yeah, wow!- Nice!- Right! Very traditional-looking.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18It is a traditional Swedish home.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22I like that it's not one-dimensional, it's quite interesting looking
0:21:22 > 0:21:25and it's got lots of different aspects to it.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27I like it, it's not modern like the last place we looked at,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30but it's what we're looking for in the traditional style of things.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32I can't wait to show you the inside of this one.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- Yeah, looking forward to it. - Are you ready?
0:21:34 > 0:21:37'Sarah and Kevin wanted something traditional-looking
0:21:37 > 0:21:39'and this turn-of-the-century house
0:21:39 > 0:21:41'is built in the National Romantic style.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45'But whilst it is old, it's by no means rundown.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48'There's a new roof, new rendering and new windows.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51'And inside this huge property,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54'the traditional style continues with a light, floral decor.'
0:21:54 > 0:21:56All right!
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Straight into the living area of this house.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03First impressions, please, Kevin.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07It'd probably need a bit of work to put our stamp on it,
0:22:07 > 0:22:08but I think I like it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12OK, so you've just entered. What do you think?
0:22:12 > 0:22:15I am actually quite drawn to it. It's really traditional, really homey.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17I like all the different features,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19like the fireplace and the big old radiators.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- No, I like it. - It is an old traditional home.- Yeah.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Through there, they've got another room,
0:22:26 > 0:22:28which goes out onto the terrace,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30which they're using as a kiddies' play area,
0:22:30 > 0:22:34but you could easily use that as a bedroom for when your parents visit.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- Great.- That's good to know. - Ready to go on?- Yeah, let's.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41'The downstairs layout of this house is great for Kevin's mother,
0:22:41 > 0:22:43'with a large downstairs bathroom,
0:22:43 > 0:22:47which is also the property's only bathroom.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50'The living room flows into a light, bright dining room,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52which links through to the kitchen.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- OK.- Right.- Interesting!
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Tell me what you think.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I think I'm a little bit speechless.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04I think that I like it, but it could probably be reconfigured.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- Yeah, we'd have to change it round. - Yeah.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I think it's probably just a little bit dated
0:23:09 > 0:23:11and maybe just not as functional as I would like,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13cos I like to do a lot of cooking.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16It's an old house, so with it comes the charm.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Yes, it is charming, definitely, that's a good word for it.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I just think maybe we'd have to think
0:23:21 > 0:23:23about how we would live in a space like this.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- Shall we go upstairs? - Yeah, let's have a look.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30'Upstairs, there are three bedrooms in total,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33'two of them are good-size doubles, both with working wood-burners.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37'Unlike Victorian fireplaces in the UK,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40'wood-burning stoves are still central to Swedish homes
0:23:40 > 0:23:41'and in this property,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44'there are several carefully preserved originals.
0:23:44 > 0:23:50'Off the upstairs landing is a WC and the third and final bedroom.'
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- Into what they are using as the master bedroom.- OK.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- It's an extension.- OK, OK. I really like the ceiling.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58You have your own little balcony outside.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02It feels like you're coming to a separate kind of area and,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04if you had a door, you'd be able to close yourself off,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06which would be quite nice.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09I like this room, I like the balcony out there,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12I can imagine sitting out there and having some breakfast something,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14but it doesn't immediately grab me.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Obviously you loved the modern house,
0:24:16 > 0:24:21but you did say to me that we want something old and we want something traditional.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Now this is definitely an old traditional house,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26and with it comes all the quirks
0:24:26 > 0:24:29and idiosyncrasies that those houses come with.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31For you, this process is about helping you
0:24:31 > 0:24:35make your mind up about, "OK, do we really want a traditional house?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38"Or maybe we actually want something a bit more..."
0:24:38 > 0:24:40I think we like the feel and look of a traditional house,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42but is it functional to live in?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44I can see that there is work that needs to be done and,
0:24:44 > 0:24:46having just finished doing loads of work on our own flat,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I'm not sure I'm ready to take that on.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53'The final element is a huge basement currently used for storage,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55'but which could be developed into more living spaces.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58'Outside, the garden is child-friendly,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00'with lots of mature trees.'
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- Do we like the garden? - It's a nice garden, yeah.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- Yeah, it's really good. - It's quite spacious.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09It's got different spaces and interesting exploring areas.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Now, tell me, do you like this house?
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I really like the outside, I think it's like a little gingerbread house
0:25:15 > 0:25:19and I think it's amazing and I love the quirkiness,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22but I'm not quite sure how well it would function as a home.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It doesn't really give us that open-plan
0:25:25 > 0:25:27kind of living that we're wanting, really.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30So, Sarah, how much do you think it's on for?
0:25:30 > 0:25:37I'm going to say £730,000.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40It's really difficult. It could be up as high as the other one,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42but I'm going to go for £700,000.
0:25:42 > 0:25:48£700,000 is what you're saying, Kevin, and you're saying £730,000.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50I'm afraid you're both wrong.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55It's on the market at £530,000!
0:25:55 > 0:26:00Oh, my God! OK, we're completely wrong. OK, that's really surprising.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05So you'd save £220,000.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08How much are you liking this house now, Kevin?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10"I really like this house now!"
0:26:10 > 0:26:12You could get an architect in,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14you could knock a couple of walls down,
0:26:14 > 0:26:15you could get that kitchen done.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Having the extra cash would enable us to maybe reconfigure
0:26:19 > 0:26:21and, as you said, do the things that we would like to do.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24So that's changed it quite dramatically.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25OK, well, go and have a look.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- I'll see you in a bit. - OK, perfect, thanks.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32So for £220,000 under their top budget,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36this is a traditional turn-of-the-century property
0:26:36 > 0:26:39with character at every turn.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40There are three upstairs bedrooms
0:26:40 > 0:26:44plus the all-important downstairs bedroom and bathroom.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47The garden is plenty big enough for a children's play space
0:26:47 > 0:26:50and it's 20 minutes by fast train to the city.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53And whilst Kevin and Sarah may want to do some changes,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56they certainly have enough leftover cash.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58I saw the front of the house and I thought,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01"This looks like a nice place, let's see what it's like inside."
0:27:01 > 0:27:04And then as they came in, I think my heart sank a little bit.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06The biggest disappointment when we came in, I think,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10was the kitchen because we'd spent a lot of time getting our kitchen how we wanted it,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14and the kitchen here isn't really...very functional.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17When I heard the price, I was very surprised.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20I'm still not sure whether the price would sway me
0:27:20 > 0:27:23because I think that there could be a lot of work,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25and I don't know how much that would impact on our lives.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29Moving to a new country, having a baby and then doing renovations
0:27:29 > 0:27:31might be a little bit of a push too far.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34- Hi!- Hi, there!
0:27:34 > 0:27:37So, are we satisfied we've seen enough?
0:27:37 > 0:27:39I think we've seen everything there is to see.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- OK, in that case, let's leave. - Let's crack on.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53It's perhaps not surprising Kevin and Sarah are drawn to Sweden.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57It consistently ranks as one of the top countries in the world for quality of life.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01It's currently number four in The Economist's where to be born list.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06The high-quality free education and the state's attitude to childcare
0:28:06 > 0:28:09are just two of the big draws for young families.
0:28:09 > 0:28:14Swedes get a whopping 480 days of paid parental leave
0:28:14 > 0:28:16compared to just 195 for Britain's,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20and this can be split between the mother and the father,
0:28:20 > 0:28:24trouncing the two weeks' paternity leave given in the UK.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27'But no move abroad is a walk in the park
0:28:27 > 0:28:31'so, to give Sarah and Kevin the lowdown on what life in Sweden might have in store for them,
0:28:31 > 0:28:36'I've lined up a meeting with British expat Penny-Belle and her husband Bernie.'
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Hi!
0:28:38 > 0:28:39Hi, there! Pleased to meet you!
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Penny-Belle and Bernie, meet Sarah and Kevin.
0:28:42 > 0:28:43Hi, nice to meet you.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46The reason why I think the four of you will get on very well
0:28:46 > 0:28:48is because you been living here how long?
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- Eight months.- Eight months.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53And Bernie works in tech. They're bringing up a small family.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- I know you've got quite a few questions, haven't you?- Yeah, a few.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Yeah, just a few. - Do come in.- OK, thank you.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01'Bernie is originally from South Africa
0:29:01 > 0:29:03'and he and Penny-Belle have previously lived in America,
0:29:03 > 0:29:05'so they really know their stuff
0:29:05 > 0:29:08'when it comes to getting to grips with a new lifestyle.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11'They're also keen cyclists,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14'so as Bernie takes Kevin on a tour of the neighbourhood of Taby,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17'we ladies have something sweet in store.'
0:29:17 > 0:29:19I can see that've you set this out for...
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- What is it?- Fika and coffee.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- And that's very traditional?- Swedish people have it all the time.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28I'm going to make myself right at home, go and lay the table
0:29:28 > 0:29:32and the two of you can just carry on and find out what you want to know.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- I will.- See you in a bit.- Thanks. So, how do you find it?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- Are you settling in? - Absolutely settling in.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Swedes make life very easy for you if you've got children.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43So how have you found the cost of childcare
0:29:43 > 0:29:46because I know, in London, there's a nursery just across the road from my house
0:29:46 > 0:29:48and that costs about £1,500 per month per child.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Yeah, the cost for childcare is amazing here
0:29:52 > 0:29:54and you're supported by the local commune,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58and it probably costs for Cecilia, who's three, about £80 a month.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02And that's for full-time... Well, it's 8.30am to 3.30pm.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Well, that is full-time for a small child.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Yeah, it is like a school day.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09They make it fair for you and easy for you to have children here.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13'With the boys back from their cycle ride,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16'there's a chance to chat over coffee and cake.'
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Let's talk about the reality of living here.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20You've got a tonne of questions, so fire away.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Yeah, I guess the big thing is,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25when you first came here, was it as you expected?
0:30:25 > 0:30:28I think it was a lot easier than we thought it was going to be.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31There's always an adjustment period of making a move,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33but I would say relative to other moves we've made,
0:30:33 > 0:30:35this has been by far the easiest.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38One thing I've noticed in the brief period that I've been here
0:30:38 > 0:30:40is that everything seems so expensive,
0:30:40 > 0:30:42so is the cost of living a lot higher here than back in the UK?
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Yes, it is, but it's all relative
0:30:44 > 0:30:47because everybody is paid more fairly, I would say.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49The minimum wage is higher.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51There's a narrower spread of salaries.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54I mean, there are things that are much more expensive.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56If you want to get a cleaner, for instance,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00it's four times as much as you would spend in England.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03So you're learning the language, you've started to learn...
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- Yeah, a little bit. - Our Swedish isn't very good.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07I suppose, if you do have a little bit,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- then it shows that you're keen to integrate.- Absolutely.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13I think, longer term, to integrate, you need to speak Swedish.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16I think that makes a difference.
0:31:16 > 0:31:17So let's talk about integration.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22I was quite shocked at how different the Swedes are to English people.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27For instance, they come across quite straight and almost rude,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29but that's not the case at all.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32It's just that they are respectful of each other's space.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34So it just takes a bit of time to break down
0:31:34 > 0:31:36some of those barriers and get to know people?
0:31:36 > 0:31:39If you're, for example, in the street and look lost,
0:31:39 > 0:31:43no-one's going to come up to you and say, "Hey, you look lost. Can I help you?"
0:31:43 > 0:31:45You have to say, "Hey, I'm lost. Can you help me?"
0:31:45 > 0:31:47And then they'll be really helpful.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Bernie, you work here, so how different is work culture?
0:31:49 > 0:31:54It's great. I think it's a very good work-life balance.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57You work a 40-hour week.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59If you're working longer hours,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01people think you're not very good at your job.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05"What's wrong with you? Why do you need to work longer hours?"
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Ben is home for 6.30 every night
0:32:07 > 0:32:09to help put the kids to bed, read them a story.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13We can have dinner together, whereas in England, it was much later.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15So, Bernie, how do you find socialising at work then?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Is it very different? Cos in London, it's very much a pub culture.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21You go out with people after work and have a few drinks.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Yeah, we go out for lunch every day
0:32:23 > 0:32:26and we have a proper meal in a restaurant, and sit down,
0:32:26 > 0:32:28and that's a nice thing to do.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30There are beers after work.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33People buy their own, so you don't buy rounds.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Everyone does their own drink
0:32:35 > 0:32:39and I would say that people drink less than in the UK,
0:32:39 > 0:32:42which is certainly no bad thing, in my opinion.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45You've been here eight month so far. Any regrets?
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- No, not really.- Not yet!
0:32:47 > 0:32:50And are you still sure you want to make the move here?
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- Yeah, absolutely. - It's really great to see another family doing it and enjoying it,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55so that's really, really great.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Yes, so this could be the start of a nice friendship?
0:32:57 > 0:33:00I definitely think you should come back for coffee and fika again.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Thank you for having us.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06'Undeniably, the quality-of-life in Sweden is high,
0:33:06 > 0:33:08'but it does come at a price.'
0:33:08 > 0:33:10And when Kevin starts work,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13he will start paying Scandinavian-style taxes
0:33:13 > 0:33:15of which Sweden's other highest.
0:33:15 > 0:33:21Anyone earning over £32,000 pays 49%-60% of their salary
0:33:21 > 0:33:24in income and local government taxes,
0:33:24 > 0:33:29way above that of UK, where the top rate is a comparatively low 45%
0:33:29 > 0:33:33and only kicks in on income over £150,000.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36One other thing to note about the house-buying process here
0:33:36 > 0:33:39is that mortgages are usually arranged by the bank
0:33:39 > 0:33:41local to the property,
0:33:41 > 0:33:43so you need to have your finances in order
0:33:43 > 0:33:46and go to see the bank manager to be able to move quickly.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52In this big move to Stockholm,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56Kevin and Sarah will be upscaling their two-bedroom maisonette
0:33:56 > 0:33:58to a four-bedroom family home
0:33:58 > 0:33:59and will be needing a lot more furniture,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02which Sweden is famous for.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06The country that gave the world IKEA is celebrated
0:34:06 > 0:34:08for its contemporary and cool designs.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- I quite like these ones.- Yeah.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Do you like this?- They're pretty nice, aren't they? What about that?
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Yeah, that's nice, isn't it?
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- What's the damage on that?- 980.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23£98!
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- OK, we'll get saving. - I think that's probably a good idea.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30'Furniture, like most things in Sweden,
0:34:30 > 0:34:32'is more expensive than in the UK,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34'and they're going to need deep pockets
0:34:34 > 0:34:37'to furnish the next house we're showing them.'
0:34:40 > 0:34:43This property is in the western suburb of Spanga,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46bang on Kevin's 11-mile cycling commute distance
0:34:46 > 0:34:48and close to the airport.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51It's one of Stockholm's property hot spots -
0:34:51 > 0:34:53affluent, good shops, great schools
0:34:53 > 0:34:55and there's a fast train into the city.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59And if they join this community,
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Kevin would be just a 15-minute cycle to Wireless Valley,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05where many of the big names in IT are based.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08And in a leafy suburban street is our next property.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- Here we are. What you think about this one then?- It's big.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Yes, really interesting.- Mm-hmm!
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- THEY LAUGH - Big and interesting.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- What do they mean then? Daunting big or...?- No, in a good way.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26That is good, yeah, cos it is a whole lot of house.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- Nice flowered terrace. - Are you being sarky?
0:35:29 > 0:35:33No, no, I'm not, I think it's really cool! It's very Romeo and Juliet.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35Yes, you could be up there.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Kevin, you could be down here.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- THEY LAUGH - OK, right.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42I'm super-excited about showing you inside this one.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- OK, shall we do it?- OK, let's go.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49'This villa dates from 1919 and is set in a third of an acre
0:35:49 > 0:35:51'of child-friendly, wraparound garden
0:35:51 > 0:35:54'with some separate entertaining spaces.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58'The striking entrance to this property
0:35:58 > 0:36:00is tucked away from street view.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02'Once through the entry hall,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04'you're greeted by the ground-floor living room,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07'chock-full of period features.'
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- Ooh!- Mmm! Cool!
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- Yeah, I like it.- It's nice, yeah.- It feels really big.- Yeah, really open.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Yeah, and obvious kind of spaces. Yeah, I like it already.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20You've got this fantastic huge lounge
0:36:20 > 0:36:23with that incredible bay window, which will let all the light in.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26It's got that perfect balance that you like,
0:36:26 > 0:36:28which is through open living area,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31but with definite spaces, so the dining room's in there
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- and there's a little space in there. Shall we have a look?- Yeah, let's.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- Into...- A library.- Yes.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44A library is such a luxury, isn't it?
0:36:44 > 0:36:50The whole space feel so nice. It just flows, it feels really natural.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Oh, it's got you excited!
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Kevin, are you happy that Sarah's excited or what?
0:36:55 > 0:36:57I'm very happy Sarah's excited, of course!
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- What about you? How do you feel so far?- No, no, it's very nice.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03It seems very homely, a good use of space.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07OK, a very important room in the house - the kitchen.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- Let's head there now.- Let's see it.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12'Back through the living room and a small pantry area,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15'the country-style kitchen has plenty of room for casual dining.'
0:37:15 > 0:37:16- Come on through.- OK.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- Kevin, what do you think about this kitchen?- Yeah, it's a good layout.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Obviously dated, I'd need to refresh it a bit,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- but, yeah, we could work with it. - Yeah, I agree.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28I think it is a really good layout, loads of cupboard space.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- It probably just needs a little bit of updating.- Yeah.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Just put the type of cupboards in that you like.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Also on this floor, you've got a toilet, a bedroom,
0:37:37 > 0:37:41perfect for when your family comes.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Now I want to take you up to the first floor.- OK.- OK, great.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48'Up on the first floor are three bedrooms.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51'One is set up as a children's bedroom, one is an office,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54'and there is another small office space.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56'There's also a fully-tiled shower room,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59'which just leaves the final bedroom on this floor.'
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- OK, the master bedroom.- It's nice.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Decent size, great to have a fire in there.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08They've got a built-in cupboard here.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10In fact, this house has got lots of storage.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12This has got a balcony over here.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- Ah, the Romeo and Juliet balcony, brilliant.- The Romeo and Juliet balcony.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- Lovely.- And a terrace over there. - Oh, fab!- A sun terrace.- Nice.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23It feels like a good mix between a modern and a traditional house.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26I like the layout, it feels quite functional and modern,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29but it's got nice traditional features, like the fireplace
0:38:29 > 0:38:33and the fireplace in the living room, for example, so it's got a good mix.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Now we just have to put a price on it.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Shall we find somewhere comfortable to guess the price?
0:38:38 > 0:38:43- It's a big challenge. - We'll give it a go.- Come on.- OK.
0:38:43 > 0:38:44'This large house doesn't end there,
0:38:44 > 0:38:46'as there is another floor
0:38:46 > 0:38:50'up in the eaves with two further guest bedrooms.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52'And as if that wasn't enough, we're heading down to the basement,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55'where there is even more in store.'
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- Sauna!- Wow! - With a bath and a shower.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- Amazing.- Yeah? Good to go.- Great!
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- But this is pretty cool. Come in.- OK, wow!
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- THEY LAUGH - Home entertainment room. - Excellent!- Yeah, this is super.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- Who'll be down here?- You.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Yeah, probably on that sofa.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20So let's think about price. Let's start with you, Sarah.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:39:24 > 0:39:28They're all stumping me. I'm really confused about this.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30£680,000.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35- How about you, Kevin? - Yeah, it's a tricky one to do.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- I think about £700,000.- OK.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41You're both wrong. It's a little bit more.
0:39:41 > 0:39:47- OK.- It was put on the market at £710,000, which is not bad.
0:39:47 > 0:39:53When we got here, their highest offer was £735,000.
0:39:53 > 0:39:59- In the last hour, it's gone up to £755,000.- OK.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03So that gives you a sense of how quickly the market moves here.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06If you like it, you're going to have to think about
0:40:06 > 0:40:09whether you're prepared to stretch your budget.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13If you like this property and seriously like this property enough
0:40:13 > 0:40:16to want to put a bid in and get yourselves in the game,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18then you would have to do that,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- I would recommend, within the next 12 hours.- Yeah.- Yeah, OK.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25- Because this is happening now.- Yes, it is.- NOW, now.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- Very quickly.- OK, off you go. - OK, thanks.- Thanks.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31'With the quick Swedish house-buying system,'
0:40:31 > 0:40:32the price has already jumped
0:40:32 > 0:40:37to £45,000 over the asking price of £710,000.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41But for that, this really is a whole lot of house.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Spread across four floors, there are six bedrooms, a library,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47modern connected living spaces,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49a sauna and entertainment room,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53plus a large garden and some very special character balconies.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56It's a lot of space, but it's a lot of money.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59It's crazy how quickly the market moves here, isn't it?
0:40:59 > 0:41:00It's a bit scary.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02When I first saw the house from the outside,
0:41:02 > 0:41:06I was really surprised at how big and expansive it was.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08This house is massive.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Loads of space, more space than we need, probably.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16The housing market here is something we need to get used to and fast!
0:41:16 > 0:41:18There really is a lot to think about with this
0:41:18 > 0:41:21because it's a quick decision that needs to be made.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22It's all become very real
0:41:22 > 0:41:25in that people are offering on this property right now,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27so if they want part of the action,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29they're going to have to get involved.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31How much do they love it though?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- Hello, are you ready?- Yeah, we are.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- Come on, I will let you out. - Thank you.- Have you seen enough?- Yes.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Yeah, there was a lot to see and we have seen it all.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- A lot to see and a lot to think about.- Yes, definitely.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Come on then, let's go.- OK.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54It's our final day looking for a family home here in Stockholm
0:41:54 > 0:41:59for Londoners Kevin and Sarah, who have a budget of £750,000.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03They're staying in a classic Stockholm pad whilst they're here
0:42:03 > 0:42:05to get the true Swedish experience.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07We still have our mystery house to reveal,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10so we're leaving the suburbs and going slightly further afield.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14I just hope they've got their sea legs.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15Mystery property time
0:42:15 > 0:42:19and I am here because this is where the archipelago really opens up.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- The next house is on one of the islands.- Oh, wow!- It's on Norra Lagno.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25You can drive there from central Stockholm,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29it'll take about half an hour, but where's the fun in that when you can jump on a boat?
0:42:29 > 0:42:33The mystery houses is the most rural of all our houses,
0:42:33 > 0:42:38located 15 miles to the east of central Stockholm in Norra Lagno.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41It's a peninsula piece of land attached to the island of Varmdo,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45which is rapidly becoming a suburban area to Stockholm.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48But this peninsula remains a rural idyll with no shops
0:42:48 > 0:42:51and services, although these are just a few miles away.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54There's only 300 permanent residents,
0:42:54 > 0:42:56but the population triples in the summer
0:42:56 > 0:43:00as Stockholmers escape the city for their holiday homes.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02You might think of Sweden as a cold country,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04but Stockholm is relatively mild.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06'In winter, it can drop to minus five,
0:43:06 > 0:43:13'but in July, temperatures regularly hit a sunny 22 degrees Celsius.'
0:43:13 > 0:43:19- Here we are! Now that wouldn't be a bad commute, would it?- Yeah!
0:43:19 > 0:43:22'Just a three-minute walk from the landing spot
0:43:22 > 0:43:26'and located in a gorgeous rural setting is out mystery house,
0:43:26 > 0:43:30'which has a unique quirk that could really suit our house buyers.'
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Up this cute little path.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36- Ooh!- Wow, it's cool! Yeah, I really like it.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39Let's look at it from a better aspect over here. Come on.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41This way.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45Come around here. Have a look at this beauty!
0:43:45 > 0:43:48You wanted something old in your original criteria,
0:43:48 > 0:43:50so we have come to something old.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- This was actually built in 1880. - OK, that's quite old.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55Yeah, pretty old, right?
0:43:55 > 0:43:57I think it looks like a really nice place -
0:43:57 > 0:44:00lots of land - you feel like you are out in the countryside.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03- It's really nice and peaceful.- Yes. - Shall we go and have a look inside?
0:44:03 > 0:44:05Yeah, let's have a look.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08'So the more rural location is going down well and the old
0:44:08 > 0:44:12and traditional nature of the exterior is just what they were after.
0:44:12 > 0:44:17'I'm very excited to show them the interior, which is a real contrast.'
0:44:17 > 0:44:21- Come on through. - Oh, it's really nice.- Yeah.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24- It's really cosy. Looks nice, doesn't it?- Yeah, I really like it.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27Loads of light and how it's set out, look, you can just imagine
0:44:27 > 0:44:30yourself being in here, lounging around in front of the fire.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32Yeah, just a great feeling.
0:44:32 > 0:44:36This feels definitely the right kind of size.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38Great layout.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41It's really traditional from the outside and then,
0:44:41 > 0:44:43inside, it's really nice and modern.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45OK. So, you like the living room - that's brilliant.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- Shall we go and see the kitchen? - Yeah, definitely, let's go. - Follow me!
0:44:48 > 0:44:52'Much of the interior of this house was renovated in 2006,
0:44:52 > 0:44:55'giving them the modern design they've realised they actually want.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57'This house is not completely open plan,
0:44:57 > 0:44:59'but I think that's a blessing.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03'The downstairs living spaces flow into each other, giving connection
0:45:03 > 0:45:06'while still being distinct areas.'
0:45:06 > 0:45:09- It's really nice. What do you think? - Yeah, lovely, yeah.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11It's still got traditional features,
0:45:11 > 0:45:13but still really modern and really nice.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- Yeah, it's even got the original cooker.- Oh, right, OK.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19It was first put in with this house. It actually still works.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- Oh, wow, OK. - But it's just a beautiful feature.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25And also, on this floor, you've got a bedroom -
0:45:25 > 0:45:29- which they're using as an office - and a shower room.- OK, great.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32That's exactly what we need. Yeah, perfect.
0:45:32 > 0:45:33And this would be great,
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- accessible for the whole family to be around.- Yes.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- You feel this one, don't you? - Yeah, definitely. Yeah, it's nice.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42Yeah, I really like this one. I'm with Kev.
0:45:42 > 0:45:47- I think it's definitely, you know, it's up the top now.- OK.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49- It just depends on what else there is.- OK. Well, let's go and see.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54- Shall we head upstairs?- Yeah, let's go upstairs.- Come on, follow me.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57The final rooms on the ground floor are a utility/cloakroom,
0:45:57 > 0:45:59which connects the kitchen to the garden,
0:45:59 > 0:46:02great for disrobing all the coats and boots,
0:46:02 > 0:46:05and then there's a snug off the dining room.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08At the top of the stairs, the first thing to greet you is a typically
0:46:08 > 0:46:11Swedish feature of an upstairs family room.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13- Oh, wow!- Mmm, wow!
0:46:13 > 0:46:16- Yeah, more wow!- More wow!
0:46:16 > 0:46:19It's just nice to have these separate spaces because you may not always
0:46:19 > 0:46:22want to be in the same room, even just us.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24You know, I might want to read a book or Kev might be working.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27Or if we have family over, then we might want to have our own space,
0:46:27 > 0:46:29- just for a little bit.- Yeah.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31'Off this living space are four bedrooms.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34'One bedroom is currently used for guests,
0:46:34 > 0:46:37'whilst two others are fantastic children's rooms.'
0:46:37 > 0:46:40If you look to your right there, you've got quite possibly
0:46:40 > 0:46:42- the coolest kids' bedrooms ever. - Yeah.- Mm.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- The beds are brilliant! - Yeah, OK, that's really cool.
0:46:46 > 0:46:47But if you go that way, Kevin,
0:46:47 > 0:46:49- that's the master bedroom. Let's have a look.- OK.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- Yeah, nice. - Is it big enough for you?
0:46:52 > 0:46:53Yeah, it's...
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- It's not massive, but it seems like there's lots of storage.- Yeah.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00And you have a fantastic en suite.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03- Oh, fab! Yeah, that's really great. - That's good.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05- Isn't that brilliant?- Yeah.
0:47:05 > 0:47:10- OK, well, I've got another area to show you, which is a surprise.- OK.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13- I love a surprise! Come with me. - OK. Super.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15'Now they may not be giving too much away,
0:47:15 > 0:47:17'but I can tell they love this house.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21'Inside, it quite simply has everything they asked for.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25'Outside, the property is set in just under an acre of land,
0:47:25 > 0:47:26'with a lawned area,
0:47:26 > 0:47:29'a ready-made Wendy house and then a raised platform
0:47:29 > 0:47:31'with something they didn't actually request,
0:47:31 > 0:47:33'but I think they're going to like.'
0:47:33 > 0:47:37- So, surprise!- OK, wow!
0:47:37 > 0:47:39A bean-shaped pool!
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Yeah, that's pretty impressive.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44- Let's think about the P word... - Oh, dear.- ..price.- Yeah.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46I'd like you to tell me how much
0:47:46 > 0:47:48you think this property is on the market for.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50Probably near our top end again,
0:47:50 > 0:47:54so I'd say about £750,000.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56- And, Sarah, how about you? - I think it'll be over budget.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00I think I'm going to say £755,000.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02- It's over your budget.- Mm-hm.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06- It's on at £780,000.- Right, OK.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09However, this is a really unique situation
0:48:09 > 0:48:12and actually it could potentially work in your favour.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14This property is not actually going to be brought to the market
0:48:14 > 0:48:17- until next spring.- OK, OK.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21- So, we have had a sneak preview. - Wow. That's really, really exciting.
0:48:21 > 0:48:22That's interesting, yeah.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26It's a really privileged position to be in. The luxury of time!
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Imagine that in a Swedish housing market.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31You can go back, you can look at your finances
0:48:31 > 0:48:35- and plan the possibility of making a move.- Yeah.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39- And it's next spring, so baby will be born.- Yeah.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41- Sounds too good to be true! - It does, doesn't it?
0:48:41 > 0:48:44That's really exciting because, actually,
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- that time will really give us, you know, a bit of breathing space.- Yeah.
0:48:47 > 0:48:51- I want the two of you to go off and have a really good look around the house.- Yeah.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Talk amongst yourselves and I'll be lounging somewhere
0:48:54 > 0:48:55in this glorious sunshine.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59- OK.- All right? Off you go. - OK.- Cheers!
0:48:59 > 0:49:02'So, for £30,000 over their stated budget,
0:49:02 > 0:49:05'this is the house that has it all.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08'Traditional on the outside but modern on the inside,
0:49:08 > 0:49:11'there are well-connected living spaces, four upstairs bedrooms,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13'plus the downstairs bedroom
0:49:13 > 0:49:15'and bathroom they need for Kevin's mother.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17'There's a bonus swimming pool
0:49:17 > 0:49:19'and it's set in a fantastic rural location.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22'And, crucially, with the delayed sale date,
0:49:22 > 0:49:26'what this house offers them is a move after their baby is born.'
0:49:26 > 0:49:29The mystery house, for me, is definitely the best house we've seen so far.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32In a lovely area and it's got a great feel, really homely.
0:49:32 > 0:49:36It just seems to be almost perfect.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40I didn't think anything could surpass the modern house,
0:49:40 > 0:49:44but actually this house has really fulfilled all of the needs
0:49:44 > 0:49:48and I'm really impressed by it.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50This house is above our budget slightly.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54It's certainly something we'd need to think about and see
0:49:54 > 0:49:55if we can stretch to that.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58For the right house, I think we probably can.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01The great thing about this is that it seems like we do have time.
0:50:01 > 0:50:02We're not stuck in this...
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Well, not trapped by this very fast-moving market.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09Given the situation that we will have a baby next year and this house will
0:50:09 > 0:50:12come on the market, it definitely feels like the house
0:50:12 > 0:50:13that we can put an offer in on.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15- Hello!- Hi, how are you?- I'm great.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17- How are you?- Yeah, we're great. - Yeah, good, good.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20Can I take you away from this property?
0:50:20 > 0:50:23- It's going to be tricky. - Yeah, barely.- OK. So, you love it.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25Yeah, it's really great.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28- OK, let's go and find somewhere to talk about it.- OK, thanks.- Come on.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35With the properties going down so well,
0:50:35 > 0:50:38this move is quickly becoming a reality.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42Time to have a go at putting their Swedish lessons to the test.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44THEY SPEAK SWEDISH
0:51:02 > 0:51:05- Well done.- Thanks. That wasn't so bad, was it?
0:51:05 > 0:51:08It'll be better when we can actually speak proper Swedish,
0:51:08 > 0:51:12- that'll be much better.- I think need to practise, get those books out.
0:51:12 > 0:51:16- It'll be nice to be able to just have a normal conversation.- Yeah.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18We definitely need lots of lessons.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24I'm not stopping for coffee and fika because I'm going to find out
0:51:24 > 0:51:27a little bit more about this incredible city.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31Stockholm is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe
0:51:31 > 0:51:35and even long-term residents can get lost navigating through the many
0:51:35 > 0:51:39islands that make up the city and the 57 bridges that connect them.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43I'd like to find out more about the layout of this unique capital
0:51:43 > 0:51:45from a local expert, if I can find them!
0:51:47 > 0:51:50- Hi, Anita!- Hey, pleased to meet you. - How are you?
0:51:50 > 0:51:53I'm great, I'm great. Whereabouts am I? What is this place?
0:51:53 > 0:51:57You're in the old town, like, the heart of the city.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59And who's this fella, here?
0:51:59 > 0:52:02- Birger Jarl, the founder of Stockholm.- When was this?
0:52:02 > 0:52:04That was 1252.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07Stockholm is built upon islands and there is plenty of water,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10so pirates were coming, there was a lot of trade coming on
0:52:10 > 0:52:13and therefore they had to build a defensive tower
0:52:13 > 0:52:16and that got bigger and bigger, it became a castle.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19- Right, so he was sort of the king of the area?- Yes.
0:52:19 > 0:52:24- I'd like to get a sense of perspective.- Just follow me.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27'Well, I should be careful what I wish for.'
0:52:27 > 0:52:31- Up there.- 'She leads tours of this historic city
0:52:31 > 0:52:33'and there's a unique viewpoint
0:52:33 > 0:52:36'accessible only by the most daring explorer.'
0:52:36 > 0:52:39- It's the perfect way to see Stockholm.- Right.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44When we get on the roof, there's several platforms
0:52:44 > 0:52:47and we have a wire that runs around the roof,
0:52:47 > 0:52:50and I will attach you in the safety runner.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- It's like walking the dog.- Yeah.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Slightly terrified now.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58'Trust the adventurous Swedes to have set up Takvandring,
0:52:58 > 0:53:02'or rooftop tours, that traverse the skyline of their capital.'
0:53:04 > 0:53:06SHE LAUGHS
0:53:06 > 0:53:09- And we emerge into the light.- Yes.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12Oh, yes. You can see how you've got a great view up here.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14- Yeah, fantastic, isn't it? - It's amazing, yes.
0:53:14 > 0:53:19Over there, we see the old town. Stadsholmen, the city island.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22And there you see the cathedral, the square tower
0:53:22 > 0:53:26and next to it, the palace, but all these black metal sheet roofs
0:53:26 > 0:53:29we see are what we now today call old town, Gamla stan.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32It's like, if you look at the map of Stockholm, the old town
0:53:32 > 0:53:37looks like a heart-shaped part and we can say it's the heart of the town.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42- Good view! Right, I'm feeling brave, I'm feeling brave.- Yes.- Right!
0:53:49 > 0:53:51- Here you go, here's your dog. - Right, so that's it?
0:53:51 > 0:53:55- We just want like this?- Yes, and then you...- Safe as houses!- Yes.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57Let's do it!
0:54:00 > 0:54:02ANITA GASPS
0:54:02 > 0:54:05- This is safe, is it?- Yes, this is very safe.- Are you sure?
0:54:05 > 0:54:07Don't worry!
0:54:07 > 0:54:11- You're hooked.- I'm hooked!
0:54:11 > 0:54:14OK, let's do it. Ah!
0:54:14 > 0:54:16You see?
0:54:16 > 0:54:20- Amazing!- Yeah.- This is a bit...
0:54:20 > 0:54:22This is a little bit terrifying.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25ANITA LAUGHS
0:54:26 > 0:54:29I'm on a rooftop in the middle of Stockholm with a dog lead
0:54:29 > 0:54:32keeping me safe. It's fine.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Agh!
0:54:39 > 0:54:41ANITA LAUGHS
0:54:41 > 0:54:43I made it!
0:54:43 > 0:54:45'This viewpoint is not for the faint-hearted,
0:54:45 > 0:54:48'but up here, it's easier to understand how it is that
0:54:48 > 0:54:51'Stockholm became such a strategic trading post.'
0:54:52 > 0:54:55Here we see the two waterways -
0:54:55 > 0:54:57we see the Baltic and the lake.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59That's why Stockholm became that important
0:54:59 > 0:55:01because there was all this trade going on
0:55:01 > 0:55:04from the Baltic area and then into the lake.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07And here we can see perfectly how the city has been growing.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10- Maybe you have noticed we have a very low skyline?- Yes.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13- Yes, we don't have a lot of skyscrapers.- No, not at all.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15Actually, the city has been growing like a tree.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18So, it started with the old town and then this part,
0:55:18 > 0:55:19it's getting bigger and bigger
0:55:19 > 0:55:24and if you look, now you see all these different colours and facades.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27- So, it's sort of concentric circles around...- Yes.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29And there you can see different styles in architecture.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33- You get a sense of the history from seeing it up here.- Yep.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37And when you appreciate the history, you can really get an understanding
0:55:37 > 0:55:40of what makes a city and a culture. So, thank you!
0:55:46 > 0:55:48With all our properties now viewed,
0:55:48 > 0:55:51it's time for our house-hunters to pack up from their city pad
0:55:51 > 0:55:53and take stock of their time here.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58Our last day in Stockholm and finally
0:55:58 > 0:56:01I get to sit down with Kevin and Sarah to see what they're thinking.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04My suspicion is that the speed at which the housing market
0:56:04 > 0:56:07is moving here may have made them reconsider a little bit.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10I just hope it hasn't put them off completely.
0:56:10 > 0:56:11Let's go and find out.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16- Hi!- Hi there!- Hi!- This is nice, isn't it?- Yes, very fancy.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19OK, so we've had a good week together.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21I've shown you a selection of properties.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23Tell me which was your favourite.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26I mean, there's two definites for us - two standouts -
0:56:26 > 0:56:30- and that was the modern house and the mystery house.- Yeah.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33The mystery house - traditional and modern,
0:56:33 > 0:56:35amazing, kind of, interior,
0:56:35 > 0:56:40stunning setting and it has everything plus more,
0:56:40 > 0:56:43you know, with that amazing pool and entertaining area,
0:56:43 > 0:56:45but then over budget.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48Tell me what was so good about the modern house.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51It's pretty much got everything we need.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55It's got the downstairs bedroom, a really nice kitted out bathroom.
0:56:55 > 0:56:56It's a nice feel to it.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59I mean, if it wasn't for the timeframe with the baby,
0:56:59 > 0:57:02I think personally that the modern house,
0:57:02 > 0:57:05you know, we would be putting in an offer on that.
0:57:05 > 0:57:07The owners of that house, I found out,
0:57:07 > 0:57:11- don't actually want to move out until after Christmas.- OK.
0:57:11 > 0:57:12Ah, that's interesting.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15OK, that's quite interesting because it's that pressure of saying,
0:57:15 > 0:57:19"OK, now you have to do it before you have a baby and then - aargh!"
0:57:19 > 0:57:22I'm thinking that, you know, is it something we could do, is to put
0:57:22 > 0:57:24- an offer in with the option of moving in whenever?- Yeah.
0:57:24 > 0:57:26You need to have a conversation with the agent
0:57:26 > 0:57:29- because that house was within your budget.- Yeah.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31- You love it, so potentially, potentially...- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:57:31 > 0:57:33..there could be something going on.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36- Yeah, that changes things quite a lot.- Yeah, definitely.
0:57:36 > 0:57:37I want to wish you all the best.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40- Thank you. - I'm genuinely really excited.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42- And congratulations on the baby! - Thank you.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45You've been great fun, so good luck with everything.
0:57:45 > 0:57:46- Thanks.- Thank you very much.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50There is no doubt the Kevin and Sarah
0:57:50 > 0:57:52have had a love affair with Stockholm.
0:57:52 > 0:57:54And after our week together,
0:57:54 > 0:57:56far from this just being a romantic notion,
0:57:56 > 0:58:00I think the idea of them coming here is more solid than ever.
0:58:00 > 0:58:02It's not about if, it's just about when.
0:58:02 > 0:58:06Join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11Kevin and Sarah went to put an offer in the modern house,
0:58:11 > 0:58:14but weren't quick enough and sadly lost out.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17And in the end, they felt the Mystery House
0:58:17 > 0:58:19was just a little bit to rural and expensive.
0:58:19 > 0:58:22However, Kevin is now talking to potential employers,
0:58:22 > 0:58:25so the plan to move once their baby arrives
0:58:25 > 0:58:27is still very much full steam ahead.