This Property Life Podcast

This Property Life
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This Property Life is the podcast that cuts through the noise in the property world.Hosted by Sarah and Nick, we share honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical insights from active investors across the UK. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, you'll find inspiration, knowledge and community here—without the hype. 🎙️Weekly episodes 🏘️ Real investors, real journeys 💡 Actionable tips for every stage of your property journey Want to connect with other investors in real life? Join the CommunityJoin our growing community with regular in-person & online networking events and exclusive online support. Find out more at www.thispropertylife.co.uk The world of property investing can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also feel lonely, confusing, and overwhelming at times. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your journey, you’ve probably had moments where you wished you had someone to ask, a sounding board, or a place to stay informed and inspired. That’s exactly why we created the This Property Life Community. What Is the This Property Life Community?It’s more than just a network. This is a space built by property investors, for property investors. A supportive, non-hypey, real-world community designed to help you grow your knowledge, connections, and confidence in all things property. 1. Monthly Online Meets, Networking and Expert-Led ContentEvery month, join live networking featuring: Market updates, compliance, finance & what you MUST know as an investorReal investor case studies breaking down what’s working nowDeep dives into trends impacting propertySpecialist panel guests leading networking roomsOpen Q&A sessions where you can ask your burning questionsBusiness Networking, success is a team sport.Miss a network session? All sessions are recorded so you can watch on your schedule. 2. In-Person Networking EventsDiscounted Membership ticket prices for in person events. Meet the team and fellow investors face-to-face and do business with each other, help & inspire each other. These events feature: Inspiring guest speakers on topics like HMOs, finance, marketing, and developmentAmple time to build authentic relationships with like-minded peopleNo sales pitches — just genuine networking in a friendly, relaxed environment. Locations alternate between the north and south. 3. Exclusive WhatsApp CommunityStay connected and supported 24/7 in our private WhatsApp group: Ask quick questions and get advice from peers and hostsShare wins and challenges for encouragement and insight 4. Member-Only Content HubAccess a growing library of premium content, including: Video recordings of all Zoom calls and past eventsBonus interviews and masterclasses with property experts Special Membership OfferTry the TPL Community FREE for 2 months with no obligation. Experience all these benefits firsthand, including access to live Zoom calls, the WhatsApp group, the content hub, and an invitation to our next in-person event. After your free trial, membership continues at just £35 per month — cancel anytime, no contracts, no fuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Don't Leave! Why the Best BTL Opportunities Are Still In The UK

    FEB 11

    Don't Leave! Why the Best BTL Opportunities Are Still In The UK

    Summary In this episode of The Property Life podcast, Caroline and Nick Claydon discuss the increasing trend of people leaving the UK for more tax-efficient locations, particularly Dubai. They explore the reasons behind this migration, including the perception of the UK as a challenging environment for entrepreneurs and the growing desire for flexibility in living arrangements. The conversation also touches on the opportunities that remain in the UK property market, the importance of family considerations in relocation decisions, and the potential for growth in the social housing sector. Ultimately, the couple reflects on their own decision to stay in the UK for now, while remaining open to future possibilities. Keywords UK migration, tax efficiency, property investment, Dubai, entrepreneurship, economic challenges, social housing, future planning, family decisions, property market Takeaways Many people are leaving the UK for more tax-efficient locations. The perception of the UK as a difficult place for business is growing. Dubai is seen as an attractive option for property investment. The UK government is perceived as not supporting entrepreneurs. The population's desire to rent is increasing, creating opportunities for landlords. Political chaos in the UK may lead to more opportunities for those who stay. The importance of considering family implications when relocating. Investors are looking for long-term opportunities despite current challenges. The social housing sector is expected to grow in the future. Future planning is essential for adapting to changing circumstances. Chapters 00:00 The Great Migration: Why People Are Leaving the UK 09:02 Exploring Opportunities Abroad: The Case for Dubai 17:55 Staying Put: The Decision to Remain in the UK 23:46 Future Plans and Business Ventures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  2. Why The 1% Rule Of Property Investing Is Your Blueprint For Success

    FEB 4

    Why The 1% Rule Of Property Investing Is Your Blueprint For Success

    In this episode of 'This Property Life', hosts Nick and Caroline Claydon delve into the 1% rule of property investment, a crucial guideline for investors to ensure they are making sound financial decisions. They explain how the rule serves as a sense check for determining whether a property is worth pursuing based on its rental income relative to its purchase price. The conversation covers practical applications of the rule, real-life examples, and the importance of understanding property types and locations. They also discuss the limitations of the 1% rule, particularly in relation to more advanced investment strategies, and emphasize the need for a mindset shift from focusing on purchase prices to rental income. The episode concludes with insights on scaling property investments and the significance of buying at a discount to maximize cash flow. Keywords 1% rule, property investment, cash flow, buy to let, rental income, property types, investment strategy, yield, ROI, property market Takeaways The 1% rule is a crucial tool for property investors. Monthly rent should equal about 1% of the purchase price. The rule helps prevent overpaying for properties. Understanding property types is essential for investment success. Investing in areas outside your immediate location can yield better results. The 1% rule is not applicable for advanced strategies like HMOs. Scaling investments is important for building a portfolio. Focus on rental income rather than purchase price. Buying at a discount allows for added value and cash flow. The numbers in property investment are black and white. Sound Bites "The 1% rule is a fail-safe tool." "It stops you overpaying." "Invest not near you." 🔗 Next Steps If you enjoyed this episode and want to go deeper: 👉 Explore more episodes of This Property Life 👉 Join our free training and resources at Property Wealth System 👉 Follow us for upcoming webinars and live sessions Chapters 00:00 Understanding the 1% Rule and why professional investprs use it 05:05 How to Apply the 1% Rule Using Rightmove 10:02 Real Time Area and Property Analysis 14:11 Limitations of the 1% Rule 17:49 Investing Beyond Your Local Market 21:08 Conclusion and Future Insights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
  3. 5 Mistakes Millennials Are Making in Property Investing

    FEB 3

    5 Mistakes Millennials Are Making in Property Investing

    In this episode of This Property Life, Nick is joined by Sarah to unpack one of the most talked-about stories in UK property right now — the idea that the housing market is “broken”, landlords are leaving in droves… and yet, millennials are becoming the fastest-growing group of new landlords. Following recent media coverage (including a Panorama episode and reporting in the Telegraph), we dig into what’s really happening behind the headlines — and why the reality on the ground looks very different from the narrative being pushed. This is an honest, data-led conversation about where the UK property market is heading, who’s still investing, and what today’s investors need to understand if they want to succeed long-term. 🔍 In This Episode, We Cover: Why millennials are now the largest group of new landlords in the UK What the media often gets wrong about buy-to-let and property investors How today’s investors are approaching property very differently from previous generations Why limited companies, strategy and cashflow matter more than ever The real impact of regulation, tax and interest rates What the “professionalisation” of property investment actually looks like Whether buy-to-let is really dead — or just evolving What this means for anyone considering investing in 2025 and beyond 🧠 Key Takeaway The property market isn’t broken — the old way of investing is. The investors who are still succeeding are: Strategic, not speculative Focused on numbers, not hype Willing to adapt to a changing market Building long-term, sustainable portfolios And increasingly, they’re doing it younger and smarter than ever before. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters There’s a huge amount of noise around property right now. This episode cuts through it. If you’re: Thinking about getting started Already investing but feeling uncertain Wondering whether property still stacks up Or trying to make sense of conflicting media headlines …this conversation will help you see the bigger picture. 🔗 Next Steps If you enjoyed this episode and want to go deeper: 👉 Explore more episodes of This Property Life 👉 Join our free training and resources at Property Wealth System 👉 Follow us for upcoming webinars and live sessions Chapters 00:00 Welcome to This Property Life Brought To You By Property Wealth Club 01:30 Are The Millennials and Gen Z Really Taking Over? 03:21 How Has The Buy To Let Landscape Changed? 07:59 What Is Driving The Millennial's Change In Mindset? 12:20 Common Mistakes Millennials Make in Property Investment 18:59 Aligning Property Investment with Life Goals 20:41 Conclusion: A Professional Approach Is Key To Success 22:42 Subscribe Here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  4. This Mum Balances a Demanding Job, Autism Parenting, and Passive Property Income with Esther Smith

    JAN 7

    This Mum Balances a Demanding Job, Autism Parenting, and Passive Property Income with Esther Smith

    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 speaks with Esther Smith, a successful property investor, corporate contractor, and busy parent. Together with her husband Mark, Esther has built a portfolio of HMOs leased to supported living providers such as Serco. The conversation explores how to strategically balance property investing with a demanding career and family life, and dives into the practicalities and pitfalls of the supported housing model. Esther Smith is a contractor in the corporate world and a mother of young children, one of whom has autism. Esther brings a realistic, no-frills perspective to property investing, blending analytical skills, financial forecasting, and an acute awareness of social needs to build a portfolio with both purpose and profit. What You'll Learn: Why supported living HMOs can be a smart long-term investment strategyThe real timelines and work involved before a property begins cash flowingHow to manage property investing alongside a demanding job and family lifeTips on working with providers like Serco and handling bureaucratic challengesThe importance of aligning investment strategies with personal and family goals Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction to the Episode [02:18] – Why Esther chose property investing alongside a corporate career [04:32] – Transitioning to HMOs and choosing supported living as a strategy [06:08] – Challenges of property management and moving outside London [08:31] – The importance of patience and persistence in property [11:15] – The true timeline to cash flow a supported living HMO [19:30] – What to expect during refurb and compliance processes [26:24] – Lease signing: navigating Serco’s contracts and requirements [32:28] – Lending, insurance, and operational costs: myth vs reality [42:01] – Long-term goals, charitable aspirations, and future plans [47:37] – Wrapping up: advice on staying focused and aligned with your goals [51:37] – Where to connect with Esther Smith This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights. Follow Esther Smith Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esthersmith1Website: https://espeopleandchange.com/ 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 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  5. Property Investing near Home for UK Developers to Scale with Flips and HMOs with Jake Colwill

    12/17/2025

    Property Investing near Home for UK Developers to Scale with Flips and HMOs with Jake Colwill

    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 speaks with Jake Colwill, an experienced property investor and developer based in Bristol. Jake shares how he and his partner Lucy have built a smart, sustainable property business by flipping properties to generate capital, which they then reinvest into high-quality HMOs in premium southern markets. What You'll Learn: How flipping properties can fuel long-term investment in high-value areas.Why Jake and Lucy focus on tight geographic areas and niche property types.Smart strategies for sourcing off-market deals through relationships and persistence.The mechanics of high-end HMO investing in Article 4 areas, including planning and valuation tips.How to build and maintain a scalable, sustainable property business with clear strategic focus. Timestamps [02:39] - The Origins of Their Strategy [06:03] - Freehold Blocks and Title Splits [09:22] - Sourcing Off-Market Deals [16:02] - Structuring Their Business [19:01] - What Makes a Premium HMO [22:01] - Valuations: Commercial vs. Bricks & Mortar [24:37] - Hold Strategy and Long-Term Thinking [27:36] - Building Momentum Through Niching [30:29] - Final Thoughts and Resilience in Property This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights. Follow Jake Colwill Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-colwill-1279b9104/?originalSubdomain=ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake_colwill/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/innova-property/Website (Company): https://www.innova-property.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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  6. Stop Blaming Landlords for the Housing Crisis for Property Owners with Wendy Whittaker

    12/10/2025

    Stop Blaming Landlords for the Housing Crisis for Property Owners with Wendy Whittaker

    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 is joined by property expert Wendy Whitaker-Large to tackle a provocative and controversial question: Are landlords responsible for the housing crisis? Wendy offers a balanced and experience-led take as they explore key topics such as supply planning, government policy, investor behavior, and what’s really driving the shortage of homes in the UK. What You'll Learn: The debate around secondhand properties and how landlords help refurbish homes.How the media's London-centric perspective distorts the national housing debate.How the Thatcher-era "Right to Buy" policy contributed to the current shortage of affordable homes.The role of small builders in helping to alleviate this crisis, compared to large national developers.A discussion about the government's reliance on private landlords for social housing. Timestamps [01:04] - Introduction of Wendy Whitaker [02:28] - Secondhand Properties & Landlord Refurbishments [06:05] - Media's London Focus [08:09] - Home Ownership and Affordability [12:30] - Right to Buy & Housing Shortage [16:56] - Government Debt & Economic Challenges [21:23] - Small Builders vs. Large Developers [31:19] - Government's Reliance on Private Landlords [40:58] - Renters’ Rights Bill Impact [50:46] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights. Follow Wendy Whittaker Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/m/in/wendy-whittaker-largeWebsite: https://www.wendywl.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendywlarge/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_whittakerlarge/ 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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  7. The Property Finance Survival Tactics for UK Developers in the 2025 Market with Michael Dean

    12/03/2025

    The Property Finance Survival Tactics for UK Developers in the 2025 Market with Michael Dean

    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 speaks with Michael Dean, co-founder of Avamore Capital, about the current challenges facing UK property developers. What You'll Learn: Why do smaller and mid-sized developers have more room for creative deal structuringThe importance of flexibility and negotiation when working with landownersWhat funders are really looking for in today’s marketHow to identify the right landowners for JV or deferred payment dealsStrategies to stay resilient and invest smartly in a challenging property climate Timestamps [02:34] - Michael’s Background [05:36] - Build Cost Inflation, Slow Sales, And Landowner Expectations [09:00] - Why Small-To-Mid Deals Offer More Flexibility [14:38] - Deferred Payments, Overage, Jv Agreements [21:49] - Finding The Right Landowners: Motivated & Pressurised Sellers [29:44] - Operator Vs. Discretionary Developer Mentality [34:24] - Outlook On Interest Rates And The Market Bottom [42:42] - Political Risks And Budget Speculations [45:27] - Final Thoughts & Getting In Touch This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights. Follow Michael Dean Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfunder/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/property_funder/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/avamore-capital/Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/avamorecapital/Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/thepfppodcast/ 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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  8. From Architecture to £1.5K per Sq Ft London Sites using Smart JV Deals with Michael Langley

    11/26/2025

    From Architecture to £1.5K per Sq Ft London Sites using Smart JV Deals with Michael Langley

    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 Michael Langley, a small-scale property developer who has built his business through smart partnerships and a clear vision. What You'll Learn: How Michael’s architectural skills contribute to the development processHow Michael and Christian structured their JV to leverage their combined skill setsThe process Michael uses to evaluate sites, including market research and feasibility studiesHow to mitigate risks related to planning, cost overruns, and managing timelinesSubcontractor management, cost of materials, and dealing with unexpected delays Timestamps [02:12] - Michael's transition from architecture to property development [06:22] - Michael discusses meeting his business partner, Christian [11:57] - How profit and project responsibilities are split in their JVs [19:13] - Explanation of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and their operational structure [23:55] - The cost breakdown of building in different areas [31:24] - Case study of their current development project in Forest Hill, London [42:03] - Challenges in construction costs and subcontractor management [46:34] - Planning delays and the frustrations with under-resourced planning departments [57:26] - Stress-testing deals to ensure investor returns even with market fluctuations [59:47] - Michael’s advice for new developers This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights. Follow Michael Langley Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-langley-mla/?originalSubdomain=ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlangleyproperty/ Follow MLA Architecture Ltd: Website: https://mla-architecture.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlaarchitecture/ Follow Turnkey Developments Ltd: Website: https://www.turnkey-developments.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnkey_developments/ Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials: Website: https://thispropertylife.co.uk/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

This Property Life is the podcast that cuts through the noise in the property world.Hosted by Sarah and Nick, we share honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical insights from active investors across the UK. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, you'll find inspiration, knowledge and community here—without the hype. 🎙️Weekly episodes 🏘️ Real investors, real journeys 💡 Actionable tips for every stage of your property journey Want to connect with other investors in real life? Join the CommunityJoin our growing community with regular in-person & online networking events and exclusive online support. Find out more at www.thispropertylife.co.uk The world of property investing can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also feel lonely, confusing, and overwhelming at times. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your journey, you’ve probably had moments where you wished you had someone to ask, a sounding board, or a place to stay informed and inspired. That’s exactly why we created the This Property Life Community. What Is the This Property Life Community?It’s more than just a network. This is a space built by property investors, for property investors. A supportive, non-hypey, real-world community designed to help you grow your knowledge, connections, and confidence in all things property. 1. Monthly Online Meets, Networking and Expert-Led ContentEvery month, join live networking featuring: Market updates, compliance, finance & what you MUST know as an investorReal investor case studies breaking down what’s working nowDeep dives into trends impacting propertySpecialist panel guests leading networking roomsOpen Q&A sessions where you can ask your burning questionsBusiness Networking, success is a team sport.Miss a network session? All sessions are recorded so you can watch on your schedule. 2. In-Person Networking EventsDiscounted Membership ticket prices for in person events. Meet the team and fellow investors face-to-face and do business with each other, help & inspire each other. These events feature: Inspiring guest speakers on topics like HMOs, finance, marketing, and developmentAmple time to build authentic relationships with like-minded peopleNo sales pitches — just genuine networking in a friendly, relaxed environment. Locations alternate between the north and south. 3. Exclusive WhatsApp CommunityStay connected and supported 24/7 in our private WhatsApp group: Ask quick questions and get advice from peers and hostsShare wins and challenges for encouragement and insight 4. Member-Only Content HubAccess a growing library of premium content, including: Video recordings of all Zoom calls and past eventsBonus interviews and masterclasses with property experts Special Membership OfferTry the TPL Community FREE for 2 months with no obligation. Experience all these benefits firsthand, including access to live Zoom calls, the WhatsApp group, the content hub, and an invitation to our next in-person event. After your free trial, membership continues at just £35 per month — cancel anytime, no contracts, no fuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    This Property Life
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 This Property Life
  • Show Website
    This Property Life Podcast

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