ZEN Properties Podcast

After a two-month break, Mac and Maggie are back with a big announcement: ZEN Stays is now managing short-let and serviced accommodation properties for other owners. First, a full property update. The Mawsley lease split has now cost £28K in legals. The Cotswolds project, filmed for Homes Under the Hammer, came in at a £1.35M valuation against the £1.2M we'd budgeted for, and Swadlincote is finally getting started. We're also honest about debt: why bridging finance nearly broke us, what it really costs in fees, and why we're shifting towards a service-based business. Then we get into the real pain points of running short lets yourself: guest messages that never stop, weekend breakdowns, refunds that wipe out your margin, parties, neighbours, and the hardest part of all, finding reliable cleaners. We explain how we handle each one after nearly 3,000 stays with a 4.9 rating. If you own a quality property and want someone to take the hassle off your hands, this one's for you.

Ben Richards — Masters degree in Architectural Engineering, founder of Aura Architecture & Interiors, and co-host of the XP Property Podcast — joins us to break down what great design actually does for your numbers.   What we cover: What most SME developers still get wrong about architects and design The fundamentals that never change, no matter the scale of the project Exactly how Aura works with clients — from brief to build Whether premium design and interiors genuinely moves GDV, and by how much How to select finishes — and how to avoid the "expensive reno, boring result" trap A real-world cost and timeline breakdown: rear extension, skylights, kitchen, interiors What Ben has learned from XP Property Podcast guests that changed how he operates What UK developers should actually be paying attention to right now   Our companies: ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate   Sponsorship: This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties. We develop and convert property across the UK. Investors earn 10-15% annual, asset-backed. Find out more: zenproperties.uk

We turned a derelict cottage into a high-end holiday let — and the numbers might surprise you.   What we cover: • Full acquisition breakdown (£543k purchase) • Build cost reality (£430k+ SOW) • Finance costs over 10–12 months • Total project cost: £1.15m+ • Conservative vs expected exit scenarios • 75% LTV refinance strategy • £36k–£42k annual net profit projections • 13.5% vs 29% yield explained • What nearly went wrong • Why design and positioning change everything   Our companies: ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate   Sponsorship: This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties. We develop and convert property across the UK. Investors earn 10-15% annual, asset-backed. Find out more: zenproperties.uk

Most HMOs are average. Central Suites aren't. In this episode, Jack and Rob break down how they build design-led co-living homes that young professionals actually choose — and how they scale without chaos.   What we cover: What Central Suites really is (beyond "just HMOs") The brutal lessons from their first property How they split roles and run multiple businesses The exact tenant profile they target — and who they avoid What actually makes tenants stay longer How they stage rooms to outperform the local market Pricing strategy: why they charge more and still fill fast Their full HMO launch process: buy → finance → planning → compliance → build → operate Arrears, evictions and early red flags Whether HMOs are still worth it in 2026   Our companies: ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate   Sponsorship: This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties. We develop and convert property across the UK. Investors earn 10-15% annual, asset-backed. Find out more: zenproperties.uk

This episode is a no-BS portfolio and business update — what's working, what's breaking, and what we're changing going into 2026.   What we cover: Real portfolio updates from Mawsley, Cotswolds and Swadlincote What actually rents fast vs what looks good on paper Lessons from being £70k over budget (and how it could've been avoided) Why we're restructuring our serviced accommodation businesses ZEN Management: what it is and why we're launching it Why New Year's resolutions are mostly a lie — and what to do instead Reducing expensive debt without killing momentum Getting clarity on A&L, P&L and forecasts (without accountant shock) Systemising businesses so they run without you Outsourcing when you think you can't afford to How we're planning to retain more assets and finish more projects   Our companies: ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate   Sponsorship: This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties. We develop and convert property across the UK. Investors earn 10-15% annual, asset-backed. Find out more: zenproperties.uk

Most property projects don't fail on bricks and mortar — they fail on compliance, energy performance, and details developers underestimate.   In this episode, we sit down with Productive Energy founder Nate to demystify SAP, EPCs, ventilation, airtightness, and sound testing — and show you how to get them right first time.   What we cover: What SAP assessments really are — and why they matter more than most developers think The biggest EPC killers in refurbishments, HMOs, and conversions SAP Design vs SAP As-Built (and why missing documents can cost you money) Easy, low-cost upgrades that have the biggest EPC impact Ventilation mistakes that lead to mould, complaints, and failed inspections Airtightness tests explained simply (and how not to overdo it) Why sound tests fail — and proven acoustic build-ups that pass What's unique (and risky) about commercial-to-residential compliance How poor early design decisions massively increase costs later How to avoid retests, delays, and Building Control nightmares The paperwork every developer must collect during a project The biggest EPC myths developers still believe   Our companies: ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation & property management ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate   Sponsorship: This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties. We develop and convert property across the UK. Investors earn 10-15% annual, asset-backed. Find out more: zenproperties.uk

PD conversions are heating up. Ben Richards & Jack Jiggens from XP Property explain how they've used Permitted Development to deliver £100m+ worth of projects — covering sourcing, finance, development, exits, and the future of PD in the UK.

Learn how to take professional, high-impact real estate photos without hiring a photographer. This practical 2025 guide covers gear, settings, HDR bracketing, composition rules, editing workflow, and everything you need to produce magazine-worthy images that boost bookings, valuations, and sales.

What makes more sense - contractors SA or high end SA? Should you make your SA unit profitable enough without overinvesting, launch fast, keep simple VAT structure and move on to the next project or should you create stronger cashflow per unit by spending more time and money on reconfiguring, finishes and amenities at the expense of having more demanding guests and complicated company structure? Join our discussion with Ed from Hinkley Homes to see what strategy would be better for you!

I'll focus on my business when my kids are older. Now it's not a good time. BULLSHIT! Cut the excuses. You can build your business having kids, babies, cats and no one outside your closest family bubble supporting you.