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00:04Today I'm in Northern Italy, house hunting around the spectacular towns and villages of Lake Como.
00:10I'm Laura Hamilton, and for over 20 years I've had a passion for buying, renovating and selling property.
00:16Today I'll be using my skills to help Mandy and Andy, who've had this Italian dream for years.
00:23I'd always fancied it early, but I'd never been before.
00:26I thought you were going to say you'd always fancied Mandy.
00:28And they have one clear priority.
00:31Wow.
00:32This is what it's all about, isn't it? Beautiful views.
00:35It's fantastic.
00:36The stunning vistas continue when I visit a lakeside villa.
00:41Wow, Claudia, what an amazing call and position this is.
00:46How lucky you are to live here.
00:47Yes, I'm very lucky, yeah.
00:49But at the end of the day will I find Mandy and Andy's dream place in the sun.
00:54I think it's pretty much perfect for us, really.
00:56That's amazing that you're saying this is pretty much perfect.
01:03It was their mutual love of travelling that initially brought Andrew and Mandy together,
01:07and they have many fond memories of exploring Italy.
01:10Now they feel the time is right for them to buy their very own holiday home, which will also be
01:16a great investment opportunity.
01:19Mandy, a childminder, and Andy, a programme manager, met in a nightclub 17 years ago and understand the secrets of
01:26a successful marriage.
01:28I quite like Andy's sense of humour. It's quite dry sometimes.
01:32I like that Mandy picks my style of dress and that she's reasonable looking, I suppose.
01:40And we just have a good laugh together, have a good time.
01:44I think our relationship is quite fun. We like doing a lot of things together and we enjoy each other's
01:51company.
01:52And they're hoping to be spending a lot of time with each other and their two sons when they buy
01:57their own holiday home on Lake Como.
01:59They have a budget of £125,000 to find it.
02:06Around a two-hour flight from the UK into Milan and a short drive takes you to the stunning Lake
02:11Como in northern Italy.
02:13Set against the striking backdrop of the Alps, Lake Como is perhaps the most glamorous of the Italian lakes.
02:20With gorgeous waterfront towns, a cafe culture for celeb spotting and people watching,
02:25and crystal clear waters, popular for all sorts of sports and all sorts of boats, Lake Como has it all.
02:33If you are looking for a 25-bedroom mansion on one of the most desirable shores of Lake Como,
02:39it will set you back a whopping £100 million.
02:44Maybe that's okay if your surname's Clooney, but if you're looking for a more modest home from home.
02:49A newly renovated one-bedroom apartment still with desirable views on the other side of the lake will cost around
02:55£100,000.
02:56So this is going to be a very exciting house hunt.
03:01Before we start the search, I'm meeting my house hunters to find out exactly what they're looking for.
03:06Andy, Andrew, welcome to Lake Como. How is this?
03:10I know, it's fantastic. It's lovely.
03:11It's absolutely beautiful.
03:12So Italy holds a very special place in your hearts. Tell me why.
03:16Well, we actually had our honeymoon here in Sorrento and then recently we've started to go north and seen other
03:22lakes around the area.
03:23Have you ever been to Lake Como itself?
03:25No, this is the first time.
03:26Why Lake Como?
03:27We love the area in general with the lakes and we fancy trying this one.
03:31I think being so close to Switzerland and all that sort of stuff as well just gives you a bit
03:34more option.
03:36And why now?
03:37Financially, we're in a position now, aren't we?
03:39And we think it'll be good for our kids to come and visit here and family holidays.
03:44Yeah.
03:44So you've got your two young boys?
03:46Jamie and Josh.
03:47Yeah, and how old are they?
03:4810 and 12.
03:49And how do they feel about the fact that mum and dad are off on this adventure trying to find
03:53them a holiday home?
03:53Oh, they're so excited. They would love us to get somewhere here.
03:56What about any other friends? Are they kind of excited about coming out here?
04:00Yeah, yeah. My sister and my sister-in-law, I think they would come just to us maybe, come from
04:05our own little cheeky trip.
04:07Yeah, yeah, a little girl's trip and things like that, yeah.
04:09So when you're here, what will you be enjoying?
04:13Maybe hiking through the mountains, some water sports on the lake, maybe take up skiing.
04:18Really enjoying the outdoor life.
04:20And what are you looking for?
04:21Just looking for a little one-bedroom apartment, maybe two.
04:25What about style?
04:27We like traditional, rustic, but obviously we're quite a modern couple, so nothing that needs too much doing up to
04:33it, you know.
04:34You don't want to take on a project.
04:36Yeah, no, that's it, exactly. Good views, good location, and that's pretty much it.
04:40So when you say good views?
04:41Mountain or lake or both, ideally, you know, I'd like a pool if we could, and obviously a terrace looking
04:47onto them, also a good investment as well.
04:49So you're planning on having it as a holiday home for yourself, but somewhere that you can let out?
04:53Yeah, let out, yeah.
04:53Yeah, let out as a holiday home if we're not using it, essentially, yeah.
04:56Okay, so obviously if you are going to go down the lettings route, you will need to get various licences
05:00and things.
05:01And are you aware that in Italy, when you buy a property, that there are agent's fees to pay for
05:07as well, and you've obviously taken that into consideration?
05:09So you've got a budget of £125,000.
05:13Yes.
05:14Is there any wiggle room at all?
05:15We could probably stretch up to around £130,000.
05:18And what if I found something that was just even more special, that had everything?
05:23Could you push any higher at all?
05:26Possibly, we probably need to speak to the bank again.
05:28Budget-wise, it is quite tight, so in terms of pushing for two bedroom properties, I'm not sure how likely
05:36that is, but as long as you're willing to keep an open mind.
05:39Well, I'm excited to get on with the search, if you are, shall we go?
05:43Yeah, let's go.
05:45We're concentrating this search on the eastern shores of Lake Como.
05:48And as Mandy and Andy haven't been here before, I want to stop off at Varenna, a picturesque traditional fishing
05:55village.
05:56And I think it's the most beautiful spot on this side of the water.
06:00Our first stop is one of the most popular places on Lake Como.
06:04Yeah, no, this is exactly what we're after.
06:06It reminds us, I suppose, of our honeymoon in Sorrento.
06:08The colourful buildings, the cobbled streets, the cafes.
06:12Do you like that cafe culture?
06:14Yeah, that's exactly what we're looking for, really.
06:16Just sitting there at a cafe with a coffee and watching the world go by.
06:20So, bit of name-dropping.
06:21People that have owned properties around here.
06:24George Clooney, of course.
06:26Madonna.
06:27Sylvester Stallone.
06:28Wow.
06:28So we can be among the celebs.
06:30Exactly.
06:31And now...
06:32Us.
06:32Mandy and Andy.
06:33Got a good ring to it, I love it.
06:35We're going to head to our first property, it's a 25-minute drive away.
06:37How's that sound?
06:38Yeah, that's great, thank you.
06:39Let's go.
06:40We're heading north of here to Colico.
06:43It's a great location, a lovely little town with plenty going on and very well connected.
06:49Prices here have increased by around 10% in the last year.
06:52But by using up their wiggle room, I've managed to line up a flat bang in the middle of things
06:57that I think has everything they've asked for.
07:00Welcome to our first property, which is on this little urbanisation just here.
07:04It's on the second floor, one-bed apartment.
07:09This is exactly what we were thinking.
07:11Yeah, great little location, great little town.
07:13The amenities are on your doorstep.
07:15The lake is on your doorstep.
07:17Ski slope's around an hour away.
07:19Oh, hmm.
07:19This property has been on the market a couple of months, currently priced just under £129,500.
07:25The agent has said there probably wouldn't be a huge amount of room to negotiate on the price.
07:29Yeah, that sounds great.
07:30Sounds good, sounds good.
07:31And from a rental point of view, in the summer months you can expect around £120 a night.
07:36In the winter months that drops down to £100.
07:39No, that's still pretty good.
07:40Yeah, that's good.
07:40Yeah, you've got big smiles on your face here.
07:43Yeah, can't we?
07:43Shall we head inside the property?
07:44Yeah, that's still good.
07:46And if they're smiling now, I can't wait to see their faces when they see the balcony
07:50and the views that come with this apartment.
07:53Inside is a compact open-plan living area with a sofa bed.
07:57There's a good-sized double bedroom with a door onto a terrace
08:01and the kind of outlook I think these two will love.
08:04Plus, of course, there's a bathroom.
08:07Step this way then to the open-plan kitchen, a little dining area there.
08:12Yeah, it looks great.
08:13It's quite petite.
08:15I think it's got everything we need.
08:16But yeah, it's got everything for a holiday home.
08:17This is all we need, just a little bit of area to have some breakfast and things.
08:22It's got a kitchen, it's got a table, it's got a seat.
08:24With views of the mountains.
08:26Yeah, it looks really nice, I love it.
08:27Good start.
08:28Yeah.
08:29Furniture is included in this property if, you know, you wanted to keep it.
08:34Would you keep it? Is it your style?
08:35I mean, I think the style's fine.
08:37It helps for initial getting in and getting it rented and then we can update in the future, can't we?
08:42I mean, I feel like kitchen perhaps could do with a little bit of updating,
08:45but I would agree, you know, in terms of getting it rented out.
08:49Yeah.
08:50Sofa bed and the boys coming out, how's that set-up going to work?
08:54I mean, generally, when we come in these sort of places,
08:56we would take the sofa bed and they get the bedroom.
08:59Wow!
09:00So make sure it's a nice cosy sofa bed.
09:04Okay, okay.
09:05Well, I was going to say, well, I'll show you the bedroom because that would be yours,
09:07but I'd better show you the bedroom for the boys then.
09:10Right, let me show you this way.
09:15So the boys' bedroom then, not yours?
09:17Yeah, yeah.
09:17I think it's big enough, isn't it?
09:20Bigger than I expected it to be, if I'm being honest.
09:22And you've got the mountain views just there?
09:24I suppose with the train tracks and station there, it's good for the links.
09:28It's not great to look at, but then it's still got the mountain view in the background as well.
09:32That's pretty good.
09:32How soon after you met, did you kind of both realise that you had this love affair with Italy?
09:39Well, it was just our first, when we went on honeymoon to Sorrento.
09:44Oh, so that was the first time you met?
09:45Yeah, yeah.
09:45Yeah, yeah.
09:46I'd always fancied Italy, but I'd never been before, so...
09:49I thought you were going to say you'd always fancied Mandy.
09:52And that's it.
09:54Now, why don't you go off and explore, and I can't wait to see what you say when you've had
09:58a good look around.
09:59Thanks.
10:02I really like these two, they're so sweet.
10:04And it seems like a very positive reaction to our first property.
10:08So, fingers crossed.
10:11Oh, that's good, isn't it?
10:12Yeah, this is brilliant.
10:13Straight out onto the lake.
10:14Yeah.
10:15This is exactly what I imagined having our property in Lake Como.
10:19Yeah, that's exactly what we're talking about, isn't it?
10:21A bigger balcony than expected as well.
10:22Yeah, there's plenty of room for tables and chairs and things.
10:25Yeah.
10:27I don't think we'd need to change it all, really, would we?
10:30The tiles are quite neutral, and it's obviously big enough for a bath and a shower.
10:35Maybe a bit of shower screen up.
10:36Yeah, yeah.
10:36That'd be better.
10:39We've got off to a cracking start at this Colico apartment on the market for just under £129,500.
10:45Have I nailed it in one?
10:48Well, well, well, how was it?
10:50Yeah, that was great, thank you.
10:51OK, you liked it?
10:52Yeah, no, really good stuff.
10:53I think the views in particular, obviously, we can see the lake, we can see the mountains.
10:57Yeah.
10:57That's pretty much all we wanted, really.
10:59And, obviously, the location as well, great links and things like that.
11:03So, next to restaurants, baths, and...
11:05And what were you unsure about?
11:08Probably just the space.
11:09I mean, I think it's enough, but anything that's even slightly bigger would be beneficial.
11:14OK.
11:14Do you like it enough for it to be a contender?
11:17Yeah, definitely.
11:18Amazing.
11:18Yeah.
11:19Fantastic start, then.
11:20But just listening to you and, you know, picking up on that space and thinking about,
11:24you know, the boys, as much as it's lovely, but you have the sofa.
11:28You know, more about having your own room, if we could find something.
11:30Yeah, if it was two bedrooms, that would be great as well.
11:32OK.
11:33That'd be fantastic.
11:33That had more space.
11:36But there would be a compromise to make.
11:39Yeah.
11:40Fab. Let's go.
11:41To find that, I'm going to take them a bit further inland from the lake.
11:45But before we head off, I think there's time for a little treat.
11:48I'm taking them out onto the water.
11:50After all, that's what Lake Como is all about.
11:53Andrew and Randy, look at this.
11:56Yeah.
11:56Lovely, isn't it?
11:57I can't believe how calm it is and how quiet it is.
12:01It's just, like, I can totally see why you love the lakes in Italy.
12:07It's so romantic, isn't it?
12:08Isn't it?
12:08I'm sorry I'm here.
12:10I'm, like, third wheeling here.
12:12You're like, Laura, just leave us alone.
12:13So, if you wanted to hire a boat like this with the family,
12:16it'd cost you around £70 an hour.
12:18Yeah, that's reasonable.
12:19Do you think the boys would enjoy doing something like that?
12:21Yeah, they would love it.
12:22Yeah, yeah.
12:22Jump off and you've got your lad on the back, you can climb back in.
12:25Ideal.
12:25Yeah.
12:26I mean, it'd be lovely to spend all day here.
12:28But we've got houses to view.
12:30Shall we go?
12:31Yeah, thank you.
12:34Well, if it's more space and an extra bedroom my house hunters are after,
12:38I'm hoping they'll love my next property,
12:41which makes up part of a former convent in the heart of Derbio.
12:51Today, I'm in Italy helping Andy and Mandy find their dream holiday home around beautiful Lake Como.
12:58They were really impressed with our first property and it's a contender.
13:02So, here's hoping I find some more.
13:04They have a budget of £125,000 with £5,000 wiggle room or maybe a little more.
13:11They're looking for a holiday home with views as close to cafes, restaurants and the lake as possible.
13:17It's for them and their two children to enjoy as well as guests who'll rent it out for the rest
13:22of the year.
13:23My first apartment in Central Colico was spot on for them and they said the only way I could improve
13:28on it was to have a second bedroom and a bit more living space.
13:31So, to find them that, I've taken them to Derbio.
13:34It's a gorgeous town with ancient ruins and churches dating back to the 5th century.
13:39And it has a bustling vibe, which I know is really important to them.
13:43My next property is a bit further from the lake, a 10-minute walk this time,
13:47but it does mean I can give them a bit more apartment for their money.
13:50So, the property that we're going to look at is this one just here.
13:53Two bed, one bath.
13:54I did say there might be a compromise to make.
13:57I think you might be figuring out what that is right now.
13:59Because even though you're not on the lake and you don't have the mountain views,
14:03you're still somewhere that is desirable.
14:05It feels nice, you know, there's lots of bars and cafes and things.
14:10We'll see.
14:11Oh, Andy's on the show.
14:12It seems quite closed in.
14:14This property has been on the market now for around a year.
14:17It's currently priced just under £116,500,
14:19but there would be some room to negotiate on that price according to the agent,
14:23possibly between £5,000 and £10,000 off
14:25because the owners are extremely keen to sell.
14:27Mm-hm.
14:28Now, from a rental point of view, although you're not on the lake
14:31and you don't have the mountain views, this is a desirable location.
14:34So, in the summer months, you can get around £130,000 to £150,000 a night rental income,
14:38and in the winter months, around £80,000 to £100,000.
14:41Oh, nice.
14:44A bit of a lukewarm response, but I really hope they'll keep an open mind.
14:48The apartment has a courtyard entrance,
14:50which leads through to a large private terrace at the front.
14:54Inside is a large living area with lots of fabulous features.
14:58And there's a separate kitchen.
15:01Both bedrooms are big doubles with plenty of space.
15:04And finally, there's a shower room.
15:07Look at this huge living space.
15:10Yeah, very nice.
15:11You weren't expecting this, were you, Andy?
15:14No, it's a lot bigger than I expected from the outside, to be fair.
15:17Much bigger, and look at the character.
15:19Yeah, I love the ceilings.
15:21You know, it's very characterful.
15:22And the fireplace as well, it's quite modern, actually.
15:25There's not really much to, you know, liquor paint and just furnish it.
15:30Yeah, yeah, that's all it needs, really, isn't it?
15:31Just a, yeah, just a little tidy up, really.
15:33And how did you feel about the approach coming in, you know, the columns and that patio out there?
15:38Because that would be your private patio, although the neighbours would have right of way.
15:42I don't want to be looking over at my neighbours if we put tables and chairs there.
15:45I want a bit more privacy.
15:46Okay.
15:48Come on in.
15:49So, this is one of your bedrooms here.
15:53Round there, you've got, like, a dressing area.
15:56I do like strange room shape, but I don't know if I'm feeling it.
16:01Really?
16:02I mean, I don't think this is right for us.
16:04I think definitely the first property we looked at with the views at the location.
16:08I think this just isn't quite it for us, is it?
16:10Do you want to carry on looking around this property, or are you thinking, based on the fact that...?
16:16Yeah, no, I'm good.
16:17I think we're done here.
16:20Compromising on the views is not something you're willing to do.
16:23I don't think so.
16:24No, definitely.
16:24We tried, right?
16:25Yeah.
16:25And I think it's been worthwhile, you're seeing the space.
16:28Yeah.
16:28It's nice to know, you know, but I think that's where we're feeling now.
16:31We were happy to go small, but, you know, have the views and still have the location.
16:36But, yeah, we don't maybe need as much space.
16:38Okay.
16:38Well, I'll tell you what, you head out, I'll lock up, and we'll move on to the next property.
16:47I'm surprised that they came to such a quick decision on this place because there is so much space here.
16:53But if they're not willing to compromise on their views, they're not willing to compromise.
16:57I'm pleased we're clarifying their priorities.
17:00And it's clear that this apartment in Dervio, on the market for just under £116,500, is definitely not for
17:07them.
17:08I think we need a bit of a breather before we see any other properties, so I'm taking Mandy and
17:12Andy to meet Robert,
17:13who's originally from Liverpool and is now an expert on the area, and can give them a few pointers.
17:19Angie and Mandy, I want to introduce you to Rob.
17:21So, having never been to this particular part of Italy, what brought you to Lake Como?
17:25My girlfriend's a teacher here, so she works in international schools.
17:29So, we both, we hadn't been here before.
17:30We'd been to Italy before, but we'd never been to Como itself.
17:33So, we thought we'd give it a try, see what it's like, and three years later we're still here.
17:37You just don't want to leave.
17:38Yeah, you're not going back.
17:39Why were you drawn to this area, then, having never been here?
17:42Because that's very similar to these two.
17:44Fantastic lifestyle.
17:45Really relaxed.
17:47Nice.
17:48Come out in the mornings, have coffee, meet up with people.
17:51Everybody gets together in all the squares of an evening.
17:53All the kids are out playing.
17:55Just a nice lifestyle.
17:56Do you think it's quite important to learn the language?
17:58It's important to know a little bit.
18:00You can practise with people.
18:01If you get something wrong, they'll correct you and they'll explain it to you.
18:04Yeah.
18:05Don't worry too much about the language.
18:07So, no regrets whatsoever?
18:09No.
18:10Why would I regret living here?
18:12Not going home anytime soon.
18:13Well, this is home now, right?
18:15This is my home.
18:15It's been lovely to chat to you, Robert.
18:16Thanks so much.
18:17I'm going to get these off now to our next property, which is a half an hour drive away.
18:22Okay.
18:22Good.
18:23Okay.
18:23Good luck, guys.
18:25Bye-bye.
18:30If Andy and Mandy are looking for somewhere with better views, I can't wait to show them
18:34my next property, a two-bedroom duplex that even has access to a pool.
18:44Today, I'm helping Andy and Mandy find their dream holiday home, which also has great rental
18:50potential, around Lake Como in Northern Italy.
18:53My first property was a hit, but my second one missed the mark.
18:56I've got three more to show them, and I'm hoping to find some more contenders.
19:00It's become clear during the search so far that they don't want to compromise on either
19:05being close to the shops and restaurants, or a good view from the apartment, for their
19:09maximum £130,000 budget.
19:11And there's a little more wiggle room up their sleeve if I need it.
19:15They love this one-bedroom apartment in Colico, but I want to try and get them more living space
19:20and an extra bedroom if I can.
19:22To try and find them that, we've travelled to Introbio, a small village 30 minutes'
19:27drive inland from Lake Como.
19:29Here in the heart of the valley, with stunning mountain views all round, a two-bedroom property
19:34can cost almost the same as a one-bed on the water, so I'm intrigued to hear what they
19:38think of this location.
19:41So, I brought you to our next property.
19:45With a pool!
19:46Yeah, well, it's great.
19:47It's slightly discoloured at the moment.
19:48Yeah.
19:49It's closed now and needs to be cleaned.
19:51Have you got a pool?
19:51Yeah.
19:52That's fantastic.
19:53I think we also recognise this property.
19:56Do you?
19:56Yeah, I think we've seen this one online.
19:58You've been cheeky-sneaky looking online.
20:00Yeah, well, I kind of hope you might take us here, so...
20:02Oh, well, that's great, then.
20:03You are slightly further away from the lake, but obviously you have the pool to make up for
20:07it.
20:07There's a village that's five minutes away, and the ski lift's there, and it's 30 minutes
20:12onto the slopes, and it's that one just there.
20:16So, you've still got the space inside, not quite as big as the last property, but there's
20:19two-bed, two-bath here.
20:20Yeah, I love it.
20:20That's fantastic.
20:21You know, we've seen it, we love it, so hopefully it meets our expectations.
20:26This has been on the market a couple of months.
20:27It's currently priced just over £120,500, but you probably know that if you've seen
20:32it online.
20:34Yeah.
20:34Yeah, no, that's probably...
20:35Seems like a good price.
20:35Yeah.
20:36And from a rental point of view, you'd be looking at £100 a night in the summer months, £75
20:41in the winter.
20:42Shall we take a look around?
20:43Yeah, let's go.
20:44The pool is definitely a bonus this far from the lake, and I'm sure the views will be
20:50too when they see them from the apartment's fabulous balcony. The accommodation is set
20:54over two floors. The front door leads into a large open-plan living space with a kitchen,
20:59dining, and living area, with more of those stunning views. And there's a shower room on
21:05this floor. Upstairs, the main bedroom is a great-sized double. The second bedroom would
21:10work well for Mandy and Andy's two boys, there's another shower room, plus a handy
21:15parking space.
21:18This way, so past the bathroom. You've seen it online, right?
21:23Yeah, it's a lot more room, isn't it?
21:24Yeah, I don't think you get the centre of the space, actually, online. I mean, there's
21:27plenty of space for a table, you've got two sofas, and then I can just see straight
21:30out of that window.
21:31Yeah, I know.
21:31That's what it's all about when you walk in, isn't it? Like, I want to know where I am,
21:34I want to see them out in it.
21:36Well, it's definitely a contrast to the previous property, isn't it?
21:39Yeah, definitely.
21:39You knew straight away.
21:41I was hoping we aren't going to talk about that again.
21:44OK, noted, I won't talk about it any more.
21:45Up the stairs, then, you've got a bedroom there behind us.
21:48OK.
21:49And the bathroom opposite.
21:52Oh, this is, I mean, obviously the ceiling slopes in this room, but, you
21:56know, there's still lots of room, we're not going to bang our heads
21:58again out in the morning, are we?
22:00Yeah, no, it's still a good size, you've got storage, you've got a decent
22:03sized bed.
22:03I think it's pretty much perfect for us, really.
22:06That's amazing that you're saying this is pretty much perfect.
22:08Yeah.
22:09Shall we head back downstairs and go to the balcony area so we can
22:13take in those views a bit more?
22:14Yeah.
22:15Follow you.
22:18This would be your private outside space.
22:21Wow.
22:21This is what it's all about, isn't it?
22:23Beautiful views.
22:24Yeah, that's fantastic.
22:25Just incredible.
22:26And actually, I mean, how confident would you be with your boys
22:28being down by the pool and you sat up here?
22:32Well, it would be too bad if, because we can obviously see them, so.
22:35Yeah.
22:36And this for outside space?
22:38Yeah, this is plenty, isn't it?
22:39Yeah, more than that.
22:40You can get a table, chairs.
22:41Yeah, no, I think it's probably better than I expected you to.
22:44Yeah, yeah, it's a lot bigger than what I thought as well.
22:45Yeah.
22:46I do want you to go off and have a quick look around a bit more of this property and
22:51then
22:51you can tell me how it's comparing back to the first one, which is obviously your favourite.
22:57I can't wait to hear what you think.
22:58Thanks.
22:58See you later.
22:58Okay.
23:02Well, as far as Andy, and I think Randy's concerned, this is absolutely perfect.
23:07I think we've got a new favourite.
23:09This is good, isn't it?
23:10Yeah, yeah.
23:11Big enough for the boys, you get a couple of single beds in.
23:13A nice and bright as well, isn't it?
23:14Yeah, that's good.
23:15A quick paint, I think, would be fine, wouldn't it?
23:16This Artex is maybe not up to everyone's taste, but it's rustic, isn't it?
23:20Yeah.
23:23Oh, this is nice.
23:24Yeah, no, it's fine, isn't it?
23:25Maybe just once a wee bit tidying up, put a shower enclosure or something in, but it's fine.
23:30Yeah, it's functional.
23:30Functional.
23:31So, yeah, that's good.
23:32Yeah.
23:33It was all smiles as they walked around this mountain apartment with a pool on the market
23:37for just over £120,500.
23:40I wonder how they feel now they've seen it all.
23:43Hiya.
23:44Hi.
23:44How did you get on?
23:45Yeah, really well, thanks.
23:46So, what did you like so much about it?
23:49Had another look around the bedrooms, plenty of space, great views.
23:52As soon as you walked in, you know, you're looking straight onto the mountains, which is perfect.
23:55The first property, obviously, that is the lake, but you're compromising there on the space.
24:01And then this one here, obviously, you've got the space, you've got the pool and the mountains,
24:06but not the lakes.
24:07So, have we got two contenders?
24:09Yeah, two, definitely.
24:10Yeah.
24:11Amazing.
24:12Because we've got two contenders now that are a bit different, how do you feel about seeing
24:16a bit of a wild card?
24:17Yeah, I'm up for it.
24:19Finally.
24:20You're like, oh, we need to twist her up.
24:22Yeah, come on.
24:23Yeah.
24:23Shall we go?
24:23Okay.
24:24Come on.
24:25We're heading 15 miles from here to a medieval hamlet called Carreno Plinio that's right
24:29on the water.
24:30But with two contenders firmly in the bag, I think there's time to stop off en route to
24:34the next property to try a local delicacy.
24:38This cake is called Bichola.
24:40When Napoleon's troops invaded this part of Italy in 1797, Napoleon himself asked his
24:45cook to make a cake using the local ingredients and they came up with this.
24:49It's got walnuts in it, raisins in it.
24:52Do you want to try some?
24:54Yeah.
24:54Yeah?
24:56Sounds like you need a bit of convincing there, man.
24:58Well, it doesn't look the most appetizer.
24:59It looks a bit dry.
25:00So, give it a try.
25:01Let me know what you think.
25:02I don't want to offend the locals here, but...
25:04It's not great.
25:05It's not really my thing, but you know.
25:07Okay.
25:07But I love the nuts.
25:08You know, that's a hit for me.
25:11Okay.
25:11Yeah, no, that's not great.
25:12I mean, it is dry, but I quite like it.
25:16I hope that you have a better opinion of our next property than you do the bread.
25:21It is a couple of minutes away.
25:22Oh, great.
25:22So, it's really close.
25:24I think Carreno Plinio would be a great location for them and any guests they have renting
25:29the apartment.
25:29But to get so close to the water, there's always going to be some compromise.
25:34The price of my next property is the lowest of any we've seen so far, but it doesn't have
25:39any outside space.
25:40So, this one is going to be interesting.
25:43So, the other side of the road, the next property is in this building here.
25:48The ski slopes are an hour away.
25:51Yeah.
25:51And the lake is just there.
25:54Great.
25:54This is a one-bedroom apartment on the market for just under £95,000.
25:59It comes furnished.
26:01The property has recently been refurbished, so nothing to do in here.
26:06And something that I'm thinking might be quite appealing to you is the rental income.
26:10In the summer months, you get £120 a night.
26:12In the winter months, £90 a night.
26:14And if you compare that back to the two-bed apartment in the mountains, you're getting quite
26:18a lot of rental income for this one.
26:19I'd like you to take a look around this one on your own, and I'll be outside waiting.
26:24All right.
26:25Thanks.
26:27Well, you're not going to get a better location and an apartment for a better price than this
26:33one.
26:33Fingers crossed they like it.
26:35Steps on the outside lead up to the front door of this apartment on the second floor of
26:40this gorgeous building.
26:42Inside is one large living space with a brand new kitchen, a dining table and lounge area,
26:47with plenty of room for a sofa bed.
26:50There's a good-sized double bedroom for their boys, and a large modern shower room.
26:56This is nice and modern.
26:58Yeah.
26:58It's all nicely freshly done.
27:00Yeah.
27:00Nice new kitchen.
27:01New hob.
27:02Good size.
27:03Yeah.
27:03I can put a nice big sofa bed there and have the telly on the wall.
27:07Yeah.
27:07Doesn't look like there's an outdoor space here.
27:10That might be one of the compromises, because this is a bit cheaper as well, isn't it?
27:14Yeah.
27:15But then it's still good rental.
27:18Ah, this is a nice big bathroom.
27:20And a room for kids to get in here.
27:22It's all nice and modern, isn't it?
27:23So we don't need to do it off or anything, do we?
27:25Or spend money on it?
27:27No.
27:27I think that's probably the best view I've seen out of all the windows.
27:32It's probably the smallest bedroom that we've seen so far.
27:36Ah, yeah, maybe.
27:37I think we need our outdoor space.
27:38I think we do, yeah.
27:39Yeah.
27:39It's good rental, but I don't think it's enough.
27:42All right.
27:42Should we go and see a lot of it?
27:43Yeah.
27:46This refurbished Coreno Plinio apartment on the market while under budget at just under
27:50£95,000 is in an amazing location.
27:54But is that going to be enough to put it on the shortlist?
27:57Hello, hello.
27:58Hi.
27:58Hi.
27:58So I've been waiting here patiently to hear what you've got to say.
28:03So, yeah, everything that we're looking for, nice and modern, nothing needs doing.
28:07I think it was just disappointing it didn't have a terrace.
28:11Okay.
28:11I mean, look, it was a great price.
28:13Yeah.
28:13Really.
28:14I think, like, price-wise it's brilliant.
28:16Obviously the yield for the rental is fantastic, but for us as a holiday home it's probably
28:21just not quite right.
28:23Not quite as good as maybe the one in Calico and even the mountains.
28:26Okay, so two contenders, one final property to see.
28:29Now, when we met you did say that for the right property, for the dream property, you
28:34would be prepared to push the budget outside of the wiggle room, go a little bit higher.
28:38Something's come up and I really would love, love, love to show you.
28:41I'm not going to go crazy, crazy over your budget, but if you're happy for me to go a
28:46bit higher I think it could be worth it.
28:47Yeah, definitely.
28:48Yeah, sounds interesting.
28:49Yeah?
28:49I'll have a look.
28:50Right, let's go.
28:54Coming up, will my final property top the lot?
28:57This is exactly what, you know, we were thinking.
29:00View, enough space for eating, dining.
29:11Today I'm house hunting around Lake Como in Northern Italy with Andy and Mandy who are
29:16looking for a holiday home that will also make a great investment.
29:19Now they've given me permission to push their budget, I'm hoping my final property will
29:24top both our contenders.
29:26What I've learnt so far is that location and views are key.
29:30And while the second bedroom is a bonus for their two boys, they don't mind compromising
29:34on that.
29:34So I've got two very different properties in the running.
29:37This one bedroom apartment in Colico, a short stroll from the lake, and this two bedroom apartment
29:42with views of the pool and the mountains.
29:45With this next property exceeding their maximum £130,000 budget though, it will be interesting
29:50to find out whether this will be the best yet.
29:53But before that, I'm getting to visit a stunning modern villa in Colico.
29:58On the market for nearly £1.5 million, this eight bedroom home can be subdivided into separate
30:03apartments and is sleek and modern inside from top to bottom.
30:08Set in stunning grounds with a pool and plenty of areas to sit and soak up the views, I'm excited
30:13to be meeting owner Claudia, who's showing me around.
30:18Hi Claudia, how are you?
30:19Hi, hello, nice to meet you.
30:20What are we about to look at?
30:22It's a 400 square meter house, the big villa, the upper part and two apartments in the basement.
30:29Fab, so can you show me around?
30:31Yeah, sure, please.
30:37Wow.
30:38Yeah.
30:40Beautiful.
30:41Who designed the house?
30:43My husband.
30:44So is there a particular style that the property is kind of like based on?
30:48Yes, it's like typical Italian style with a lot of old furniture and some furniture was
30:54made from my little village when I was born.
30:56I'll tell you where I'd love to look next, it's the pool area.
30:59Yeah, sure, I'll show you.
31:01Oh, thank you.
31:02Yeah, sure.
31:05Wow, Claudia, what an amazing hall and position this is.
31:10How lucky you are to live here.
31:11Yes, I'm very lucky.
31:13Yeah.
31:13It was not easy to find a plot like this.
31:16We buy the last part of the garden because we want to have the perfect view on the lake.
31:22I've got to see the perfect view.
31:24Yeah, sure, sure.
31:24Come on.
31:25Yeah.
31:30I can't believe how big the garden is.
31:32It just goes on and on and on.
31:34Yeah.
31:35Yeah.
31:35Those views.
31:36You have a very fantastic view, especially in the evening at sunset is special.
31:40When we were walking up I did notice that there are solar panels.
31:43We tried to make an eco house.
31:45Yeah.
31:46What is possible.
31:47So I'm guessing you've got like the underfloor heating.
31:49Yeah.
31:49Yeah.
31:50I love the fact that it's an eco house and you've got those incredible views of Lake Como.
31:56Thank you so much for showing me around.
31:58Grazie.
31:59Let me show you out.
32:01It's back to the house hunt and I'm going to try something different.
32:05We've been concentrating this search on the eastern shore of Lake Como but for the final
32:09property I'm taking them to the western waterfront.
32:11En route I want to show them around Gerrilario.
32:14I think they might be spending a lot of their time here if they like my final apartment.
32:18Though it might not be the best day for it.
32:21So let's take shelter under the tree.
32:23We've come to the other side of the lake and I just want to apologise.
32:26Look, the weather really has turned which is such a shame.
32:30Because on this side of the lake, when the sun is out, it's all in sunshine.
32:35It's still quite a picturesque little town.
32:36Yeah.
32:37So how are you feeling as we head to our final property then Andy?
32:40Yeah, I think probably still in a bit of a dilemma.
32:44First property we liked, property up in the mountains we still like.
32:48And we've now kind of thought maybe even property four.
32:51What, the last property?
32:52Yeah.
32:53The one that you ruled out?
32:54Yeah.
32:54We still think it's quite a good location and obviously a good rental.
32:57Still a great investment.
32:58Interesting.
32:59So now we've got three properties in the mix.
33:02Yeah, I think it's one of them.
33:03If we don't find the absolute perfect property for us then maybe the investment and then we
33:07can always upgrade in the future.
33:08Wow.
33:09The final property which is just ten minutes up the mountain might be the one.
33:13Okay.
33:13Ready to look?
33:14Yeah.
33:14Come on.
33:14Come on.
33:15The apartment I'm taking them to is in Monte Mezzo set up high overlooking the water.
33:20The west side of Lake Como is considered to be more prestigious so it's a bit more expensive
33:25than the east and prices have risen here between five and ten percent in the last year.
33:30But with Mandy and Andy willing to extend their maximum budget a bit further I want to show
33:35them what they can get on this side of the lake.
33:38It is such a shame the weather's taken a turn because the views of the lake are just beautiful.
33:44It's this one.
33:46Yeah.
33:46That looks good.
33:47Lovely.
33:47I love the stone.
33:48How do you feel like coming up the mountain so you've kind of got the best of both worlds
33:53of like we're on the lake but also sort of in the mountain.
33:55Yeah, I'm happy with the distance.
33:58It's only a seven minute drive up.
33:59Just need to maybe see if there's a wee cafe or something that you can walk to from here maybe.
34:03I'm still not 100% convinced.
34:05We're seven minutes to drive there but if people don't want to bring a car, you know,
34:09are they going to walk down the mountain?
34:10I think your heart's set on that apartment in Colico.
34:14It literally is amongst it all.
34:18So look, the reason why we're here is I felt like this brought everything together.
34:23It's a one-bed apartment.
34:24It's got outside space, this little balcony.
34:27You know, I've had to push a budget with this one.
34:30And I know you're a bit of a money man, Andy.
34:32I'm picking up on that now, especially the fact that you've come back to property four
34:35because of the investment side of things.
34:37So this has been on the market for four months.
34:39OK.
34:40It's currently priced just over £142,000.
34:43Now from a rental point of view, in the summer months you'd get between £150 and £175 a night.
34:49Oh, right.
34:49OK, so that might change your opinion.
34:52Ah!
34:53In the winter months between £100 and £120 a night.
34:56All right.
34:56That's really good.
34:57Look, I know I've pushed your budget here but it's fully furnished.
35:01Could this be the dream property?
35:02Could be.
35:03Shall we look inside?
35:04Yep.
35:04Come on.
35:05It's a real shame about the weather as the panoramic views from the apartment's balcony
35:09are stunning on a clear day.
35:11Inside the apartment is an open-plan living area with a good-sized kitchen at one side.
35:18There's also a double bedroom, a shower room and a garage.
35:24Final property then.
35:26Is this the one?
35:27Is this the dream?
35:29This looks nice.
35:30Open plan.
35:31Yeah.
35:32Again, with this long kitchen down one side.
35:34Ooh.
35:35I love this apartment but it's in the wrong location.
35:38Maybe.
35:39I don't know.
35:39I'm getting that impression because this is exactly what, you know, we were thinking.
35:44View, enough space for eating, dining.
35:48Do you think you've been on the same page through this house search?
35:51Well, I think our opinions have sort of changed a little bit, haven't they?
35:55Mm.
35:55So, I feel like I want to be closer to the lake now and amenities and I think you're quite
36:01happy to be a bit further back into the mountains for the views.
36:03Yeah.
36:03I mean, I obviously like it down in the lakes.
36:05I'm quite happy being a little bit further out.
36:07I guess also, because it's not just a holiday home for you, you've also got to think about
36:12your potential guests and what they might want when they come to visit.
36:16Like this space though?
36:17Seen enough?
36:18Yeah.
36:18Good.
36:18Do you want to look inside the bedroom?
36:20Yeah.
36:21That way.
36:27Well, I mean, it's big enough, isn't it?
36:29Yeah.
36:29It's fine for what we'd use it for or what other people would use.
36:33It's got a decent sized bed, storage.
36:35Yeah, it's got a massive wardrobe as well, doesn't it?
36:37Fine, isn't it?
36:38Well, it's a one bed so this would be the boys, wouldn't it?
36:40Yeah.
36:41That's it, yeah.
36:42Yeah.
36:42Well, you haven't fully seen this yet, so have a look around and then I will see you
36:47afterwards and you can tell me what you're thinking.
36:49All right.
36:50Thanks.
36:54Well, I've definitely given Mandy and Andy a few good options on this house search.
36:58We might have another contender here.
37:01Who knows which way it's going to go?
37:05Here you are.
37:06Oh.
37:06Pretty new.
37:07Pretty fresh.
37:08That's good.
37:09Everything you need isn't really big enough.
37:10Yeah.
37:10Wouldn't need to change anything.
37:11Decent shower.
37:12Yeah, no water needed.
37:13No.
37:14That's good.
37:19This is nice.
37:21Yeah.
37:21Well, apart from the rain.
37:22Apart from the rain.
37:23You can imagine us sitting here and looking over the beautiful view.
37:27Yeah, no, I can imagine the view is good.
37:29It's a decent enough size, isn't it?
37:31Yeah, yeah.
37:31A bit of a bistro set, wouldn't we?
37:33A small table, small chairs.
37:34Yeah.
37:35Just enough.
37:35Right.
37:36Just want to see Laura.
37:39yeah they seem to like this Monte Mezzo apartment on the market over their original maximum budget
37:44at just over 142,000 pounds but Mandy was unsure about the location I wonder how she's feeling now
37:51they've seen it all yeah yeah it's um like what I thought you know nice and new nothing needs doing
37:59so everything's set up ready to go right and come on Mandy come on it's just one of those things
38:06I would have this apartment but it's not in the right location is it a contender um I still don't
38:12think it is no and you've mentioned Colico like a number of times and I do feel there is a
38:18bit of a
38:19divide between the two of you or is that no I mean I like the place in Colico a great
38:23wee place for us
38:24so I don't think it's a divide I think if anything I was just torn and how are you then
38:27feeling about
38:28the third property the one with the two beds and the pool I think if we're gonna go in the
38:32mountains
38:32I think that would have been our favorite because obviously a bigger property and it still has the
38:35views what about the fourth property the one that was the the cheaper option that you were like right
38:41that's got great rental potential it's not worth writing off I think we need to go back and see
38:45the one in Colico first and then and then make some decisions okay that I think that sounds sensible
38:51because that for me and I'm guessing for you is the number one yeah definitely okay so you know go
38:58back and take a look at that one and then we can catch up afterwards yeah if you'd like more
39:07information on any of the properties featured on today's show go to a place in the Sun comm forward
39:12slash programs it's been an interesting search trying to find Mandy and Andy's dream holiday home
39:18for their maximum budget of a hundred and thirty thousand pounds after seeing all five properties
39:23three are in the running I arranged for them to go and see the apartment in Colico again so I'm
39:28looking forward to hearing how that went Andrew Randy the end of your search here in Lake Como how have
39:37you found this sort of whole search and experience well exactly what I thought a beautiful country
39:42beautiful scenery um so I'm not disappointed with this area I love it so when I left you yesterday
39:47I kind of feel like your heads were a little bit all over the place yeah yeah I think so
39:54there's
39:54still options on the table you went back to look at the property in Colico yeah the Lakeside apartment
39:59it was good to see it again um I suppose really just overall when we looked at and our lifestyle
40:04at
40:04the moment that's probably what's better maybe once we're a bit older and you just want to get away
40:08from everything then maybe the mountains fits a bit more but yeah I think I was the same as well
40:12you
40:12know the apartment wasn't particularly that big but I think it still works for a little holiday for
40:17a few days okay so you came to a decision that the Colico apartment was your favorite do you like
40:25it
40:25enough to put an offer forward yeah I think so I'd like to bad so that property in Colico on
40:32the market for
40:33just under 129 and a half you came out here with a budget of 125 thousand pounds what are you
40:40thinking
40:41and we want to go in for a 122 thousand pounds to start off with okay so I'm going to
40:47put an offer
40:48forward of 122 thousand pounds obviously you're in a position to move quickly yeah yeah so let's call
40:56them let's do it then hi it's Laura calling from replacing the sun so I'm just sat here with Andy
41:04and
41:04Mandy and we are discussing the property in Colico they are interested in the property so the offer
41:12that they would like to make is a hundred and twenty two thousand pounds and Andy and Mandy are in
41:21a
41:21position to move very quickly so work your magic for us please thank you bye how does that feel yeah
41:31yeah it's exciting look it might be that they come back and say 125 thousand pounds is acceptable if
41:39that's the case they want to take the furniture as well that that would be well do you know what
41:44why
41:44don't we see what they come back yeah and if they do come back and say they want 125 thousand
41:48pounds
41:49then yeah yeah that would be fine yeah so I think our maximum that we said is 126 thousand and
41:55if they
41:55go any higher than that then I think we would probably stick and maybe leave on the table hello
42:03Laura speaking okay I will pass that on to Andy Mundy and I will give you a call back thank
42:15you
42:18so unfortunately the offer hasn't been accepted what they have done is come back and made a counter
42:23offer of 128 thousand pounds I think we need to push a bit further shall we try one more time
42:32do you want
42:33to try 126 126 and do you want me to say that is your yeah final offer yeah let's try
42:41again and if
42:41you just mention maybe leave the kitchen but take the furniture hi Claudia it's Laura again so we've had
42:47a chat and Andy and Mandy would be um willing to go to their maximum maximum offer of 126 thousand
42:57pounds what they're saying is they don't need the furniture included but for the kitchen to obviously
43:03stay brilliant thank you bye-bye well she is gonna do everything she can I think 126 thousand pounds is
43:13a
43:13really really fair offer on that property how you feeling uh well nervous but I do feel like why
43:20wouldn't they accept what about you and are you not you're not tempted to push to 128 no no just
43:27in focused Mandy can have the excitement I'll keep the focus hello Laura speaking
43:40okay I will pass that information on to Andy and Mandy thank you so much bye-bye okay so the
43:47agent has
43:48heard back from the owner and I'm pleased to tell you that 126 thousand so that negotiation with the
44:01furniture is what has done it you have bagged yourself an apartment on Lake Como yeah congratulations
44:12no thanks very much thank you I'm already decorating it in my head oh you've had a smile on your
44:16face the
44:17whole time Mandy it's been so lovely you've been such a fun house search and cheers to many happy holidays
44:32what a fantastic result for Andy and Mandy I'm so pleased we managed to secure them their dream
44:38property that will also make a great rental investment here on Lake Como if you'd like to
44:45be on a place in the Sun to find your own dream home then go to channel4.com forward slash
44:50take part
44:54now
45:05you
45:07you
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