A Place in the Sun expert Jean Johansson faced an almighty task when she was asked to find the dream holiday home for a retired couple in Italy with an incredibly small budget.
The retired NHS theatre nurse and her painter and decorator partner wanted to buy a property in Abruzzo, Italy - but didn't have much cash to splash.
The Channel 4 presenter was gobsmacked when the couple admitted they only had a maximum budget of £60,000 with Jean admitting she'd never worked with such a low budget before.
Despite their small budget, the couple agreed they were "open-mind" about the property they would be able to afford.
"We are just wondering what you're going to come up with because our budget isn't a very big one," Linda said.
Jean replied: "I am glad you've brought that up, Linda. I mean I have to say, I've never worked with a budget of £60,000, so it's going to be a challenge for me."
The couple explained their hopes to spend half the year in southern Italy and were looking for a one bedroom property with some outdoor space.
Jean asked if there was any chance of the couple increasing their budget and they agreed they'd be willing to stretch to £80,000 for the ideal property.
The Channel 4 property expert showed the couple a three-bedroom townhouse with three balconies, a large roof terrace with panoramic views and outdoor space for the first offering.
On the market for £63,000 it was well within budget and the couple adored the open-plan kitchen diner, two living areas, three double bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Linda commented: "It's beautiful, it's a lot of house for the money. It's everything we asked for really, apart from a garden."
Jean showed the couple four more properties but it was clear their hearts were set on the three-bedroom townhouse.
After deciding they wanted to pursue their interest in the townhouse, Peter told Jean he wanted to put forward a "verbal" offer of £57,000 which was immediately declined.
Linda and Peter came back with a counteroffer that was eventually accepted by the owner much to the couple's excitement.
A Place in the Sun viewers found Linda and Peter's cheeky haggling amusing considering their considerably low budget.
One tweeted: "This is a bit like a tooth extraction with no pain relief!" while another posted: "What's he on about 'verbally?' Is he just playing games?"
"Peter is not going to be handing over any money, not a chance in hell," a third commented and another said: "Verbal offer? He's not parting with his money."
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