Expat Property Story – Details, episodes & analysis

Is it really possible to make that much money in such a relatively short space of time? 

It can definitely be done, but to do it like this week’s guest, Oliver Adams, you’ll need knowledge, experience as well as the right mindset. 

And you’ll have to work like a Trojan.

And, if you listen till the end, you’ll see how things can really unravel when misfortunes and disasters compound.

You won't want to miss this one!

In the episode, we discuss:

• Details on first property trade 
• Balancing profitable, break-even, and loss-making deals
• Handling periods of higher loss ratios
• A typical deal
• Seller motivations
• Pricing negotiations based on quick cash offers and the seller’s emotional state
• Process from Acquisition to Sale
• Hands-on approach: self-performing initial property clear-outs, cleaning & minor maintenance
• Gradual shift to contracting out more tasks to save time 
• Sales Strategy/Auction Tactics
• Preference for quick 2-week completions: smaller profits for faster capital recycling
• Low reserve prices to stimulate interest
• Trade-offs between profit maximization and deal volume
• Valuation Approach and Market Analysis
• EIG (Essential Information Group) and Rightmove
• Strict eight-week cycle for turnover
• Opinion on limited value of data
• Auction outcome variation 
• On-market Vs off-market / Seller psychology
• Deal Sourcing Strategies
• Mindset
• The shift from hands-on control to leveraging contractors for efficiency and global flexibility
• Recommendations for expats or remote investors: 
• Recovering / Learning from Failure
• Example of a high-loss deal: compounding misfortunes
• The emotional and strategic process of recovery: analyzing what went wrong, learning (e.g., construction type, local sentiment), and mentally moving on
• The psychological need to keep trading and not let losses inhibit future risk-taking

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Where to meet Expat Property Investors (For FREE):

Hong Kong: Pacific Coffee, 2/F, Central Building, Central (1st Sat of month from 11:30 am)

Dubai: Holiday Inn, Science Park (1st Weds of month from 7pm)

Singapore: The Providore VivoCity (1st Sat of month  from 10:30 am)

Keywords

volume property trading, UK property auctions, remote property investing, expat property investment, property flipping, property sourcers, off-market deals, auction reserve prices, risk management in property, mindset for investors, property refurbishments, bridging finance, property trading companies, stamp duty exemptions, due diligence, market value assessment, property profit margins, loss recovery strategies, seller sentiment, auction completion times, portfolio growth, subcontracting property work, property clearance, motivated sellers, non-standard construction, auction buyer psychology, sourcing property leads, estate agent valuations, property trading business model

#213

In this episode, we look at seven reasons why you might want to pick Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), and seven reasons why you might choose Standard Buy to Lets as your strategy.

By the end of the episode, you can come to your own conclusion as to which is best for you.

Reasons to Choose HMOs

• Higher Yields
  • Main reason for choosing HMOs
  • Potential income comparison with Single Lets
• Demand
  • Supply vs. demand in the HMO market
  • Factors contributing to demand: rising property prices, energy costs, population changes
• Niche Opportunities
  • Target tenant types: students, professionals, medical students, etc.
  • Social housing and supported living HMOs
• Replacing Your Income
  • Motivations for choosing HMOs over secure jobs
  • Financial aspirations and goals
• Reducing Risk of Voids
  • Comparison of void risks between HMOs and Single Lets
• Commercial Valuations
  • Explanation of valuation differences between residential and commercial
  • Importance of working with knowledgeable brokers
• Cash Flow
  • Importance of cash flow in real estate investments

Reasons to Choose Single Lets

• Simplicity
  • Easier management and less conflict
  • Simpler tenant management
  • Broader market for selling properties
• Good for Beginners
  • Less stress and complexity for first-time investors
• Lower Risk
  • Risks associated with HMOs compared to Single Lets
• Finance
  • Lower lending costs
  • Management costs and property maintenance
• Time Efficiency
  • Less time needed for buying, refurbishing, and tenant management
• Less Market Volatility
  • Fewer fluctuations affecting Single Lets
• Capital Growth
  • Characteristics of properties that appreciate over time

I'd Like Help With Setting My Goals

Leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
Join our Mailing List to join our WhatsApp  group AND access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist AND our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction AND our  Newsletter
Follow Us on Instagram
What's the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

Where to meet Expat Property Investors (For FREE):

Hong Kong: Pacific Coffee, 2/F, Central Building, Central (1st Sat of month from 11:30 am)

Dubai: Holiday Inn, Science Park (1st Weds of month from 7pm)

Singapore: The Providore VivoCity (1st Sat of month  from 10:30 am)

Keywords

Single Lets, HMOs, UK property investment, remote investor, higher yields, property strategy, rental income, demand and supply, housing market, property investor, rental properties, English Housing Survey, property prices, single tenant, property management, cash flow, income replacement, market volatility, capital growth, property finance, risk management, real estate investment, property appreciation, UK housing ladder, residential property, commercial valuation, property portfolio, remote property management, buy to let.

#204

Bricks and mortar don’t come cheap. 

Your own funds can only take you so far. 

I’m sure you’ve heard lots of people talking about working with private investors.

But how do you go about finding them. 

In a nutshell, you need to market yourself. 

In this week’s show, we’re joined by Louise Jowsey.

Louise has over 20 years' marketing experience gained in real estate, financial services, media and retail sectors so she’s well placed and qualified to provide strategic AND tactical Marketing for small, ambitious property businesses.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 3 key traits needed for successful marketing: Customer-centric, Consistency, and Clarity

• The importance of understanding your target audience 

• How to identify your customer base by examining your own background, strengths, and story

• The significance of listening to potential clients to understand their pain points and needs

• The need for consistency in marketing efforts 

• Messaging frameworks in marketing (typically 8-10 core messages)

• Compliance when marketing to private investors, especially regarding FCA regulations

• The concept of brand archetypes based on 12 core human desires

• How to use AI tools like ChatGPT effectively by incorporating brand strategy and tone of voice

• The importance of aligning personal and business brands for authenticity

• The "11-7-4 rule" for building trust (11 hours, 7 separate occasions, 4 different places)

• Louise's background in education and her charitable work in Cambodia

• How to develop a distinct tone of voice that matches your brand values and target audience

Louise's Charity in Cambodia

The 12 Brand Archetypes

I'd Like Help With Setting My Goals

Leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
Join our Mailing List to join our WhatsApp  group AND access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist AND our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction AND our  Newsletter
Follow Us on Instagram
What's the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

Where to meet Expat Property Investors (For FREE):

Hong Kong: Pacific Coffee, 2/F, Central Building, Central (1st Sat of month from 11:30 am)

Dubai: Holiday Inn, Science Park (1st Weds of month from 7pm)

Singapore: The Providore VivoCity (1st Sat of month  from 10:30 am)

Keywords

UK property resource, property investors, private investors, marketing campaign, customer centric, consistency, clarity, direct to vendor marketing, customer insights, niche marketing, target audience, customer avatar, pain points, customer needs, customer goals, marketing strategy, features and benefits, tone of voice, brand archetypes, messaging framework, social media engagement, property portfolio growth, financial services compliance, FCA compliance, AI tools, Chat GPT, marketing training program, customer research, business strengths, networking events.

#114

This is a fascinating episode of Expat Property Story! 

Wealth Dynamics is a profiling tool for entrepreneurs to understand their ‘flow’, which is when you’re happiest, or in your element.

By understanding your profile, it will show you which profile you should take on as your first hires when expanding your business, or how to understand and work with other profiles.

Sally Cope is a coach who specialises in analysing and de-briefing Wealth Dynamic profiles and in this episode, she delves into my test results.

During the episode, we discuss:

·       The 8 different Personality Profiles (Creator; Star; Supporter; Dealmaker; Trader; Accumulator; Lord; and Mechanic)

·       Need for team-building and diverse profiles within a team

·       Impact of wealth frequencies on behavior and interactions

·       How certain nationalities lean towards certain energies (Dynamo, Blaze, Tempo & Steel)

·       Importance of working in line with natural inclinations and strengths

·       Seeking help for areas where one is not proficient

·       Teen Dynamics and Career Paths

Sally also picks her three ideal housemates in our current fun feature, ‘My Mini Mo’.

The Wealth Dynamics Chart

We typically work with time poor professionals get a good return on their money by investing with us. To schedule a call to discuss

Sally Cope on LinkedIn

 To Join our Mailing List to access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist; our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction and our Monthly Newsletter
To Follow the Show on Instagram
To leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
To tell us the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

As a reminder, here are the details of where to meet other Expat Property Investors (For FREE!!!):

Hong Kong: The Urban Bakery in the Landmark Building in Central on the first Saturday of each month (Saturday S6th October, 2023) from 11:30 am

Dubai: Holiday Inn, Science Park on the first Wednesday of each month (Wednesday 4th October, 2023) from 7pm

Singapore: The Providore at VivoCity on the first Saturday of each month (Saturday 6th October, 2023) from 10:30 am

 Keywords:
Wealth Dynamics, personality test, career interests, future aspirations, estate agents, relationships, property market, hiring, personal development, flow, strengths, Belgrade, listener location, reviews, profiles, team building, wealth frequencies, dynamo, blaze, tempo, steel, psychometric tests, social interactions, VAs, Philippines, Expat Property Guy, team-building, business, dealmaker, cultural traits, multicultural influences, teen dynamics

#113

You pay your buildings insurance every year.

But are you certain that your UK property portfolio is sufficiently, efficiently and practically insured? 

In fact, are you sure it’s effectively insured at all?

In this episode, Josh Munt and John Cox from Insurance Desk are here to talk us through the most common mistakes they see from UK property investors.

We cover (pun intended!) everything you need to know and some things you don’t need to know about buildings insurance for your UK property portfolio.

It’s not the sexiest episode, but it’s one of the most important!

During the episode, we discuss:

• Determining Reinstatement or Rebuild Value
• Differences between market value and rebuild value.
• Risks of being underinsured.
• Tips for time-poor investors when checking their policies.
• How to save money
• Post-Brexit changes for non-UK residents' insurance coverage
• Role of loss adjusters in assessing claims and potential biases
• The role of managing agents in maintaining your cover 
• Why you should use a broker.

We typically work with time poor professionals get a good return on their money by investing with us. To schedule a call to discuss

To Join our Mailing List to access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist; our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction and our Monthly Newsletter
To Follow the Show on Instagram
To leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
To tell us the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

john@insurance-desk.com
josh@insurance-desk.com

As a reminder, here are the details of where to meet other Expat Property Investors (For FREE!!!):

Hong Kong: The Urban Bakery in the Landmark Building in Central on the first Saturday of each month (Saturday S6th October, 2023) from 11:30 am

Dubai: Holiday Inn, Science Park on the first Wednesday of each month (Wednesday 4th October, 2023) from 7pm

Singapore: The Providore at VivoCity on the first Saturday of each month (Saturday 6th October, 2023) from 10:30 am

 Keywords:
short term accommodation, builders, spacious shower cubicle, clerical contractors, student HMOs, bicycle storage, serving others, Council Bluffs, Iowa, challenges, expat property story, estimating costs, builder assessment, desired end result, quality level, buying based on one item, aesthetics, flooring, ceiling, colors, lighting, artwork, furniture, view outside, meetups, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, 4 bed mini mos, housemates, serviced accommodation, design elements, HMO management, 

#112

80% of property businesses don’t realise what they set out to achieve. 

One reason for this is because they follow the herd by chasing money rather than customer satisfaction.

As a result, they don’t create products that stand the test of time.

Julian Maurice of Icon Living has been a lettings agent, estate agent, project manager and plumber and DJ!

But he is best known as a designer.

In this episode, he reveals why design is so much more than aesthetics, why simplicity is important, and functionality is paramount.

If you want to know how to maximise your rental income not just for today but in five, ten and fifteen years in the future, then listen now. 

 During the episode, we discuss:

·      Dieter Ram’s Principles of Design

·      Warren Buffet’s 

·      Functionality over aesthetics

·      How good design can future proof your property business

Why The Majority Are Always Wrong
To Join our Mailing List to access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist; our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction and our Monthly Newsletter
To Follow the Show on Instagram
To leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
To tell us the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

Keywords
short term accommodation, builders, spacious shower cubicle, clerical contractors, student HMOs, bicycle storage, serving others, Council Bluffs, Iowa, challenges, expat property story, estimating costs, builder assessment, desired end result, quality level, buying based on one item, aesthetics, flooring, ceiling, colors, lighting, artwork, furniture, view outside, meetups, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, 4 bed mini mos, housemates, serviced accommodation, design elements, HMO management, Dieter Rams, durability, smaller HMOs, profitability, deferred gratification, leverage in property market, ROI, remortgaging, loan-to-value ratios, rents, sale of property, bad tenants, operational requirements, perception of landlords, good design, functionality, tenant turnover, repeat bookings, durability, future-proofing, end user experience, ROI calculation, contractor categorization, dirty work, clean work, cleaning challenges, choice of materials, Expat Property Story podcast.

#111

In Episode 107, we released a Seven Step guide to Building an Expat UK Property Portfolio

In this episode, Bahrain expat Rachel Wellbelove of Flex Homes takes us through her expat property story in reference to the seven steps which are:

Building your knowledge

Working out your Future Plans

Funding

Choosing a location

Choosing who to work with and who to trust

Building a network 

Taking Action

During the episode, we also discuss:

·      How Rachel used her SSAS pension to fund her UK property portfolio

·      The importance of due diligence when deciding who to work with

·      The pros and cons of ‘niching down’ on one particular business model versus diversification

 To Join our Mailing List to access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist; our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction and our Monthly Newsletter
To Follow the Show on Instagram
To leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
To tell us the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

Keywords:
SAAS, Self-Invested Personal Pension, loan back arrangement, limited company, property, rules and regulations, capital, interest, commercial property, children's care home, joint venture, UK property portfolio, expat, 7 step process, action, network, goals, objectives, business model, diversify, niching down, geographical location, Squamish, The Alpinist, investing, podcast, blog, secondary schools, northeast, tax efficiency, due diligence, Companies House, testimonials, Margaret Thatcher, Princess Anne, fear, decision-making, heart failure, consultant, retire, travel, slates, SA, HMO, student lets, lending levels

#110

One of the most challenging aspects of buying UK property from abroad is sourcing deals.

Chris Dowty is the CEO of Sourcing Investments, a platform connecting investors and UK sourcing agents.

This episode will give you a better understanding of how to deal with UK sourcing agents.

Listen to understand the importance of YOU taking control of your investments and not blindly accepting recommendations without verifying them independently.

During the episode, we discuss:

·      Key Questions to Ask About a Deal Involving a Sourcing Agent

·      Compliance for sourcing agents

·      Importance of Personal Due Diligence in Property Investment

·      The Need for Investors to Follow Through on Commitments

·      What makes a good UK sourcing agent

·      The importance of a thorough tenant referencing process

To Join our Mailing List to access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist; our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction and our Monthly Newsletter
To Follow the Show on Instagram
To leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
To tell us the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

Keywords:
sourcing properties, transforming properties, student market, cost of project, duration of project, salary, benefit, turnkey providers, compliance vault, revenue-generating activities, background check, investors, capital, financing, commitment, discounts, sellers, desperate seller, special source, changes to system, relevant information, accountability, standardized ROI, loan to value, interest rate, rental income, worst case scenarios, pensions, investment manager, deal analysis, comparables, compliance, proof of funds, proof of ID.

#109

This episode is a must-listen cautionary tale for time-poor expats, overseas investors and anyone else tempted by off-plan developments in the UK.

Christina Campion and her husband thought they’d bagged a bargain when they invested in the swankiest apartment on the top floor of new development overlooking a beautiful park in the centre of Preston.

But all that glitters is not gold. When they visited the property for the first time, the layout of the flat was totally different from what they’d been promised. 

And what should have been a warm insulated roof was a cold slab of concrete but had nonetheless been signed off by the approved inspector.

Their tenants were literally frozen out as icy winds howled in through gaps in the extractor fan and utility bills went literally through the uninsulated roof.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Christina's story also highlights the power of taking action, and putting the pressure on developers to make necessary repairs and improvements. She shares valuable lessons learned and offers practical advice for listeners considering similar investments.

This episode covers:

• The importance of having a good solicitor
• The dangers of putting down more than 10% deposit
• Private Building Control companies
• The dangers of leasehold properties
• The difficulty of getting a mortgage on an off-plan new build development
• Developers selling the freehold of a building to a 3rd party

To Schedule a Zoom Call to Discuss Win-Win Opportunities
To Join our Mailing List to access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist; our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction and our Monthly Newsletter
Easthams & Co Residential Lettings
Episode #7: Like Clockwork featuring Helen Godbold-Eade
To Follow the Show on Instagram
To leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
To tell us the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

Keywords:
pre-purchase evaluation, Eswatini, Swaziland, investment options, Christina Campion, off-plan property investment, new-build developments, expats, overseas investors, salespeople, good investment, bad experience, diligence, ethics, approved inspectors, building regulations, insulation, warm insulated roof, council building control, enforcement notice, mold spores, dampness, chaotic construction site, additional payment, long stop dates, fire certificate, developer's reputation, water pouring, managing company, lifts breaking down, emergency phone line

#108 

To be a successful UK Property Investor you need to be buying in areas with good employment prospects, expected population growth and solid infrastructure.

Preston ticks all those boxes. 

Local employers include British Aerospace, Amazon and Lancashire County Council  not to mentionthe development of the Cyber Warfare Centre bringing 5,000 new jobs to the area, Preston is booming.

But deciding on an area is only half the battle when investing remotely. You have to find a good letting agent to manage your investment.

Matt Eastham runs Easthams & Co Residential Lettings. Matt is a passionate investor who believes in the power of sharing knowledge. 

Rather than charging sourcing fees or trying to make a profit, Matt is committed to helping others by freely sharing his expertise.

He knows that if he provides good local knowledge for overseas investors, they will want him to manage the property on their behalf.

Matt represents a good case for reverse engineering the property investment process by starting with a letting agent.

During the episode, we discuss:

• Dodgy new build off-plan development
• Why Preston is booming!
• Serviced Accommodation opportunities in Preston
• The types of property in high demand
• What questions to ask your lettings agent
• The importance of a thorough tenant referencing process

To Join our Mailing List to access our 37 Question Due Diligence Checklist; our 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at Auction and our Monthly Newsletter
Easthams & Co Residential Lettings
Episode #7: Like Clockwork featuring Helen Godbold-Eade
To Follow the Show on Instagram
To leave an honest review of Expat Property Story
To tell us the one thing you’re struggling with in UK property

Keywords:
trustworthy independent local agent, property investing, due diligence, financial loss, house purchase, bad tenants, capital appreciation, single lets, serviced accommodation, yield, capital growth, target market, precedents, regeneration, inward migration, terraced properties, location, maintenance, slush fund, housing demand, cyber warfare center, contractors, lettings agents, tenant referencing, property prices, rebalancing, National Cyber Force, mailing list, freebies, Matt Eastham.