Milesh and Sadie: Property Talks

Milesh Lakhani and Sadie Pizzey

Milesh Lakhani & Sadie Pizzey: Property Talks explores the intersection of property investment and interior design. Property strategist Milesh shares expert advice on building profitable portfolios, funding deals, and long-term strategy. Designer Sadie reveals how interiors, flow, and style add real value and transform spaces. Together, they bust myths, debate strategy vs design, and share tips for flips, rentals, and developments. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or homeowner, discover how to create smart investments and beautiful spaces.

  1. 3d ago

    Are Smart Homes Really Worth It? | What Technology Does Your Home Actually Need?

    Are smart homes really worth it? Which smart home technology is genuinely useful and what should you be planning into a renovation or new build now? In Series 6, Episode 2 of Milesh & Sadie: Property Talks, interior designer Sadie Pizzey is joined by Richard Coleman, founder of Luxe Smart Homes, to discuss smart home technology, home automation and how to create a connected home that makes life simpler, rather than more complicated. Richard has worked in smart-home technology for around 10 years, predominantly within the high-end residential market across Surrey and Central London, working on new builds, renovations and technology upgrades to existing homes.  They explore: 📶 Why a strong home network, Wi-Fi and Ethernet infrastructure shouldcome first💡 Whether smart lighting and lighting control are worth theinvestment❄️ The growing demand for air conditioning in UK homes📹 CCTV, security and video doorbells🌡️ Integrating heating and cooling so different systems work together🎵 Integrated audio and invisible speakers🎬 Home cinemas and media rooms🔌How to future-proof a renovation or new build withoutinstalling everything immediately🏗️ What developers should consider when planning technology into a luxury property One of Richard's clearest recommendations is to get the infrastructure right first. For a new build, he recommends Ethernet cabling throughout the property, giving future technology a reliable foundation to connect to.  Sadie and Richard also discuss why more technology doesn't necessarily create a smarter home. Separate heating, air-conditioning, lighting, security and intercom systems can result in multiple controls that don't communicate. Theaim of good integration is to make technology simpler and less visible.  For property developers, Richard explains why future-proofing isn't necessarily about installing every piece of technology from day one. The right cabling, network,equipment space and documentation can allow a property to evolve without having to undo finished interiors later.  And when should you involve a smart-home specialist? Richard's advice is now as soon as the floor plans have been drawn, rather than waiting until first fix.  Whether you're renovating your home, building a new house or developing a luxury property, this episode is a practical guide to deciding which technology is worth planning for — and what you might not need at all. RICHARD & LUXE SMART HOMES Richard Coleman is the founder of Luxe Smart Homes,working across smart-home technology, integration and home automation for high-end residential projects. 🌐 https://www.luxesmarthomes.co.uk/ MILESH & SADIE Sadie Pizzey — Interior designer and founder of SadiePizzey Interiors, specialising in renovations, new builds andconstruction-led interior design.🌐 https://sadiepizzeyinteriors.comInstagram: @sadiepizzeyinteriorsLinkedIn: Sadie Pizzey Milesh Lakhani — Property developer, strategic adviser andcoach to property developers.🌐 https://www.mileshlakhani.comInstagram: @mileshpropertyexpertTikTok: @mileshpropertyLinkedIn: Milesh Lakhani BECOME A BRAND PARTNER Interested in reaching an audience of homeowners, renovators, property developers, investors and property professionals? For series partnerships, episode sponsorships, brand integrations and collaborations with Milesh& Sadie: Property Talks: 📩 hello@thepropertyedge.co.uk FollowMilesh & Sadie: Property Talks for more conversationsabout property development, renovation, interior design and the technology changing our homes.

  2. Sep 24

    The Renovation Reality Check: Why Does Renovating Cost So Much?

    How much does it really cost to renovate a house in the UK — and why do renovation budgets so often spiral? In Episode 1 of Series 6 of Milesh & Sadie: Property Talks,interior designer Sadie Pizzey and property developer,strategic adviser and coach Milesh Lakhani unpack the realityof renovation costs, construction budgets and property development costs in today's market. Rising labour and material costs are part of the problem — but unrealistic wish lists, incomplete specifications, PC sums and contractor quotes that aren't genuinely like-for-like can all have a major impact on the final cost of a renovation ordevelopment.  Sadie and Milesh discuss renovation budgeting, builder and contractor quotes, detailed specifications and tender packages, contingencies, value engineering,due diligence and protecting developer margins. They also look at why the cheapest builder quote isn't necessarily the cheapest project, when a QS or independent project manager can be worth the investment, and why bringing the right professional team in early can help you make better decisions before construction begins. The episode reflects their discussion that detailed specifications allow costs to be understood and adjusted beforework starts rather than halfway through the build.  Whether you're planning a home renovation, new build or property development, this episode will help you understand where the money goes — and how to take greater control of your project budget. ABOUT MILESH & SADIE Sadie Pizzey is an interior designer and founder of SadiePizzey Interiors, specialising in renovations, new builds andconstruction-led interior design.🌐 sadiepizzeyinteriors.comInstagram: @sadiepizzeyinteriorsLinkedIn: Sadie Pizzey Milesh Lakhani is a property developer, strategic adviserand coach to property developers.🌐mileshlakhani.comInstagram: @mileshpropertyexpertTikTok: @mileshpropertyLinkedIn: Milesh Lakhani BECOME A BRAND PARTNER Want to put your brand in front of an audience of homeowners, renovators, property developers, investors and property professionals? For series partnerships, episode sponsorships, brand integrations and collaborations with Milesh & Sadie: Property Talks: 📩 hello@thepropertyedge.co.uk Follow Milesh & Sadie: Property Talks for the rest of Series6: The Next Generation of Property.

  3. Aug 6

    The Property Decisions That Changed Everything | Series 5, Episode 6

    Most successful property businesses, careers and projects aren't built on hundreds of decisions. They're built on a handful of decisions that change everything. In the final episode of Series 5 of Milesh & Sadie:Property Talks, we reflect on the decisions that had the biggest impact on our careers, businesses and lives—and the lessons they can teach anyone involved in property, design or entrepreneurship. Milesh shares the key decisions that shaped his journey from corporate life into property development, why he moved from investing into creating value through development, the thinking behind building The Property Edge, and how hisdefinition of success has evolved over time. Sadie discusses the leap into entrepreneurship, building an interior design business from scratch, developing a people-first design philosophy, creating a structured 10-step design process that transformed the client experience, and the lessons learned from challenging projects along the way. We also discuss focus, risk, decision-making, long-term thinking and why success often comes down to makinga small number of important decisions consistently well. In this episode:• Leaving corporate life and becoming a property developer• Building a business and personal brand• Starting and growing an interior design studio• Creating a 10-step client design process• Learning from difficult projects and setbacks• Why saying no becomes more important as you grow• Long-term thinking in property and business• What success means today versus ten years ago Investor Hot SeatThis week's listener question focuses on navigating multiple opportunities and making confident decisions when the right path isn't immediately obvious. Connect with Mileshwww.mileshlakhani.com Instagram: @milesh_property expert LinkedIn: Milesh Lakhani Connect with Sadiehttps://sadiepizzeyinteriors.com Instagram: @sadiepizzeyinteriors LinkedIn: Sadie Pizzey If you've enjoyed Series 5, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with someone looking to make better property, business and life decisions. Milesh & Sadie: Property Talks explores property development, property investment, interior design, renovation, entrepreneurship and the decisions behindsuccessful projects.

  4. Jul 30

    🎙️ How To Get Luxury Renovations Right | With Chris from Collyer Construction

    Luxury renovations often come with bigger budgets, ambitious plans and higher expectations. But creating an exceptional home requires far more than money. It requires good decisions, clear communication, careful planning and the right team around you. In this episode of Milesh & Sadie Property Talks, interior designer Sadie Pizzey is joined by Chris from Collyer Construction to discuss what really separates successful luxury renovations from projects that become stressful,overcomplicated or ultimately disappointing. Drawing on their experience delivering and designing high-end residential projects, they explore the decisions that have the biggest impact on project success, client satisfaction and long-term value. In This Episode • What luxury homeowners are really trying to achieve when they renovate • Why larger budgets can create greater complexity • The impact of constant changes during a project • How to avoid decision fatigue and scope creep • Where homeowners tend to overspend • Where additional investment genuinely adds value • The difference between expensive finishes and quality craftsmanship • How builders, designers and homeowners can work together effectively • The role communication plays in successful projects •What separates homes that still feel exceptional years later Key Discussion Many people assume that successful renovations are determined by budget. In reality, they are often determined by the quality of the decisions made before and during the project. The best renovations combine thoughtful design, practical functionality, strong collaboration and excellent execution to create homes that not only look beautiful but also improve the way people live. Hot Seat Sadie and Chris discuss one of the most common renovation challenges homeowners face: how to decide whether additional upgrades are genuinely adding value or simply increasing costs and complexity. About Chris Chris is the founder of Collyer Construction, a Surrey-based building company specialising in residential renovations, extensions, new builds and high-end residential projects. Working closely with homeowners, designers andconsultants, Chris brings practical insight into what helps projects run smoothly and what causes them to drift off course. About Milesh & Sadie Property Talks Milesh & Sadie Property Talks explores the intersection of property development, residential design and strategic decision-making. Each episode combines development, construction and design expertise to help homeowners, investors and developers make better property decisions. Learn More Sadie Pizzey Interiorswww.sadiepizzeyinteriors.com Collyer Constructionwww.collyerconstructionltd.co.uk FollowMilesh & Sadie Property Talks for weekly conversations on property development, renovation, design and the decisions that shape successful projects. 🎧Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

  5. Jul 23

    🎙️ How Estate Agents Help Developers Make Better Decisions

    Property developers often focus heavily on acquisition, planning, construction and finance. But one of the most valuable sources of market intelligence is often overlooked. Estate agents spend every day speaking to buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. They see changing demand, buyer behaviour and market trends in real time—often longbefore they appear in reports or market data. In this episode of Milesh & Sadie Property Talks, property developer and strategic advisor Milesh Lakhani is joined by Jennifer Porter, Founder and Director of Surrey Abodes, to discuss how developers can use market insight tomake better property decisions, reduce risk and improve project performance. Together they explore what today's buyers and tenants are really looking for, how expectations have changed, and why understanding your end customer has becomeone of the most important skills in property development. In This Episode • How buyer and tenant expectations are evolving • The impact of hybrid working on property demand • What buyers actually value when viewing a property • Why some developments sell quickly while others struggle • Layout, storage and flexibility in today's market • The risks of over-specifying and under-specifying developments • Pricing, positioning and perceived value • Understanding local market demand • How successful developers use market intelligence • Why exit strategy should influence decisions from day one Key Discussion Many developers believe success comes from finding better deals. Increasingly, success comes from understanding the customer better than the competition. The most successful property developers are not simply creating buildings. They are creating products that solve real problems for real people. Understanding what buyers and tenants want allows developers to make better decisions acrossacquisition, design, specification, pricing and exit strategy. About Jennifer Porter Jennifer Porter is the Founder and Director of Surrey Abodes, an independent Surrey estate agency specialising in residential sales, lettings and property advice.Working closely with buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants gives Jennifer a unique perspective on how demand is changing and what drives successful property transactions in today's market. About Milesh & SadieProperty Talks Milesh & Sadie Property Talks explores the intersection of property development, property investment, design and strategic decision-making. Through conversations with industry experts and practical discussions drawn from real-world experience, the podcast helps developers, investors, landlords and homeowners make better property decisions. Learn More Milesh LakhaniProperty Developer, Strategic Advisor & Founder of The Property Edgewww.mileshlakhani.com Jennifer PorterFounder & Director, Surrey Abodeswww.surreyabodes.co.uk Sadie PizzeyInterior Designer & Founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiorswww.sadiepizzeyinteriors.com Follow Milesh & Sadie Property Talks for weekly conversations on property development, property investment, renovation, design and the decisions that shape successful projects.

  6. Jul 16

    🎙️ 10 Questions Before Starting a Property Project | Better Property Decisions

    Whether you're planning a renovation, property development project, extension, refurbishment or property investment, the decisions made before work begins often have the biggest impact on the final outcome. In this episode of Milesh & Sadie Property Talks, property developer and strategic advisor Milesh Lakhani and interior designer Sadie Pizzey discuss the questions they believe every homeowner, property investor and propertydeveloper should ask before committing significant time, money and energy to a project. Drawing on their combined experience across property development, residential design, renovation and property investment, they explore the thinking that sits behindsuccessful projects and the common mistakes that often lead to unnecessary cost, stress and disappointment. In This Episode • Why understanding your true objective matters • The difference between lifestyle decisions and investment decisions • Why identifying the end customer is critical • When moving may be smarter than renovating • Why exit strategy should be considered from day one • How successful property developers assess risk • The role of layout, functionality and long-term usability • Why emotion often drives poor property decisions • The mistakes homeowners and developers regret years later • How to future-proof homes and developments for changing needs Key Insight Successful projects rarely start with certainty. They start with better questions. Whether you're creating a family home, developing property for profit or planning your next investment, asking the right questions at the beginning can help avoid expensive mistakes later. Hot Seat "If there was only one question somebody should ask before starting any project, what would it be?" Milesh and Sadie each reveal the single question they believe has the greatest impact on project success and why that one question influences almost every decision that follows. About Milesh & Sadie Property Talks Milesh & Sadie Property Talks explores the intersection of property development, property investment, residential design and strategic decision-making. Each episode combines development expertise and design insight to help homeowners, investors and developers make better property decisions. Learn More Milesh LakhaniProperty Developer, Strategic Advisor & Founder of The Property Edgewww.mileshlakhani.com Sadie PizzeyInterior Designer & Founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiorswww.sadiepizzeyinteriors.com Follow Milesh & Sadie Property Talks for weekly conversations on property development, property investment, renovation, design and the decisions that shape successful projects. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

  7. Jul 9

    🎙️ How Developers Lose Profit on Site

    Most property development projects don't lose money when the deal is purchased They lose money during construction. In this episode of Milesh & Sadie Property Talks, property developer and strategic advisor Milesh Lakhani is joined by Chris Collyer, founder of Collyer Construction, to discuss the common mistakes that reduce profit, delay projectsand impact returns across property development projects. From scope creep and budgeting mistakes to poor communication, site management failures and specification decisions, this episode explores where profit reallydisappears and what successful property developers do differently to protect it. Chris brings over 20 years of experience delivering residential construction, refurbishment and property development projects across Surrey and the South East, working closely with developers, investors, architects and homeowners. 🎯 In This Episode • Why profitable property development projects still go over budget • How scope creep quietly destroys margins • The hidden cost of delays and downtime • Why communication failures become expensive • Site management mistakes developers repeatedly make • Builder and developer relationships that impact project success • How changing buyer and tenant expectations affect development decisions • What layouts, storage and flexibility mean for today's market • Over-specifying vs under-specifying developments • Why some projects sell quickly while others struggle • The role of pricing, positioning and presentation • How successful developers think about exit strategy from day one 🏗️ Key Insight Many property developers spend months analysing acquisitions and searching for opportunities. The best property developers spend just as much time thinking about delivery. The reality is that most profit isn't lost when you buy a project. It's lost during construction. Understanding how to manage costs, people, systems and expectations throughout a property development project is often what separates successful developers fromstruggling ones. 🔥 Property Development Myths We Challenge ❌ Bigger always means better ❌ Expensive automatically means desirable ❌ Open-plan solves everything ❌ Luxury specification always creates value 📩 Developer Hot Seat "We're midway through a refurbishment and costs keep climbing. At what point do you stop upgrading and start protecting profit?" Milesh and Chris discuss how experienced property developers approach this decision and where they draw the line between adding value and destroying margin. About Chris Collyer Chris Collyer is the founder of Collyer Construction, a Surrey-based construction company specialising in residential renovations, extensions, new builds and property development projects. Having worked alongside developers,investors and homeowners for many years, Chris has a unique perspective on what causes projects to succeed, stall or go over budget. 🔗 www.collyerconstructionltd.co.uk Learn More Milesh LakhaniProperty Developer, Strategic Advisor & Founder of The Property Edgewww.mileshlakhani.com Sadie PizzeyInterior Designer & Founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiorswww.sadiepizzeyinteriors.com Follow Milesh & Sadie Property Talks for weekly conversations on property development, property investing, design, construction and the decisions that drive successful property projects.

  8. Jul 1

    Property Development Has Changed. Have You? | Better Property Decisions Ep.1

    In today's UK property market, the rules have changed. Higher interest rates, rising build costs, tighter margins and changing buyer expectations mean property developers, property investors and homeowners can nolonger rely on the strategies that worked in the past. In this episode of Milesh & Sadie Property Talks, property developer and strategic advisor Milesh Lakhani and interior designer Sadie Pizzey discuss how successful developers are adapting to today's market and why better propertydecisions matter more than ever. You'll learn: • Why the era of easy profits in property development is over• How rising costs are impacting property investors and developers• Why commercial thinking is becoming more important than finding deals• How buyer and tenant expectations have evolved• Why design is becoming a competitive advantage• What developers need to do to remain profitable in a changing market Debate Segment What will matter most over the next five years: • Better deals?• Better design? • Better decision-making? Investor Hot Seat "I've completed a few profitable projects and built some momentum, but the market feels very different now. If I want to stay successful over the next five years, what should I stop doing, start doing and double down on?" Whether you're a property developer, property investor, landlord, renovator or homeowner, this episode will help you navigate the changing UK property market and make smarter property decisions. Learn more: Milesh Lakhani → www.mileshlakhani.com Sadie Pizzey Interiors → www.sadiepizzeyinteriors.com Follow Milesh & Sadie Property Talks for weekly conversations on property development, property investing, design, strategy and building better property businesses.

About

Milesh Lakhani & Sadie Pizzey: Property Talks explores the intersection of property investment and interior design. Property strategist Milesh shares expert advice on building profitable portfolios, funding deals, and long-term strategy. Designer Sadie reveals how interiors, flow, and style add real value and transform spaces. Together, they bust myths, debate strategy vs design, and share tips for flips, rentals, and developments. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or homeowner, discover how to create smart investments and beautiful spaces.