Expat Property Story

The Expat Property Guy

A podcast for expats investing in UK property

  1. 3d ago

    An Insider's Guide to Estimating Refurb Costs Remotely

    #301 When you’re thousands of miles away from your chosen investment patch, and you’re looking for a deal, one of the first things you’re going to have to do is to estimate the cost of bringing the property up to the standard of the value of the most expensive property on the street. But how can you estimate the refurb cost from a video tour or even the photos alone? Or how can you verify that the refurb costs you’ve been given by your builder or a sourcing agent are realistic? They say there’s no substitute for viewing the property yourself. But perhaps there is?  Tony Walker is a construction and property development consultant with a background spanning building merchants, contracting, and project delivery.  Together with web developer Richard Devonport, he has co-founded Refurb Calculator This is an episode you won't want to miss! Check out our shorts on YouTube Our WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group We discuss: Estimating UK property refurb costs remotelyTools for UK property investors abroadRefurb calculator for UK property projectsImportance of accurate UK property measurementsUsing floor plans for UK property analysisVerifying builder estimates on UK property refurbsRoom by room UK property costingRisks of video tours in UK property investmentsHidden costs in UK property refurbishmentsFree versus paid UK property calculatorsSelecting crucial measurements for UK property estimatesImportance of mechanical and electrical systems in UK propertySpotting strategic item placement in UK property video toursDealing with UK property listings lacking photosDangers of price per square meter in UK propertyHow to use area data for UK property estimatesImpact of regional costing differences in UK propertyAI in UK property refurb estimatingSpeed as an advantage in UK property dealsFuture developments in UK property estimating toolsKeywords UK property, UK property investment, UK property market, UK property development, UK property refurb], UK property refurbishment costs, UK property sourcing, UK property investors, UK buy to let, UK expat property, UK remote property investment, Property refurbishment UK, UK real estate investment, UK property management, UK property deals, How to estimate UK property refurb costs remotely, Best tools for remote UK property investors, Refurbishment calculator for UK properties, Managing UK refurb projects from abroad, Avoiding hidden costs in UK property refurbishments, Step-by-step UK property refurbishment process, Accurate UK property refurb estimation for expats, Tips for expat UK property investors, Evaluating UK property deals from overseas, UK property investing for foreign nationals, Room-by-room costing for UK refurb projects, Common risks in UK property video tours, Comparing regional UK construction costs, Advice for UK expat landlords, Negotiating builder quotes for UK refurbishments Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    33 min
  2. 6d ago

    Expat Property Story at 300: A Look Back at Our Favourite Podcast Features

    #300 To celebrate Episode 300 we take you back through some of the features that have fallen by the wayside. Think of it as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those of you who’ve been here from the start or a way to pique your interest in the back catalogue if you're a more recent listener. I'm sure you'll have as much fun listening as I did putting it all together. Check out our shorts on YouTube Our WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group Features From The Past Soap Story: Retrospective look at the host's personal property journey in a serial, “what happens next” format.Monopoly Challenge: Guests have 30 seconds to name as many Monopoly board squares as possible without repetition.Guest Jokes: Guests bring a joke related to property to the interview.Postcode Challenge: Guests answer three multiple-choice questions about their chosen postcode area.Desert Island Property Disc: Guests select a song related to property they would take to a desert island (no repeats allowed).My Minimo: Guests choose three ideal (historical, living, or fictional) housemates for a mini HMO (house of multiple occupancy).Property Adjectives: Guests pick three adjectives they think are key for successful property investing.Property Disasters: Guests recount their worst property-related mishaps and share the lessons learned.Keywords UK property, UK property investing, UK property investment, UK property market, UK property podcast, UK property auctions, UK property strategies, UK property portfolio, Expat property investing, Buying property UK, UK property stories, UK property experts, UK property for expats, UK property tax, Student HMO UK, Serviced accommodation UK, UK landlord tips, Due diligence UK property, UK property books, How to buy UK property from abroad, UK property strategies for expats, UK property auction guide, UK student HMO investing, UK property disasters and lessons learned, Best books for UK property investors, Setting up a UK property limited company, Top UK property podcasts for expats, Building a UK property portfolio as an expat, Choosing a letting agent UK, UK property networking tips, How to build resilience in UK property investing, UK property case studies for expats, Step-by-step UK auction buying process, UK property checklist for expats Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    34 min
  3. Jun 10

    Who to Trust and How to Choose? Building Your UK Property Team

    #299 Whether you’re thousands of miles away or even just hundreds of miles away, you’re going to need people to help you.  So I’ve trawled through the back catalogue to find the best advice on choosing who to work with.  And how to go about it. This episode features contributions from: Helen Godbold-Eade (Episode 7) Grant Williams  (Episode 149)  Charlie Green (Episode 219) Darren McNeill (Episode 240) Sally Cope (Episode 114) Scott Williams (Episode 289) John Howard  (Episode 19) Check out our shorts on YouTube Our WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group We discuss: Building a Trusted Network in UK PropertyImportance of Ethical Partners in UK Property InvestmentChallenges for Expats Investing in UK PropertyRole of Financial Advisors in UK Property DealsHow to Identify Good UK Property AdvisorsUnderstanding Motives of UK Property PartnersTruth vs. Sales Pitch in UK Property AdviceThe Necessity of Honest Feedback in UK PropertyTips for Vetting UK Property ProfessionalsStrategies for Assessing Trust in UK Property RelationshipsThe "7114 Model" for UK Property NetworkingBuilding UK Property Trust Quickly and EffectivelyRental Return Guarantees in UK Property ManagementBenefits of Local Expertise in UK Property InvestmentUsing Psychometric Tools for UK Property TeamsOutsourcing Tasks in UK Property BusinessesComplementary Skills in UK Property Team BuildingRisks of Relying on Recommendations in UK PropertyImportance of Experience in UK Property Project ManagementAdvantages of Bigger Developments for Remote UK Property InvestorsUK property, UK property investment, UK property market, UK property portfolio, UK property podcast, Expat property investing, UK buy to let, Investing in UK property from abroad, UK real estate, Building a UK property team, UK property consultants, UK property management, UK property developers, UK property advice, Property investment UK, How to build a UK property portfolio as an expat, Trusted UK property investment advisors, Choosing the right property management team in the UK, UK property sourcing for overseas investors, Challenges of UK property investment for expats, Best strategies for remote UK property investing, Tips for working with UK property consultants, How to find ethical UK property partners, UK property project management for overseas investors, Differences between small and large UK property developments for expats Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    22 min
  4. Jun 7

    London Flats Struggle While Manchester Booms Plus Best Cities for Expats

    #298 This is our monthly roundup of news affecting UK Property investors. This month's news items: UK House Prices FallingUK house prices have dropped for the third consecutive month, with the Halifax House Price Index reporting a 0.1% decline, bringing the average home price to just under £299,000. House Price Gap Between London and Other UK Cities NarrowingThe Financial Times reports that the gap between London house prices and other UK cities is the narrowest since 2009London Flats UnderperformingFlats in London, especially small ones, are performing poorly, with nearly half now selling for less than their previous purchase price—even for properties bought 20 years ago.Landlord Demand and Supply TrendsAccording to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), 77% of landlords saw strong tenant demand in late 2025. But while tenant demand rises supply is falling due to landlords selling up.Top 10 Most Livable Cities for ExpatsCheck out our shorts on YouTube Our WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group We discuss: UK Property Prices Fall for Third Straight MonthHalifax House Price Index Reports 0.1% DropAverage UK Property Price Now Under £299,000House Price Indices Exclude Cash Buyer TransactionsSavills Revises 2026 UK Property Price Forecast6% Swing in Savills UK Property PredictionsImpact of Global Events on UK Property MarketOpportunities for UK Property Buyers Amidst DownturnUK Property Prices Cheapest in 20 Years (Inflation-Adjusted)Myths About the “Average” UK PropertyLondon vs. UK Cities: Property Price Gap NarrowsManchester Property Prices Surge 71% in a DecadeLondon Property Prices Up Only 9% Since 2016Flats in London Selling Below Purchase PriceTwo and Three Bed Flats in London Lose ValueInner London Flats Drop 6% in Selling PriceUK Landlords Reporting Strong Tenant DemandLandlords Selling More UK Property Than BuyingGovernment Data: UK Rental Property Supply DecreasesTop 10 Most Liveable Cities for Expats AnnouncedKeywords UK property, UK property news, UK property market, UK house prices, UK property investment, Expat property UK, UK property trends, London property prices, UK property market forecast, UK housing market update, Buy property UK, UK landlords, UK real estate, UK home prices, Property prices London, UK buy-to-let, UK property podcast, News affecting UK property for expats, UK property prices fall 2024, Savills UK house price prediction 2026, Best cities for expat property investment UK, UK flats selling below purchase price, London flat prices 2024, Rising tenant demand in UK rental market, Affordable UK cities for property investment, Effects of inflation on UK property values, Selling UK property as an expat landlord, Expat guide to UK property market, How to invest in UK property from abroad, Liveable cities for expats in UK, UK property market after covid, NRLA landlord market data UK Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    9 min
  5. Jun 3

    What No One Tells You About Scottish Property

    #297 Imagine a world where almost nothing is leasehold. Where one missing toilet can change how a whole deal is valued And where pre-auction bargains are the norm In this episode, I talk to Scottish investor and auctioneer Luis Guarín of Prime Property Auctions  about: How the Scottish market really works, Why home reports can be both a blessing and a problemHow traders are making serious money under the tax thresholdIf you invest in the UK, you need to understand Scotland. Check out our shorts on YouTube Our WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group We discuss: Scottish Market: Key Differences from UK Property SceneLeasehold vs. Freehold: Why Scotland Stands OutArticles of Roup: Unique Scottish Property Auction ContractsHome Reports: Compulsory for Scottish Property SalesHow To Avoid Home Reports in ScotlandImpact of Home Reports on UK Property ValuationsTrading Property Below Stamp Duty Threshold in ScotlandFast-Track Selling Process for UK Property AuctionsTimed Online Auctions vs. Live Auctions in UK PropertyPre-Auction Offers: Securing UK Property Bargains EarlyGuide Price Strategies for UK Property AuctionsRole of Factors in Scottish Freehold FlatsNavigating Factoring Companies in UK Property InvestmentsMotivated Sellers: How to Spot Them in AuctionsLandlord Challenges in Scottish UK Property MarketExit Trends for Small UK Property LandlordsRise of Large Portfolio Investors in Scottish PropertySourcing Property Deals and Referral Fees ExplainedSNP Policies: Tenant First Refusal in UK Property SalesStamp Duty and LBTT: Comparing UK and Scottish Property TaxesKeywords UK property, UK property investment, Scotland property market, UK property auction, Expat property investment, Scotland property auctions, Scottish home report, Freehold vs leasehold UK, LBTT Scotland (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax), Stamp duty UK, Buy to let Scotland, Overseas property investors UK, Scottish rental regulations, Property sourcing UK, Property factoring Scotland, How does the home report work in Scottish property, Differences between Scottish and English property auctions, Investing in freehold flats in Scotland, Stamp duty vs LBTT for expat investors, Working with property sourcers in Scotland, Best places for cash property purchases under £40,000 UK, Impact of rent caps on Scottish landlords, Selling tenanted property at auction in Scotland, Tips for buying property at auction as an expat, Advantages of investing north of Newcastle in UK property Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    28 min
  6. May 31

    Expat Mortgage News: Interest Rates, Product Fees, and Lending Insights

    #296 In this month’s Mortgage Monday, Shaz Ahmed, founder of Elan Property Finance (better known as @Whereshaz), returns for his regular lending update. With interest rates holding steady after the latest Bank of England meeting, Shaz explores what this means for borrowers. And we disuss the shifting landscape of mortgage rates and fees, and Shaz offers insights on choosing between different lending products.  We also look at the impact of the Renters Rights Act And we discuss the rise in alternative letting strategies like Serviced Acommodation and social housing Finally, we highlight the latest news from the specialist lending market following the collapse of specialist bridging lender Market Financial Solutions (MFS) Check out our shorts on YouTube Our WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group We discuss: UK Property Podcast: Expat Property Story Mortgage MondayBank of England Interest Rate Decision Impact on UK PropertyUK Property Market: Inflation, Recession, and Interest RatesMortgage Rate Predictions for UK Property InvestorsSwap Rates Trends Affecting UK Property LendingTwo-Year UK Mortgage Rates: Current Market AnalysisFive-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages in UK Property MarketRising Mortgage Product Fees for UK Property LoansShould UK Landlords Choose Low Rate or Low Fee Mortgages?UK Property Refinancing: Two-Year vs Five-Year DealsImpact of Property Renovation on UK Mortgage ChoicesCash Flow vs Leverage Strategies in UK Property MortgageCommercial Mortgages for UK HMOs: Expert AdviceTracker Mortgages Trending in UK Property FinanceEarly Repayment Charges on UK Property Tracker MortgagesRenters Right Act Implementation in UK Property MarketAirbnb and Alternative Lettings for UK PropertiesSocial Housing Contracts: UK Property Lending ConcernsRisks of Misclassifying Tenants as Guests in UK PropertyMFS Collapse: Effects on UK Specialist Lending MarketsKeywords UK property, UK property market, UK property investment, UK mortgages, UK property finance, Buy-to-let UK, UK property lending, Mortgage rates UK, UK property investors, UK rental market, UK property podcast, Expat UK property, UK property recession, UK housing market, Remortgage UK, UK property trends, UK fixed rate mortgage, UK tracker mortgage, UK property law, Renters Rights Act UK, How does the Bank of England base rate affect UK property?, Mortgage options for UK property investors, Is it better to choose a five-year fixed mortgage in the UK?, Impact of UK politics on mortgage rates, Buy, refurbish, refinance strategy in UK property, Social housing investment UK advantages and risks, Airbnb and alternative letting strategies for UK landlords, What fees are involved in UK property mortgages?, Best tracker mortgages for UK rental properties, Expat investors navigating UK property finance, Challenges with specialist and bridging lenders in UK property, Importance of lender quality for UK property finance, Impact of the Renters Rights Act on UK landlords, How to ensure compliance as a UK landlord, Risks of changing letting strategies for UK mortgages Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    11 min
  7. May 27

    The Inside Scoop on Empty Property Bargains

    #295 Do you get frustrated, spending hour upon hour trawling through property portals ooking for a deal, only to find there’s lots of other investors chasing the same lead? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could find deals that have little or no competition? In this episode, we’re plugging another gap in the archives as we tackle long-term empty homes. Simon Taylor is founder of Empty Property Hunters, a business that finds long‑term empty homes across the UK, tracks down the owners, and helps bring those properties back into use through quick, off‑market sales. Download and listen to see how you can do it too. Check out our shorts on YouTube Our WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group We discuss: How to Find Off-Market UK Property DealsChallenges of UK Property Portals for InvestorsUnderstanding Long-Term Empty Homes in the UKUK Property Expert Simon Taylor’s BackgroundBusiness Model for Sourcing UK Empty PropertiesIncentivising Lead Submission in UK Property MarketMethods to Track UK Property OwnersUsing Genealogy for UK Property Owner TracingCommon Reasons Homes Become Empty in the UKProbate and UK Property Investment ChallengesTechniques for Detecting Vacant UK PropertiesRole of Delivery Drivers in UK Property SourcingConversion Rates for UK Property LeadsJoint Ventures in UK Property InvestmentExit Strategies for UK Property InvestmentsPricing Model for UK Property AcquisitionFast Exchange Process in UK Property DealsDIY Tips for UK Property Investors OverseasCompliance and Data Protection in UK Property DealsImportance of Follow-Up for UK Property InvestmentKeywords UK property, UK property investment, UK property market, UK real estate, UK property deals, UK property sourcing, Buying property in the UK, UK property investors, UK vacant homes, UK empty homes, UK property strategies, UK direct to vendor, Remote property investment UK, UK property refurbishment, How to find off-market property deals in the UK, Investing in long term empty homes UK, Bringing empty homes back to market UK, Step-by-step guide to sourcing UK property remotely, Tips for overseas investors in UK property, UK property finder services for expats, How to contact owners of empty homes in the UK, UK property joint ventures for remote investors, Tools for identifying empty properties in the UK, How to do due diligence on UK property deals remotely Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    33 min
  8. May 24

    Regional Differences and Seasonal Changes in UK Property Auctions

    #294 This episode is our monthly review of what's going on in the world of UK Property auctions, featuring Jay Howard from Hammered Auctions The three main topics tackled are: EIG's latest figures which reveal that auction activity rose 9.5% year-on-year but the percentage of lots sold in April 2025 has decreased slightly compared to the April 2025.Seasonal trends and how they're changingAuctions in the North-WestOur WhatsApp  group Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT) Starter: 30 day trial Pro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 months Goalsetting Leave a review 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction Guide Our Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property Group We also discuss: UK Property Auctions Activity Up 9.5% Year on YearResidential Lots Sold in UK Property Auctions Rise 8.1%UK Auction Sales Hit £5.9 Billion in 2025Decrease in UK Property Lots Sold Percentage in AprilRegional UK Property Auction Trends for 2026COVID Impact on UK Property Auction GrowthAccessibility of UK Property Auctions Post-PandemicMore UK Properties Offered at Auction in 2026UK Auction Market Volume Outpaces Last YearChallenges Facing UK Auction Properties with Tenanted FlatsUK Commercial Property at Auction Facing HesitancyMay vs April: Best Months for UK Property AuctionsSeasonal Trends in UK Property Auction MarketHoliday Periods Impact UK Auction Buying BehaviourTechnology and Automation Shaping UK Property AuctionsUK Property Market Shifting Towards Data-Driven SalesComparing UK Auction and Private Treaty Property MarketsNorthwest UK Property Auction Listings Surge in AprilKey Auctioneers in Northwest UK Property MarketLiverpool Treated as Distinct UK Property Auction Market Keywords UK property, UK property auctions, UK residential property market, UK commercial property, UK auction market trends, UK property investment, Property auctions in the UK, UK real estate market report, Buying property at auction UK, UK auction activity statistics, UK auction house companies, Property investment UK, UK auctioneers, UK housing market 2026, How to buy property at auction in the UK, Best months to buy property at UK auctions, UK auction market growth since COVID, Selling property at UK auction, Differences between UK property auction houses, Regional auction trends UK (e.g., Northwest, London, Northern Ireland), Increasing number of lots in UK property auctions 2026, Percentage of properties sold at auction UK statistics, UK rental investment opportunities in auction properties, Accessibility of online UK property auctions, Effects of seasonal trends on UK property auctions, Challenges of investing in tenanted properties at auction UK, Property trading strategies UK auctions, Most active property auction regions in the UK, Top auctioneers in Northwest UK property market Check out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

    9 min

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A podcast for expats investing in UK property

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