When you’re a property investor, one of the most important things is to have your portfolio diversified, consisting of multiple different tenant and housing types. However, social housing is something I don't know much about, so I invited the best person onto the show to talk about it. Sue Sims has been in property for more than 30 years. She’s got a varied portfolio of properties with buy-to-lets, HMOs, social housing and SA apartments. She is a Director at the property management company Genie Homes, and the co-founder of Partners in Property network meetings. As a fan of social housing done the right way, in this episode Sue talks about the difference between social housing and other housing types. We discuss the importance of doing due diligence before going into this property niche, the benefits and risks of investing in social housing, as well as the correct mindset for doing it successfully and ethically. What is Covered: -The difference between social housing and LHA tenants-Different types of social housing providers-Misinformation and risks in social housing investment-The importance of due diligence before investing in social housing-Mortgages and insurance for this type of properties-The challenges of rent-to-rent strategy for new landlords-How to find the right letting agent for social housing-Long-term considerations for social housing investment-The importance of networking and knowing your business partners very well Resources: -If you’d like to suggest a guest on the Property Solopreneur Podcast, send me a VoiceMail-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-The Big Social Housing Debate Online Event, April 15th (FREE) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-debate-sue-sims-sarah-walker-lisa-brown-toby-wilde-simon-kerr-tickets-848444238557?keep_tld=1 -The list of ongoing Partners in Property Events https://partners-property.com/event/social-housing-seminars-2024/ -Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Check out my Website-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

Marketing is something we've all got to do. Although it sounds like a big commercial word, basically, marketing is just letting other people know who you are and what you do. As simple as it seems, it can cause some people to hit the wall and feel stuck, because to market themselves, they've got to feel happy with their identity. The identity they feel in property may not be congruent with what they feel they want the world to see. Is that you?In this quick episode, I’m sharing my take on the challenges on marketing as a property solopreneur, how to overcome insecurity, be authentic on social media, and step into the shoes you’re comfortable in.  What Is Covered: -Why insecurity in one’s property identity is much more common than you think-Two camps of property investors-How to be authentic and recognizable on social media-How to remain professional without fitting into categories or being pushed into a label-How you can embrace multiple property roles So don't let the small stuff stop you from doing the big stuff. Step into the property shoes that you're going to feel comfortable in. Trust me, it’s all just a mindset shift. Resources:-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

Business has changed dramatically in the last 30 years since I started in it. I’ve become a great fan of lifelong learning, because I know that if I don’t upgrade my skills or widen my knowledge base, I’ll get stale and perhaps miss clear market indicators.  In this episode, I offer my perspective on different learning formats and how to keep your knowledge and skills updated in the ever-changing world of property business. I discuss online courses, mastermind groups, workshops, day events and other learning methods to help you find the right fit for your learning needs.  What is Covered: -Why continuous learning is crucial in the fast-paced world of business-The value of working with a mentor and mastermind groups-How technology and learning formats have evolved-How to choose the right course and instructor-How you can benefit from different learning methods such as one-on-one, group programmes or workshops  -The importance of due diligence and research before you invest into a learning opportunity-What you can take away from day events and hybrid learning-What is the purpose of discovery calls? So do I think courses are necessary? Oh yes, I do. I know I could not have done nearly as much as I have without turning up and committing to courses and one-to-one work. So start stalking online, find some networking groups, get on mailing lists and see what comes up. And don’t be afraid of discovery calls; in fact, you can try hopping on a call with me this week!  Resources:-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

If you listen to the most successful podcasts or read articles on property investing, you may get the feeling that the expectation is that if you do property, everything you touch will turn to gold. This often from people who've only ever worked in the property world for a couple of years. They have never gone through a property cycle, which is when you find out that everything you thought you knew can be turned on its head.Success is what we all want. However, it really is possible to be very successful in property in the short term, and then to lose everything in the long term. In this episode, I will talk about how to prevent that from happening and how to create a business that can ride all those waves of change.  What We Cover: -How to measure success in property investing-The most common mindset obstacles to taking actions in property-Why success and achieving are not the same thing-Why action is not the same as being busy-How much time and effort it actually takes to find success in property-Should you give up your day job? -The place of strategy on your journey to property success-Planning and delivery - two little words that make all the difference So don't be a busy barrel in your property business. Be an organised olive, an active Alice, all on the road to being a very successful Sydney. And if you feel like you need support, book a call with me and let that be the first step on your journey to success in property investing. Resources:-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

Before becoming a property solopreneur, Flora Russo worked in IT sales and was thinking of starting a wine-related business. After a trip to Australia, she became intrigued by the opportunities in property. She got into proper training first, figured out a business plan and started investing in the North East of the UK. Soon she got swamped with more offers than she could buy, so she started sourcing for other investors, alongside building her own portfolio. In this episode, we talk about the art of property sourcing, the advantages and challenges of investing away from home, the importance of high-quality training, networking and planning, and much more.  What We Cover: -How passive property investing can really be? -What Flora’s typical deals are like-How to manage client expectations as a property sourcer-Pros and cons of investing in low value areas-How to find the right sourcer as an investor, or the right client as a sourcer-The value of learning through shadowing other investors-How to keep yourself accountable as a solopreneurSince she became a mother, Flora has had to become razor clear on what she does, what services she provides for clients, and what she has to outsource to others. With the right strategy in place to build wealth through sourcing and make business as passive as possible, one day soon there may even be space for the wine business!       Resources:-Connect with Flora Russo on Instagram-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

Martin Rapley's first experience in property was as a quantity surveyor, looking after projects' finances. Then he transitioned to project manager and started his own construction business. Dealing with property investors, Martin realised they could use support from someone with his skills and knowledge, so he revamped his construction business into a construction consultant for property investors. As the co-founder of Refurbishment Mastery, Martin managed and oversaw over 1000 property refurbishments and renovations and expanded his portfolio considerably. Since 2016, Martin has used his over 30 years of experience to help property investors manage their refurbishments and conversions.  In this episode, Martin reveals some of the tricks of refurbishment that escape the untrained eye, teaches the secrets of dealing with builders, how to get around CDM and CIS regulations, how to set a budget for refurbishment and much more.  What Is Covered:-What is the first step to becoming a property investor-What is refurbishment really about-How to create a smooth relationship with builders-Why we must treat CDM regulations like an insurance policy-Martin explains how to set a budget for refurbishment Over time, Marin has learned to master the multiple aspects of refurbishment. Today, he shows us the intricacies of this vibrant, exciting, and prosperous property niche and how to get around them, maximising our opportunities and growing our portfolios. Resources:-Visit Martin Rapley’s website-Join Martin's Refurbishment Mastery Facebook Group-Check out his YouTube channel-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

Rachel Knight's first steps into property were more like a side hustle, an entertaining and effective way of transforming her bonuses into a retirement plan. Slowly but surely, she built a humble yet decent portfolio. In 2015, she decided to invest in her property education, and shortly after being trained on HMOs and service accommodation, she was already doing single lets and fully invested in big cash flow strategies. A decade later, Rachel became a title splitting expert, property expert, coach, and portfolio builder. She is the CEO and owner of Title Split and is passionate about helping entrepreneurs maximise profit from property. In this episode, Rachel unveils the best-kept secrets of title splitting: two little words hiding many lucrative opportunities. You'll learn why title splitting is so lucrative, how to maximise your returns, and what you need to know about the "new rules" coming up soon, freeholds, mortgages, and more.What Is Covered:-Why Rachel Knight loves title splitting-What you need to know to maximise your returns in title splitting-The imminent changes you must be aware of as a property investor-How to start in title splitting-Why planning is crucial to succeed in title splitting-How to avoid losing money with freeholdsThanks to Rachel, we've learned that title splitting isn't a tedious "all paperwork" and "zero building stuff to do." To her, title splitting is the natural progression of the ambitious property entrepreneur, the next step of "achieving great cashflow and financial freedom" most of us have been chasing when we jump into property. Resources:-Check out Rachel Knight's Website - Title Split-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

After a long and successful career in the corporate world, Giuseppe Leone jumped into property with two clear objectives: leaving something tangible to pass over to the next generation and developing a professional activity that granted him a juicy income and the time to enjoy it. Ten years and some change later, he became a Rent to Rent expert, an award-winning property investor, accredited property mentor, event speaker, and a portfolio landlord.  In this episode, Giuseppe shares details of his property journey, why he chose Rent to Rent, and what attributes and skills from his experiences in the corporate world helped him reach the comfortable life he created for himself and his family. Giuseppe also shares his thoughts on financial cushions, multiple income streams, automating processes, and more.What Is Covered:-What moved Giuseppe from his successful corporate life to property-How Giuseppe turned a "weakness" into a significant differentiator-How automating and creating systems saves businesses and help them grow-The importance of financial cushions and creating multiple income streams-How often a business plan should be revised-What is a realistic plan for beginner property solopreneurs One of the most common mistakes people make when they get into property is thinking they must work IN their business 24/7. They leave their jobs, go all-in, and, in most cases, end up mentally and physically exhausted and probably broke. Giuseppe's story is a perfect example of starting slow, gradually, and working ON your business more strategically to ensure a long-lasting and profitable career in property.Resources:-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

Part of being a property solopreneur is mastering areas of our business that have little or nothing to do with property per se. Yet keeping them under control is what will ensure our business keeps breathing. So, in today's episode, I'll be talking about the 5 core business activities you must dominate to ensure your property business success. What Is Covered:-Why being a proactive manager is crucial, even if you are an introvert-Why every solopreneur must know, set and manage KPIs-How to stay updated and focused on your property goals-The various aspects of business every solopreneur must master-The advantages of working with business strategistsMastering these five core activities will make you feel more confident about what you are doing and realise your path to success is achievable. You can learn to market your business, motivate and manage yourself, be ready and willing to adapt, and become your finance director. Remember, if you need help balancing core property activities with essential business management, you can always learn from someone who has already done it.Resources:-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram

After over 25 years of experience in the space, Linda Wright defines planning permission as listening to what the client wants and adding her professional advice based on her experience, a pinch of humour and common sense. She is a highly versatile planning permission specialist, a keynote speaker, writer and lecturer, and the founder of Katana Planning. In this episode, Linda unravels the most elusive secrets of planning permission, talks about the biggest challenges she faced in the industry and shares dozens of golden nuggets about what to do and avoid doing in the property space. You'll also hear about LUBs, CILs, LURAs, prior approval, and much more.What Is Covered:-Why planning permission is considered a "dark art" for many-What are the National Planning Policy Framework and the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (LUB)-What does prior approval mean, and what's its role in planning permission-Why councils treat small developers and small developments differently-What is a Section 106 agreement and why we should know everything about itPlanning consultants are important because they make sure everything surrounding a new building makes sense; they look at the impact it'll have on its surroundings and the people that live there, and make sure it'll be a good fit and work perfectly with everything around it. Resources:-Download my Property Business Checklist - The key building blocks for a sound and successful business-Book a 30-minute discovery call with me - the first step to finding the right way to help you succeed in property-Check out my Website-Let's connect! Send me a VoiceMail-Connect with me on LinkedIn-Find me on Instagram