- 5 days ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:00...around the beautiful seaside town of Pappos in sunny Cyprus.
00:05I'm Ben Hillman, home designer and property expert.
00:08For the best part of a decade, I've been helping house owners find their dream properties,
00:12whilst giving them a little design inspiration too.
00:16Today, I'll be using all my skills to help Setara and Lee, who definitely know what they want.
00:22The apartment itself is too small. We can't put our own footprint on the building.
00:25You're giving me a tough time, you are.
00:27And they certainly know it when they see it.
00:31Now here come the holiday fields.
00:34Wow, yeah, it's lovely.
00:36This is what it's all about.
00:37Definitely.
00:38I get to visit one of the most luxurious properties on the market in this area at the moment.
00:44And this is a pool you wanted.
00:45It is exactly the pool I wanted, thank you very much.
00:48It's a beautiful pool, isn't it?
00:50These amazing pebbles, then the greenery, it's lovely.
00:53But at the end of the day, will I find Setara and Lee their perfect place in the sun?
00:58You've got the sun trap, you've got the sea, you've got the space, you've got the barbecue, and you've got the beer.
01:04A shared sense of humour is what sealed the deal for Setara and Lee.
01:15On their very first date six years ago, they have been inseparable ever since.
01:21And after getting engaged on the island of Cyprus, they are about to tie the knot.
01:26So, what better wedding present for each other than to buy their very own holiday home in their favourite resort of Paphos?
01:35Lee, a builder from Oxford, and Setara, a dental practice manager from Iran, met online and after a few months of chatting, decided to take the plunge and meet in person.
01:44We just started talking together, I found out that he's friendly, funny.
01:50I thought I'm punching my butt above my weight here.
01:54She's very beautiful, inside and out, so a very loving person as well.
01:59We had a few days after that, and the rest, as they say, is history.
02:03Now engaged, they can't wait to buy themselves a holiday home in Paphos, which they visit every year.
02:10They want enough space for Lee's three grown-up children and granddaughter to stay too.
02:14They have an ideal budget of £100,000 to find it.
02:21Around a four-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK takes you to Paphos on the west coast of Cyprus.
02:26With 30 miles of stunning coastline nearby, lined with coves, beaches and rocky outcrops,
02:32Paphos is perfect for holidaymakers who want fun in the sun and crystal-clear waters to swim in.
02:39While parts of central Paphos, such as Cato, have lots going on and a bustling nightlife,
02:44there is so much more to this area, with archaeological sites such as the Tomb of the Kings and St Paul's Pillar,
02:51as well as neighbourhoods like Pea further inland, where you can also get more for your money.
02:57Rising prices in Paphos have been driving buyers to look further afield for bargain fixer-uppers.
03:05In fact, project properties for under £100,000 are extremely thin on the ground.
03:12But if you are a bit handy and willing to look a little further inland, there are still some good deals to be had.
03:19So I am confident I will find Sitara and Lee something they'll want to put their stamp on.
03:25Before we start our search, I am meeting my house hunters to find out exactly what they are looking for.
03:32Sitara and Lee, welcome to Cyprus.
03:34Thank you very much.
03:35What keeps drawing you back to this beautiful island?
03:38Weather?
03:38Yes.
03:39And food.
03:40People, they are very friendly.
03:41It's one of those places where we've been here so often, we feel, we forget when we're abroad.
03:45Yeah.
03:46It's just easy living for you guys.
03:47It's just easy.
03:48Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
03:49Yeah, that's so nice.
03:50And it's so lovely, you know, you've got all these memories here, including getting engaged.
03:54Yes.
03:55Not too far away from here, actually.
03:57Just yes.
03:57You're kidding.
03:58Yeah.
03:59Yes.
04:00Seriously.
04:00Yeah, honestly.
04:01So, what is your dream when you're out here?
04:04What are you going to be getting up to?
04:05What is your lifestyle like?
04:07Spend the day by the sea.
04:08Yeah.
04:08Enjoy the food.
04:10And we love the water sports.
04:13Mm.
04:14Obviously, we've got to find you the right property.
04:16What are you looking for?
04:17I definitely want something with a nice rear.
04:21Ideally, very close to sea.
04:23We're looking for the diamond in the rough, shall we say, something we can add to it.
04:28Two beds, flat, or one?
04:30So, a one bed, preferably two, or a one you can turn into a two.
04:35Could it be in an apartment block?
04:36Does it need to be a standalone property?
04:38The idea would be a standalone property.
04:40Could it be in a block?
04:41Yes, but the block needs to have that holiday feel about it.
04:44We don't like to be too remote.
04:46We want somewhere where we can walk to.
04:49It would be a bit of a buzz, isn't it?
04:50Yeah, yeah, yeah.
04:51So, we want something which is value for money, something we can add to it, and also to be in the right location.
04:59We like the busyness of the city.
05:01Okay.
05:01Your budget?
05:02We were looking at the 100, but it would wiggle up to 160.
05:05Yeah.
05:05£160,000?
05:07You prefer it to be around the 100?
05:09Yeah, yeah, yeah.
05:09Wouldn't we all?
05:11Hey?
05:12Everyone searching on this island is looking for a 100 grand property bargain.
05:16No pressure, man.
05:17I'll get you as close as I possibly can.
05:19Yeah.
05:20Of course.
05:20But you don't mind a bit of work and putting in a bit of elbow grease, so that is good news for you.
05:26So, I've got five properties lined up for you.
05:28Wow, we can't wait.
05:30Yes, of course.
05:31Do you want to come with me, then?
05:31Yes, of course.
05:32Come on.
05:33That is quite a wish list.
05:35But I'm pleased they've got plenty of wiggle room in their budget, as we're going to need it.
05:40We're kicking off this search eight miles south of here, in the neighbourhood of Mandrea, a well-located suburb of Papos.
05:47Not only does it have its own beach, it also has a town square with all the essentials within walking distance, too.
05:53But before I take Satara and Lee out of the central Papos area that they know and love, there's time to stop off quickly at one of the main hotspots on this part of the coastline.
06:03What better place to start our search than here, Papos Harbour.
06:07Absolutely.
06:08You know it well?
06:09Very well.
06:10Really?
06:11Yeah, yeah, yeah.
06:11We've had many good times here.
06:13We've done boat trips here, and it's my son's, Ryan's birthday that we have in the cafe up there.
06:18There's about ten of us who came over for us for the journey, so...
06:22There's a whole family here.
06:23We had a lovely time.
06:25So is this a taste of holidays to come?
06:27Yeah.
06:28Maybe.
06:28Exactly, yeah.
06:29It is the favourite spot.
06:31It is what Papos is all about for us, isn't it?
06:33Yeah.
06:33I don't need to tell you anything about this harbour.
06:35You know it all, don't you?
06:36You know this better than me.
06:38Shall we go and see the first property?
06:40Absolutely.
06:41Yes.
06:42Come on.
06:42Go on.
06:44They clearly love the harbour, and I'm hoping they'll feel the same about Mandaria too.
06:48The average one-bedroom apartment here is around £127,000.
06:53I know Lee and Satara ideally want more than one, but I think it's a good idea to test the
06:58water at a property within walking distance off the coast that's on for just under £118,000.
07:06All right then.
07:07Have you heard of Mandaria?
07:08No, no.
07:09It's the first time we've been here, so I look forward to seeing the town.
07:12It's got everything you want, bars, restaurants, the best fish and chip shop on the island.
07:18What do we think of this little enclave?
07:20Is this the kind of pool area looking like?
07:22Yeah, it's lovely.
07:22Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
07:23It's a very nice setting with the palm trees.
07:25Plenty of area to sunbathe and just chill.
07:28Exactly.
07:28Now, the property I want to show you is that first floor.
07:32One-bedroom apartment.
07:35How do you feel about it?
07:35Yeah, it's overlooking the pool.
07:37I like how they're not all together and you've got an element of space between the buildings.
07:41Should we go and see it?
07:42Yeah, let's do it.
07:43This way.
07:47Not a bad start.
07:48Hopefully, they will like the apartment.
07:51The balcony has a great view over the pool.
07:54There's also a huge private roof terrace to soak up the sun.
07:58Inside is a bright living area with room to eat and relax, which is open to a kitchen at the back.
08:05The bedroom is a good size with direct access onto the balcony.
08:10And there's a large bathroom.
08:12Come on inside.
08:15Oh, wow.
08:17It's nice, isn't it?
08:17It's nice, yeah.
08:18Yeah.
08:19It's a very open plan, isn't it?
08:20The kitchen's not too big, but it's big enough.
08:23The balcony's amazing.
08:24The palm trees in front of the window.
08:27Are you feeling sort of like you're on holiday?
08:29Holiday, yeah.
08:30Yeah?
08:30Definitely.
08:31I like the holiday theme, tick in the box.
08:33Really like the outdoor space.
08:34Yeah.
08:35But it's too small.
08:37This very much seems a finished article.
08:39Mm-hmm.
08:39No scope for improvement.
08:42Is that the most important thing from this search, is to be able to add value to the property?
08:47Add value to the property and buy at the right prices, I would say.
08:51And location, of course.
08:52They're the three biggies.
08:54Okay.
08:54But let's have a look around and see.
08:56Yeah.
08:56Let's check out the outside space.
09:01Let's see if I can tempt you with this.
09:03Oh, wow.
09:04It's a lovely spot, isn't it?
09:05It's lovely.
09:06It's amazing.
09:07It's very holiday.
09:07Yeah.
09:08Yeah.
09:08All they feel is so much there.
09:10Mm.
09:10Yeah.
09:11Outside space is the best part of this place.
09:13Is it really?
09:14It's the best part.
09:15So this works?
09:16Yeah.
09:16Yeah.
09:17Yeah, yeah, yeah.
09:18In terms of location, because you've not been here before.
09:20No.
09:20No, it's the first time.
09:21How are we feeling about that situation at the moment?
09:25Yeah, it's good to go experience different areas.
09:27Yeah, I mean, you've got your work cut out, but we wait to be educated, Ben.
09:31Well, look, I'm doing my best.
09:32I'm waiting for you.
09:34It's just our first property, OK?
09:37OK, so I'm going to let you head inside, have a look around.
09:41I'll make myself at home.
09:42Oh, OK.
09:42I'll see you in a bit.
09:44OK.
09:44Off you pop.
09:45Bye for now.
09:46I'll see you in a moment.
09:51Well, I suppose if I had a Venn diagram, it would be something like location versus price
09:59versus condition.
10:01As lovely as this is, it's way off the mark.
10:05Oh, wow.
10:07Yeah, a good-sized bedroom, good-sized doorway space, nice wardrobe.
10:12Oh, it looks nice over the pool.
10:14Oh, wow.
10:15It's nice, the space.
10:16Yeah, it's a great space up here, isn't it?
10:18You can put the chair, sunbed, ice here.
10:21Yeah, you can see the sea from here as well, which is good.
10:24Oh, yeah.
10:24It's lovely.
10:25Satara and Lee definitely liked some of the aspects of this pool view apartment on the market
10:30for just under £118,000.
10:32But have they seen anything to convince them that this could be the one?
10:37Well, hello.
10:38Yeah.
10:38Yeah, look, how did you get on with the rest of the property?
10:42Outside is lovely.
10:44It's very nice.
10:45The apartment itself is too small.
10:47We can't make any imprints into its value or put our own footprint on the building.
10:52You're giving me a tough time, you are.
10:53Look, I know it was too small for you.
10:57Yeah, it was too small.
10:58So, moving forward, more space.
11:01More space.
11:03And if possible, closer to the centre.
11:06Sure.
11:06Well, I will do my best.
11:07Come on.
11:08I'm clearly going to have to change tack, so I'm taking them to Tala, a much larger village
11:15a few miles closer to central Paphos, with a lot more going on too, so I'm hoping it will
11:20work better for Satara and Lee.
11:22But before I take them there, I know that these two love their water sports, so I want to introduce
11:26them to one half of a rather famous Cypriot father-son dance duo, who put down his dancing
11:32shoes for a new life and career out here.
11:37Satara and Lee, I want you to meet the legendary Demi, a.k.a. Stavros Lattley.
11:44Hiya, how are you?
11:45I thought I should show my bellies.
11:46Oh, right there, yes!
11:48There we go.
11:48There we are.
11:49We're right there.
11:50Slightly north.
11:51There we go.
11:52But, obviously, Demi, your family is originally Cypriot.
11:56Yeah.
11:56How was the transition moving back here?
11:58It's the best thing we ever did.
12:00It's brought us loads of joy.
12:02And, like you said, look, that I don't need to do Stavros anymore.
12:06It's been lovely, but I want to move to Cypriot.
12:08So, what's the main thing for you here?
12:11The quality of life.
12:13The chance that I'm outdoors all day.
12:16You've got quite a successful business going on here.
12:19Water sports business.
12:20Yeah, you're here by the beach every day.
12:22The jet skiing's so much fun.
12:24It's just a lovely life.
12:26You guys like a bit of jet skiing.
12:28Oh, we love a bit of jet skiing.
12:29Demi is the man to know.
12:30Oh, yeah.
12:30But before we go, would you show us just a couple, or teach us a couple of your signature
12:35dance moves?
12:36Okay, so, point, kiss.
12:39Love it.
12:40Point, point, kiss.
12:41And, uh, that's it.
12:43Yeah!
12:44Stavros family!
12:45Coming up, will my next property, a two-bedroom fixer-upper of a house with a communal pool,
12:56be the ideal investment holiday home that Sitara and Lee are looking for?
13:00Today, I'm in Cyprus helping engaged couple Sitara and Lee get hitched to their dream holiday
13:14home, close to the stunning beaches of Paphos.
13:18But as it stands, that remains a pipe dream.
13:22With a maximum budget of £160,000, they're dreaming of a place with that holiday feel
13:27that Builderly can spruce up.
13:29And while they like the outside space of my first property, they thought the inside of
13:34the apartment was too small, and they weren't sure about the location either.
13:38So, I've taken them to the larger village of Tala.
13:41The majority of properties in this area are private villas, and so it's harder to find
13:45anything here within Sitara and Lee's budget.
13:48But we've got lucky, and I can't wait to show them what I've managed to line up next.
13:54Here we are, our second property.
13:58Oh, wow!
13:59Wow, yeah, it's lovely.
14:00It is lovely, isn't it?
14:01It's a decent size.
14:03A bit of a sun, when the sun is fully out, it is a bit of a sun trap here.
14:07Yeah, a bit of a sun trap, which is great.
14:07What is the town like here?
14:09It's not Paphos.
14:10No, no, no.
14:10Of course, but it's a decent size.
14:13Yeah.
14:13I'm going to call it a small town village.
14:15Right, so it's bigger than...
14:16Yeah, you've got bars, you've got restaurants, all within ten minutes' stroll.
14:19Shall we get up these lovely stairs and go and look at the property?
14:21Yes, please.
14:21Let's do it.
14:22Come on, then.
14:24There we go, from the pool to the house, tucked in the corner.
14:28It is a house.
14:29Oh, wow.
14:30Is it?
14:30Yeah, not an apartment.
14:31It's a house this time, a little townhouse.
14:33That's a positive.
14:35It's a shame it doesn't overlook the pool.
14:36South facing terrace.
14:37Yes.
14:38It has got two bedrooms.
14:39It's got really good-sized living space.
14:42It needs modernising.
14:43It's priced at just under £123.
14:46Oh, OK.
14:47OK.
14:47What do you reckon?
14:49Good maths on that?
14:49Good results?
14:50Potentially, yeah.
14:51We'd like to get in, see what's got to be done.
14:54Well, look, I'll find the key and we'll go inside.
14:56Come on.
14:56Let's do it.
14:57That's sounding much more positive.
15:00As well as the communal pool, just a short stroll away, the house has a private terrace
15:05at the back with plenty of space for relaxing in the sunshine.
15:09Inside is a large open-plan living area with a kitchen I think Lee will want to modernise
15:14and then there's a downstairs toilet.
15:16Upstairs, the main bedroom is a great size and has its own balcony.
15:21There's a second double bedroom and a bathroom.
15:25Oh, there you go.
15:26There's your first job, playing that door.
15:28Oh, OK.
15:28Wow.
15:30But this time, look.
15:32Decent size.
15:33Yeah.
15:34Nice size.
15:34Make it eerie with an open PVC door with a glazed panel.
15:38Obviously, kitchen.
15:40Exactly.
15:40All needs upgrading.
15:42What is it going to cost you in your mind, generally speaking?
15:46If you're looking at new kitchens, new appliances, downstairs WC and new bathroom.
15:52Then you're looking at tiling, probably do the floor again.
15:55If you open the stairs up, you can make it nice and there.
15:57Enough job for you to do.
15:58Absolutely.
15:59Yeah, that's good.
16:00Probably looking at about 35.
16:02Are you getting a good feeling for this?
16:04Yeah.
16:05Shall we head out to the terrace?
16:07Absolutely.
16:08Yeah.
16:08Please.
16:10Now, I think this is a pretty decent size.
16:13Oh, yeah.
16:14It's nice.
16:14Obviously, it needs a bit of TLC out here.
16:17If you wanted to do, change the patio to bifoles.
16:21To bring outside in.
16:23Yeah.
16:24So, there is certainly that potential.
16:26Well, why don't you go inside, see what work there is to do upstairs as well.
16:30Yeah.
16:31Can't wait.
16:31And I'll meet you when you're done.
16:32See you later.
16:33Go on, go and get your hammer out.
16:35Oh, well, there you go.
16:39That's a massive leap forward from our last property.
16:43Yeah.
16:44I wouldn't sound pleasantly surprised.
16:46I'm over the moon.
16:47Oh, master bedroom.
16:51Yeah.
16:52It's a good size.
16:55Yeah.
16:56Wardrobes will need to be modernised.
16:57It's amazing view.
16:58Yeah, yeah.
16:59Oh, balcony.
17:01Yeah, you can see the sea from here.
17:02Oh, yeah.
17:03Look at that.
17:03It's absolutely great, isn't it?
17:05Balcony is a reasonable size.
17:07It's a shame it's not a little bit bigger.
17:08It's small, but we can put, like, a little sun mat maybe here sometimes.
17:14Yeah.
17:15This terraced house on the market, well under Sitara and Lee's maximum budget, just under £123,000,
17:22seem to be hitting the mark.
17:24But how do they feel now they've seen it all?
17:26So, you've not fixed that yet?
17:32No.
17:33Terrible.
17:35OK, then.
17:36It's a fixer-upper, but how did you get on?
17:40It's much, much better than the first one.
17:43Yeah, so price-wise, I think it's a little bit top-heavy because the amount of work that
17:46needs to be done in terms of kitchen, bathroom, windows and the floors, of course.
17:51Right.
17:52This is a massive step forward from the first.
17:54Good.
17:54So, it potentially could work.
17:56Is it a contender?
17:57Possibly, but we've got to look at, obviously, the amount of work that needs to be done.
18:02What do we need to do to improve upon this?
18:04Merge the outdoor space from the first property with the scope of this property.
18:09It's fine.
18:09Bring that pool a little bit closer.
18:11Yeah.
18:12Yeah, make it a bit more holiday feeling.
18:14Yes.
18:14Come on.
18:17To try and find them that, I'm taking them a 15-minute drive north to Pea.
18:22This neighbourhood has a population of just over 12,000 people.
18:26And around three-quarters of them are British.
18:28While it is further from Paphos, with its family-run tavernas, restaurants and bars, I think it
18:34would be a great place for Sitara and Lee to be based.
18:37And there's somewhere I want to stop off to show them on the way.
18:41Guys, I have brought you to Coralia Beach.
18:43It is quite windy today.
18:45It's probably not a beach today, in all honesty, which is why I've got the jacket on.
18:49Coralia Beach is actually at the end of the bus room taking me back into Paphos.
18:54So you've used the bus service a bit?
18:56Yeah.
18:57Is it good?
18:57Yeah, it's perfect.
18:58The bus service is so reliable.
19:00So it's very frequent, relatively cheap.
19:02It gets us in and out of town.
19:04Yeah, we never obviously went to the final stop.
19:06So I'm glad you brought us here.
19:08I know you guys like your water sports and you can do all of that here as well, including
19:12diving behind us.
19:13It's amazing.
19:14Yeah?
19:15Yeah.
19:15You like what you see?
19:16Yeah, I do.
19:17Do you wish you'd got off this stop before now?
19:19Yes, of course.
19:20Yeah.
19:21Amazing.
19:21Anyway, we're going to hit the road.
19:22We're going to go and see our next property.
19:2420 minutes stroll from here or three minutes on the bus.
19:29Oh my God.
19:29You know it.
19:30Come on, let's go see it.
19:34Well, if my last property was lacking in holiday feels, then my next one, a two-bedroom apartment
19:40overlooking this gorgeous pool and its outside entertaining space should be set to impress.
19:53Today I'm house hunting on the beautiful island of Cyprus with soon-to-be-married Setara
19:59and Lee in search of their dream holiday home here.
20:02But with so few fixer-uppers on the market, we are still in search of that elusive contender.
20:10After holidaying here for the last six years, they now want their own place for their maximum
20:14£160,000 budget with lots of space close to central Papos, the beach and the restaurants.
20:21But in this area, that is a lot to ask.
20:24And after two properties, this terraced house is only a possible contender.
20:32So I've taken them to Pea, a neighbourhood I know they've never been to before.
20:36Set high in the hills, 20 minutes' drive from Papos, you can get much more for your money.
20:41So I'm intrigued to see what they'll make of my next property on the market for just over £127,000.
20:50Now then.
20:51Lovely.
20:52Welcome to the pool area at our next property.
20:54Outside space, really impressed with this.
20:58This is the best spot by far.
21:00It's a very contemporary look.
21:02Yeah.
21:02Given the appearance of this, it gives you that holiday feel.
21:06Feeling.
21:06This area does it, with a palm tree.
21:0920 minutes' draw to the centre of Pea, but you've got bars and restaurants all the way up that route,
21:15so it's not like you have to go right in to get what you need out of it.
21:18The apartment that we're going to see, it's the first floor balcony.
21:23Bigger balcony than the last property.
21:25Two bedrooms, good-sized living space, great-sized kitchen, modern bathroom.
21:29The only downside is that it's modern.
21:32It doesn't really need much work.
21:34Oh, OK.
21:35OK.
21:35So not too much work for him?
21:37No.
21:37OK.
21:38I'm sure you can put your stamp on it.
21:39I can find something for him, don't worry.
21:41Should we go inside?
21:42Yes, please.
21:42Great first impression.
21:45I hope it lasts.
21:47The gorgeous pool is a hit, and the spacious private terrace will give them a view over it all day long.
21:53And the main bedroom also has its own balcony over the front of the property.
21:58Inside is a spacious open-plan living area with a large kitchen.
22:02There are two double bedrooms and a modern shower room.
22:07Right, coat off.
22:09Lovely and cosy in here.
22:10Nice living space.
22:13Dining space.
22:14Yeah.
22:14Amazing.
22:15Good-sized kitchen.
22:16Yeah, it's a good-sized kitchen.
22:18Yeah.
22:18Yeah, certainly scope for improvement on the kitchen.
22:21First impressions of the space itself is something we can work with.
22:25Scale it back a bit, couldn't you?
22:27Yeah, we should go.
22:27Claim a bit more living space.
22:29Yeah, the kitchen certainly needs to be modernised.
22:32It's very much 1980s.
22:33Okay, great.
22:34So you are finding ways of improving this?
22:36Yeah.
22:37Yeah, yeah, yeah.
22:38Yeah, definitely.
22:39Hey, let's go and see some more.
22:40Shall we start up?
22:41Yes, please.
22:42This way.
22:45Oh.
22:46Can't really call it the main bedroom because they're both the same size.
22:49Size-wise, rather compact.
22:51It's good that it's got new AC installed.
22:53Yeah.
22:53Yeah.
22:53So that's a real tick in the box.
22:55What do you think the rest of your family would make of this place then?
22:57Yeah, I think they'd really like it in terms of its holiday appeal.
23:02Well, if it's the holiday feel you want, let's go and check out the balcony, shall we?
23:06Yeah, sure.
23:07Let's do it.
23:11Now, here come the holiday feels.
23:14Oh, yeah.
23:15Yeah, it's lovely.
23:17This is what it's all about, isn't it?
23:18It's all about the sunshine.
23:19Definitely.
23:20You can see the sea, you can see the pool, you've got the south facing balcony.
23:24You can just see yourself sitting out here, chilling out, enjoying Cyprus.
23:30Yeah, there's a lot to like about this place.
23:32Yeah.
23:33See if you can find some more to like, and I'll see you in a bit.
23:35See you later.
23:37That's a big leap forward for this search.
23:39I would say these two are creatures of comfort,
23:43and Paya was well out of their comfort zone until now.
23:48This property has yielded dividends.
23:51Oh, it's really more down here.
23:53Yeah, nice.
23:54Modern bathroom, or being...
23:55And it's a nice, decent size.
23:57Mm.
23:58Okay, bedroom two.
24:00Yeah.
24:01It's a nice, it's a good size.
24:02It's in the size room to bedroom one.
24:04This Paya apartment on the market for just over £127,000
24:08definitely got the best reaction for Satara and Lee so far.
24:13But will it actually make it onto the short list?
24:17The apartment, what do you reckon?
24:19Yeah, very good.
24:20It's an amazing balcony, overlooking a great, well-looked-after pool area.
24:25Love the fact it's got a good holiday feel.
24:27Obviously, you've educated us about Paya, because obviously we kind of now, this area has grown on us,
24:33so that's a big tick in the box for us, because now we don't feel remotes.
24:36So, guys, is this a contender?
24:40Yeah, potentially.
24:41It depends on what they'll come down on price, because obviously we're looking to obviously add value ourselves.
24:46It sounds like this is the best balance of all the things you want so far.
24:51Yeah.
24:52Okay.
24:52That's good news.
24:53Yeah.
24:54But let's show you a fixer-upper, shall we?
24:56Let's do it.
24:56Yeah, let's do it.
24:57Let's do it.
24:59I'm taking them into the heart of Paphos, their dream location.
25:03The property is in an area known as the Tomb of the Kings, as it's so close to this UNESCO heritage site.
25:10With history in mind, before I show them the property, we're going to stop off at another archaeological gem en route.
25:16Right, well, you do not come to Cyprus, and you do not come to Paphos without taking in some of the history,
25:22and I've brought you to the site, of an ancient basilica.
25:25It's like an old cathedral.
25:27This is called St Paul's Pillar, which is pretty much levelled these days,
25:32but 700 years ago, they built the church that you see now over the top of the old basilica,
25:38and it is still used to this very day.
25:41What do you think?
25:42Yeah, I mean, Paphos is steeped in history, isn't it?
25:44Isn't it?
25:45And then where you've got the Tombs of the Kings, as well as here, the archaeological digs
25:49and sites that they've got around the city, so it's very informative.
25:53Well, talking of Tomb of the Kings, we are heading in that direction now.
25:5640-minute stroll to your next property.
25:59To my castle.
26:00Yeah, just a few foundations, just like this. Come on.
26:08The Tomb of the Kings area was one of the first to be developed for tourists 30 years ago,
26:12so despite the central location, if you're willing to get stuck into a project,
26:16which I know Lee definitely is, you can get more for your money.
26:20But as ever, there are compromises.
26:22I can't wait to see if Sitar and Lee are willing to make them.
26:25Well, this is it, guys.
26:28Right in the heart of town, the heart of Paphos, where your dream lies, really, isn't it?
26:33Yeah.
26:33The beach is a 10-minute stroll.
26:35The other reason for bringing you here is that this is a fixer-upper of a property.
26:42Oh.
26:42Brilliant.
26:42It needs a lot of work, and it's central Paphos.
26:47OK, it's a two-bed townhouse.
26:50It's got a front garden, a little terrace at the back as well.
26:53There is no pool.
26:54Oh, OK.
26:55There is no pool.
26:56That's fine.
26:56It is priced at just over £153,500.
27:01So what are you making of that?
27:03Yeah, I mean, it seems to be a lot of money, depending...
27:06Let's see what's got to be done first.
27:07But I'd expected a pool for that sort of money, to be honest, but...
27:12I've given you Paphos and the beach.
27:14Yeah, yeah, yeah.
27:15You know, there's always going to be moving from one way or the other, you know.
27:18But you get your heads round...
27:20What's got to be done, yeah.
27:21What's got to be done and what you think that is going to cost.
27:24Yeah, yeah.
27:24And then you can tell me what you think, all right?
27:26Super.
27:27Yeah.
27:28And then we'll chat when you're done, OK?
27:29Yeah, sure.
27:30Catch you in a bit.
27:31Let's go.
27:33Well, look.
27:34This is it.
27:35This is Paphos.
27:35This is where the dream lies for these guys.
27:40Now, I'm doing my best to get everything on their wish list.
27:42But at the moment, it does feel like we've visited the zoo, expecting to see a unicorn
27:46if you catch my drift.
27:48But who knows?
27:49They may come out of this property and feel like this is the fixer-upper they've been looking for.
27:56This house has a good-sized private garden.
27:59Inside is a spacious living and dining area, which is open to a kitchen.
28:04Upstairs, the main bedroom, is Brighton area with built-in wardrobes and a lovely balcony.
28:10There's a second double bedroom and a toilet.
28:15It's a kitchen.
28:17It's a tiny kitchen, isn't it?
28:18Yeah, it's very small.
28:19It needs completely changed.
28:21Yeah, definitely.
28:23And it's a living room.
28:24Yeah, it's very dark.
28:27Yeah, it is.
28:28There's no natural light at all in the space.
28:30We'd have to take this completely back to its shell and start again.
28:33Certainly a blank canvas, shall we say.
28:36Oh.
28:37Oh, no, I like it.
28:38Yeah, I like the space.
28:40You're not too much overlooked.
28:41Trees obviously need to be chopped.
28:43You've got to let the sun in.
28:44Again, the scope to be done here.
28:47Yeah.
28:48I like the fact we've got the high ceilings.
28:50Obviously lots of work to be done.
28:52Double glazing.
28:53Not to mention the electrics.
28:55Look at that.
28:56There's a nice view here.
28:58Yeah.
28:58It's more light here than downstairs, I think.
29:01Wow.
29:02It's a nice one.
29:03Main bedroom.
29:04Yeah, and there's a nice balcony.
29:07Overall, I think this is the best room of the property.
29:09Yeah, it's the best room.
29:11Well, they wanted to be central and they wanted a project.
29:15So will this house in Paphos on the market for just over £153,500 be a contender?
29:23Well, it's definitely a sun trap.
29:25Hello.
29:25Hello again.
29:26Oh, well, what did you make of my fixer-upper, eh?
29:30We'll start with a good, which is obviously we love the location.
29:33Mm-hm.
29:34We love the size of the property.
29:35We're only eight minutes from the beach, so I don't think we'd need a pool actually here.
29:39So they're three big wins that we've got.
29:43Obviously, we look at the bad aspect.
29:45The price nowhere near reflects the amount of work that needs to be done in the property.
29:48But on that side of things, there's massive scope.
29:52It sounds like you like it.
29:53Yes.
29:54It's just the price that's the issue.
29:55Yeah, yeah, yeah.
29:56Is it a contender, first and foremost?
29:58It is the contender.
29:59It is the contender?
30:00Yeah, it is.
30:00This is the one to beat then.
30:02It is.
30:02Yes.
30:03Where do you go from here, Ben?
30:05It's so far.
30:06Not into Paphos again, that's for sure.
30:10Come on.
30:13Coming up, will my final property top the lot?
30:17Amazing.
30:18Oh, it's amazing, isn't it?
30:20Can't say anything.
30:20You're almost touching the sea.
30:21You're that close.
30:23That's lovely.
30:24Today I'm with soon-to-be-married couple, Sitara and Lee, in search of their dream holiday home on the glorious island of Cyprus.
30:41And with only one tentative contender, there's a lot riding on my last property.
30:49They've spent many holidays here, always in central Paphos.
30:52But for their maximum £160,000 budget, getting a renovation project close by with two bedrooms is proving to be tricky.
31:01It's fair to say their expectations aren't quite matching up with the property market here.
31:06And although this house in Paphos is in the running, I don't think it's quite hitting the spot.
31:10But I'm hoping my final property, with all the space they want and fabulous sea views, might just be the one.
31:19Before that, though, I'm getting to visit one of the most luxurious properties in this area at the moment.
31:26Worth just under £800,000, this three-bedroom villa has been completely renovated from a small stone cottage into a contemporary villa.
31:35The sleek interior is matched outside and there's a pool and some incredible views, too.
31:41I'm meeting interior designer Anita, who has agreed to show me around.
31:45Oh, yes. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm liking this. I love the ceiling. I love the walls.
31:52How have you arrived at this palette of materials?
31:55Because it was an old stone cottage, we decided to use concrete just to make it more sturdy.
32:02That's really interesting. This was actually inspired by the original stone property.
32:08By the original stone property, yeah.
32:09So it's a 21st century take on an old house.
32:15Should we go up the stairs and see what it's like up there?
32:17Let's go up to the bedrooms.
32:20This is great. This is really good.
32:23Yes. I just love the textures all around this room.
32:27The texture of that headboard.
32:29Is that what it's custom made? It's custom.
32:31With little pieces of thick wood.
32:33Oh, it's beautiful.
32:35Very tactile.
32:37And you can see that we've used the natural wood on the floor.
32:42Yeah, it's got a lovely warm feel.
32:43Gives you that feeling, yeah.
32:44Tell you what else has got a warm feel.
32:45That lovely, sunny balcony.
32:48Should we go and check the view?
32:49Yes, you will love the view.
32:50That is a lovely view.
32:54And that is Paphos.
32:55That is Paphos.
32:57So we're in striking distance.
32:59Of eight kilometres.
33:02It's not bad, is it?
33:03No.
33:03I could be very happy out here.
33:05This is your spot.
33:07Hideaway area from everybody.
33:09You really must go and see that pool,
33:11because I'm just getting a glimpse of it,
33:12and it looks rather good.
33:14Let's go.
33:14All righty.
33:17Oh, look at this.
33:19And this is a pool you wanted to see.
33:21It is exactly the pool I wanted.
33:23Thank you very much.
33:24It's a beautiful pool, isn't it?
33:26And then this almost soak away around the edge
33:28with these amazing pebbles,
33:29and then the green area.
33:30It's lovely.
33:32Well done.
33:33Thank you very much, Ben.
33:34It's an absolute success, this place.
33:36But I should probably get on with my set,
33:37so thank you once again.
33:39Thank you very much, Ben.
33:40It was lovely having you.
33:41I'd better hit the road.
33:42Let me show you out.
33:43Thank you, Anita.
33:45For my final property,
33:47I'm taking Sitara and Lee to Clorica,
33:49a village only three miles north of Paphos,
33:52so I'm hoping the location will work for them.
33:55With a charming combination of traditional churches,
33:58tavernas and houses,
34:00Clorica stretches from the central square on the hillside
34:03right down to the coast,
34:04which is where we're going to stop off first.
34:07Well, guys,
34:08I am going to end on a wonderful love story.
34:13Oh, wonderful.
34:13I'm going to tell you about the myth,
34:15the legend of Barakas.
34:18There was once, many, many moons ago,
34:21a beautiful lady that used to come down
34:24to the edge of the cliff here,
34:26gazing out to sea,
34:27dreaming of the day
34:28when she would meet her Prince Charming.
34:30And here I am.
34:33Beautiful lady.
34:34Yes, yes.
34:36Yeah, a lot of similarities.
34:38Anyway, one day,
34:39she spotted a young man off to the crusade.
34:42His name was Barakas.
34:43And they instantly fell in love when they saw each other.
34:47And whilst he was away,
34:48she was bitten by a snake.
34:50She fell desperately ill
34:51and lost all of her beauty.
34:53Oh.
34:54Yes.
34:55But when Barakas returned,
34:57he saw the pain she was in
34:59and married her.
35:01All her beauty came back.
35:02Oh.
35:03And they would then come down
35:05to the edge of the cliff every day
35:07and thank the sea for bringing them together.
35:09That was lovely.
35:11And that's what I'm going to read out
35:12on your wedding day.
35:13Oh.
35:14Have you heard of Clorica?
35:19Yes.
35:19Yes.
35:20That's where we're going next.
35:21Oh, Parapay.
35:22Let's go and see it.
35:22Let's go.
35:26So close to Pathos and on the coast,
35:28getting a property here in Clorica
35:30will really push the Tara and Lee's budget.
35:32With the average house with a sea view
35:34on for just under £160,000.
35:37But with all the space and potential they asked for,
35:40my final property is an absolute corker.
35:43I can't wait to see if they think
35:44it's worth stretching for.
35:48This is it.
35:49Last property.
35:50Wow.
35:50Wow, look at that.
35:52Yeah.
35:52It's not bad, is it?
35:53Yeah, very good.
35:55Very great location.
35:56The closest property to the beach.
35:59By far, six-minute stroll.
36:00Yeah.
36:01And your feet are in the water.
36:03I'm going to show you this semi-detached,
36:06heart-modernised, one-bedroom house.
36:10Wow.
36:10Oh, wow.
36:11House.
36:12A house.
36:12Top to bottom, the whole thing.
36:15Wow.
36:16I think this property has a tonne of potential.
36:19You could maybe incorporate the garage into the property
36:24by dropping a spiral staircase down into it at the back.
36:27Okay.
36:27It is the most expensive property.
36:30I've got to show you.
36:31It's priced at just over £166,500.
36:34The agent seems to think you could get it at the top of your budget.
36:37So that's the £160 mark, okay?
36:40Okay.
36:41Right at the top end and beyond, yeah.
36:44Come on, then.
36:44Come on.
36:45Let's go and have a look.
36:46The outside space here is huge,
36:49with a patio area that wraps around the house and fabulous views.
36:53Inside, the main living area is currently arranged as a dining room and bedroom
36:58and is spacious and bright.
37:00There's a separate modern kitchen with room to sit and eat, too, and a utility and toilet.
37:06Upstairs, the main bedroom is a great size,
37:08and I think Satara and Lee will love the balcony and the views from here.
37:12And there's a family bathroom.
37:16There is a garage under the property which has already been converted
37:19into a little studio apartment with a second bedroom.
37:23And there's more storage down here, too.
37:25Come on, then.
37:27We're using the patio doors instead of the front door
37:29because it needs a new lock.
37:32What do you think of this space, then?
37:34Yeah, I kind of... It's unusual.
37:36The size is great.
37:38It's a good size for a living room.
37:40Yeah.
37:40It brings a lot of light through into the space.
37:42It's got lovely light.
37:43Absolutely fantastic.
37:45Potentially make this into bedroom two or subdividing.
37:49French door or patio doors out to your terrace.
37:52So...
37:53But then we'd have to compromise with the living space, so...
37:56It's food for thought, isn't it?
37:57Yeah, absolutely.
37:58Lots of potential.
38:00Let's go see it.
38:01Let's go.
38:04How about this for a snazzy little kitchen, hey?
38:08I like the kitchen.
38:09It's nice.
38:10Yeah, it's nice.
38:11So it's all newly built by the looks of things.
38:14It's newly put in.
38:16Yeah, I love the layout.
38:18Obviously, it needs light brought in,
38:22which you can do from above, skylight above it.
38:24But do you feel like it has got the potential, this place?
38:27Yeah, I love the flow of it.
38:30And beautiful view as well.
38:31Beautiful view, yeah.
38:32Yeah, exactly.
38:33It's lovely.
38:34Tell you what, then, Lee, lead the way.
38:35Let's go to the balcony, man.
38:36Oh, yes.
38:40Oh, wow.
38:41Look at that view.
38:42Oh, yeah.
38:43It's amazing.
38:44And it's a good-sized space.
38:45Look at that.
38:46Yeah, it's perfect.
38:46This is what it's all about.
38:48You've got the sun trap, you've got the sea, you've got the space, you've got the barbecue, and you've got the beer.
38:54You know what we're on top of, don't you?
38:59Oh, yes.
39:00The garage.
39:00The garage.
39:01This is the garage directly beneath us, which is a really good size.
39:05That's where you could get that good-sized bedroom.
39:09How will the family feel about this?
39:10Oh, my God, it's perfect.
39:12I can't wait.
39:14The family sun trap.
39:15Oh, my God, yeah.
39:17Go and subdivide to your heart's content.
39:19Come on.
39:20Let's go.
39:21Let's do it.
39:21So, yeah, if he keeps subdividing, there's not going to be anything left of this house, but all said, it's a great property with bags of potential everywhere.
39:34But it is at the top of the budget.
39:35It's a little bit over the budget, so I'll be interested to see what they have to say when they're seeing the rest.
39:42Oh, my God, it's amazing, Keir.
39:45Yeah, wow.
39:46What a view to die for, isn't it?
39:47It's amazing.
39:48In a good space, lovely fitted wardrobes as well.
39:52So, you've got the sea one side, the hills the other, and the sun trap awaits.
39:58Oh, my God, amazing.
40:01Oh, it's amazing, isn't it?
40:03I can't say anything.
40:03You're almost touching the sea, you're that close.
40:06That's lovely.
40:07Unreal.
40:08They were getting very excited about this house with sea views.
40:12On the market, over budget, just over £166,500.
40:17Have I cracked it?
40:20Well, hello.
40:21Well, hello.
40:22I saw you enjoying the balcony and the view.
40:25Yeah, I didn't want to come down and see you.
40:27Did you not?
40:27Oh, you didn't have to.
40:29How are you feeling about this one?
40:31Yeah, that is really our dream holiday home.
40:34You think it's all workable?
40:35Yes.
40:36Yeah.
40:37I mean, put my building hat on.
40:41House looks great superficially, but the finishes aren't brilliant.
40:45We need to take it away and think about it, because, yeah, there will be a lot to do here still.
40:50So it's definitely a contender, then, is it?
40:52Yeah.
40:52I think this is the only one now.
40:54Isn't it?
40:54I know we said that before, but obviously we hadn't seen this one, but it's dependent on budgetary constraints.
41:01OK.
41:02You'd better think about it, then, hadn't you?
41:03Yeah.
41:03Yeah.
41:04You'd better think about it tonight.
41:05Yeah, yeah, yeah.
41:05Why don't you, yeah, exactly, take the evening, let's meet up tomorrow, and see if the calculator says you can buy it or not.
41:12Shall we?
41:13Yeah.
41:13Come on, then.
41:15If you'd like more information on any of the properties featured on today's show, you know what to do.
41:23Go to aplaceinthesun.com forward slash programs.
41:27It's been a tough search trying to find Satara and Lee's dream holiday home.
41:31Somewhere with enough space for the family to visit in a location close to central Paphos that they know and love, all for their maximum £160,000 budget.
41:41And after all five properties, just one is in the running, my final house, which gave them all that and sea views, but stretched the budget.
41:51I can't wait to find out what they're going to do.
41:54Good morning, guys.
41:56Good morning, man.
41:57Yeah, how are you today, this morning?
42:00Lots to think last night.
42:01It's loads to think about.
42:03You had a heck of a lot to think about.
42:06What's it been like for you both?
42:08You showed us different areas which we've never been.
42:11That has enlightened us.
42:13We've been so focused on this one area because this is all we spent.
42:18And when we went to Paya the other day, an area we thought we wouldn't like, we really loved the place.
42:24We did really like, yeah.
42:25Do you know what, that is great.
42:26That is really great.
42:27And am I seeing, like, cracks in the armour here?
42:29I think you are.
42:30I think, because at the start of the search, it was all about value for money and a family home.
42:36This is where the family came on holiday.
42:37This is where we all enjoyed and everyone loved this area.
42:40So that's what focused our search into this area.
42:43But you will make memories wherever you are together, won't you?
42:47Well, when I left you yesterday, you discounted everything apart from our very final property.
42:53It was always property five after yesterday because, obviously, that view was so breathtaking.
42:58It was a case of, do we go for the slow burner?
43:01Because we want this to be a family home.
43:03And for a family home, we need two bedrooms.
43:05Obviously, a lot of work there to be done.
43:07Or what we've learned through this journey is we look farther afield.
43:11We sacrifice location for value for money.
43:15And this is what we've, I think, we've come to the conclusion, which is better for us,
43:19is we bring the family over, we experience different areas of the island,
43:23and we see where the best value in different parts of the island.
43:26This is music to my ears.
43:28I mean, do you know what?
43:29A successful property search isn't always about resulting in buying a property.
43:35Sometimes it's about breaking you out of your comfort zone
43:39and letting you know that there's more out there which you hadn't considered before.
43:44And there is so much out here on this island.
43:47Is that what you're thinking now?
43:48It is.
43:48Now we know we can find different areas and maybe better than what we taught before.
43:56Yeah.
43:57It's been a big old learning curve, hasn't it?
43:58Oh, it's been huge.
43:59But many thanks for your education and the journey.
44:02Look, I'm actually delighted for you both.
44:05Here's to a very fun and informative search.
44:09And here's to your wedding and future holiday home in Cyprus.
44:13Well, that concludeth our search here on the original Island of Love.
44:24But unfortunately, sparks didn't quite fly for any of our properties.
44:28But with Lee and Sitara's eyes now open to a broader search area,
44:32I'm sure the next time they return,
44:34they will find their dream holiday home here for them and their entire family.
44:39And I wish them all the best.
44:41If you'd like help with your property search and want to be on A Place in the Sun,
44:46then go to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:09Bye.
45:10Bye.
45:11Bye.
45:12Bye.
45:12Bye.
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