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    • London Property Hub Meetup AnnouncementJoin the Property Hub for a free London meetup on July 23rd, limited to members, and learn from experts and network with fellow investors.

      The Property Podcast, hosted by Rob Benz and Rob Dicks, offers weekly insights, knowledge, and motivation for property investors, with opportunities for in-person meetups. In this episode (119), they announced a London meetup on July 23rd, which will be held at a new, beautiful venue on Caledonia Road, and is limited to Property Hub members. The event is free, and attendees can sign up or create an account on thepropertyhub.net/londonmeetup. A new story was shared about a young man who hoped to win the lottery by his 20th birthday but didn't. Instead, Rob encourages listeners to take action and build wealth through property investing, emphasizing the value of the Property Hub's resources and community.

    • Lottery odds have increased, making it harder to retire through itThe odds of winning lottery prizes have significantly increased, making it less likely for individuals to retire through it. Instead, focus on property investment and use a checklist to assess potential properties.

      The odds of winning the lottery have significantly increased, making it even less likely for individuals to retire through it. For instance, the odds of winning £25 for matching three numbers have increased from 57 to 1 to 97 to 1. Similarly, the odds for winning £100 on four numbers have risen from 1000 to 1 to 2,200 to 1. The odds for winning £1,000 with five balls have gone from 55,000 to 1 to 144,000 to 1, and the odds for the bonus, which is around £50,000, have jumped from 2,300,000 to 1 to 7,500,000 to 1. The actual jackpots have become even sillier to win. Instead of relying on the lottery, the hosts suggest focusing on property investment. In the episode, they introduce a checklist for assessing a property, which they encourage listeners to contribute to by adding items on the property hub dot net forward slash checklist website. The list covers things to consider before visiting a property. A big thank you to John, Dale, and Gavin in the RMP office for their suggestions.

    • Evaluate rental demand, discounts, and area fundamentals before investing in a buy-to-let property.Assess rental demand through platforms, look for discounts, and consider area fundamentals like schools, employment, and transport before investing in a buy-to-let property.

      Before investing in a buy-to-let property, it's crucial to assess various factors beyond the property itself. Start by evaluating rental demand through platforms like Rightmove or Zoopla. Check for discounts or below market value deals to ensure a good investment. Consider the fundamentals of the area, including schools, employment, and transport. Look into expected market growth and potential regeneration to increase your chances of success. Remember, every area may have long-term growth potential, but some may outperform others in the short to medium term. By thoroughly examining these factors, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and secure a profitable investment.

    • Assess potential cash flow, ROI, parking, and transport links before investing in a property.Consider cash flow, ROI, availability of parking, and good transport links when investing in property to make informed decisions about its potential value and desirability.

      Before investing in a property, it's crucial to assess its potential cash flow, return on investment (ROI), availability of parking, and good transport links. These factors can significantly impact the value and desirability of a property. Assessing the ROI beforehand can help you make informed decisions about whether the investment aligns with your goals. Parking is not always essential but can be a valuable bonus, especially in areas where it is scarce. Good transport links are preferred by renters, making properties with easy access to public transportation more desirable. By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about a property's potential value and suitability for investment.

    • Considering a flat investment? Check location and property detailsUnderstand remaining lease length, ground rent, and service charges for flats. Research reason for sale and offer history. Check property condition, including boiler and maintenance costs.

      When evaluating a potential property investment, it's crucial to consider both the location and the specific property details. For flats, understanding the remaining lease length and ground rent or service charge is essential. These factors can significantly impact the property's capital value and return on investment. Additionally, knowing the reason for the sale and the property's offer history can provide valuable insights during negotiations. Internally, checking the state of the boiler and other basic property conditions is essential. These checks can help identify potential maintenance costs or issues that may impact the investment's profitability. Overall, conducting thorough research and due diligence on both the location and property details is vital for making informed investment decisions.

    • Assessing a Property: Key Areas to CheckWhen evaluating a property, check the age and condition of windows and doors, assess flooring, inspect electrics, and look for signs of damp to avoid costly repairs or surprises.

      When evaluating a property, there are several key areas to check that can potentially save you from costly repairs or surprises down the line. First, take note of the age and condition of the windows and doors. Snap a picture of the model number if necessary, but check if they appear relatively new or if they may need replacement soon. Open windows to ensure they function properly and close doors to see if they shut easily. Make a note of which windows need double glazing if applicable. Next, pay attention to the flooring. Assess the condition of both the floor coverings and the flooring itself. If the floor feels creaky or bouncy, it could indicate an issue with the underlying joists or potential movement. Another important factor to consider is the state of the electrics. Old-looking sockets may indicate older wiring behind them, potentially requiring a rewiring job. Keep in mind that this is an initial assessment, and a professional opinion may be needed for a more thorough evaluation. Lastly, check for any signs of damp. Damp can have various causes, ranging from simple condensation to more complex issues. Identifying damp early on can help prevent potential damage and save you from costly repairs. Remember, these checks are just the beginning, and a professional surveyor should be consulted for a comprehensive assessment.

    • Inspecting a Property for Hidden Issues and Value-Add OpportunitiesThoroughly inspect a property for signs of damp, roof damage, and potential value-add opportunities through refurbishments or extensions. Assess nearby properties for precedents and challenges.

      When considering purchasing a property, it's crucial to thoroughly inspect it for potential issues and opportunities for improvement. Look for signs of damp, such as behind furniture or high up on walls, and check the roof for damage. These issues can add unexpected costs. Additionally, assess the property's potential for adding value through refurbishments, loft conversions, or extensions. Check nearby properties for precedents and potential challenges. Overall, a comprehensive inspection can save time, money, and disappointment in the long run.

    • Property Hub Community Creating a Comprehensive Property Inspection ChecklistThe Property Hub community is collaborating to create a free downloadable PDF and public Trello board property inspection checklist, including all essential items to check before and during inspections.

      The Property Hub community is creating a comprehensive property inspection checklist, which will be available as a free downloadable PDF and a public Trello board. This checklist will include all the important things to check before and during a property inspection, as discussed in the episode, as well as contributions from the community. The community-created checklist will be a valuable resource for both experienced and non-experienced property investors. The Property Hub, known for its helpful and supportive community, is coming together to create this tool, making it a collaborative effort. The checklist will be ever-growing and can be accessed at propertyhub.netforward/checklist. The hosts also expressed gratitude to those who leave reviews for the show, and this week's review was from Spy Damson.

    • Building a property portfolio: Education, motivation, and communityListen to the Property Hub podcast for valuable insights and join the progress journals to learn, share, and be inspired in building a property portfolio

      The podcast provides invaluable education and motivation for building a property portfolio, and listeners are encouraged to share their progress and learn from each other in the Property Hub's progress journals. The podcast covers popular topics, such as recycling cash to make it go further, and listeners are encouraged to check out the resources mentioned in the show notes to continue their learning journey. The listener expressed their gratitude for the podcast and its impact on their own portfolio-building goals. The podcast's hosts, Rob and [Name], also contribute their own journeys to the progress journals, making it a vibrant and inspiring community for those looking to expand their property portfolio. The upcoming episode, number 120, will focus on recycling cash and is expected to be particularly popular due to its relevance and frequent inquiry in the property hub community. Overall, the podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and support for those looking to build a property portfolio, and the progress journals provide an engaging and interactive platform for sharing experiences and learning from one another.

    Recent Episodes from The Property Podcast

    TPP589: The 5 surprising areas where property is booming

    TPP589: The 5 surprising areas where property is booming

    Location is everything in property investing, and this week Rob & Rob reveal the UK’s top 5 areas for property growth. Forget the usual city hotspots - these under-the-radar locations are stealing the show. Tune in as the guys share their theories on what's driving these areas' success and learn how you can leverage this information to shape your own investment strategy. Can you guess which ones made the list? Hit play to find out! 

    • (0:49) News story of the week 
    • (3:40) The best performing areas for property growth… 
    • (7:25) Kicking off with city hotspots  
    • (8:25) The top 5 performing areas revealed 
    • (15:30) Other notable areas 
    • (17:15) What’s driving these locations success 
    • (19:43) Hub Extra 

    Links mentioned: 

    Enjoy the show? 

    • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps others find us! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 27, 2024

    ASK434: Is now the right time to sell this property? PLUS: What do I do about this arrangement fee?

    ASK434: Is now the right time to sell this property? PLUS: What do I do about this arrangement fee?

    It’s time for your weekly dose of Ask Rob & Rob! 

    • (0:42) Gary’s recently inherited a flat in Notting Hill that he plans to sell and use the proceeds to invest in a cheaper property with better growth potential. But the current value is about 20% less than its original purchase price, leaving him unsure whether to hold off for better market conditions or sell now for the best possible price. 
    • (3:28) Ryan’s wondering if he should add his arrangement fees to his mortgage or pay them off in full, so he turns to Rob & Rob for their advice. 

    Enjoy the show? 

    • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps others find us! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 25, 2024

    TPP588: June Market Update

    TPP588: June Market Update

    Get ready for one of our juiciest market updates yet, as we bring you the latest happenings in the property world, including a build-to-rent mini special packed with fascinating rental stats. But that’s not all - we dive into the hottest topic right now: the election! 

    What’s the latest updates? The manifestos are out, but what do they mean for property investors? Did The Robs see anything that worries or excites them? Join us as they break down all the news and share their beliefs on politics. Will they lose your vote? Let’s find out... 

    • (0:55) The latest data on house prices 
    • (2:20) Some interesting news on rents 
    • (5:40) What’s happening with build to rents 
    • (7:57) Let’s talk politics 
    • (14:40) Hub Extra 

    Links mentioned: 

    House prices: 

    Rents: 

    Build to rent: 

    Election: 

    Hub Extra:  

    Enjoy the show? 

    • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps others find us! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 20, 2024

    ASK433: How do I value new build properties? PLUS: Are flats with cladding an opportunity?

    ASK433: How do I value new build properties? PLUS: Are flats with cladding an opportunity?

    Rob & Rob are back to offer their advice to two more listeners! 

    • (0:45) Mussa is curious to know if flats with cladding still face a negative perception, even with EWS1 certificates. He seeks Rob & Rob’s advice on whether these properties offer good capital growth potential or should be avoided as property investments. 
    • (3:48) Thomas is at a loss on how to properly value new build properties since there are no comparable ones in the area. He turns to the guys for their expertise and guidance. 

    Enjoy the show? 

    • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps others find us! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 18, 2024

    TPP587: How to avoid a leasehold nightmare

    TPP587: How to avoid a leasehold nightmare

    The most frequent questions we receive are about leaseholds, and given they make up around 40% of the property market it’s crucial for every investor to understand them. Tune in as Rob & Rob deep dive into the topic, discussing the pros and cons of leasehold vs freehold, shedding light on ground rents and service charges, and bringing you up to speed with the latest changes from the Leasehold Reform Bill.  

    • (0:58) News story of the week 
    • (3:27) Let’s talk about leaseholds… 
    • (4:25) What actually is a leasehold? 
    • (6:06) The pros and cons of leasehold vs freehold 
    • (7:01) How about ground rent? 
    • (9:50) Details on the Leasehold Reform Bill 
    • (12:40) What about service charges? 
    • (21:37) Hub Extra 

    Links mentioned: 

    Enjoy the show? 

    • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps others find us! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 13, 2024

    ASK432: Who should I vote for? PLUS: Do I really need to pay this fee?

    ASK432: Who should I vote for? PLUS: Do I really need to pay this fee?

    It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for Ask Rob & Rob! Join us as we tackle two new listener questions… 

    • (0:44) Tom wonders what property investors should be looking for in each party's manifesto for the upcoming July election. He's curious if any appear to favour landlords and investors and which might introduce stricter policies. He turns to Rob & Rob for their insights to help him decide who to vote for based on his investment strategy. 
    • (2:44) Jalon received a payment request from the Information Commissioner's Office and wants to know if the fee is something he’s required to pay as a small property investor. 

    Enjoy the show? 

    • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps others find us! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 11, 2024

    TPP586: Should property investors be scared of Labour? (Election special)

    TPP586: Should property investors be scared of Labour? (Election special)

    It's the topic that sparks the most passionate debates: politics! With the unexpectedly early election just around the corner, what does this mean for the property market, and will a potential new government bring significant changes? Join us as Rob & Rob tread on dangerous territory, sharing their thoughts and opinions on the possible impact of a Labour government! 

    • (0:40) News story of the week 
    • (2:49) Let’s get into it… 
    • (3:20) What’s happened as a result of the election being called early? 
    • (6:40) What will happen in the run-up? 
    • (8:40) What will happen if Labour win? 
    • (16:30) What do we make of it all? 
    • (22:18) Hub Extra 

    Links mentioned: 

    Enjoy the show? 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 06, 2024

    ASK431: Would you rent to someone with a CCJ? PLUS: What type of company should I set up?

    ASK431: Would you rent to someone with a CCJ? PLUS: What type of company should I set up?

    Let's dive into your questions and get some answers on this week's Ask Rob & Rob! 

    • (0:38) A potential tenant with a CCJ has applied to rent Chris's property. The tenant has a guarantor, and the lettings agent offers a protected rent scheme. He wonders if this provides enough protection or be cautious and asks Rob & Rob for their advice. 
    • (3:10) Ashley’s at the start of her property journey and unsure whether to set up an SPV or a limited company. She wants to know the difference between the two and which option would be best for her situation. 

    Enjoy the show? 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enJune 04, 2024

    AOB: What do Rob & Rob actually DO?

    AOB: What do Rob & Rob actually DO?

    In this candid peek behind the curtain, Rob & Rob delve into what they actually do on a day-to-day to keep their £100m property business running. 

    From handling operations to marketing and growth initiatives, they get raw about their current roles and responsibilities - and how the wrong role had Rob D considering if it was his time to leave the business... 

    Links mentioned: 

    Enjoy the show? 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enMay 31, 2024

    TPP585: Reviewing 3 real listener deals: Which would we buy?

    TPP585: Reviewing 3 real listener deals: Which would we buy?

    Running a £100m property business means Rob & Rob have spent countless hours analysing deals and today they’re delving into three investment opportunities our listeners have sent in! 

    They share their decision-making process, break down the pros and cons, run the numbers, and reveal which deal they’d be happy to invest in. 

    • (0:49) News story of the week 
    • (1:51) Real listener deals… 
    • (2:12) Deal 1: Two-bedroom apartment in Sheffield city centre 
    • (19:27) Deal 2: Four-bedroom detached house in Bath 
    • (26:49) Deal 3: Three-bedroom semi-detached house in Liverpool 
    • (35:20) Which deal would Rob & Rob buy? 
    • (39:57) Hub Extra 

    Links mentioned: 

    Enjoy the show? 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Property Podcast
    enMay 30, 2024

    Related Episodes

    ASK315: Am I wrong to get emotionally involved? PLUS: What's your minimum yield target?

    ASK315: Am I wrong to get emotionally involved? PLUS: What's your minimum yield target?

    We’re back and we’re starting 2022 with four questions! 

    Our first three questions come from Phil from Liverpool. 

    Phil is an avid listener of the podcast and bought his first investment property back in August – a two bed flat in Liverpool. 

    As he was buying in an area he was familiar with, he found himself getting emotionally invested and was ruling out any areas he wouldn’t live in himself.  

    What he wants to know is, should he avoid doing this in the future? 

    He’s also recently started to see the power of leverage, and with this in mind as he considers buying his next property, he’s started to think about interest-only mortgages. 

    So, Phil’s asking Rob & Rob if he should stick to an interest-only mortgage, and if so, should he only pay interest for the full term? 

    His final question was a special one and required Rob B to dust off his crystal ball, as he quizzed Rob on how Liverpool is going to perform in the premier league. 

    Tune in to hear what the guys have got to say. 

    But the questions don’t end there, and our final question is a big one, and it’s all about yield. 

    This listener wants to know what’s the minimum yield you should consider on a single buy-to-let? 

    Thankfully, Rob & Rob have covered this before, so if you’re searching for the Total Return Formula podcast episode, you can find that here. 

    Do you have a buy-to-let or property investment related question for Rob & Rob? You could feature on the next episode by giving us a call on 013 808 00035 and leaving a message with your name and question (normal UK call rates apply).  

    Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead

    The next question on Ask Rob & Rob could be yours.  

    Have you joined us over on the Property Hub Forum yet? Our online community is friendly, informative, and the members are waiting to welcome you with open arms. So, get yourself over and introduce yourself. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    TPP017: Property Podcast Live – Listener questions

    TPP017: Property Podcast Live – Listener questions

    We did it! We recorded the podcast in front of a live audience, the technology didn’t break, we didn’t make ourselves look any more idiotic than usual, and we answered a boatload of listener questions. Much like the Sex Pistols at the 100 Club in 1976, it’s one of those events where thousands of people […]

    The post TPP017: Property Podcast Live – Listener questions appeared first on The Property Hub.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    TPP423: The Ltd Co tax changes you need to know

    TPP423: The Ltd Co tax changes you need to know

    This week we’re talking all things tax

    When it comes to tax, property investors are obsessed with learning and understanding it.  

    And we don’t blame them because the difference between getting it right and wrong could be thousands of pounds.  

    So this episode is a must listen! 

    Here’s what to expect on this week’s property podcast episode

    It’s been a while since we talked about tax so we thought it was about time we changed that.  

    We’re always inundated with questions about buying in a limited company. And we even did a video on whether ‘should you buy property through a limited company’. 

    But because tax is complex, it’s always been better to leave the tax advice to the specialists. 

    To give you a brief overview, back in 2015 new rules were introduced which meant individuals could no longer claim mortgage interest as an expense, but limited companies still could.  

    So overnight, owning property in a company became a lot more attractive because those investing personally were left paying tax on profit that wasn’t really profit because it ignored the cost of interest. 

    It impacted investors to such a degree that the majority of those who invest through us at Property Hub Invest now do so using a limited company. 

    These rules have been eased in over the years but fully came into play as of April 2020, so we thought we’d take a look into it.  

    If you’re wanting to purchase property through a limited company, then make sure you check out the tax implications and give this episode a listen. 

     

    In the news 

    This week we’ve got two news stories that might incentivise you to become a greener landlord.  

    The first one, ‘yet another BTL lender issues cheap loans for homes with good EPCs’. Mortgage lender Keystones have now said that they offer a 0.15% reduction to landlords with properties older than five years with an EPC rating of A to C. 

    The second story is, ‘Buy to let lender says new eco-loan will be ‘push for landlords’. The Mortgage Works, part of Nationwide, has a new mortgage product called the Green Further Advance, which can be used to make sustainable home improvements.  

    So, if your property is in need of a little TLC, it may well be worth looking into going green and saving yourself some money as well as the planet. 

     

    Hub Extra 

    This week for Hub Extra, we’ve got a couple of resources for you.  

    And they’re an alternative to the popular messaging app, Whatsapp.  

    Whatsapp doesn’t offer a lot of privacy and are increasingly collecting data and insights into your activity.   

    So we’ve got a couple of different options for you. They are Signal and Telegram.  

    Both are apps just like Whatsapp that you can get for free, but your privacy is a lot more protected.  

     

    Let’s get social 

    We’d love to hear what you think of this week’s Property Podcast over on FacebookTwitter or Instagram. You might even have a topic you’d like us to cover in the future - if so, pop us a message on social and we’ll see what we can do. 

    Make sure you’ve liked and subscribed to our YouTube channel where we upload new content every week!  

    If that wasn’t enough, you can also join our friendly property community on the Property Hub forum

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    ASK 150: How does the modern method of auctions work? PLUS: Can I challenge your views on fundamentals?

    ASK 150: How does the modern method of auctions work? PLUS: Can I challenge your views on fundamentals?

    It's time for another couple of questions in this week’s edition of ‘Ask Rob & Rob’, Steven asks Rob & Rob...How does the modern method of auctions work? PLUS: Can I challenge your views on fundamentals?... ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION TO ROB & ROB!

    Don't be shy! All you need to do is leave a message with your name and whatever's on your mind.

    Just pick up the phone and call 013 808 00035 (normal UK call rates apply).

    Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    ASK247: Can I use my bounce-back loan as a deposit? PLUS: Is this Liverpool property too cheap?

    ASK247: Can I use my bounce-back loan as a deposit? PLUS: Is this Liverpool property too cheap?

    This week on Ask Rob & Rob we’ve got two great questions around location and using the bounceback loan scheme to fund your deposit. Is it a good idea?

    It seems a number of people are turning their head towards Liverpool for investing in property right now, and this week we’ve got another question regarding properties in the area.

    So let’s get to it.

    The first question is from Mohammad. He’s recently acquired £50,000 from the bounceback loan scheme through his limited company and he’s now wanting to know if he can use this money as a deposit for a buy-to-let property? 

    There’s been a bit of confusion and uncertainty around this topic as it’s not really been clear as to whether you can use the bounceback loan as a deposit. 

    So, do The Robs think it’s alright to use the loan as a deposit or do they think Mohammad should reconsider?

    Our second caller of the week is Harry from Bristol. He’s asking if £70,000 is too cheap to purchase a decent property in Liverpool? 

    If Rob & Rob think it’s too low, Harry wants to know what they think would be the minimum they’d pay for a property in this location.

    Naturally, there was only one Rob to take on this question, so it’s over to Rob B to answer this one.

    Does Rob B think that Harry should be looking at paying more than £70,000 to get himself a good investment property? 

    Tune in to find out.

     

    Do you have a buy to let or property investment related question for Rob & Rob? You could feature on the next episode by giving us a call on 013 808 00035 and leaving a message with your name and question (normal UK call rates apply). 

    Or if you prefer, click here to leave a recording via your computer instead.

    The next question on Ask Rob & Rob could be yours. 

    Have you joined us over on the Property Hub Forum yet? Our online community is friendly, informative, and the members are waiting to welcome you with open arms. So get yourself over and introduce yourself.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.