In this packed episode of Your Property Podcast, we sit down with Richie Clapson — one of the UK’s most respected development educators — to break down exactly what every aspiring developer needs to know before tackling larger property projects.
Richie shares the fundamentals of successful development, including why solid education matters, how to navigate the planning system, and how to select the right type of property for your strategy. We dig into the financing pitfalls that catch new developers out, and why building the right team can save you from costly mistakes.
We also go deeper into mindset: overcoming imposter syndrome, thinking like a professional developer, and how having a non-executive adviser can keep your projects on track. Richie finishes with practical guidance on procurement, structuring deals, and managing risk effectively.
If you’re ready to step confidently into property development, this episode is a must-listen.
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
All content for Your Property Podcast is the property of Your Property Network Magazine and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
In this packed episode of Your Property Podcast, we sit down with Richie Clapson — one of the UK’s most respected development educators — to break down exactly what every aspiring developer needs to know before tackling larger property projects.
Richie shares the fundamentals of successful development, including why solid education matters, how to navigate the planning system, and how to select the right type of property for your strategy. We dig into the financing pitfalls that catch new developers out, and why building the right team can save you from costly mistakes.
We also go deeper into mindset: overcoming imposter syndrome, thinking like a professional developer, and how having a non-executive adviser can keep your projects on track. Richie finishes with practical guidance on procurement, structuring deals, and managing risk effectively.
If you’re ready to step confidently into property development, this episode is a must-listen.
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
Your Property Podcast
46 minutes 4 seconds
2 months ago
Ep171: Serviced Accommodation vs Buy-to-Let: Systems, Profit & Pitfalls
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 packed episode of Your Property Podcast, we sit down with Richie Clapson — one of the UK’s most respected development educators — to break down exactly what every aspiring developer needs to know before tackling larger property projects.
Richie shares the fundamentals of successful development, including why solid education matters, how to navigate the planning system, and how to select the right type of property for your strategy. We dig into the financing pitfalls that catch new developers out, and why building the right team can save you from costly mistakes.
We also go deeper into mindset: overcoming imposter syndrome, thinking like a professional developer, and how having a non-executive adviser can keep your projects on track. Richie finishes with practical guidance on procurement, structuring deals, and managing risk effectively.
If you’re ready to step confidently into property development, this episode is a must-listen.
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
