Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

Wreck of the week: London. This four-bed terrace in Camberwell, SE5 is yours for £485,000. It remains unmodernised: you’ll want to knock the kitchenette into the dining room, add central heating, skim the pebbledash and redecorate, which will set you back about £50,000. Most of the original features remain intact, and the large living room has both bay and french windows. The garden, however, is small.
Wooster & Stock, 020 7708 6700
Photograph: Wooster & Stock

In the country: Midlothian. Offers over £275,000 will be considered for this three-bedder near Kirkliston, South Queensferry. It is part of a snazzy conversion of 200-year-old farm buildings surrounded by countryside, but just 11 miles from Edinburgh. It’s a shame that most of the grounds are communal – you get a mere courtyard for private tanning.
Strutt & Parker, 0131 226 2500
Photograph: Strutt & Parker

In town: Hampshire. In the old part of Winchester sits this surprising two-bedder. Behind the conservative exterior lies a contemporary, light and open-plan layout with sitting/dining/kitchen facilities, a spiral staircase, original Victorian fireplaces and a modern bathroom. You must seek out parking in neighbouring streets. The guide price is £350,000.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01962 844299
Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff

Bargain of the week: Nottinghamshire. The fact the owners need a quick sale means you can live a millionaire’s lifestyle for £495,000. OK, this area isn't footballers’ territory, but even so the six bedrooms, three reception rooms and conservatory, heated pool and 0.7 acres of garden were initially on the market for £575,000. It’s in the village of Alverton near Grantham with wide rural views.
Chesterton Humberts, 01476 514514
Photograph: Chesterton Humberts

Over the sea: Italy. In the hills above the town of Greve in Chianti is an ancient villa with farm buildings which have been converted into holiday homes. This portion is a two-bed flat 18 miles from Florence with its own walled courtyard and communal gardens. It is elegantly trimmed inside with wood and tiled floors, long windows, two bathrooms and a large living area with a pretty, open-plan kitchen. Cost: £313,140.
Knight Frank, 020 7629 8171
Photograph: Knight Frank