In this episode of Your Property Network, Ant is joined by portfolio landlord and full-time property professional Rebecca Alcock, who shares her journey from corporate life as a Chartered Accountant to building a thriving, cash-flowing property business.
Rebecca talks candidly about how she scaled a portfolio of 60 HMO rooms in Sheffield, why stability and predictability have shaped her strategy, and how her focus has evolved from aggressive cash flow to long-term capital appreciation. They explore HMOs vs blocks of flats, working within strict Article 4 areas, raising funds through private investors, and why simpler deals often outperform complex projects in the long run.
The conversation also dives into the realities of leaving a well-paid corporate career, juggling family life, avoiding burnout, building a team, and creating a property business that supports lifestyle freedom — not stress.
Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or considering the leap into property full-time, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest lessons, and real-world perspective.
For more expert conversations, real deal breakdowns, specialist training and ongoing support, check out YPN+ — the low-cost, high-value alternative to expensive property courses. Get the tools, knowledge and community you need to invest with confidence at ypn.plus.
Grab your FREE YPN Toolkit https://bit.ly/ypn-toolkit
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In this episode of Your Property Network, Ant is joined by portfolio landlord and full-time property professional Rebecca Alcock, who shares her journey from corporate life as a Chartered Accountant to building a thriving, cash-flowing property business.
Rebecca talks candidly about how she scaled a portfolio of 60 HMO rooms in Sheffield, why stability and predictability have shaped her strategy, and how her focus has evolved from aggressive cash flow to long-term capital appreciation. They explore HMOs vs blocks of flats, working within strict Article 4 areas, raising funds through private investors, and why simpler deals often outperform complex projects in the long run.
The conversation also dives into the realities of leaving a well-paid corporate career, juggling family life, avoiding burnout, building a team, and creating a property business that supports lifestyle freedom — not stress.
Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or considering the leap into property full-time, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest lessons, and real-world perspective.
For more expert conversations, real deal breakdowns, specialist training and ongoing support, check out YPN+ — the low-cost, high-value alternative to expensive property courses. Get the tools, knowledge and community you need to invest with confidence at ypn.plus.
Grab your FREE YPN Toolkit https://bit.ly/ypn-toolkit
Ep171: Serviced Accommodation vs Buy-to-Let: Systems, Profit & Pitfalls with Phil Saunders
Your Property Podcast
44 minutes 13 seconds
2 months ago
Ep171: Serviced Accommodation vs Buy-to-Let: Systems, Profit & Pitfalls with Phil Saunders
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
Your Property Podcast
In this episode of Your Property Network, Ant is joined by portfolio landlord and full-time property professional Rebecca Alcock, who shares her journey from corporate life as a Chartered Accountant to building a thriving, cash-flowing property business.
Rebecca talks candidly about how she scaled a portfolio of 60 HMO rooms in Sheffield, why stability and predictability have shaped her strategy, and how her focus has evolved from aggressive cash flow to long-term capital appreciation. They explore HMOs vs blocks of flats, working within strict Article 4 areas, raising funds through private investors, and why simpler deals often outperform complex projects in the long run.
The conversation also dives into the realities of leaving a well-paid corporate career, juggling family life, avoiding burnout, building a team, and creating a property business that supports lifestyle freedom — not stress.
Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or considering the leap into property full-time, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest lessons, and real-world perspective.
For more expert conversations, real deal breakdowns, specialist training and ongoing support, check out YPN+ — the low-cost, high-value alternative to expensive property courses. Get the tools, knowledge and community you need to invest with confidence at ypn.plus.
Grab your FREE YPN Toolkit https://bit.ly/ypn-toolkit
