The HMO Success Podcast with Wendy Whittaker-Large – Details, episodes & analysis

Today's episode is very pertinent to the current times. With a snap election just called, and disarray over the Renters Reform Bill (now that it has been shelved) there's a lot of uncertainty around. What if we get a labour government? What will their stance be on tenants and landlords? Will the Conservatives make another stab at a RRB if they win?

My partner to discuss all of these issues is Suzanne Smith - a lawyer turned self-managing landlord with a portfolio of houses in Maidstone, Kent. She came to property investing fairly late when she “retired” as a corporate lawyer at the age of 51, after working for 25 years in senior in-house legal roles for multinational biotech companies.

Suzanne started to share what she was learning as a landlord on her Instagram account, @indie_landlord, with practical reels that also drew on her experience and training as a lawyer. This led to her setting up her blog, The Independent Landlord, in August 2022, which provides reliable, free content on all aspects of being a landlord. It’s grown to be one of the biggest blogs for landlords, with almost 20,000 click throughs on Google each month, and thousands of subscribers to her weekly newsletter.

She co-hosts a new weekly podcast called Good Landlording with Richard Jackson, a landlord with a large portfolio who runs the property management software, Alphaletz. Suzanne is also an independent member of Propertymark’s disciplinary tribunal.

Website and social media links:

The Independent Landlord website: https://theindependentlandlord.com [Please capitalise the “The” when referring to The Independent Landlord] Instagram: @indie_landlord X: @indie_landlord LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannesmithblogger/ Good Landlording podcast website: https://goodlandlording.com Good Landlording on the podcast apps: Spotify, Apple, Amazon

With a wealth of experience spanning various facets of the property industry, Craig Phillips is a seasoned professional renowned for his expertise in property management. As the founder and owner of G8 Property in South Yorkshire, Craig has dedicated nearly a decade to providing exceptional property management services and coaching and mentoring property investors and letting agencies across the country.

Smart Energy Solution, a pioneer in energy efficiency, was founded by Craig Phillips, a former military professional turned HMO landlord and award-winning letting agent. Phillips' extensive experience in the property industry illuminated a significant opportunity in energy management. Recognizing the growing need for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, he innovated TED, a smart energy-saving device, specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by HMO landlords. In this podcast he does a live demonstration which you can see on my Youtube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNoytRBDtQ0KpvEenr067ww TED's remarkable efficiency in reducing energy bills quickly garnered attention, leading to its widespread adoption not only by landlords but also by homeowners and hotels. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Smart Energy Solutions' journey, positioning TED as a versatile and indispensable tool in the quest for energy conservation and sustainability.

To contact Craig: 

01226 664435

www.smartenergysolution.co.uk

I met Paul a few years ago at a property networking event and he has become a firm friend, confidante and amazing supporter! He and his wife Liz set up Property Angels in Leeds a few years ago and rapidly built a strong HMO portfolio, eventually owning and managing over 260 rooms. 

They decided to scale back, pay down debt and consolidate their portfolio when they realised that neither of them were achieving what they wanted to with such a large and occasionally cumbersome portfolio. Since then, Paul has launched his own breakfast networking group in Leeds which he hosts monthly, taken up surfing, and as a family they are keen travellers sharing motorhome life with their daughter, Millie. Their courage to ask what they really want in life and to do it, is a shining example of a lifestyle rather than an empire business. 

Paul is a great advocate of finding what you're good at and doing it well. And letting others do the rest! He shares how he is using his knowledge of investing, money markets and property to ensure that his income and wealth are protected and growing whilst still having an amazing quality of life and lots of fun doing it!

I find Paul inspiring, lovely and insightful and I was so pleased to have him once more as my guest on the HMO Success Podcast. Contact him via his website - https://paullanfear.com/

In this insightful and informative episode of the HMO Success Podcast, Wendy Whittaker-Large, the host, interviews renowned tax-saving expert and chartered accountant, Shaz Nawaz. Drawing on his personal experiences as a property investor and tax specialist, Shaz shares practical recommendations on how to significantly minimize tax liabilities in property investments, from point of purchase through to operation.

Shaz simplifies complex tax scenarios, focusing on capital allowances for property investors, incorporating unique real-world examples. He shares invaluable resources for a deeper understanding of tax allowances and reliefs. The episode delves into a range of tax-related topics such as stamp duty land tax (SDLT) breaks, practical strategies to evade stamp duty land tax, and the benefits of incorporation relief.

Continuing the enlightening discussion, this episode broadens into refinancing strategies, fixed deals, and tax predicaments. It provides an in-depth exploration into a practical case study demonstrating tax-saving mechanisms in the property arena, thereby uncovering the lesser known prospects of property incorporation.

The podcast transitions into detailed, real-world examples demonstrating how capital allowances can drastically decrease future tax liabilities. It discusses the benefits of land remediation relief, especially for asbestos contamination. Beyond this, Shaz shares his experience with negotiating with local councils for rate relief and tips on intelligent business tactics like strategic decision making on property to secure tax benefits.

This episode of the HMO Success Podcast is filled with practical advice and hands-on examples aimed at property investors looking to maximize their investment returns while minimizing their tax liabilities. Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge on tax efficiency strategies for property investment.

To contact Shaz you can email him at   shaz@aa-accountants.co.uk

You can buy his book on Amazon here : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Property-Investors-Tax-Guide-Progressive/dp/1909846678#:~:text=Written%20in%20a%20straightforward%20and,and%20examples%20from%20real%20life.

How the Post Office Scandal has similarities to the HMO Council Tax miscarriage of justice. A discussion!

In this episode of the HMO Success Podcast, Wendy Whittaker-Large delves into the mounting challenges that landlords across the UK face, drawing an insightful correlation between the recent post office scandal and the complexities surrounding HMO and council tax. Addressing the repercussions of systemic disparities and exploring potential resolutions, Wendy dissects the complexities of the system that influence landlords, tenants, and millions of UK residents.

Unravel the correlation between the post office scandal and the impending HMO council tax reform in this riveting session. Discover what led to the government's scramble in 1992 to move on from poll taxes, resulting in the current poorly defined and misunderstood council tax legislation affecting landlords and tenants alike. Understand how systemic miscarriages of justice mirror this scandal.

Through compelling dialogue, Wendy articulates the dire consequences of the flawed system that stifle ordinary citizens, hinder fair representation, and maintain dubious rulings. Emphasizing the urgency of legal aid accessibility for those affected by wrongful decisions, this episode further delves into the unaddressed matter of backdated council taxes.

Drawing parallels between the post office scandal and council tax, the conversations underline the necessity of collective action for systemic change. Highlighting the powerhouse of the HMO Council Tax Reform group, this episode stands testament to their relentless fight for fair representation, reminiscent of the historic Magna Carta.

Ending on an optimistic note, Wendy brings forward affirming updates from the HMO Council Tax Reform Group, showing commitment to righting the system's imbalances and injustices. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about the course for a just system for all those grappling with the complexities of the HMO council tax legal framework.

How a single mum went from broke to being a property multimillionaire! Susie Cole on health, wealth and happiness.

Susannah Cole started in property because she had a problem to solve. As a head of household with two little children, her month and money were only just meeting (and sometimes there was a gap) and she wanted more time with her family rather than having to swap her time for money at work.

She could see property could deliver that, so she set to! She started The Good Property Company in 2011, as a kitchen table start-up. At first the goal was to source deals for investors, work on JV flips and then invest in property for herself and her family, to reach Financial Freedom and get to her personal goal which was more time with her family and loved ones, and the relatively passive money coming in, to not worry about money!

In the first four 1/2 years of being full time in property, The Good Property Company sourced more than 200+ properties, all in Bristol, with a value of over £45 million, at a purchase price of £30 million(before refurb).She was asked by Wendy, who became her first student, to share her simple step-by-step-systems, and since then she has taught thousands of student to flip, deal source, JV, find investors and undertake the journey to get to Financial Freedom, so they can reach their goals, and spend more time with their family and friends, and live life on their terms.She has a fantastic YouTube channel (Susannah Cole / The Good Property Company), and a super helpful website where you can download helpful property checklists and packs, and join her online 60 Day Academies, as well as watch her motivating and helpful property webinars on Deal Sourcing, Flipping, and Investing.

Not bad for a start up!

Since then. life has taken its various turns and Susannah shares candidly about her recent health scares and how she has pulled through with her usual tenacity and wisdom. 

A fantastic guest who shares her enthusiasm for both property and entrepreneurialism, who is not to be missed!

To find out more about Susannah Cole and her company, The Good Property Company ,here are your links:

Website:https://thegoodpropertycompany.co.uk/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGoodPropertyCompanySusannahCole

Insta:https://www.instagram.com/susannahcoleuk

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SusannahColeTGPC

Unlocking the Secrets to HMO Mortgages - Exclusive Interview with a Specialist HMO Mortgage Broker!

Getting access to the right finance before, during and at the end of your project is key to success. Without the right kind of finance and financial advice, you could find yourself haemorrhaging money during the refurb, or leaving too much money in at the end of the project.  Knowing when to execute the re-finance, along with the characteristics that make a feasible project for pulling all your money out is the specialism of my guest today. 

As a Specialist Property Finance Broker, Henry Barley from Advocate Finance has helped us multiple times to get the right finance for our HMO and development projects and also for many of my clients. He knows masses about HMOs and in particular the wide range of products that are available for you if you're creating HMOs.

To contact Advocate call 01206 544333 or go to their website www.advocatefinance.co.uk Address: Office 5 Aster House, Lanswood Park Business Centre Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7FD

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If you would like to reserve your space on one of my upcoming events (HMO Discovery in Birmingham or London) please email me at wendy@wendywl.uk and I will send you the link to book and pay for your special place. 

At just £99 +vat for a full day's interactive training, complete with refreshments, lunch and loads of tips, tricks and tools, you'll have an amazing day and get 2024 HMO investing off with a bang!

The Top 10 HMO Mistakes not to make in 2024!

Avoiding problems is just as important to success as having results. In this episode I go over the top 10 mistakes that I often see HMO investors make and how and why they happen.  Whether you are a seasoned investor or you are just getting started, I'm convinced that these top 10 mistakes can be avoided, which could be vital to your progress. 

Over the years I've been investing, I've seen HMO businesses come and go, and the ones that last the course seem to be able to incorporate these lessons effectively year after year. 

Please leave me a quick review on Apple Podcasts  or Spotify if you find this episode useful. Share, like and comment!

Got any questions? Please get in touch via wendy@wendywl.uk (I answer all emails personally). 

If you want to join my 1-2-1 mentoring program, you can enquire here.

New to HMOs? Come along to my HMO Discovery Day where you'll learn my unique 5 Step System to creating a profitable HMO portfolio. Just email me for more details!

Why I don't set goals and I don't think you should either - Episode 106

This is an outrageous claim Wendy! What do you mean, you don't set goals and you don't think I should either?!

Well, simply put - because, just like New Year's Resolutions, they often don't work! Instead, I use a simple action based planning system that helps me get into an excellent routine early in the year. And then I stick to it throughout the year. I have an accountability buddy who holds me to account and I track my activities each and every week this way. 

It creates a routine, a system and embeds useful habits. All of which enable me to run a healthy, harmonious home and business. 

Listen now to hear what I do, and get in touch if you would like to know more!

Wishing you an amazing 2024 and a very Happy New Year!

from Wendy xxx

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Why You Need a Five Step System to Create a Successful Portfolio of HMOs

A SYSTEM saves you stress, time, energy and money. 

1. It tells you what to do and when. Most people when they’re learning something new benefit from learning from others who have already been there and done it. If you’re trying to copy and paste an income generating model you don’t need to create it from scratch. You can copy what others have done and improve it or adapt it to fit your situation. Smaller HMOs, larger HMOs, more attractive HMOs, better internally designed HMOs. 
2. Two of the biggest mistakes I see are people waiting to start, or failing to plan - both lead to disaster. Both are risk. With a plan you have actionable steps that help you plot out your course. Easy to get lost and hard if you don’t have a map
3. Remember you are implementing not just learning. You need to learn and implement concurrently - simultaneously. With a five step system you know where you are on the journey and what you need to do to take your next step. You want to put this into practice which means making it happen. Time, energy and money. 
4. It avoids overwhelm and it avoids procrastination
5. It makes it easy - not simple, but easy. Would you attempt to cook something complicated without a recipe? I wouldn’t! Getting each aspect right is key - from ingredients to timings to temperature. 

HMOs are the same - legislation, regulations, housing standards, design, location, processes for managing, scaling up; a recipe for success. 

A tried and tested recipe is a recipe for success not disaster. 

This is my Five Step System:

1. Find it
2. Fund It 
3. Finish It
4. Fill It
5. Future proof it

All steps lead neatly from one to another

Each is perfectly worked out. 

I’ve written 2 books about my system, and I have learnt from my actions and taking risks and making mistakes so you don’t have to. 

I’ve raised £ millions  from investors to grow my portfolio and you can learn how to do this too in the Fund it section of the system. 

I’m running a Discovery Day 27th Jan in Bham and 24th Feb in London -

The investment is just £99 plus vat

Please email me on wendy@hmosuccecss.co.uk to express an interest and you’ll get my very special and unique 16 Weeks to Success Action Plan for coming along - absolutely free.