Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

Wreck of the week: Chichester, West Sussex. This three-bedder needs new heating, rewiring, redecorating and the possible reordering of bedrooms – expect to spend £50,000 on it. It is near the town centre and has a south-facing garden, park views, a tiny kitchen and a garage. Look out for traffic, however: there is no buffer between you and the pavement. Cost: £300,000.
Henry Adams, 01243 533377 Photograph: Henry Adams/Henry Adams

In town: Portsmouth. You can relax on the balcony of this town centre effort and gaze across to the Isle of Wight. This waterfront art deco plot is being converted into hi-tech, eco-virtuous apartments, one of which can be yours from £250,000. It is a shame the rest of the city lacks the charm of this small quayside corner.
Savills, 02380 713934 Photograph: Savills/Savills

In the country: Shaftesbury, Dorset. This £275,000 two-bedder has a large garden overlooking the church in the village of Fontmell Magna. Inside are window seats, an inglenook and two decent sized reception rooms. Oddly, the bathroom is off the kitchen. There is private parking round the back and a primary school opposite.
Humberts, 01747 853492 Photograph: Humberts/Humberts

Dream home: Witham, Essex. Blunts Hall is a grade II-listed property of architectural and historical interest, believed to originate from the 17th century. Inside are seven bedrooms, a drawing room, a reception hall, a rear hall, a kitchen/breakfast room and a sitting room and dining room. The grounds, meanwhile, contain the remnants of an Anglo Saxon ringworks where it is thought a castle once stood. It features in the Domesday book. Cost: £975,000.
Fenn Wright, 01376 516464 Photograph: Fenn Wright/Fenn Wright