Property is like becoming a parent for the first time.

You don’t do it as a hobby And you definitely don’t squeeze it in on the way to work.

This week’s podcast was a proper one.

A very colourful, very honest conversation with Des Taylor, where we deep-dived into the real world of property — not the Instagram version.

What we covered:

The legal realities of being a landlord and property professional

The Housing Act and the consequences people sleepwalk into

How one phone call led to a fine — and ultimately sparked Des into helping others avoid the same mistakes

As the conversation unfolded, the same patterns we’ve seen all year showed up again:

Systems

Structure

Due diligence

Understanding the business you are actually in

Des shared his journey openly:

Selling his portfolio in the early 2000s when emotions were high

Heading to Florida and flipping / back-to-backing properties

Dipping into other professions

And, as it so often does in property, one conversation in Ireland with another investor pulling him right back in

To finish our 52-week run of conversations, speaking with Des felt like the right full stop.

Honest.

Experienced.

Zero fluff.

A fitting way to close out 2025.

Huge thanks to Des — and to everyone who jumped on this year and spoke openly and honestly.

Until next week.

Gav