Episodes

  • "Non-Resident Landlord Scheme UK: Are You Paying Too Much Tax?"

    "Non-Resident Landlord Scheme UK: Are You Paying Too Much Tax?"
    Jul 12 2026

    #308

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    7 mins
  • Down Valuations UK: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

    Down Valuations UK: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes
    Jul 8 2026
    #307Picture the scene. It's a Tuesday morning in Hong Kong. March 2023. I'm checking emails and there's one with the subject line: Valuation report attached.My stomach churns — exactly like A-level results day.We'd spent months refurbishing a block of four one-bed flats bought at auction. We needed a specific number from the valuer to move the deal forward. I open the attachment. Scroll straight to the bottom, the way you always do, skipping past the caveats.The figure is £20,000 short of what we needed. Decided by one person. On one visit. On one day. Based on rules I didn't even know existed.That Tuesday morning is the reason for this episode.By the time we get to the end, you're going to understand exactly what happens behind the scenes of a UK property valuation, why valuers make the decisions they make, what red flags to look out for — and I'll share the one top tip that would have stopped that sinking feeling in its tracks.Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWhat We Cover in This EpisodeThis is a solo deep dive, broken into eight sections:1. What a UK Property Valuation Actually Is Most of us throw the word "valuation" around without thinking too hard about what's happening underneath it. When a lender sends out a RICS surveyor, they're protecting their money — not yours. That reframe matters.2. The Two Main Types of Valuation — and Why It Matters Which One You're Getting Bricks and mortar valuations vs commercial (yield-based) valuations. Same property. Completely different methodology. Completely different numbers. And here's the counterintuitive bit: the lower the expected yield, the higher the commercial valuation comes out. Worth remembering.3. The Three Flavours of Down Valuation A "down valuation" isn't one thing. There are at least three distinct types — a straightforward lower number, a retention (money held back until repairs are done), and the nastiest of the lot, a nil valuation. The fix for each one is completely different, so it's worth knowing which you've actually got.4. Why Valuations Matter — and When They Don't Plenty of genuinely good deals with a willing buyer and a willing seller on both sides collapse purely because of one person's opinion on one particular day. But if you're holding for the long term, a down valuation is often just a paper event. Your equity hasn't disappeared — it's just temporarily invisible.5. The Valuer's Perspective (and Why They're Working Inside a Cage) Here's the reframe that changes everything. After the 2008 financial crisis, valuers across the UK quietly adjusted their behaviour — being too generous is the version of being wrong that gets you sued. And lenders dictate exactly which comparables a valuer is allowed to use: sold only, not listed; within a certain radius; within the last six months. A perfectly good comparable just outside that window? Not permitted.Once you understand the cage the valuer is working inside, a lot of down valuations suddenly make a lot more sense.6. Working With Valuers — The Valuation Pack Presentation matters. Richard Nichols, who values HMOs professionally, says you can tell within the first hallway. Martin Smedley (episode 126) walks through the ideal valuation pack in detail — around 20 pages, bullet points, no essays, comparables with clickable links, floor plans, maintenance schedule. You're not just providing evidence. You're demonstrating competence, and valuers respond to that.Gary and Kirsty from Ormad Properties add rental evidence to their packs — viewings booked, Rightmove listings, tenancy agreements in progress — even before a tenancy is signed.(And yes, a cup of Yorkshire tea on the day of the visit doesn't hurt either.)7. The Red Flag: Hybrid Valuations Beware this one. Some so-called commercial valuations are not really commercial valuations at all. The lender takes your gross rent, knocks off a chunk for voids and maintenance, and lands at a number barely different from a standard bricks and mortar valuation — dressed up in commercial language, often costing upwards of £1,000.Whenever you hear "hybrid valuation" in a sales conversation, ask specifically which method is actually being used. The answer is rarely as exciting as the name suggests.8. Valuation Strategy: Reverse Engineer From the Outcome You Need Choose your lender and exit route before you buy — because the lender sets the rules the valuer has to play by, long before anyone walks through the door.And here's my top tip: commission your own independent valuation before the lender sends theirs. Your independent surveyor isn't working for a lender. They know the local area. They're more likely to give you a fair market value. And when the bank's valuer ...
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    25 mins
  • UK Mortgage Rates 2026: Why Swap Rates Say One Thing, Lenders Do Another

    UK Mortgage Rates 2026: Why Swap Rates Say One Thing, Lenders Do Another
    Jul 5 2026
    #306Episode 306 — UK Mortgage Rates 2026: Why Swap Rates Say One Thing, Lenders Do Another (Mortgage Monday with Shaz Ahmed)UK mortgage rates are sending mixed signals in 2026 — and if you're investing in UK property from overseas, the contradiction is worth understanding before you fix your next rate.This month's Mortgage Monday brings Shaz Ahmed of Elan Property Finance back to explain a puzzle: SWAP Rates, the real engine behind mortgage pricing, are quietly climbing.Yet some lenders are cutting rates and fees at the same time.Shaz unpacks why that's happening, and what it tells you about where UK mortgage rates head next.We get into swap rates versus the Bank of England base rate, and why the base rate held at 3.75% isn't the number that actually sets your mortgage.Shaz explains why lenders sitting on a glut of money they need to lend are trimming rates and dropping those eye-watering product fees, even as their own funding costs edge up.We also look at a UK property market where transactions are slowing — purchase activity down 7.6% year on year, and homes taking around 68 days just to get an offer in stronger urban areas, longer elsewhere.And Shaz makes a pointed case against the "wait and see" mentality that's leaving buyers with expired offers and collapsed chains, while affordability and unrealistic seller pricing keep gumming up deals.For overseas investors specifically, we look at expat buy-to-let mortgages, including a lender cutting expat rates, and how Sharia-compliant (Halal) mortgages are structured for foreign investors.Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWhat you'll learn:Why UK swap rates, not the Bank of England base rate, are the real driver of your mortgage rate.How lenders can cut mortgage rates and fees even while swap rates are rising.What falling product fees mean for UK property investors weighing a new deal.Why UK property transactions are slowing, and how long homes are really taking to sell in 2026.The hidden cost of the "wait and see" approach, and why hesitation is losing buyers their deals.What expat buy-to-let mortgage options and Sharia-compliant finance mean for overseas investors.Guest: Shaz Ahmed, founder of Eland Property Finance and host slot "Mortgage Monday" — a UK mortgage and property finance specialist known on Instagram as @whereshaz.If you're a remote investor trying to make sense of UK mortgage rates in 2026, this monthly finance update gives you the real mechanics behind the headlines — so you can decide your next move rather than sit on your hands.KeywordsUK property, UK property finance, UK property market, UK mortgage rates, UK property investment, UK expat property, UK mortgage update, property transactions UK, UK house sales statistics, UK residential mortgages, UK buy to let, expat buy to let mortgages, UK swap rates, UK base rate, UK property affordability, UK property market predictions, UK lender incentives, Sharia compliant mortgages UK, Gatehouse Bank mortgages, Tipton and Coseley expat mortgage, property finance news UK, mortgage fees UK, mortgage incentives UK, property market trends UK, How do swap rates affect UK mortgage rates?, UK expat buy to let mortgage options, Mortgage incentives for expats in the UK, Gatehouse Bank Sharia compliant mortgages for UK property, Middle Eastern investors buying UK property, Average time to sell a house in the UK 2024, UK property affordability issues for first-time buyers, AI in UK property finance and mortgage brokering, Impact of political changes on UK property finance, Expat residential mortgage vs buy to let mortgage UK, Bridging loan incentives for UK rental investors, Lender fee comparison for UK buy to let mortgages, Transaction times for rural vs urban UK property, Effect of Bank of England base rate holds on property, Discount cards for bridging loans UKCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory
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    10 mins
  • UK Property Market 2026: Is Now the Time to Buy? (Economist James Sproule)

    UK Property Market 2026: Is Now the Time to Buy? (Economist James Sproule)
    Jul 1 2026

    #305

    Is now a good time to buy UK property, or should you wait?

    It's the question every overseas investor is asking in 2026 — and this week I put it to James Sproule, a former senior economic advisor at 10 Downing Street who now leads economic forecasting for a UK bank.

    This explores the UK property market outlook, and whether the timing is right to buy.

    James argues the market runs on two numbers most investors overlook — affordability and yield.

    He explains why the gap between property yields and the 10-year gilt yield is the single best signal of whether UK house prices are about to fall, hold, or rise — and why the recent correction in capital values was simple maths, not a landlord exodus.

    We get into whether the UK property crash has already quietly happened, masked by inflation, and why he believes a depressed market can be the savvy overseas investor's best friend.

    And we look at where interest rates and inflation are likely to head over the coming year, and what that means for anyone weighing up a UK purchase from abroad.

    What you'll learn:

    Why affordability and yields are the two numbers that actually drive the UK property market.

    How the gilt-yield-to-property-yield premium tells you when UK house prices are fairly valued.

    Why James believes the UK property crash has already happened — hidden by inflation.

    The Warren Buffett principle applied to UK property, and why current conditions may favour buyers.

    Where UK interest rates and inflation are likely to go, and how that feeds into house prices.

    Why the UK's long-term housing shortage keeps a floor under prices for overseas landlords.

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    Guest: James Sproule, economist, former Senior Economic Advisor to the UK Prime Minister, now head of economic forecasting at a UK bank.

    If you've been wondering whether UK property still stacks up for expat and overseas investors in 2026, this episode gives you the framework to decide — and in Part 2, James turns to the question of exactly where to invest.

    Keywords
    UK property, UK property market, UK property investment, UK housing market, UK property prices, UK property yield, UK property affordability, UK real estate, UK buy-to-let, UK property forecast, UK property trends, UK property crash, UK house prices, property investment UK, investing in UK property, UK rental yield, UK residential property, UK property outlook, UK property values, Is now a good time to buy UK property, UK property market predictions 2024, How to invest in UK property from overseas, Best UK cities for property investment, UK property market analysis podcast, How inflation affects UK property prices, Tracking UK house price data, Comparing UK property yield and gilts, UK property crash explained, How to analyse UK property market, Impact of stamp duty on UK property, Factors affecting UK property prices, Should expats invest in UK property, Where to buy property in the UK in 2024, What drives UK house prices, UK property tax for overseas investors, What is the yield gap in UK property, How affordable is UK housing in 2024, Building a UK property portfolio as an expat, UK property vs government bonds

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    30 mins
  • The Best UK Property Investment in 2026: Flats?

    The Best UK Property Investment in 2026: Flats?
    Jun 28 2026
    #304UK property auctions are seeing a wave of caution following Keir Starmer's resignation Not to mention uncertainty around Andy Burnham's stance on landlords and stamp duty.But according to auction specialist Jay Howard from Hammered Auctions that nervousness is creating one of the best buying windows in years for an unloved asset class: flats.In this month's auction update, the Expat Property Guy and Jay break down why one and two-bedroom flats are sitting unsold at auction despite having no real defects.They also cover why most of the ESW1 cladding issues that scared buyers off for years are now resolved.And why political noise around leasehold reform is masking a genuine opportunity for UK property investors — including expats buying remotely.What you'll learn:Why political uncertainty (Starmer's resignation, Andy Burnham's potential mayoral influence) hit auction activity within 48 hours, while the open market typically lags 6-8 weeks behind.How professional auction traders read short-term weakness as a buying signal, and the 8-12 week capital cycle they typically work to.Why leaseholders are largely unaffected by current Leasehold Reform Act changes, even though freeholders are.The specific signs Jay looks for when judging whether a flat is a genuine bargain or genuinely risky (decent lease terms, resolved ESW1 certification, minimal refurb need).Why long-term buy-and-hold landlords are far less exposed to this volatility than short-term traders or sellers forced into a sale.If you're an expat investor wondering whether now is the time to pick up an undervalued UK flat at auction, this episode lays out exactly what to check before you bid.Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWe discuss:UK Property Auctions React to Keir Starmer Stepping DownImmediate Impact of Political Uncertainty on UK AuctionsSavills and Auction House London Face Tough Auction DaysSpeed of Market Reaction in UK Property AuctionsEstate Agency Market Delays Compared to AuctionsUK Property Investors Show Caution Amidst Political ChangesAndy Burnham’s Property Stance Worries UK LandlordsUnelected Leaders and Lack of Manifesto Increase UK Property UncertaintyInvestor Behaviours Shift in Uncertain UK Property MarketsLong-Term UK Property Investors Less Price SensitiveYield Still Attractive Compared to UK Bank RatesRisk Profile Important for UK Property InvestingUK Property Traders Buy During Market WeaknessTrading Cycles: 8-12 Weeks in UK Property AuctionsEnd User Flats in UK Seen as UndervaluedLeasehold Reform and UK Flats Market ChallengesOpportunities in London Flats: Prices Drop SignificantlyHMOs in UK Hit by Rising Energy CostsCapital Appreciation Potential for UK Flats BuyersAdvice: Watch UK Property Auctions for Hidden OpportunitiesKeywordsUK property, UK property market, UK property auctionsBuying property UK, UK property investment, UK property trends, UK auction market, UK property trading, UK leasehold reforms, Property prices UK, Property investors UK, London property auctions, Auction buying tips UK, Impact of government on UK property, UK landlords, Property market uncertainty UK, Property sellers UK, Flats for sale UK auction, HMO investment UK, UK property yields, How political uncertainty impacts UK property auctions, Why are flats not selling in London auctions, Should I buy property at auction in the UK, Opportunities for property investors in UK auctions, Leasehold reform impact on UK flat prices, What to expect at UK property auctions July 2024, Tips for long-term property investment in the UK, Capital appreciation in London flats 2024, Risks and rewards for UK property traders, HMOs versus flats for UK property investors, Best strategies for selling property in UK auctions, How to join an auction buyers club in the UK, UK auction trading academy reviews, Effect of Andy Burnham on landlord policy UK, Double bank yield with UK property investmentCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory
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    10 mins
  • Why This Yacht Captain Invests in Affordable UK Property from Overseas

    Why This Yacht Captain Invests in Affordable UK Property from Overseas
    Jun 24 2026

    #303

    Do you struggle with the idea of investing in UK property from overseas because of being hundreds or thousands of miles away?

    Well in this episode, you can draw inspiration from someone who’s not quite in the same boat as you, but he’s more than likely in a boat right now.

    Stefhan Malherbe is a South African yacht captain with over 20 years at sea and a passion for UK property.

    He started investing in South Africa, then bought duplexes in Florida and buy‑to‑let houses in the UK.

    In this episode, Stefhan reveals why he prefers to invest in sub 100K UK Buy-to-Let property.

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    We discuss:

    1. Investing in UK Property from Overseas: Common Concerns
    2. Stefan Malherbe Shares His Expat Property Journey
    3. From South Africa to South London: Early Career Moves
    4. Buying and Selling South African Real Estate: Key Lessons
    5. Impact of Currency Fluctuations on Property Investments
    6. Challenges of Investing in Weak Currencies vs UK Property
    7. Learning Property Strategies From US Real Estate Seminars
    8. Small Multifamily Property Investing Explained
    9. Buying a Mobile Home Park: High Return Property Strategy
    10. Management Challenges With Mobile Home Parks vs UK Properties
    11. Transitioning to UK Property Investment: Timeline and Milestones
    12. Buying Residential Property in Guildford, UK
    13. UK Property Refurbishment: Adding Value and Equity
    14. Using Cash-Out Refinance to Fund Buy-to-Let Properties
    15. Outsourcing UK Property Sourcing for Efficient Scale
    16. Comparing North vs South: UK Property Yields and Price
    17. Problems Faced: Tenant Eviction in UK Property
    18. Importance of Rent Guarantee Insurance for UK Landlords
    19. Conveyancing Challenges for Overseas UK Property Buyers
    20. Building a UK Property Portfolio Remotely and Effectively


    Keywords

    UK property, UK property investment, UK property market

    Buy to let UK, UK property investor, UK property portfolio, UK property yields, UK rental property, UK property appreciation, UK house prices, Buying property in the UK, Expat property UK, UK property sourcer, UK property management, UK mortgage for expats, Guildford property market, Investing in Guildford property, Manchester property investment, Best areas to invest in UK property, Investing in UK property as an expat, How to build a UK property portfolio from overseas, Remote investing in UK property, Buy to let yields under £100,000 UK, Managing UK property from abroad, UK property cash out refinance process, Rental demand in Northern UK cities, Best property sourcers for UK expats, Challenges of UK conveyancing for expats, Mortgage options for foreign currency earners in the UK, Renting out your UK home while living overseas, The impact of currency fluctuations on UK property investment, Buy to let property management tips for expats, Pros and cons of UK buy to let for South African investors, Overcoming eviction issues in UK rental property, Comparing UK and US property investment experiences


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    32 mins
  • Buy-to-Lets in Burnley: The Ripple Effect

    Buy-to-Lets in Burnley: The Ripple Effect
    Jun 21 2026

    #302

    If you're looking to buy UK property from overseas, you might want to consider Burnley.

    Once a month I’m joined by Darren McNeill from our sponsors FMP to look back at a deal he sourced for a client 5 years ago.

    This month, we discuss a buy-to-let in Burnley, Lancashire BB11 2LN.

    Darren explains how Burnley has benefited from the Manchester 'ripple effect' and how the outskirts of Burnley are undergoing the same process.

    We revisit the journey of a three-bedroom mid-terrace house purchased for just £60,000.

    We explore its impressive capital growth and rental yields, and dive into the changing landscape of Burnley as an investment hotspot.

    Finnigan McNeill Property specialise in high-yielding turnkey properties in the Northwest for under 125K.

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    We discuss:

    • UK Property deal review: Healywood Road, Burnley
    • Buy to let property bought for £60,000 in 2021
    • UK Property rents projected at £500 per month
    • Current property value estimated at £90,000
    • Five-year capital growth in UK Property highlighted
    • Current rental income now £750 a month
    • Rent increases in UK Property since COVID
    • UK Property average tenancy length under three years
    • More tenant changes in some UK rental properties
    • Burnley UK Property market overview and potential
    • Burnley’s capital growth in UK Property market
    • Government Levelling Up funding boosts Burnley Property
    • University and transport upgrades in Burnley, UK
    • Burnley town centre regeneration for UK Property
    • Effective landlord licensing in Burnley rental market
    • Burnley council’s proactive role in UK rentals
    • Burnley UK Property prices rising post-COVID
    • Average price for 2-bed buy to let in Burnley
    • Comparing two bed vs three bed UK Property
    • Best UK Property investment strategy: numbers-driven approach

    Keywords

    UK property, UK buy to let, UK property investment, Buy to let UK, Property investment UK, Burnley property market, Northwest England property, Greater Manchester property investment, Buy to let Burnley, UK property capital growth, UK rental yields, UK landlord licensing, Turnkey property UK, Expat buy to let UK, FMP property sourcing, UK property regeneration, Buy to let properties under £125,000 in UK, Best areas to invest in property in Burnley, How much does a two bedroom terrace house cost in Burnley, Burnley investment property case study, Average rental yields in Burnley UK, Hands free turnkey property investment UK, Regeneration effects on property values in Northwest England, Impact of landlord licensing in Burnley, Rental demand for two and three bed terraced houses in Burnley, UK government Levelling Up Fund property impact, Expat guide to UK property investment, How to analyse UK property rental spreadsheets

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    10 mins
  • An Insider's Guide to Estimating Refurb Costs Remotely

    An Insider's Guide to Estimating Refurb Costs Remotely
    Jun 17 2026

    #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!

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    We discuss:

    • Estimating UK property refurb costs remotely
    • Tools for UK property investors abroad
    • Refurb calculator for UK property projects
    • Importance of accurate UK property measurements
    • Using floor plans for UK property analysis
    • Verifying builder estimates on UK property refurbs
    • Room by room UK property costing
    • Risks of video tours in UK property investments
    • Hidden costs in UK property refurbishments
    • Free versus paid UK property calculators
    • Selecting crucial measurements for UK property estimates
    • Importance of mechanical and electrical systems in UK property
    • Spotting strategic item placement in UK property video tours
    • Dealing with UK property listings lacking photos
    • Dangers of price per square meter in UK property
    • How to use area data for UK property estimates
    • Impact of regional costing differences in UK property
    • AI in UK property refurb estimating
    • Speed as an advantage in UK property deals
    • Future developments in UK property estimating tools

    Keywords

    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
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    33 mins