Is serviced accommodation a genuine upgrade on buy-to-let in today’s market? Ant sits down with SA operator Phil Saunders to unpack the numbers, the tech stack, and the reality of running SA at scale. From contractor-focused one-beds to 8-bed luxury homes, Phil shares the playbook: how to stabilise income, avoid the “Airbnb death spiral,” win more direct bookings, and navigate UK regulation. Includes a full case study of an 8-bed Grade II farmhouse (bought ~£300k; ~£130k–£140k gross; ~£40k+ net) — plus why adding a hot tub can add ~£40k/yr to revenue.
You’ll learn:
Why SA can deliver 2–3x BTL cashflow (with the same asset)
How to structure operations so it doesn’t become a second job
The two essential systems (channel manager + dynamic pricing)
Direct bookings strategy to keep 15–20% OTA fees in your pocket
Reviews, Superhost status, and safeguarding your listing performance
Regulation in Scotland/Wales/England — threats and opportunities
Market due diligence with AirDNA and why bigger homes can win
Links & Resources:
Phil on LinkedIn: “Phil Saunders”
Email: info@airbnb-masterclass.co.uk
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Is serviced accommodation a genuine upgrade on buy-to-let in today’s market? Ant sits down with SA operator Phil Saunders to unpack the numbers, the tech stack, and the reality of running SA at scale. From contractor-focused one-beds to 8-bed luxury homes, Phil shares the playbook: how to stabilise income, avoid the “Airbnb death spiral,” win more direct bookings, and navigate UK regulation. Includes a full case study of an 8-bed Grade II farmhouse (bought ~£300k; ~£130k–£140k gross; ~£40k+ net) — plus why adding a hot tub can add ~£40k/yr to revenue.
You’ll learn:
Why SA can deliver 2–3x BTL cashflow (with the same asset)
How to structure operations so it doesn’t become a second job
The two essential systems (channel manager + dynamic pricing)
Direct bookings strategy to keep 15–20% OTA fees in your pocket
Reviews, Superhost status, and safeguarding your listing performance
Regulation in Scotland/Wales/England — threats and opportunities
Market due diligence with AirDNA and why bigger homes can win
Links & Resources:
Phil on LinkedIn: “Phil Saunders”
Email: info@airbnb-masterclass.co.uk
EP163: 6 6 things I wish I knew before I started in property with Athena Dobson
Your Property Podcast
51 minutes 40 seconds
6 months ago
EP163: 6 6 things I wish I knew before I started in property with Athena Dobson
In this episode of Your Property Podcast, host Michelle Cairns interviews Athena Dobson, CEO and host of Girls in Property. Athena shares her journey from being a premium travel consultant to becoming a successful property investor. She discusses her experiences with various property strategies, the importance of understanding one's investment goals, and the top 6 lessons learned throughout her journey. Athena emphasises the significance of sharing one's journey, investing in personal development, and the emotional roller coaster that comes with property investment. In this conversation, Athena Dobson shares her insights on property investment, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals, finding accountability partners, and recognising limiting beliefs. She discusses practical strategies for success in the property sector, including the need for a structured approach and the value of community support. The dialogue highlights the significance of personal development and the mindset required to overcome challenges in the journey of property investment.
Links:
Join the Girls in Property Community: https://www.girlsinproperty.co.uk/community
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsinpropertypod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JoUKXrGYa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Your Property Podcast
Is serviced accommodation a genuine upgrade on buy-to-let in today’s market? Ant sits down with SA operator Phil Saunders to unpack the numbers, the tech stack, and the reality of running SA at scale. From contractor-focused one-beds to 8-bed luxury homes, Phil shares the playbook: how to stabilise income, avoid the “Airbnb death spiral,” win more direct bookings, and navigate UK regulation. Includes a full case study of an 8-bed Grade II farmhouse (bought ~£300k; ~£130k–£140k gross; ~£40k+ net) — plus why adding a hot tub can add ~£40k/yr to revenue.
You’ll learn:
Why SA can deliver 2–3x BTL cashflow (with the same asset)
How to structure operations so it doesn’t become a second job
The two essential systems (channel manager + dynamic pricing)
Direct bookings strategy to keep 15–20% OTA fees in your pocket
Reviews, Superhost status, and safeguarding your listing performance
Regulation in Scotland/Wales/England — threats and opportunities
Market due diligence with AirDNA and why bigger homes can win
Links & Resources:
Phil on LinkedIn: “Phil Saunders”
Email: info@airbnb-masterclass.co.uk
