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The HMO Design Rules for Property Investors to Build High-Yield Shared Housing with Henry Davis
59:57|Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership——————————————————————In this episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney looks into the world of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with seasoned investor Henry Davis. With over 30 years of experience, Henry shares the practical lessons he's learned from building and managing both small and large-scale HMOs. What You'll Learn:Why soundproofing and room design are critical for tenant retention in HMOsHow to future-proof your properties to stay compliant with changing regulationsThe financial and legal advantages of going back to brick when developing HMOsSmart sourcing and furnishing strategies that balance quality with costHow to choose properties that are more likely to gain planning permission, even in Article 4 areasTimestamps[03:45] - Why Henry chose HMOs for better cash flow[05:13] - Design pitfalls and why most HMOs fail at tenant retention[11:26] - Choosing your tenant avatar: professionals vs. students[20:33] - Furniture, fittings, and clever layout tips for durability[26:16] - How to create inviting, robust communal areas[36:32] - Scaling up: large HMOs, planning permission, and property selection[38:16] - Data-driven investing and mastering local planning policy[42:51] - Budgeting, working with QSs, and paying builders wisely[55:03] - Final advice, practical tips, and where to find Henry’s resourcesThis Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow Henry Davis Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrydavisproperty/Website: https://henrydavisproperty.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henrydavisproperty/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HenryDavisPropertyFollow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg
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How to Avoid Builder Scams as a Property Investor and Protect Your Renovation Budget
53:39|Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership ——————————————————————In the fourth and final episode of the "Controlling the Uncontrollables" mini-series, Nick and Caroline look into one of the biggest fears in property development: working with builders and contractors. From sourcing reliable tradespeople to managing quotes, timelines, and red flags, this episode arms property investors with practical insights to help them navigate the tricky terrain of contractor relationships.What You'll Learn:The critical qualities of a good contractor and how to spot red flags early.Why pricing up refurbs before an offer is accepted can backfire.Where and how to find reputable builders in your investment area.The importance of clearly defining spec levels and managing contractor relationships.How to protect yourself financially when working with tradespeople.Timestamps[02:58] - What Makes a Good Contractor[06:37] - Why You Don’t Need a Builder Before a Deal[09:35] - Estimating Refurb Costs Independently[12:56] - Finding Reputable Builders[16:35] - What to Ask When Vetting a Builder[21:44] - Setting Expectations and Incentivising Deadlines[28:59] - Spotting Red Flags and Trusting Your Gut[40:50] - Payment Terms and Financial Protection[48:12] - Looking Ahead: Buying Boring BusinessesThis Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow Caroline Claydon Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-claydon-property Website: https://www.carolineclaydon.com/ Follow Nick Claydon Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-c-651a141a1/ Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website: https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg
The Truth About UK Housing for Investors Fed Up With Delays, Red Tape and Political Lies
35:09|Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership——————————————————————In this episode, Sarah Blaney and Nick Claydon respond directly to a recent BBC Panorama documentary on the UK government's ambitious pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029. What You'll Learn:Why the government’s 1.5 million homes promise might as well be fictionHow Thatcher’s Right to Buy scheme broke the social housing systemWhy apprenticeships dried up, and why nobody wants to be a bricklayer anymoreHow local councillors and planning committees kill good developmentWhat “grey belt” land is, and why it could be the real answer to housing shortagesTimestamps[03:02] - Housing Crisis Origins: Thatcher, Right to Buy & No Replacements[04:57] - Construction Chaos: Brexit, Boomers & University Overload[09:10] - The Fantasy of 1.5 Million New Homes[12:16] - Why Landlords Aren’t the Villains You Think[15:24] - Greenbelt vs Grey Belt: The Land We Can’t Touch[20:17] - Planning Hell: Local Council Shenanigans[27:31] - Eight Years for Planning on a Brownfield Site[29:34] - Nutrient Neutrality, Sewage, and 40-Year Mistakes[32:48] - Final Thoughts: How Do We Fix This?This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow Sarah Blaney Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpropertyandbusiness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.blaney.1232Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.in.property/Follow Nick Claydon Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-c-651a141a1/ Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg
The New EPC Rules for Property Investors in Scotland to Choose the Best Rental Homes Before 2028
19:50|Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership——————————————————————In this episode, Sarah Blaney and Nick Claydon return to the topic of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), shifting the focus from England and Wales to the Scottish property market. What You'll Learn:Key differences between EPC requirements in Scotland vs. England and WalesWhat the new heat retention rating (HRR) system means for landlordsThe impact of proposed changes on different types of housing stockPractical strategies for choosing compliant, investment-friendly propertiesWhy ex-local authority homes may offer the best opportunities for investorsTimestamps[01:50] - Current EPC Standards in Scotland[03:32] - Introduction of the Heat Retention Rating (HRR)[04:20] - Clean Energy and Heating Systems[05:51] - The Unintended Consequences of Policy[07:47] - EPC Validity Period Shrinks to Five Years[08:37] - Types of Housing Stock in Scotland[12:01] - Investment Recommendations[15:48] - Should You Panic or Prepare?This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow Sarah Blaney Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpropertyandbusiness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.blaney.1232Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.in.property/Follow Nick Claydon Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-c-651a141a1/ Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg
The Truth About Mortgage Brokers Every Property Investor Needs to Hear with Peter Vandervennin
35:26|Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership——————————————————————In this episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney sits down with Peter Vandervennin, an industry veteran with 25 years as a mortgage advisor and 43 years in financial services. With rates fluctuating, fees soaring, and lender criteria tightening, UK property investors face increasing challenges when financing or refinancing properties. What You'll Learn:Why lender fees are currently so high and who’s really to blame.The real reason mortgage products get pulled last-minute.What brokers know that AI tools and comparison websites don’t.The most common reasons mortgage applications get declined (and how to avoid them).What lenders are actually looking for (beyond the paperwork).Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction to the Episode[02:03] - Why Lender Fees Are Sky-High[06:45] - Why Mortgage Products Are Pulled Overnight[09:03] - Do Lenders Dislike Certain Postcodes or Landlords?[14:27] - Why Refinancing is So Painful Now[18:23] - Do Lenders Really Check Affordability?[22:20] - Why Mortgage Applications Get Declined[28:36] - What Are Lenders Really Looking For?[30:48] - Fix for 2 Years, 5 Years, or Go Variable?[33:43] - Final Thoughts and How to ConnectThis Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow Peter Vandervennin Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-vandervennin-dipfa-cemap-mifs-52112b25/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mortgage-consultancy/Website (Company): https://www.themortgageconsultancy.co.uk/Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg
The EPC Changes for UK Landlords to Cut Panic, Understand Rules, and Upgrade Smartly
20:39|Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership——————————————————————In this episode of This Property Life, Sarah Blaney and Nick Claydon break down the ongoing discussions around EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) changes in England and Wales. With rising concerns about the cost of property upgrades and the future of rentability, the hosts offer practical advice for landlords and investors, aiming to reduce panic and provide clarity. What You'll Learn:EPC ratings for rentals will rise to a C by 2028 for new tenancies and 2030 for all tenanciesShould landlords with a D or below rating act now to avoid future compliance issuesThe £15,000 cap on EPC upgrades may not be enough in high-cost areasHow the political changes could delay or alter the implementation of EPC rulesGrandfather rights may provide enough time for landlords to adjust to the new standardsHow will the housing supply shortage impact the availability of rental propertiesTimestamps[00:00] - Introduction[01:27] - Episode Overview[03:33] - Breakdown of Energy Performance Certificate[05:06] - Practical Steps for Landlords[09:27] - Discussion on Political Uncertainty[13:06] - Cost Cap and Regional Disparities[14:45] - Housing Market Impact on Tenants[18:03] - The Importance of Long-Term Outlook[19:54] - Final Thoughts and AdviceThis Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564457166712&locale=en_GB Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg Twitter: https://x.com/propertylifepod
We Lost £150K Fighting the UK Planning System That Protects Big Corporates, Not Developers
47:00|Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025 ——————————————————————In this episode of This Property Life, Nick and Caroline continue their four-part series on controlling the Uncontrollables in property investing. In this part, they focus on navigating the complex world of planning permissions, builders, and contractors. What You'll Learn:The importance of understanding the planning process and how it varies from council to council.The difference between permitted development and full planning applications, and how to use them strategically.How to choose the right architects and planning consultants who can help push your projects through.Real-world experiences of dealing with unpredictable planning officers and how to deal with delays or rejection.How to make smart decisions with builders and contractors while avoiding the typical traps that lead to frustration and delays.Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction[01:21] - Overview of the Episode[02:40] - Understanding the Planning Process[05:55] - How To Use The Local Authority's Planning Portal [08:18] - Pros and Cons of Pre-Applications[15:25] - Working with Historic Scotland[22:33] - Planning Timeframes, Delays & Tactics[28:59] - How The Committee Process Works[36:19] - Political Bias & Planner Personality Conflicts[42:31] - Closing Thoughts: and Key TakeawaysThis Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow Caroline Claydon Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolineclaydon.property/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-claydon-property Website: https://www.carolineclaydon.com/ Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website: https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg