This Property Life Podcast

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025 ——————————————————————

In this second episode of their four-part series, Nick and Caroline look into the complexities of property lending, a crucial yet often misunderstood part of property investing. Focused on larger and more complex development projects, this episode uncovers the true risks, strategies, and horror stories involved in financing property deals.

What You'll Learn:

• Why understanding regulated vs. unregulated lending can make or break your project.
• The red flags to look out for with development finance and bridging loans.
• How to structure your lending to reduce risk (and avoid losing your house).
• The critical importance of knowing your exit lender before you start.
• Why private lending and strong broker relationships are often better than flashy deals.

Timestamps

[00:00] – Intro & Overview of the 4-Part Series

[01:56] – Why Lending is Crucial and When You Need It For Your Projects

[05:27] – The Importance Of Accurate Numbers And Avoiding Over-Optimistic Estimates

[08:59] – Regulated vs. Unregulated Lending Explained

[15:40] – Planning, Bridging & the Risks of Timeframes

[18:48] – How Development Finance Works & Why It’s Risky

[24:38] – Real-Life Red Flag Stories (And Close Calls)

[27:23] – The Dangers of Going “All In” with One Lender

[39:40] – Scaling, Private Equity & Knowing Your Risk Appetite

[44:54] – Closing Thoughts & Teaser for the Next Episode

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Caroline Claydon Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-claydon-property   
• Website: https://www.carolineclaydon.com/ 

Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

• Website: https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# 
• 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/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 

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Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025 ——————————————————————

In this episode of This Property Life, Sarah Blaney is joined by James Lynch, a seasoned property investor who specializes in title splits. James shares how this strategy helped him accelerate his property growth and turn his portfolio from 5 properties in Bristol to 45 overnight.

What You'll Learn:

• What is title splitting and why it’s a great strategy for unlocking instant value in property deals.
• The complexities of title splitting such as working with solicitors and valuers, and dealing with bridging loans.
• Navigating common obstacles such as delays, tenant issues, and vendor demands.
• How to forecast property values and work effectively with surveyors to maximize uplift.

Timestamps

[02:57] - James' Property Background

[04:26] - Vertical vs. Horizontal Title Splits

[07:09] - How James Got Started

[10:31] - Purchasing the 40-Flat Block

[19:32] - Valuation and Bridging Finance

[25:39] - Legal Challenges with Leaseholds

[42:24] - Lessons Learned from the Deal

[56:41] - Conclusion & Key Takeaways

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow James Lynch Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshlynch/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Website: http://www.thetitlesplitconsultant.co.uk/
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/thetitlesplitconsultant/?hl=en

Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

• Website: https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ 
• 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/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025 ——————————————————————

In this episode, Nick and Caroline kick off a special four-part series, "The 4 Uncontrollables of Property Development”. Today’s focus is on building control as they unpack their recent experience developing a boutique hotel in Edinburgh, highlighting how inconsistent enforcement, regional differences, and bureaucratic inefficiencies can significantly impact property projects.

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between building control and planning permission, and why many developers overlook the former.
• How regulations and expectations around fire safety, construction methods, and building materials vary between England and Scotland.
• Key lessons from their own Edinburgh townhouse conversion, including what went wrong and what they would do differently.
• The vital importance of documenting construction work for building control sign-off.
• Practical tips for mitigating risk and managing building control challenges proactively.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction

[02:35] - Overview Of The Four-Part Series

[04:26] - Defining ‘Uncontrollables’ in Property

[07:36] - Building Control vs Planning: What’s the Difference?

[08:56] - England vs Scotland: Different Systems, Different Outcomes 

[12:50] - The Building Warrant Process in Scotland

[23:05] - Fire Safety Obsession & Miscommunication

[33:18] - Dealing with Retrospective Compliance

[43:20] - Lessons Learned: What They’d Do Differently

[51:44] - Final Thoughts & What’s Next in the Series

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Caroline Claydon Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolineclaydon.property/  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-claydon-property   
• Website: https://www.carolineclaydon.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.

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025

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In this episode of This Property Life, Sarah Blaney is joined by Mark Paterson, Senior Associate at Montagu Evans and an expert with over two decades of experience in business rates. This fast-paced, insight-packed conversation gets into the often-overlooked but critical subject of business rates for property investors, commercial landlords, and serviced accommodation operators.

• What business rates are and how they're calculated
• Key differences across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
• Reliefs, exemptions, and the "magic numbers" like the £12k and £15k thresholds
• Business rates for serviced accommodation and how they differ from council tax
• Common investor mistakes and how to avoid them

Timestamps

[03:10] - What business rates are and how they differ across the UK

[14:43] - Difference between rate per value and actual value. 

[19:10] - COVID-era reliefs ending in 2026 and what replaces them

[30:40] - How often business rates change and what’s coming in 2026

[48:24] - where to follow Mark? 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Mark Paterson Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-paterson-a877bb1
• Twitter: https://x.com/markcpaterson 
• Website: https://www.montagu-evans.co.uk/ 
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/montagu-evans/ 

Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564457166712&locale=en_GB 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylife
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 
• Twitter: https://x.com/propertylifepod 

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Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025 ——————————————————————

In this solo episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney unpacks the much-anticipated Renters' Rights Bill currently moving through UK Parliament. Sarah discusses not only the legal changes but also the broader impact on the property market, landlord operations, and tenant-landlord dynamics.

What You'll Learn:

• A detailed overview of the 12 key provisions in the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill.
• What the end of fixed-term tenancies and the ban on Section 21 evictions mean for landlords.
• The new pet request rights and how to handle them responsibly.
• Why a PRS landlord database and ombudsman is a game-changer.
• What risks casual landlords face and how professional landlords can turn this into an opportunity.

Timestamps

[03:52] - End of Fixed-Term Tenancies

[07:33] - No-Fault Eviction Ban (Section 21)

[09:24] - Rent Increases, Bidding Wars, and Pet Requests

[11:37] - Written Terms, Fees, and Discrimination Rules

[12:24] - Penalties & PRS Database

[15:11] - Decent Homes Standard & Enforcement

[16:19] - What It Means for Tenants and Landlords

[20:13] - Final Thoughts and Advice

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Sarah Blaney Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpropertyandbusiness/  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.blaney.1232
• Instagram: 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/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025

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In this episode, host Sarah Blaney is joined by commercial property surveyor and investor Kirsty Darkins, Founder of KD Commercial who brings over two decades of experience in the commercial space. While others are turning away from retail property and the high street, Kirsty is doing the opposite, uncovering overlooked opportunities in town centres across the UK.

Key Learnings 

• Top performing commercial sectors in 2024
• Ideal characteristics of investable high streets (vacancy, parking, tenant mix)
• Realistic yield expectations and lease structures
• The benefits of small retail units over large ones

[00:00] - Trailer

[03:43] - Kirsty’s background as a commercial surveyor and investor

[10:35] - What is Kirsty’s analysis about the high street?

[20:58] - Top 3 things before investing in high streets. 

[24:14] - Rents difference in long commercial and towns.

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Kirsty Darkins Socials:

• Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/KDCommercial/
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/kirstydarkinscommercial/ 
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/kd-commercial/ 

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 Podcast: 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/@thispropertylife?lang=en 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025

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In the episode of This Property Life, Nick Claydon sits down with the co-host Sarah Blaney to dig into one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in property investing: your gut feeling. From personal stories of financial loss to red-flag characters and dodgy deals, they explore why your subconscious is often smarter than your logic when making crucial decisions.

• Red flags often come disguised as flattery, urgency, or too-good-to-be-true deals.
• Losses aren’t just financial; they often cost mental space, time, and emotional bandwidth.
• Having a strong community helps you solve problems faster and stay grounded.
• It's okay to make mistakes, just don’t make the same one twice.

[01:55] - Gut feeling vs. logical thinking: How the "second brain" protects us

[04:15] - Sarah’s builder disaster: Ignoring instincts and paying the price

[07:20] - Nick’s story of “Nigel”: Flattery, red flags, and a £40k loss

[16:11] - A commercial tenant mistake: When pressure overrides judgment

[22:39] - Join the community: How to connect with like-minded property investors

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Nick Claydon Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-c-651a141a1/ 

Follow Sarah Blaney Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpropertyandbusiness/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.in.property/

Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564457166712&locale=en_GB 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylife?lang=en 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 
• Twitter: https://x.com/propertylifepod 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025

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In this episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney sits down with Jane Scroggs, property investor, business owner, and founder of Beam Virtual Property Support. Jane shares how she built a scalable, remote lettings and property management support business and offers deep insights into when and how investors should start delegating tasks and scaling operations.

• Start thinking about delegation and business structure early in your property journey.
• Don't just hire someone "nice" choose team members with specialized experience.
• The property market is shifting, tenant demand is softening, and regulations are tightening.

[04:05] - When to bring property management in-house

[10:11] - Challenges of delegation and personality dynamics

[14:50] - Self-managing portfolios vs using letting agents

[22:20] - Financial tipping point for switching to in-house

[26:35] - Transitioning from solo operator to team leader

[41:09] - Where to find Jane? 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Jane Scroggs & Company Socials:

• Website: https://www.beam-va.com/ 
• Facebook (company): https://www.facebook.com/beamvirtualpropertysupport/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janescroggsproperty/
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/beam-property-virtual-assistants/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeescroggs/

Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564457166712&locale=en_GB 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylife?lang=en 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 
• Twitter: https://x.com/propertylifepod 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025

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In this episode of This Property Life, hosts Nick Claydon and Sarah Blaney return with another power-packed mini “how-to” session. This time, they get into what happens after an offer is accepted, a stage many new property investors approach with excitement but often mishandle. Nick and Sarah stress the critical importance of keeping the pipeline moving, even once a deal is in progress.

• Don’t stop your deal flow once an offer is accepted, keep your pipeline active.
• Momentum is everything; agents forget you quickly if you disappear.
• Off-market deals can be found through consistent relationship-building with agents.
• Letting agents, auctioneers, and even beauticians can be sources of new properties.

[03:28] - The danger of losing momentum with agents

[08:43] - How to get into agents’ “little black book” of trusted buyers

[14:41] - Guerrilla marketing: Business cards, shop boards, and casual chats

[18:27] - Timeline after offer acceptance: Conveyancing, delays, and planning ahead

[21:18] - What This Property Life community offers behind the podcast

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.

Follow Nick Claydon Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-c-651a141a1/

Follow Sarah Blaney Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpropertyandbusiness/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.in.property/

Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564457166712&locale=en_GB 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylife?lang=en 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg 
• Twitter: https://x.com/propertylifepod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to unlock your Property Investment game in 2025? Grab your FREE copy of our Buy-to-Let market guide today! https://bit.ly/buy-to-let-hotspots-guide-2025

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In this episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney sits down with the dynamic and experienced Susannah Cole, founder of The Good Property Company Ltd. Known for her straight-talking style and strategic mindset, Susannah shares how she built a successful property portfolio in one of the UK's most expensive markets, all while staying close to home and true to her values.

• Why freedom not just profit is at the heart of property success
• The power of starting small but with clarity and purpose
• The importance of volume, KPIs, and pipeline thinking in deal sourcing

[03:28] - Realising the need for financial and time freedom

[08:22] - Building a location-independent lifestyle with digital tools

[16:56] - Operating with integrity and transparency with investors

[22:40] - Using KPIs, follow-up, and staying focused in networking

[34:38] - How to connect with Susannah and her team

Follow Susannah Cole & Company Socials:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/goodpropertycompany 
• Twitter: https://x.com/SusannahColeUK 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusannahColeTGPC/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannahcoleuk/?hl=en 
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/thegoodpropertycompany.co.uk
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-good-property-company-limited
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannahcole 

Follow This Property Life Podcast:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564457166712&locale=en_GB 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylife?lang=en 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel
• Twitter: https://x.com/propertylifepod 

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