Honest Proper-Tea Podcast

“Free content keeps people stuck.”In this episode, we talk honestly about how beginners should learn property investing in 2026, without getting overwhelmed, ripped off, or stuck consuming content forever.We share what property education looked like when we started 12 years ago, why things feel harder now, and how to balance self-teaching, paid education, and actually taking action.If you’ve been stuck researching, unsure who to learn from, or confused about whether education is “worth it”, this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & why this matters in 2026Why we wanted to talk about learning property the right way this year.03:00 – Predatory education & red flagsWhat to avoid and why high-pressure sales tactics are a no.06:30 – Why property feels riskier nowHigher prices, tighter margins, and less room for mistakes.09:00 – Self-teaching vs paid educationWhat free content is good for, and where it stops helping.13:00 – Courses vs mentorshipWhy foundations come before mentors.17:00 – Confidence, action & real learningWhy education shortens the path but doesn’t replace experience.22:30 – Who you should learn fromWhy alignment matters more than hype or hustle.26:00 – Final takeawaySelf-teaching builds understanding.Education reduces risk.Action builds wealth.Key TakeawaysFree content builds awareness, not momentumEducation should reduce risk, not drain capitalYou don’t need £20k courses to learn property fundamentalsMentorship works best after you understand the basicsLearn from people living the life you actually wantKeywordsproperty investing for beginners, property education UK, self teaching vs paid courses, property mentorship, financial literacy property, Honest Property SistersIf this episode resonated, we would love to hear what reverse retirement looks like for you. Send us a DM or leave a comment and tell us what small step you are taking next.See you in the next episode.🌏 Explore our worldwww.honestpropertysisters.com📩 Investing masterclass 2026 waitlisthttps://url-shortener.me/B0WR👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe've saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you're ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🏦 Our Property Finance Partner - Scale Property FinanceLooking for property finance from brokers who actually understand investing? Scale Property Finance specialise in bridging loans, BTL mortgages and HMO funding - created by property investors for property investors.👉 https://scalepropertyfinance.co.uk(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £100 knocked off your brokerage fee)📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://url-shortener.me/B0WK💛 Just so you know - some of these are partnerships where we earn a small commission if you decide to work with them. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps us keep creating free content for you!

“Your first property isn’t meant to make you rich.”Should your first property investment be small and simple, or big and bold?In this episode, Becky and Ruth break down one of the most common questions we get from beginners. Do you start with a straightforward buy-to-let, or go straight into something bigger like HMOs, developments, or commercial conversions?We talk honestly about fear, ego, timing, life stage, and why there is no single “best” strategy. Just the one that fits your life right now.This is not about hype or shortcuts. It is about staying in the game long enough to build real wealth, without burning yourself out or boxing yourself in.Our biggest takeaway. Your first property is not meant to make you rich. It is meant to make you capable.Key Talking PointsWhy copying online investors rarely worksHow market cycles and interest rates affect strategy choiceTime vs money vs energy, which one really mattersWhy mistakes feel more expensive later onThe danger of skipping steps too earlySeparating ego from long-term decision makingWhy calm decisions usually beat flashy onesChapters00:00 – Welcome + why this question matters Why “start small vs think big” comes up for almost every new investor.02:00 – The real fears behind first investments Renting, first-time buyers, overthinking, and waiting for the “perfect” deal.05:00 – Starting small explained properly Buy-to-lets, house hacking, small HMOs, and why foundations matter.10:30 – Life stage changes everything Your 20s vs 30s vs later life, energy, time, capital, and priorities.15:20 – The pros and cons of going bigger early Bigger numbers on paper, but bigger pressure, risk, and consequences.32:00 – The core lesson most people miss Your first property’s job is learning, not perfection or speed.Key Talking PointsWhy copying online investors rarely worksHow market cycles and interest rates affect strategy choiceTime vs money vs energy, which one really mattersWhy mistakes feel more expensive later onThe danger of skipping steps too earlySeparating ego from long-term decision makingWhy calm decisions usually beat flashy onesKey Phrases and KeywordsProperty investing for beginners, start small property investing, buy-to-let vs HMO, first property investment, BRRR strategy explained, property strategy by life stage, FIRE property investing, house hacking UK, scaling property portfolios, avoiding shiny penny strategies, property decision making, long-term wealth buildingIf this episode resonated, we would love to hear what reverse retirement looks like for you. Send us a DM or leave a comment and tell us what small step you are taking next.See you in the next episode.🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/  / honestpropertysisters  📩 Investing masterclass 2026 waitlisthttps://stan.store/honestpropertysist...👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe've saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you're ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🏦 Our Property Finance Partner - Scale Property FinanceLooking for property finance from brokers who actually understand investing? Scale Property Finance specialise in bridging loans, BTL mortgages and HMO funding - created by property investors for property investors.👉 https://scalepropertyfinance.co.uk(mention 'Honest Property Sisters')📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper..💛 Just so you know - some of these are partnerships where we earn a small commission if you decide to work with them. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps us keep creating free content for you!

“What if retirement is backwards?”What if the way we have been taught to retire is backwards?In this episode, we unpack the idea of reverse retirement, why more people are opting out of the traditional wealth race, and how to build a life that feels lighter now, not just “someday”.We talk honestly about burnout, delayed gratification, FIRE, property as a tool (not an identity), and why designing time, energy, and location freedom earlier matters more than ever in 2026.This is not about quitting work or rejecting ambition. It is about building wealth in a way that supports your life today as well as your future.What we cover• Why the traditional retirement model feels broken • The rise of reverse retirement and sabbaticals • Delayed gratification vs living well now • Burnout, energy management, and modern work • FIRE explained (without the extremes) • Redefining what “wealth” actually means • Property as a tool, not a personality • Fewer assets, more peace • Diversifying income in a volatile world • Designing your days intentionallyChapters00:00 Intro and why retirement feels backwards 02:00 Why people are questioning the old model 05:00 Delayed gratification vs fear-based living 09:40 Reverse retirement and FIRE explained 11:30 Designing freedom without quitting ambition 14:00 Redefining wealth, time and nervous system safety 18:00 Property, peace of mind, and fewer assets 20:40 Letting go of the finish line mentality 22:30 Designing life now, not deferring itKey takeaways• You do not need to wait until 65 to experience freedom • Wealth is not just money, it is time, energy, and flexibility • Burnout often arrives before success if you ignore balance • FIRE does not mean doing nothing or living miserably • Property works best when it supports your lifestyle, not your ego • Designing your days is designing your lifeIf this episode resonated, we would love to hear what reverse retirement looks like for you. Send us a DM or leave a comment and tell us what small step you are taking next.See you in the next episode.🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/https://www.instagram.com/honestpropertysisters/📩 Investing masterclass 2026 waitlisthttps://stan.store/honestpropertysisters/honestpropertysisters_funnel_994612👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe've saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you're ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🏦 Our Property Finance Partner - Scale Property FinanceLooking for property finance from brokers who actually understand investing? Scale Property Finance specialise in bridging loans, BTL mortgages and HMO funding - created by property investors for property investors.👉 https://scalepropertyfinance.co.uk(mention 'Honest Property Sisters')📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper..💛 Just so you know - some of these are partnerships where we earn a small commission if you decide to work with them. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps us keep creating free content for you!All enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.com

“Boring is actually very sexy.”In a world of viral investing advice, crypto memes, and “get rich quick” promises, diversification can feel… boring.But what if boring is actually the point?In this Freelancer Edition of the Honest Property Podcast, we unpack why simple, boring, diversified strategies are often the ones that quietly build real wealth — especially if you’re self-employed, creative, or easily distracted by shiny new ideas (we see you 👀).We share honest lessons from over 12 years of building a multi-million-pound portfolio, the mistakes we’ve made chasing excitement, and why we now care far more about downward-resistant foundations than flashy returns.If you want wealth that supports freedom, flexibility, and a life you actually enjoy — this one’s for you. Key takeawayDiversification isn’t glamorous.It won’t go viral.But it’s what keeps you steady when markets wobble, protects your future self, and gives you the freedom to focus on the work and life you actually care about.Boring strategies. Simple foundations. Real freedom.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & today’s question02:30 – Why boring businesses build real wealth05:20 – Our “vanilla” strategy that actually worked07:00 – What diversification really means09:30 – UK property risk & regulation reality12:00 – Property vs stocks: speed vs patience15:00 – Why freelancers need boring wealth18:00 – Adapting to changing housing & work trends22:30 – When focus becomes reckless25:30 – Discipline, boredom & long-term thinking29:30 – Boring is sexy (final thoughts)🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/https://www.instagram.com/honestpropertysisters/📩 Investing masterclass 2026 waitlisthttps://stan.store/honestpropertysisters/honestpropertysisters_funnel_994612👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe've saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you're ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🏦 Our Property Finance Partner - Scale Property FinanceLooking for property finance from brokers who actually understand investing? Scale Property Finance specialise in bridging loans, BTL mortgages and HMO funding - created by property investors for property investors.👉 https://scalepropertyfinance.co.uk(mention 'Honest Property Sisters')📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper..💛 Just so you know - some of these are partnerships where we earn a small commission if you decide to work with them. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps us keep creating free content for you!All enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comkey words : diversification investing, freelancer wealth building, property vs stocks, boring investing strategies, UK property market, passive income freelancers, multiple income streams, ETFs for beginners, property investing podcast, long-term wealth building, financial freedom freelancers, downward-resistant wealth

Lenders want you to borrow money.When it comes to borrowing money, lenders want you to borrow — that’s how they make their profit. But not all mortgage products are made equal, especially when it comes to HMO properties.In this episode, Rebecca breaks down how lenders and brokers really work, why understanding different mortgage products matters, and how choosing the right borrowing strategy can change everything for your portfolio.What You’ll LearnWhy lenders are often more eager to lend than you think.The difference between HMO mortgage products and standard ones.How a good broker can help you find the best strategy for borrowing.Why speaking directly to your broker can unlock better mortgage options.How understanding the rules (and the market) puts you in control.Chapters00:00 — Understanding Property Investment Deposits00:27 — Finding the Right Financial Guidance01:45 — How Lenders and Brokers Really Work03:20 — The Hidden Rules of HMO Mortgage Products05:05 — Why Direct Broker Relationships Matter06:40 — Borrowing Strategies That Actually Work08:15 — Long-Term Thinking: Refinancing and Cashflow09:45 — Key Takeaways and Real-Life Advice🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekOur secret to saving hours every week? Filipino VAs from The Freedom Geek. 👏👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-proper...All enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comkeywords mortgage products, lenders, brokers, HMO, borrowing money

“Slow Wealth Is the Only Way Out.”This episode asks the question so many of us quietly feel: How do you build aligned, long-term wealth in a world built on debt, inflation, and non-stop money printing?Inspired by Joe Bryan’s “What’s the Problem?”, we break down why everything feels more expensive, why your money doesn’t stretch like it used to, and what slow, sustainable wealth actually looks like in 2025.We cover: 💸 money losing value 🥨 shrinkflation everywhere 🇬🇧 why the UK feels like bad ROI 🏡 good debt vs bad debt 🔁 BRRR then vs now 🌱 property as long-term wealth storageIf you’ve been wondering whether property still makes sense — or why your money feels like it’s shrinking — this one’s for you.Listen now.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Can you build aligned wealth now? 01:00 – Joe Bryan’s “What’s the Problem?” and why it hits different 03:00 – Shrinkflation in real life (crisps, chocolate fingers, the lot)04:30 – Why the UK feels like bad ROI on everything10:00 – Good debt vs bad debt: the real difference11:30 – BRRR then vs now — a new reality15:00 – Property as long-term wealth storage18:30 – Income streams that aren’t ruled by inflation20:45 – What freedom looks like in a debt-based world🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40TAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comKeywordsdebt-based economy, slow wealth, BRRR 2025, inflation UK, property investing UK, millennial money, Joe Bryan What’s the Problem

“Not every season of business is meant for scaling.”In this week’s chat, Becky & Ruth dive into the real side of minimalism in entrepreneurship — how it can be both a conscious choice for freedom and a quiet fear of responsibility. We talk about the natural seasons of business — growth, consolidation, reflection — and how knowing which one you’re in changes everything.We also unpack:✨ Why scaling isn’t always the answer✨ How reflection and pruning create space for aligned growth✨ The role of self-awareness in deciding what “enough” looks like✨ How life stages shift your priorities and shape your business visionIt’s an honest convo about slowing down, checking in, and designing a business that truly fits the life you want — not the one the internet tells you to build.🎧 Tune in for a grounded take on freedom, alignment, and business minimalism.Chapters:00:00 — Intro: Minimalism in entrepreneurship02:56 — Seasons of business: growth vs. consolidation05:19 — Balancing scaling and enjoyment07:58 — Freedom vs. fear of responsibility10:39 — The risk of over-scaling and losing passion13:15 — Finding growth in minimalism15:51 — Reflection and gratitude18:46 — Pruning vs. scaling21:25 — Cultural takes on minimalism24:00 — Aligning business with your life vision🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Buildinghttps://shorturl.at/ttTKQ🦋 FREE Property Freedom Blueprinthttps://shorturl.at/bzaje📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-property-sistersAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comKeywords: minimalism, entrepreneurship, alignment, lifestyle design, freedom, business seasons, scaling, self-awareness

"Luxury isn’t the enemy — ego is.”What does anti-materialism really mean — and is wanting nice things bad?In this episode, Becky and Ruth unpack the tension between wealth, worth, and the pursuit of “enough.” They explore how financial freedom can coexist with simplicity, why rejecting luxury isn’t always noble, and how cultural and generational perspectives shape our relationship with money.From crab mentality and community support to redefining what luxury means ethically, this conversation is all about finding balance — enjoying abundance without losing your values.This conversation dives into:Financial freedom ≠ materialism — money buys choice, not happiness.Rejecting luxury can sometimes come from shame, not virtue.Your circle shapes your success — surround yourself with people who clap for you.Different cultures define wealth and luxury in their own way.Sustainability and ethics matter more than ever.Real luxury? Living on your own terms.Chapters00:00 Exploring Anti-Materialism02:10 The Value of Money and Experiences05:35 Luxury and Self-Worth09:04 Crab Mentality and Community Support11:09 Cultural Perspectives on Wealth12:38 Materialism vs. Financial Freedom16:32 First Impressions and Social Media19:02 Balancing Luxury and Anti-Materialism22:53 Sustainability and Ethical Consumption26:28 Generational Shifts in Materialism🌏 Explore our worldhttps://honestpropertysisters.com/👩🏻‍💻 Sponsored by The Freedom GeekWe’ve saved hours each week thanks to the incredible Filipino VA's and Editors from The Freedom Geek. If you’re ready to delegate and work smarter, check them out!👉 https://thefreedomgeek.contactin.bio(mention 'Honest Property Sisters' for £50 off!)📊 FREE Deal Analyserhttps://shorturl.at/ST40T🏘️ How we manage our Portfoliohttps://lendlord.io/the-honest-property-sistersAll enquiries please email 💌 hello@honestpropertysisters.comkeywordsanti-materialism, financial freedom, luxury, self-worth, community support, cultural perspectives, sustainability, ethical consumption, experiences over things, crab mentality