The Inside Property Investing Podcast | Inspiration and advice from a decade investing in UK real estate

Joe bought his first property at 21 - a brand-new, city-centre apartment for £110,000. It's not the type of project most of us would get excited about, but he obviously saw something in it, as a few years later he sold it and had turned his £20,000 deposit into a £90k profit. That was in 2011, and after years of honing his craft he’s just bought a 12,000 square foot commercial building at auction, with no prior experience in commercial, and no clear plan for what he’d do with it. Just another hunch that it was a good deal, and the confidence to back himself. In this episode, we dive into the lessons Joe’s learned from taking these leaps, and how he rebuilding his portfolio to be more profitable, more manageable, and more aligned with the life he actually wants to create. If you’re an investor thinking of scaling up (or changing direction) Joe’s story will definitely give you some ideas. And it's worth mentioning that Joe's also a member of the IPI Mastermind - our private support and accountability group for ambitious investors building serious property businesses. If you want to be in the room with investors like him helping you scale your own business, you can apply to join us now at https://insidepropertyinvesting.com/mastermind ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Free up 10+ hours in your property business >> Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

Adam was almost a decade into his surgical training, a few years away from becoming a consultant, and working towards his PHD, when one day he looked up and realised this wasn't what he wanted to do for the next 40 years of his life. He walked away from it all, into a job that he not only found more fulfilling, but that also gave him some free time back to pursue other interests. Fast forward two years, or 22 months to be precise, since he joined our Inside HMO Investing programme, and he's working on his 4th HMO... on track to acquire 10 within 5 years, and to generate a £20,000 monthly income as a result. In this episode we dig into how he built momentum so fast, and why focus and execution matter more than unicorn deals. ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Free up 10+ hours in your property business >> Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how property investors are using ChatGPT to save hours, cut costs, and make smarter decisions - from drafting legal letters and analysing auction packs to writing snagging reports and creating your own QS. We’ll cover: actuallyWhether you’ve never touched ChatGPT or you’re using it daily, this episode is your practical, no-fluff guide to making your business better with ChatGPT. Want to train ChatGPT to sound exactly like you? Grab the training here >> ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Free up 10+ hours in your property business >> Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

Most property investors think they understand leverage because they’ve used a mortgage. But what if that’s just one of many levers available to you? In this episode, I break down 5 other types of leverage that will help you scale faster, make more profit, and finally stop being the bottleneck in your own property business. You’ll hear real examples from my own portfolio, from mastermind clients, and from fellow investors who’ve been able to go further without working more hours. If you’ve ever felt stuck, stretched, or like you’re doing too much for too little return… this is the one to listen to. ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Free up 10+ hours in your property business >> Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

They say property investing is about managing risk, but nothing prepared me for this project. What should’ve been a straightforward commercial-to-residential conversion turned into an 36-month nightmare - a planning battle that dragged on forever, a builder who cost us £30k before vanishing, and a full team meltdown when everyone (myself included) suddenly disappeared from the business. But here’s the thing: the deal still stacks up. In this episode, I’m breaking down everything that went wrong, the brutal lessons learned, and why - despite all the chaos - it still turned out to be a solid investment. If you’ve ever battled a “cursed” project, this one’s for you. Find out more about the sale of this development here >> ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

“They say life throws pebbles before it throws rocks—and if you ignore the early warnings, get ready for an avalanche.” On the morning of my wedding day, I got a call from a tenant. A boiler issue. And guess what? I was still the main contact because, at that point, I was the business. A few years later, I thought I’d cracked it - I’d hired someone to manage our properties so I could sail into the sunset (literally). But what I didn’t realise was that hiring someone into a broken business, without systems, accountability, and the right leadership, was just another gamble. And this time, it didn’t pay off. Within months, our lettings manager collapsed under the pressure, compliance issues stacked up, occupancy rates plummeted, and (if I’m being honest) I nearly lost more than just my business... In this episode, I’m sharing the hardest lesson I’ve learned as a property investor - one that nearly cost me everything. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or worried your business is built on shaky foundations - this one’s for you. ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

Today’s episode is a must-listen for any property investor chasing success but feeling overwhelmed and out of control behind the scenes. I’m sitting down with Tom Pryor, a past member of our IPI Mastermind group whose transformation from chaos to clarity is nothing short of inspiring. Tom built a thriving short-term rental business, and on paper, everything looked perfect. But behind the scenes he describes it as a mix of crippling anxiety, disorganised systems, and a constant battle to keep up with his own growth. He opens up about those struggles and, more importantly, how he was able to turn everything around. From discovering the power of goal-setting, something he'd never really spent any time on, to building life-changing relationships within the mastermind, Tom shares the key shifts that transformed not only his business, but his life. If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out as you try to get your property business to the next stage of growth, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights from Tom that you can’t afford to miss! ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

Joe Davies, is one half of a powerhouse property duo who recently made a life-changing move - exiting their successful serviced accommodation management agency in Liverpool and relocating to sunny Spain. Now, while enjoying a slower pace of life, he and his wife Katy are still actively growing their UK property portfolio. I first met Joe and Katy a couple of years ago and was instantly struck by their drive, business acumen, and passion for personal development - qualities that have helped them achieve remarkable success before even turning 30. While Katy isn't joining us in this episode (something we’ll hopefully fix in the future!), Joe shares his incredible journey from launching a small side hustle to building a thriving business and ultimately selling it for a lucrative exit. Now, a quick heads-up: This conversation was originally recorded with the intention of launching a new podcast centered around Joe’s expertise in serviced accommodation. While that specific plan has been parked for now, he’s still working closely with me on other aspects of the IPI business, so expect to hear more from him in the future. There are a few moments where we reference our podcast plans, but regardless, Joe’s insights into scaling a business, navigating challenges, and making bold decisions will be invaluable, whether you're building your own portfolio, running a property business, or juggling both. ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Start your application for the IPI Mastermind >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

This is the story of how Kerry Wordley bounced back from losing her job in TV production by developing her obsession for property investment. Over the past couple of years her HMO passion has led to a booming portfolio in Stoke on Trent, giving her career freedom that never previously existed. And it all started from a single project! ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Register now for our free 2025 HMO Training Series (starts January 23rd) >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

In this episode I head up to Gateshead to visit Ben Allan as he completes his first HMO conversion, following the advice and support from our Inside HMO Investing programme. Starting with a hands-on approach, Ben shares how his background as a joiner helped him tackle nearly every aspect of the renovation himself—saving money, building confidence, and creating a high-yielding property. We discuss the challenges he faced, from navigating stressful bridging loans to uncovering hidden surprises in the property, and how he maintained focus on his goal of achieving financial freedom for his growing family. With a 40% ROI and tenants moving in just weeks after completion, Ben’s journey is packed with lessons on managing timelines, choosing the right projects, and deciding when sweat equity is worth it. ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Register now for our free 2025 HMO Training Series (starts January 23rd) >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

If you’ve ever struggled with the mental anguish of running a property business - the highs and lows, the loneliness and isolation, wondering if you’re doing the right thing or if it’s worth all the stress - I just want you to know that you’re not alone. A few weeks ago I came across a post on social media from today’s guest, Sean Toomey, that indicated he had been through a struggle on his latest project - juggling debt and finances, as well as seeking some sort of approval or validation from social media - an all too common downside to the property community online. So I reached out to him, and thankfully he was up for having a chat with me today about mental health in the property world. Through that, we get to understand more about his own property background which is a fascinating story in itself that I’m sure you’ll get some great ideas from, but the main thing we wanted to bring attention to was the very real struggle that many people face when trying to build a business and provide for their families. So I hope you enjoy this episode, and if you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or Sean and we’ll do our best to help. Sean Toomey on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sean_toomey/ ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Register now for our free 2025 HMO Training Series (starts January 23rd) >> See what we've got going on right now to help you succeed - https://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/podcast-links Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

Let's get ready for success in 2025 with 7 lessons and insights from my planning process over the past 12 months. ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Welcome to the Inside Property Investing Podcast with Mike Stenhouse. You're in the right place if you're looking for practical advise and inspiring stories to help you build a thriving property investment business and create more freedom in your own life. Get more advice and inspiration on your favourite platforms: Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing Facebook: Inside Property Investing Newsletter: InsidePropertyInvesting.com

I’ve been banging on for years about property as a means to an end rather than the end itself, so I’m thrilled to share today’s episode with you, with Julie Talbot. Many of you might know her already from social media, and if you’ve been listening to the podcast for long enough you may remember her story from back in 2018 when she first appeared on the show, as an expat living in Abu Dhabi. Well, all these years later, she’s still building her portfolio, and still not living in the UK, but now travelling the world as a property nomad with her family, fully demonstrating the ability for property to give you more freedom in your life. And not just financial freedom! In fact in this case, a lot of our discussion is centred around choosing time freedom and location freedom over money. And I hope it might help you consider what’s really the most important type of freedom in your life as well - because it absolutely is a choice! ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing

It's been an interesting 18 months to say the least. Dig into today's episode to find out what's been going on in our business and our life, and what you can learn from it to avoid the same mistakes. Links mentioned in today's episode: https://www.insidepropertyinvesting.com/opendayhttps://go.insidepropertyinvesting.com/mastermind-waitlist/https://form.jotform.com/241374322109348 ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing

This is the story of how Kath Gibb took on one of the biggest projects of her career - renovating and converting a Grade II listed pub into a hugely profitable mixed use investment. Find Kath on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anetoproperties/ Watch the interview on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXgwSfMKJwg&t=45s ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing

The Renters Reform bill has been on the agenda for UK Government since it was first proposed in 2019, but with Labour’s win in the 2024 general election, it looks as though it will be reprioritised by Keir Starmer’s party under a new name - the Renters’ Rights Bill. And with the bill being brought forward by a left leaning party, it’s no surprise that the focus will be on providing more security and protection for tenants while ensuring landlords know their responsibilities. In today's episode, we'll explore the key elements of the Renters' Reform Bill and what it means for property investors and residential landlords in the UK. Find all of the details here: https://www.insidepropertyinvesting.com/renters-rights-bill/ ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing

Today, I am delighted to be joined by Michelle Cairns. You may have come across her in many different guises over the years. She's been in the property industry since 2015 and is most prominently known as the host of the YPN podcast—a remarkable platform that offers invaluable insights into the property world. Michelle is an exceptional host and today, we're turning the tables to dive into her fascinating story. She has hosted numerous property networking events and is a successful property investor with 40 tenants in her portfolio. Michelle's achievements are the result of creative deal structuring and innovative financing strategies, including vendor finance, purchase lease options, and rent-to-rent schemes. Starting her journey from a teaching background without prior property expertise, Michelle has built an impressive portfolio in just eight years. Her success is more than enough to live a happy and fulfilled life. Now, while her portfolio continues to grow, she is exploring new interests and creative outlets, like being a podcast host. So without further ado, let's get into today's episode. ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Louise Smith, a remarkable figure whose story is as compelling as it is inspiring. In the world of horseback riding, Louise is a seasoned equestrian, but her talents and ambitions stretch far beyond the stables. Her venture into the realm of property investment began around 2006, a time shadowed by the looming financial crisis. Yet, with savvy and timing on her side, Louise made a purchase that not only withstood the economic downturn but also taught her the invaluable lesson of buying smart. This pivotal moment set the stage for Louise's investment philosophy, emphasizing the power of a good purchase price. From there, Louise's investment strategy evolved from a part-time passion to a full-blown business endeavor. She's since flipped houses, dived into HMOs, and tackled multi-unit freehold blocks, all while maintaining an eye for the single lets and gems hidden in the market. What's more, Louise has harnessed the power of collaboration, working closely with joint venture partners and investors to expand her portfolio even further. But what truly sets Louise apart is her role as a co-founder of Property Mums UK, a groundbreaking group dedicated to empowering women in the property space, especially those balancing the challenges of motherhood with their entrepreneurial dreams. Join us as we explore Louise's extraordinary journey from equestrian to property mogul, shedding light on the strategies, successes, and insights that have defined her path. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, there's a wealth of knowledge to be gained from Louise's experience. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired by a story of resilience, savvy investing, and unwavering ambition. ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted a masterclass on supported living. I'll be honest—I'm far from an expert in supported living, with my knowledge mostly coming from quick Google searches. That's why I invited a good friend and an expert in the field, Chris Bermit, to lead the content for that day. While I took on the role of host, the real insights came from Chris, especially when he introduced us to Laura Ackers, today's special guest. Before this masterclass, I hadn't met Laura, but her presentation on supported living was nothing short of inspiring. She shared her experiences and detailed a specific deal that captivated everyone listening. It was then I knew we had to have her share her story with all of you on the podcast. Laura has achieved an incredible amount in a relatively short period. Starting with some experience in renovating her own home, she found herself focusing more on property after being furloughed from her sales role in the hairdressing industry in 2020 due to COVID. Starting with single lets, she quickly moved into HMOs, dedicating all her time to this new venture. Her success allowed her to retire her husband, Dan, from the corporate world within just a couple of years. Now, with a mix of professional HMOs that she self-manages, and a growing supported living portfolio, Laura has built a significant business in just three years. In today's episode, Laura shares details and insights on how she developed her business, offering valuable lessons for all of us. I'm thrilled to have her here and I'm sure you'll enjoy what she has to say. ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing

I first crossed paths with Daniel a few months ago, during one of our commercial to residential open days. Daniel, along with all our guests, shared his introduction, and right away, it was clear he was someone whose story deserved the spotlight. His tale is a beacon of inspiration and motivation, showcasing the remarkable possibilities that come with determination and vision. Daniel's venture into the world of property began about seven years ago, alongside his dad and brother. Together, they embarked on a mission to build a business that would bring them more freedom and opportunity. They started with rent-to-rent strategies, dedicating their initial years to developing a profitable portfolio in what's arguably one of the most accessible paths into property investment—despite requiring some capital. However, what sets Daniel and his family apart is their forward-thinking decision to not just stop at rent-to-rent. They leveraged their success by investing in buying assets, utilizing profits from their existing portfolio and forming partnerships with investors seeking a more hands-off investment strategy. Learning about their story, the transitions they've navigated through, their growth, and the invaluable lessons along the way has been incredibly enlightening. We believe you'll find Daniel's story as captivating and motivational as we did. ======================== Request your free copy of our Introduction to HMO Investing guide - Access here for free 📗 Join me for an upcoming Commercial to Residential Open Day - Check out remaining tickets 🎟 ******************** Check out our content on your favourite platforms: Website: InsidePropertyInvesting.com Instagram: @InsidePropertyInvesting Youtube: Inside Property Investing