Expat Property Portfolio

Hosted by Callum Williamson

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Episodes

311

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

The Expat Property Podcast is a show for globally-minded expats who want to share stories, ideas, and strategies for building a life and wealth while living abroad. Hosted by UK property investor Callum Williamson, each episode features candid conversations with fellow expats and industry experts from first-time buyers to seasoned investors. Whether it’s UK property, international real estate, or alternative investments, the focus is on practical insights and personal journeys. But this podcast is about more than just money. We dive into the real experiences of life overseas: the culture shocks, tough decisions, unexpected wins, and the challenges of starting fresh in a new country. You’ll hear honest stories of transition, resilience, and the realities of expat life. Whether you're actively investing or just curious to hear from others navigating life abroad, this podcast offers connection, perspective, and a sense of community from people who’ve been there. From navigating overseas mortgages and tax rules to understanding market trends and building long-term security, it’s not just about property, it’s about creating a lifestyle and legacy on your own terms. Subscribe now to join the conversation and hear what it really takes to thrive as an expat financially, personally, and everywhere in between.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 4, 202611 min

Are stock markets about to crash… (and what to do about it)

The stock market is showing a warning sign that's only appeared twice before in the last 155 years.In this episode, I break down the CAPE (Shiller) Ratio, what it could mean for investors, and why many people are looking at ways to protect and diversify their gains. We also compare stock market returns with property and explore how leverage can change the equation.This is not financial advice, just my interpretation of the data and the trends.📘 BUILDING A UK PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FROM OVERSEAS? Most expats overcomplicate it, overpay, or never start. My book breaks down exactly how to build and scale a UK portfolio while living abroad, the strategies, the structures, and the mistakes to avoid.👉 Grab your copy here: https://www.calwilliamson.com/

May 27, 202612 min

UK landlords: the cost of waiting for rate cuts

Should expat property investors wait for UK interest rate cuts, or buy now?In this episode, I run the numbers across four interest rate scenarios on a £200,000 buy to let at 75% LTV, then compare that to Savills' five year house price forecasts and the rent you would miss out on by waiting. The gap between best and worst case on rates is around £16,000 over five years, but the opportunity cost of sitting on the sidelines is far bigger once capital growth and rental income are factored in.If the deal stacks up today with headroom for rates moving against you, the numbers point one way.📊 If you want the spreadsheet or any of the research I mentioned in this episode? Drop me an email at c@calwilliamson.com, and I'll send it over.📘 BUILDING A UK PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FROM OVERSEAS? Most expats overcomplicate it, overpay, or never start. My book breaks down exactly how to build and scale a UK portfolio while living abroad, the strategies, the structures, and the mistakes to avoid.👉 Grab your copy here: https://www.calwilliamson.com/

May 20, 20269 min

Why You Should Never Buy Property With Cash (Or Sell It)

Why You Should Never Buy Property With Cash (Or Sell It)Buying a property with cash feels safe. But when you run the numbers, it's one of the most expensive decisions you can make. In this episode I compare a cash purchase to a mortgage on the same property, show what leverage actually does to your real returns, and make the case for never selling, remortgaging instead, to access tax-free cash while keeping the asset.📊 Want the spreadsheet I use in this video? Grab a free copy here: Property Investment Spreadsheet📘 BUILDING A UK PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FROM OVERSEAS? Most expats overcomplicate it, overpay for it, or never start at all. My book breaks down exactly how to build and scale a UK portfolio while living abroad. The strategies, the structures, and the mistakes to avoid. Grab your copy here: 👉 https://www.calwilliamson.com/

May 13, 20268 min

Should expats buy UK property now or wait until they return?

Buying a UK property while living abroad? I break down the real cost differences between buying as an expat versus a UK resident, deposits, stamp duty, and mortgage rates, and show why waiting could save you over £36,000 and unlock far more buying power.📘 BUILDING A UK PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FROM OVERSEAS? Most expats overcomplicate it, overpay for it, or never start at all. My book breaks down exactly how to build and scale a UK portfolio while living abroad. The strategies, the structures, and the mistakes to avoid. Grab your copy here: 👉 https://www.calwilliamson.com/📊 SOURCES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEWhy Limited Companies Are Taking Over UK PropertyResidential Stamp Duty Calculator

May 6, 202613 min

Bank of England rate hold & what it means for investors

Bank of England rate hold & what it means for investorsThe headlines are screaming doom, but is the negativity warranted? In this episode, I break down the Bank of England's decision to hold the base rate at 3.75%, what it means for your mortgage, and why the UK property market may have already had its crash without most people realising it. Drawing on Savills research, real house price data, and the 18-year property cycle, I cut through the noise to give property investors a grounded view of where the market is heading and why pent-up demand, rising rents, and improving affordability ratios could mean opportunity for those buying smart right now.📘 BUILDING A UK PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FROM OVERSEAS?Most expats overcomplicate it, overpay for it, or never start at all. My book breaks down exactly how to build and scale a UK portfolio while living abroad. The strategies, the structures, and the mistakes to avoid. Grab your copy here: 👉 https://www.calwilliamson.com/ 📊 SOURCES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBank of England: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/the-interest-rate-bank-rateSavills forecasts: https://www.savills.co.uk/insight-and-opinion/research-consultancy/residential-market-forecasts.aspx

April 29, 202610 min

Dubai property CRASHING? UK vs Dubai, which wins in 2026?

Dubai asking prices have been slashed by up to 27%, real house prices are down 5.9%, and transactions have fallen off a cliff. So is this the start of a Dubai property crash, or a once in a cycle buying opportunity? In this episode I compare the UK vs Dubai across six key metrics: gross yields, net yields after tax, capital appreciation, liquidity, financing access, and political and regulatory risk. The goal is to show you which market actually wins, and more importantly, which one fits YOUR goals.📘 BUILDING A UK PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FROM OVERSEAS?Most expats overcomplicate it, overpay for it, or never start at all. My book breaks down exactly how to build and scale a UK portfolio while living abroad. The strategies, the structures, and the mistakes to avoid. Grab your copy here: 👉 https://www.calwilliamson.com/ 📊 SOURCES REFERENCED IN THIS VIDEOValuStrat Dubai Price Index — https://www.valustrat.com/Dubai Land Department (DLD) — https://dubailand.gov.ae/

April 10, 20268 min

Renters Reform Act & Making Tax Digital - what does it mean for you?

Renters Reform Act & Making Tax Digital - what does it mean for you?Interest rates, the Renters Reform Act, and Making Tax Digital are all shifting at once, but what does it actually mean for your property portfolio?In this episode, I break down the latest from the Bank of England, what the new legislation means for landlords, and how upcoming tax changes could impact you. We also touch on why the UK remains a stable long-term play compared to markets like Dubai.Resources:👉 Get a free copy of my book, The Expat Property Playbook

March 27, 202611 min

The property trap expats fall into (and how to avoid It)

Should you buy property based on numbers… or emotion?After 15+ years in property and over a decade as an expat, I’ve seen the same mistake time and time again: people trying to buy something that works as both a home and an investment.In this episode, I explain why that approach rarely works, how to clearly define your goal, and what actually makes a strong investment property versus a lifestyle purchase. If you’re overseas and thinking about buying in the UK, this is a must-listen before making your next move.Resources:👉 Get a free copy of my book, The Expat Property Playbook

March 20, 202611 min

Bank of England Holds Rates: Should Property Investors Pause?

The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75%, but rising inflation and global tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are changing the outlook.In this episode, we break down what this means for mortgage rates, buyer behaviour, and the property market, plus why long-term investors should stay focused.Featuring a powerful lesson in resilience from Ernest Shackleton and how it applies to property investing today.Resources:👉 Get a free copy of my book, The Expat Property Playbook👉 Latest news on interest rates from the Bank of England👉 Sign up for my newsletter and get insights every Saturday

March 13, 202615 min

Oil Prices, Inflation & UK Property: The Chain Reaction

Oil Prices, Inflation & UK Property: The Chain ReactionIn this episode, I explain how rising oil prices and conflict in the Middle East could impact inflation, interest rates, and the UK property market.I also look at 20 years of UK house price data to show how property has performed through wars, crises, and economic uncertainty, and why long-term investors focus on the bigger picture rather than short-term headlines.Resources:👉 Get a free copy of my book, The Expat Property Playbook👉 UK House Price Data (Office for National Statistics)👉 Sign up here to receive the spreadsheet showing the 20-year house price growth and leveraged returns.