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This Property Life Podcast

This Property Life Podcast

Written by: This Property Life
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About this listen

 This Property Life is the podcast that cuts through the noise in the property world.

Hosted by Sarah and Nick, we share honest conversations, real-life stories, and practical insights from active investors across the UK. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, you'll find inspiration, knowledge and community here—without the hype.

🎙️Weekly episodes

🏘️ Real investors, real journeys

💡 Actionable tips for every stage of your property journey



Want to connect with other investors in real life? Join the Community

Join our growing community with regular in-person & online networking events and exclusive online support. Find out more at www.thispropertylife.co.uk

The world of property investing can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also feel lonely, confusing, and overwhelming at times. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your journey, you’ve probably had moments where you wished you had someone to ask, a sounding board, or a place to stay informed and inspired.

That’s exactly why we created the This Property Life Community.



What Is the This Property Life Community?

It’s more than just a network. This is a space built by property investors, for property investors. A supportive, non-hypey, real-world community designed to help you grow your knowledge, connections, and confidence in all things property.


1. Monthly Online Meets, Networking and Expert-Led Content

Every month, join live networking featuring:

  • Market updates, compliance, finance & what you MUST know as an investor
  • Real investor case studies breaking down what’s working now
  • Deep dives into trends impacting property
  • Specialist panel guests leading networking rooms
  • Open Q&A sessions where you can ask your burning questions
  • Business Networking, success is a team sport.

Miss a network session? All sessions are recorded so you can watch on your schedule.



2. In-Person Networking Events

Discounted Membership ticket prices for in person events.

Meet the team and fellow investors face-to-face and do business with each other, help & inspire each other. These events feature:

  • Inspiring guest speakers on topics like HMOs, finance, marketing, and development
  • Ample time to build authentic relationships with like-minded people

No sales pitches — just genuine networking in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Locations alternate between the north and south.


3. Exclusive WhatsApp Community

Stay connected and supported 24/7 in our private WhatsApp group:

  • Ask quick questions and get advice from peers and hosts
  • Share wins and challenges for encouragement and insight



4. Member-Only Content Hub

Access a growing library of premium content, including:

  • Video recordings of all Zoom calls and past events
  • Bonus interviews and masterclasses with property experts



Special Membership Offer

Try the TPL Community FREE for 2 months with no obligation. Experience all these benefits firsthand, including access to live Zoom calls, the WhatsApp group, the content hub, and an invitation to our next in-person event. After your free trial, membership continues at just £35 per month — cancel anytime, no contracts, no fuss.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes
  • This Mum Balances a Demanding Job, Autism Parenting, and Passive Property Income with Esther Smith

    This Mum Balances a Demanding Job, Autism Parenting, and Passive Property Income with Esther Smith
    Jan 7 2026
    Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership——————————————————————In this episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney speaks with Esther Smith, a successful property investor, corporate contractor, and busy parent. Together with her husband Mark, Esther has built a portfolio of HMOs leased to supported living providers such as Serco. The conversation explores how to strategically balance property investing with a demanding career and family life, and dives into the practicalities and pitfalls of the supported housing model.Esther Smith is a contractor in the corporate world and a mother of young children, one of whom has autism. Esther brings a realistic, no-frills perspective to property investing, blending analytical skills, financial forecasting, and an acute awareness of social needs to build a portfolio with both purpose and profit.What You'll Learn:Why supported living HMOs can be a smart long-term investment strategyThe real timelines and work involved before a property begins cash flowingHow to manage property investing alongside a demanding job and family lifeTips on working with providers like Serco and handling bureaucratic challengesThe importance of aligning investment strategies with personal and family goalsTimestamps[00:00] – Introduction to the Episode[02:18] – Why Esther chose property investing alongside a corporate career[04:32] – Transitioning to HMOs and choosing supported living as a strategy[06:08] – Challenges of property management and moving outside London[08:31] – The importance of patience and persistence in property[11:15] – The true timeline to cash flow a supported living HMO[19:30] – What to expect during refurb and compliance processes[26:24] – Lease signing: navigating Serco’s contracts and requirements[32:28] – Lending, insurance, and operational costs: myth vs reality[42:01] – Long-term goals, charitable aspirations, and future plans[47:37] – Wrapping up: advice on staying focused and aligned with your goals[51:37] – Where to connect with Esther SmithThis Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.Follow Esther Smith Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esthersmith1Website: https://espeopleandchange.com/Follow Sarah Blaney Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpropertyandbusiness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.blaney.1232Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.in.property/Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thispropertylife/# Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564457166712&locale=en_GB Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-property-life-podcast/about/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thispropertylifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg Twitter: https://x.com/propertylifepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Property Investing near Home for UK Developers to Scale with Flips and HMOs with Jake Colwill

    Property Investing near Home for UK Developers to Scale with Flips and HMOs with Jake Colwill
    Dec 17 2025

    Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership

    ——————————————————————

    In this episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney speaks with Jake Colwill, an experienced property investor and developer based in Bristol. Jake shares how he and his partner Lucy have built a smart, sustainable property business by flipping properties to generate capital, which they then reinvest into high-quality HMOs in premium southern markets.


    What You'll Learn:

    • How flipping properties can fuel long-term investment in high-value areas.
    • Why Jake and Lucy focus on tight geographic areas and niche property types.
    • Smart strategies for sourcing off-market deals through relationships and persistence.
    • The mechanics of high-end HMO investing in Article 4 areas, including planning and valuation tips.
    • How to build and maintain a scalable, sustainable property business with clear strategic focus.


    Timestamps

    [02:39] - The Origins of Their Strategy

    [06:03] - Freehold Blocks and Title Splits

    [09:22] - Sourcing Off-Market Deals

    [16:02] - Structuring Their Business

    [19:01] - What Makes a Premium HMO

    [22:01] - Valuations: Commercial vs. Bricks & Mortar

    [24:37] - Hold Strategy and Long-Term Thinking

    [27:36] - Building Momentum Through Niching

    [30:29] - Final Thoughts and Resilience in Property


    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

    Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.


    Follow Jake Colwill Socials:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-colwill-1279b9104/?originalSubdomain=uk
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake_colwill/
    • LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/innova-property/
    • Website (Company): https://www.innova-property.com/


    Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

    • Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/
    • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Stop Blaming Landlords for the Housing Crisis for Property Owners with Wendy Whittaker

    Stop Blaming Landlords for the Housing Crisis for Property Owners with Wendy Whittaker
    Dec 10 2025

    Ready to grow your property business without the hype? Start your free two-month membership trial with This Property Life today! https://bit.ly/this-propertylife-memebership

    ——————————————————————

    In this episode of This Property Life, host Sarah Blaney is joined by property expert Wendy Whitaker-Large to tackle a provocative and controversial question: Are landlords responsible for the housing crisis? Wendy offers a balanced and experience-led take as they explore key topics such as supply planning, government policy, investor behavior, and what’s really driving the shortage of homes in the UK.


    What You'll Learn:

    • The debate around secondhand properties and how landlords help refurbish homes.
    • How the media's London-centric perspective distorts the national housing debate.
    • How the Thatcher-era "Right to Buy" policy contributed to the current shortage of affordable homes.
    • The role of small builders in helping to alleviate this crisis, compared to large national developers.
    • A discussion about the government's reliance on private landlords for social housing.


    Timestamps

    [01:04] - Introduction of Wendy Whitaker

    [02:28] - Secondhand Properties & Landlord Refurbishments

    [06:05] - Media's London Focus

    [08:09] - Home Ownership and Affordability

    [12:30] - Right to Buy & Housing Shortage

    [16:56] - Government Debt & Economic Challenges

    [21:23] - Small Builders vs. Large Developers

    [31:19] - Government's Reliance on Private Landlords

    [40:58] - Renters’ Rights Bill Impact

    [50:46] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

    Visit thispropertylife.co.uk for more resources, networking events, and industry insights.


    Follow Wendy Whittaker Socials:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/m/in/wendy-whittaker-large
    • Website: https://www.wendywl.uk/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendywlarge/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_whittakerlarge/


    Follow This Property Life Podcast on Socials:

    • Website:https://thispropertylife.co.uk/
    • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-property-life-podcast/id1540075591
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ULlN2eRKWojGRAkiSa0mZ
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmPj98bC6swNuYRCaUGPUg

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
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