In this deep-dive technical episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, Tim and Phil explore one of the most in-demand property strategies right now: converting commercial buildings into residential units. From navigating planning use classes like Class E and C3 to understanding permitted development rights under Class MA and G, this episode is packed with real-world advice for investors ready to take the next step.

We share our personal case study of turning a derelict Victorian mill into 10 stylish flats—with all the planning wins, design challenges, and hidden costs along the way. If you’ve ever considered stepping into small-scale development or wondered if a shop or office block could be your next project, this episode will answer your questions and highlight the risks to avoid.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ The difference between Class MA and Class G—and how to use them

✅ What makes a building suitable (or not) for permitted development

✅ The real cost of converting commercial spaces (and where people go wrong)

✅ How to avoid the planning traps and use planning law to your advantage

✅ Our own 2-year journey converting a historic mill into residential units

✅ Top tips to navigate space standards, fire regs, and building control

Whether you're an HMO investor levelling up or a developer looking for your next niche, this is a must-listen for anyone exploring commercial to residential conversions in 2025.

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

You may know him as the man behind propertyCEO the UK’s leading property development training platform—but in this deeply personal episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we get to know Ritchie Clapson, the person behind the brand.

With over 40 years in the property and construction industry, Ritchie’s track record speaks for itself: a chartered structural engineer, co-founder of a consultancy that worked on major projects like the Olympic Stadium, and now a respected mentor guiding others into the world of small-scale development. But this episode isn’t just about business—it’s about identity, reinvention, and what really matters once the targets have been hit.

After selling his business for seven figures, Ritchie found himself unexpectedly adrift. What followed wasn’t a retirement filled with golf and relaxation—it was a search for renewed purpose. And he found it, not in property deals, but in helping others realise their potential. That became his new mission—and the driving force behind propertyCEO.

In this honest and entertaining conversation, Ritchie shares the ups, the pivots, and what he’s learned about business, fulfilment, and the power of teaching others to build something meaningful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why hitting big goals isn’t the finish line—and what really comes after

✅ How Richie rediscovered purpose through mentoring and teaching

✅ The mindset shift from building projects to building people

✅ Why small-scale development (5–20 units) is the smartest play in 2025

✅ How to build the right team and avoid the classic developer traps

Whether you’ve trained with him, watched him speak, or follow his work—this episode reveals the man behind propertyCEO. It’s reflective, direct, and packed with insight for anyone building their own path in property.

Will use this one to all platformsStay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

#FinancialFreedomPodcast #WealthCreation #PropertyInvesting #FinanceStrategies #HMOs

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we sit down with Rob Peters, the owner and principal financial advisor of Simple Fast Mortgages. With years of experience in complex property finance, Rob has helped countless investors and developers secure the right funding to scale their portfolios. As a property investor himself, he understands the challenges of navigating finance, managing risk, and building long-term wealth.

✅ How to structure property finance for success

✅ The biggest mistakes investors make with mortgages

✅ Why cash flow is key to financial freedom

✅ How strategic financing can accelerate portfolio growth

This episode is packed with expert insights, real-life experiences, and actionable advice to help you make smarter financial decisions on your property journey. Don’t miss out!

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we sit down with Derek, a lead GP covering 52 practices, a YouTube creator with 500K views, and now a successful property investor. In just 12 months, he’s built a thriving HMO portfolio—scaling quickly while balancing a demanding medical career, a growing family, and an expanding digital presence.

In this session, we dive deep into how he transitioned from medicine to property investing, how he systematised his approach, and what he’s learnt along the way. Whether you're an aspiring investor, a busy professional looking for additional income streams, or just curious about balancing multiple ventures, this episode is packed with real-life insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you on your journey to financial freedom!

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

💼 How do you transition from a corporate career to financial freedom through property investing? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast — brought to you by Property Portfolio Building

🎤 Louise Jowsey went from a successful career in marketing to building a high cash-flowing property portfolio, leveraging commercial-to-residential conversions and smart investment strategies.

Here's what you'll learn:

✅ How Louise built a multi-property portfolio while transitioning from corporate life

✅ The power of commercial-to-residential conversions for long-term wealth

✅ Overcoming financial fears and mindset blocks to unlock success

✅ Why marketing and property investing go hand in hand for business growth

✅ Lessons from balancing multiple businesses while maintaining financial freedom

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

With so many property strategies out there, how do you know which one is right for you? That’s the BIG question we’re tackling in this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast—brought to you by Property Portfolio Building and sponsored by Property Filter.

💡Tim and Phil are breaking it all down — giving you the essential insights into choosing a property strategy that aligns with your financial goals, lifestyle, and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your portfolio, this episode is packed with expert guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls and build a strategy that actually works!

Here's what you'll learn:

✅ The biggest mistakes investors make when choosing a strategy

✅ Understanding the wealth hierarchy (cash flow, profit, and assets)

✅ The difference between high-yield, long-term, and asset-backed investments

✅ How to align your investment choices with your financial freedom goals

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

Life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s how we rise after failure that defines us. In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Lindsay, a property investor who completely transformed his life after experiencing a devastating business failure that left him £150,000 in debt.

Ashley started his career in business, but after taking a major financial hit, he found himself at rock bottom—struggling to make ends meet and even questioning his next steps. But rather than giving up, he took action. He pivoted towards rent-to-rent property investing, learning everything he could, and eventually building a portfolio that now consists of over 30 properties and 180 tenants.

n this inspiring conversation, we dive deep into:

✅ The reality of business failure and the emotional toll it takes

✅ How Ashley rebuilt his financial stability from negative net worth

✅ The rent-to-rent strategy that helped him gain momentum

✅ How he transitioned from managing properties to owning them

🎧 Tune in now!

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

"What does financial freedom really mean? For some, it’s about having enough money to never work again. For others, it’s about creating security, options, and—most importantly—buying back their time."

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we welcome Sobia Ahmad, a dentist-turned-investor who built and sold multiple dental practices before leveraging her capital into property and other investment strategies to achieve true financial independence.

Sobia's journey is one of determination, strategic decision-making, and redefining success beyond a high-paying career. Here’s what we discuss:

🔹 From Dentistry to Investing – How she transitioned from running dental practices to becoming financially free.

🔹 Lessons in Wealth Creation – The key strategies Sobia used to build sustainable cash flow and secure her financial future.

🔹 Why Buying Back Time Matters – Financial freedom isn’t just about money—it’s about gaining control over your life.

🔹 Overcoming Challenges – The setbacks, learning experiences, and mindset shifts that helped her navigate the ups and downs of investing.

🔹 The Importance of Smart Investing – Why Sobia chose property, stocks, and alternative investment strategies to create multiple income streams.

Success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Sobia's story is a blueprint for anyone looking to escape the rat race, invest wisely, and create a life on their own terms.

🎧 Tune in now and start your journey toward financial freedom!

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

Property investing comes with a whole new language, and it can be overwhelming when you're first starting out. What’s the difference between an HMO and an AST? Is a co-living property just a fancy HMO? And what exactly does "Article 4" mean?

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, hosts Phil and Tim Witt provide a clear and structured breakdown of essential property jargon, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced investors.

What You’ll Learn:

🔹 Property Strategies: Understanding key investment models like buy-to-let (BTL), serviced accommodation (SA), houses in multiple occupation (HMO), co-living, and social housing.

🔹 Ways to Buy, Hold, and Control Property: The differences between exchange with delayed completion (EDC), lease options, vendor finance, rent-to-rent, and joint ventures (JVs).

🔹 Key Planning Terms: What you need to know about permitted development (PD), Article 4, prior approval, and use classes like C3, C4, and sui generis.

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

COME AND MEET US http://www.manchesternorthpin.co.uk use "bygrave" to attend for free!

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, Phil and Tim are joined by Yoni Fine, a seasoned property investor who has transitioned from managing local properties to thriving as a remote investor. Yoni shares his journey of navigating the challenges of property investing while balancing a full-time career, a young family, and the pursuit of financial freedom.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ The Shift to Remote Investing: Yoni discusses his transition from local investments in London to exploring high-yield opportunities in the North, leveraging his power team to streamline the process.

✅ Overcoming Challenges: From unexpected structural issues to navigating down valuations, Yoni highlights the critical lessons learned during his property projects and how perseverance played a vital role in overcoming setbacks.

✅ Defining Financial Freedom: Yoni opens up about his "light bulb moment" that inspired his journey toward financial freedom, sharing insights on balancing work, family, and a passion for property investing.

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting your property journey, Yoni’s story is filled with relatable challenges and actionable strategies to help you take your next steps toward financial freedom.

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/propertyportfoliobuilding/

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyportfoliobuilding/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/propertyportfoliobuildinguk/

YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@propertyportfoliobuilding/⁠⁠

Websites: ⁠⁠propertyportfoliobuilding.co.uk⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠invest-prop.co.uk⁠⁠

Connect with our hosts:

Phil Bygrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bygrave-8b792421/

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/phil.y.bygrave

Get in touch with Tim here:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-witt-77b0275b/

For all enquiries, please contact us at: ⁠[email protected]