This Week In Property Podcast

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/proper-tay/ In this episode of This Week In Property, we sit down with sister-brother team Michelle de Almeida and Paul Laurie; two dynamic property investors whose journey from hospitality burnout to a booming multi-million-pound property business is anything but ordinary. Michelle spent two decades in the high-pressure world of hospitality before pivoting into business consultancy and eventually property investment. Paul racked up 30 years in the same industry before joining forces with his sister. Together, they’ve built a thriving property business that now boasts a GDV pipeline in excess of £10 million. Their journey is rooted in grit, realism, and a lot of legwork. Paul is methodical. He views up to 40 properties just to land one viable deal, sticking firmly to numbers that work. Michelle, meanwhile, brings a strategic mindset, treating property as a business from day one and managing investor relations, finance, and branding with precision. They’ve funded their de

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/brandon-rickman/ In this episode of This Week in Property, Richard sits down with Brandon Rickman, a seasoned real estate investor from Atlanta, Georgia, whose journey spans 25 years, over 500 flips, 100 new builds, and a sprawling 115,000-square-foot self-storage facility. But this isn’t just a tale of transactions.  It’s one of service, strategy, and substance. Brandon’s roots in real estate run deep. Growing up on job sites with his developer father, he learned how to build houses before he learned to drive. That hands-on experience gave him the skills, and confidence, to start flipping homes with his wife, a former maths teacher. What began as a way to earn extra income quickly evolved into a full-scale business doing over a hundred houses a year. But Brandon’s approach is far from transactional. Over time, he and his team transformed their operation into a real estate services company, focused on solving people’s problems; not just making a profit. Whether it’s dire

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/wayne-douglas/ In today's episode, we site down with Wayne Douglas, Managing Director of City & Country, for a conversation that blends heritage, housing, and hope for the UK property industry. From humble beginnings shadowing his carpenter father, Wayne’s path into housebuilding took a different route; through numbers and finance. But it’s clear that passion for quality construction runs deep. He shares how he joined City & Country nearly two decades ago when it was a 40-person firm turning over £10 million. Today, the company turns over almost £100 million and has carved out a niche preserving and repurposing Britain’s historic buildings. What sets City & Country apart? Their commitment to quality, placemaking, and architectural integrity. Wayne talks about how converting heritage buildings - once used by councils, police, or the MOD - into desirable homes is not just a business model, but a way of safeguarding national identity. It’s also about practicali

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/lynne-alan Today, on This Week In Property, Richard is joined by Lynne McMaster and Alan McDonald—two entrepreneurs with very different backstories but a shared mission to build meaningful, values-driven businesses in the world of property. Lynne opens up about her path from customer service and family life to what was nearly a career in funeral care. After facing some deeply personal tragedies, she found herself seeking not just a business, but a way to give back. What began as a search for premises for a funeral home eventually shifted into property investment after attending a Jumpstart event with her partner Grant. That detour turned into a full-on career change, one that’s now giving her both purpose and flexibility around her family. Alan’s story contrasts but complements Lynne’s. From being a chef and a senior manager in the motor trade to discovering the power of serviced accommodation, he talks candidly about the burnout that came with a “good salary” and the realisa

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/bacon/ n this enlightening episode of This Week in Property, Richard sits down with Julie West and Hayley Scammell from Sussex’s leading estate agency, Bacon & Co, to discuss the much-debated Renters’ Reform Bill and its sweeping implications for landlords, tenants, and letting agents alike. Julie and Hayley bring a wealth of experience, having weathered the highs and lows of the property market for decades. From Hayley’s early days earning £25 a week to Julie’s transition from landlord to agency founder, both have a deep understanding of the lettings landscape and the challenges it faces. The discussion opens by addressing the wave of anxiety the Renters’ Reform Bill has stirred in the landlord community. While tenants generally perceive the bill as a win for their rights and security, landlords fear increased difficulty in regaining possession of their properties, especially when dealing with problematic tenants. Yet, Julie and Hayley are quick to reassure: the core of

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/jake-suthers/   Are you intrigued by the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps property development projects on track?  In the latest episode of This Week In Property, Richard sits down with Jake Suthers, the dynamic founder of The QS Company, to unravel the critical role of quantity surveying (QS) in the property world. This engaging conversation is packed with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice that will leave you eager to dive into the full episode. Jake’s journey is anything but ordinary. From cutting his teeth in London’s corporate construction scene to managing mega-projects in Dubai’s glittering skyline, Jake’s path to founding The QS Company is a story of ambition and adaptability. He shares how a chance connection through Paul McFadden’s Property Protege training sparked a mindset shift, propelling him from the safety of corporate life to the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship. But what exactly does a quantity surveyor do? Jake breaks it down, revealing how Q

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/chris-dowty/ On today's show, Richard sits down with Chris Dowty — entrepreneur, fintech innovator, and the founder of Sourcing Investments — for a candid conversation that spans continents, careers, and a few eyebrow-raising property plays. Speaking from his base in Bali (yes, he really lives there), Chris takes us on a journey from his early days in corporate life with Intel to diving headfirst into the unpredictable world of UK property. What started as a frustrated leap out of a safe but stifling career eventually snowballed into an ambitious mission: to build structure, trust, and transparency in the property sourcing industry — and to solve the very real problems faced by both investors and sourcing agents. For Property Investors: A Platform Built Around Trust One of the most common complaints from UK and international property investors is a lack of confidence in the sourcing process. Chris saw this firsthand. Too many investors were unsure who to trust, worried about

The latest episode of This Week In Property takes listeners on a fascinating journey into the world of property redevelopment, featuring an ambitious project set in the scenic coastal town of Montrose, Scotland.  Host Richard sits down with three key figures and former individual guests on the podcast—Andrew Lindsay, David Liddell, and Taylor McDonald—who are spearheading the transformation of the historic Grey Harlings Hotel.  Their conversation is packed with insights, challenges, and inspiring moments, making this episode a must-listen for property investors, developers, and anyone passionate about revitalising historic spaces. Why Grey Harlings? Why Montrose? For those unfamiliar with Montrose, this charming town, nestled along Scotland’s rugged northeast coast, boasts stunning seaside views, a deep sense of history, and a strong local community. However, like many towns with historic architecture, maintaining and modernising key properties is essential for keeping the area vibrant and attractive. The Gre

For anyone looking to break into property investment or scale their portfolio, the latest episode of This Week in Property is a goldmine of insight.  Host Richard sits down with Charles Whitehead, the driving force behind Pearl Lemon Properties, to discuss the evolving landscape of property investment—and why the right strategy can make all the difference. From Personal Struggles to Professional Success Charles’s journey into property investment started like many others—as a busy professional struggling to find the right properties and reliable advice.  What began as a personal mission to simplify the investment process has since grown into Pearl Lemon Properties, a premium sourcing company known for its hands-on approach and transparent service.  Whether it’s buy-to-let, HMOs, refurbishments, or even international investments, Charles and his team guide clients every step of the way. Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Investment Strategies That Work The podcast dives into some of the myths surrounding property inves

https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/rosevale   Are you a landlord, tenant, or someone intrigued by the ever-changing property world? Then the latest episode of This Week in Property is for you. Riccardo Giovanacci, the managing director of Rosevale Letting, joins Richard for an insightful discussion that blends personal stories, industry wisdom, and practical advice.   From Humble Beginnings to Lettings Expert   Riccardo’s journey started in Greenock, a town just outside Glasgow, where he learned the ropes of property from family influences and early work experiences. His rise to success wasn’t an overnight story but one built on hard work, learning from mentors, and embracing opportunities. In his words, adaptability and a willingness to seize the moment were the keys to building his business.   Navigating a Changing Lettings Market   Riccardo delves into the challenges and opportunities of Scotland’s property market, particularly with ever-evolving legislation. He sheds light on the Private Residential Tenanc

In today's show we turn on the big spotlight again - the Property Pros Spotlight!  Where we bring someone into the studio and hear the story of their property journey.  Where they've came from, what they've done, chat about their deals, and learn what kind of business they have grown. And today's guest, David Liddell, is the perfect example of what is possible in the world of property. Known for his dynamic approach to property, David is a seasoned investor and developer with a background in engineering who has found remarkable success by harnessing his analytic skills, adapting his approach, and embracing risk. In this inspiring interview, David shares the journey that led him to property investment and the lessons he’s gathered along the way. David’s career began in offshore engineering, a field he initially pursued for financial stability but found lacking in fulfillment. After a near move to Australia that fell through during the pandemic, David redirected his career, using capital from a former property

In today's episode of This Week in Property, Richard had an insightful conversation with Lesley Treacey, Head of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) at Dandara Homes and Living.  The interview provides an in-depth look at the importance of sustainability in the property development sector, with Lesley sharing her extensive experience and unique perspective on how the industry is evolving. Lesley discusses the growing focus on ESG, highlighting how issues like biodiversity, energy efficiency, and sustainable building practices are becoming central to modern construction.  Lesley explains the key drivers behind this shift, from regulatory changes to rising consumer awareness and grassroots movements. With sustainability no longer a niche concern, it has become a top priority for developers, investors, and governments alike. One of the key topics covered is Dandara’s ongoing work to implement the Future Homes Standard and achieve net-zero carbon homes by 2050.  Lesley touches on how this ambitious target

You've bought an investment property, or you're planning to? Ok. Quick question... Have you bought a house, a home, a property, or an asset? All just words of course. But the one you choose will say a lot about your mindset as an investor. If you chose any of the 1st three words, then you maybe have a hobby. Or an interest. Or a side hustle. If you chose 'asset', then you might just be an actual INVESTOR. Serious. Professional. Focused. And if you are indeed an investor, buying assets, growing portfolios, generating revenue, and building a legacy for your nearest and dearest...then you better make sure you're PROTECTING them! All of them. Insurance is a boring word; we're talking about several layers of PROTECTION here. Simon Massey, from Express Mortgages, is a specialist with a wealth of experience. There's not much that Simon hasn't seen with investors and investments. Sadly, some of those have been sad tales of assets being lost, businesses not being structured properly, tax being overpaid, and families l

Where is the prime place in the UK to face, experience, challenge and enjoy “the game” of property, planning, building and development? It has to be London, yes? And the ‘spear’ for facing that battle needs to be credible and powerful. So how about the iconic name of Barratt? And for the tip of that spear, you’re going to need someone who has seen it all. Experience and expertise in the game for over 20 years. Knowledge of planning and development inside companies from SME developers to giant PLCs. Experience of residential-led volume developments, tricky brownfield sites, mixed-use projects, and major regeneration programmes. But they can’t just be a Solo Star. They have to enjoy building partnerships and relationships. Seeing the best and the opportunity in others. A track record of forming partnerships that find solutions, solve problems, and bring award-winning homes to the people and families that come to live in the end home or the constructed leisure space. Someone who doesn’t just know and excel in th

When your iconic real estate brand is already well established in the UK for over 200 years, where can you take it? That’s right. Everywhere else! The Chestertons brand has been thriving in the UK since 1805. Chestertons Global sits within that wider brand, as a network of leading international real estate companies. And you need a global expert to lead that expansion around the world. In steps today’s guest, Parikshat Chawla as Head of Operations for Chestertons Global. A self-confessed “Global Nomad,” Parikshat and his wife had already lived a rich life of travel, working and staying in many different parts and cultures around the world. With over 20 years of experience in the global real estate sector, he has worked with diverse and multi-national companies across the world, delivering innovative and effective solutions to market and sell properties globally. And he’s put that experience to good use, leading Chestertons Global’s expansion and management of the affiliate and franchise network, overseeing va

So you've had challenges in your life, yeah? Ever been made homeless? Ever had that happen to you and your family before you were even 1 year old? No? What about feeling that life is against you? Had that family home taken away from you because of some lack of paperwork? Some legal technicality? A battle in life where your family had to pull money together to get you overseas to try and make money elsewhere to send it back to your family? No? What about your darkest moments? How did it feel when you were at your lowest? Your own 'rock bottom'? Was it a scenario where you had to actually live and shelter inside a red phone box in the city of London? Was it like that? Did you feel as hopeless and as vulnerable as a young person in their twenties would feel in that kind of environment? No? And what about your mindset, your resilience? Have you been able to find the strength to take the darkest moments and find light in them? To take a dark feeling of "life happening to you" and empower it with a confidence of "l

Did you know exactly what you wanted to do after school? No, neither did today's guest, Sean Spalding. He passed some Higher Exams, he had some jobs in retail and sales. He even tried searching down a few different paths with college, university, working with his dad, and even applying to join the police force. Curiously searching around for his path in life, for the route to success and supporting himself and then his family. Have you, or are you, surrounded by people and systems telling you that certain things are just not for your kind of people? Yeah, that's what Sean faced too. He could see signs and examples of how, for example, money and wealth could be achieved through property investing. However, schools and establishments, and even family, dictated that he could easily work IN property in some way, but the real profits and wealth were for some reason only reserved for other types of people. Whatever that actually means. Have you yet found the resilience and determination to just keep going, to just

What things pop into your head as a seller or a buyer when the word "auction" is mentioned?   A large, stuffy room with over-emotional bidders waving paddles in the air and paying over the odds for a property they haven't properly considered?   A seller having to give away massive amounts of their property's value just to desperately get a sale that their local estate agent couldn't manage?   A buyer's panic at a host of fees to pay, with feelings more of gambling than security, and a countdown clock ticking loudly towards a short completion date?   It doesn't have to be that way!   And it's NOT that way if you're lucky enough to do business with John Morris and Luis Guarin from Prime Property Auctions.   Those stuffy rooms in a dated hotel on a specific date that you might not make, are replaced with 2024 tech of online property presentations and a simple offer process.   As John and Luis' expanding team love to say: "Every day is auction day at Prime Property Auctions!"   What words would reassure you as an

Are we handing over too much power to machines and robots with all the latest and greatest apps and AI tools?   What if someone could ensure the changes and developments we make, have the person, the human, very much centre of focus?   What if the resident or tenant was thought of first, before any technical changes?   What if the client or property owner or facility manager was put ahead of any app or flashy interface?   What if the engineer or repair man or service provider was considered before any AI entity?   That's exactly the approach that askporter has taken.   That's why askporter has been able to help L&G's Affordable Homes tenants to fix 30% of their housing issues by themselves.   That's how askporter has been able to help solve the headaches that contractors and engineers usually face, by being able to successfully automatically diagnose 97% of issues raised.   Forget about computers and efficiencies, what actually makes people's lives easier?   It's a tenant having instant answers and inform

I've not really got time for property?   Have you heard that before?   Have you maybe even said it yourself before?   Well today's guest in the Property Pros Spotlight is going to put those excuses to shame.   Because once you've heard Steven McKaveney's life and business journey to date, you'll be forgiven for thinking that we've interviewed five guests instead of just one!   A nomad of action, making things happen.   Life, family and work experiences all across the UK and abroad.   Refurbs, flips, Rent-to-SA, buy-to-lets, conversions, land deals...the list goes on and on.   Did we mention the industry-disrupting AI software service that he's built and patented "on the side"?   Yeah, you won't be able to accuse Steven of being lazy or procrastinating.   His journey and mindset will inspire and encourage you with your own goals.   So has it all been sunshine and unicorns for him?   Absolutely not!   Steven is a completely open book about sharing all of the priceless lessons and challenges he's faced throughou