Expat Property Story

Hosted by The Expat Property Guy

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Episodes

301

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

A podcast for expats investing in UK property

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60 recent

June 14, 202633 min

Expat Property Story at 300: A Look Back at Our Favourite Podcast Features

#300To celebrate Episode 300 we take you back through some of the features that have fallen by the wayside.Think of it as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those of you who’ve been here from the start or a way to pique your interest in the back catalogue if you're a more recent listener.I'm sure you'll have as much fun listening as I did putting it all together.Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupFeatures From The PastSoap Story: Retrospective look at the host's personal property journey in a serial, “what happens next” format.Monopoly Challenge: Guests have 30 seconds to name as many Monopoly board squares as possible without repetition.Guest Jokes: Guests bring a joke related to property to the interview.Postcode Challenge: Guests answer three multiple-choice questions about their chosen postcode area.Desert Island Property Disc: Guests select a song related to property they would take to a desert island (no repeats allowed).My Minimo: Guests choose three ideal (historical, living, or fictional) housemates for a mini HMO (house of multiple occupancy).Property Adjectives: Guests pick three adjectives they think are key for successful property investing.Property Disasters: Guests recount their worst property-related mishaps and share the lessons learned.KeywordsUK property, UK property investing, UK property investment, UK property market, UK property podcast, UK property auctions, UK property strategies, UK property portfolio, Expat property investing, Buying property UK, UK property stories, UK property experts, UK property for expats, UK property tax, Student HMO UK, Serviced accommodation UK, UK landlord tips, Due diligence UK property, UK property books, How to buy UK property from abroad, UK property strategies for expats, UK property auction guide, UK student HMO investing, UK property disasters and lessons learned, Best books for UK property investors, Setting up a UK property limited company, Top UK property podcasts for expats, Building a UK property portfolio as an expat, Choosing a letting agent UK, UK property networking tips, How to build resilience in UK property investing, UK property case studies for expats, Step-by-step UK auction buying process, UK property checklist for expatsCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

June 10, 2026Episode 29922 min

Who to Trust and How to Choose? Building Your UK Property Team

#299Whether you’re thousands of miles away or even just hundreds of miles away, you’re going to need people to help you. So I’ve trawled through the back catalogue to find the best advice on choosing who to work with. And how to go about it.This episode features contributions from:Helen Godbold-Eade (Episode 7)Grant Williams (Episode 149) Charlie Green (Episode 219)Darren McNeill (Episode 240)Sally Cope (Episode 114)Scott Williams (Episode 289)John Howard (Episode 19)Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWe discuss:Building a Trusted Network in UK PropertyImportance of Ethical Partners in UK Property InvestmentChallenges for Expats Investing in UK PropertyRole of Financial Advisors in UK Property DealsHow to Identify Good UK Property AdvisorsUnderstanding Motives of UK Property PartnersTruth vs. Sales Pitch in UK Property AdviceThe Necessity of Honest Feedback in UK PropertyTips for Vetting UK Property ProfessionalsStrategies for Assessing Trust in UK Property RelationshipsThe "7114 Model" for UK Property NetworkingBuilding UK Property Trust Quickly and EffectivelyRental Return Guarantees in UK Property ManagementBenefits of Local Expertise in UK Property InvestmentUsing Psychometric Tools for UK Property TeamsOutsourcing Tasks in UK Property BusinessesComplementary Skills in UK Property Team BuildingRisks of Relying on Recommendations in UK PropertyImportance of Experience in UK Property Project ManagementAdvantages of Bigger Developments for Remote UK Property InvestorsUK property, UK property investment, UK property market, UK property portfolio, UK property podcast, Expat property investing, UK buy to let, Investing in UK property from abroad, UK real estate, Building a UK property team, UK property consultants, UK property management, UK property developers, UK property advice, Property investment UK, How to build a UK property portfolio as an expat, Trusted UK property investment advisors, Choosing the right property management team in the UK, UK property sourcing for overseas investors, Challenges of UK property investment for expats, Best strategies for remote UK property investing, Tips for working with UK property consultants, How to find ethical UK property partners, UK property project management for overseas investors, Differences between small and large UK property developments for expatsCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

June 7, 2026Episode 2988 min

London Flats Struggle While Manchester Booms Plus Best Cities for Expats

#298This is our monthly roundup of news affecting UK Property investors.This month's news items:UK House Prices FallingUK house prices have dropped for the third consecutive month, with the Halifax House Price Index reporting a 0.1% decline, bringing the average home price to just under £299,000. House Price Gap Between London and Other UK Cities NarrowingThe Financial Times reports that the gap between London house prices and other UK cities is the narrowest since 2009London Flats UnderperformingFlats in London, especially small ones, are performing poorly, with nearly half now selling for less than their previous purchase price—even for properties bought 20 years ago.Landlord Demand and Supply TrendsAccording to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), 77% of landlords saw strong tenant demand in late 2025. But while tenant demand rises supply is falling due to landlords selling up.Top 10 Most Livable Cities for ExpatsCheck out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWe discuss:UK Property Prices Fall for Third Straight MonthHalifax House Price Index Reports 0.1% DropAverage UK Property Price Now Under £299,000House Price Indices Exclude Cash Buyer TransactionsSavills Revises 2026 UK Property Price Forecast6% Swing in Savills UK Property PredictionsImpact of Global Events on UK Property MarketOpportunities for UK Property Buyers Amidst DownturnUK Property Prices Cheapest in 20 Years (Inflation-Adjusted)Myths About the “Average” UK PropertyLondon vs. UK Cities: Property Price Gap NarrowsManchester Property Prices Surge 71% in a DecadeLondon Property Prices Up Only 9% Since 2016Flats in London Selling Below Purchase PriceTwo and Three Bed Flats in London Lose ValueInner London Flats Drop 6% in Selling PriceUK Landlords Reporting Strong Tenant DemandLandlords Selling More UK Property Than BuyingGovernment Data: UK Rental Property Supply DecreasesTop 10 Most Liveable Cities for Expats AnnouncedKeywordsUK property, UK property news, UK property market, UK house prices, UK property investment, Expat property UK, UK property trends, London property prices, UK property market forecast, UK housing market update, Buy property UK, UK landlords, UK real estate, UK home prices, Property prices London, UK buy-to-let, UK property podcast, News affecting UK property for expats, UK property prices fall 2024, Savills UK house price prediction 2026, Best cities for expat property investment UK, UK flats selling below purchase price, London flat prices 2024, Rising tenant demand in UK rental market, Affordable UK cities for property investment, Effects of inflation on UK property values, Selling UK property as an expat landlord, Expat guide to UK property market, How to invest in UK property from abroad, Liveable cities for expats in UK, UK property market after covid, NRLA landlord market data UKCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

June 3, 2026Episode 29728 min

What No One Tells You About Scottish Property

#297Imagine a world where almost nothing is leasehold.Where one missing toilet can change how a whole deal is valuedAnd where pre-auction bargains are the normIn this episode, I talk to Scottish investor and auctioneer Luis Guarín of Prime Property Auctions about:How the Scottish market really works, Why home reports can be both a blessing and a problemHow traders are making serious money under the tax thresholdIf you invest in the UK, you need to understand Scotland.Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWe discuss:Scottish Market: Key Differences from UK Property SceneLeasehold vs. Freehold: Why Scotland Stands OutArticles of Roup: Unique Scottish Property Auction ContractsHome Reports: Compulsory for Scottish Property SalesHow To Avoid Home Reports in ScotlandImpact of Home Reports on UK Property ValuationsTrading Property Below Stamp Duty Threshold in ScotlandFast-Track Selling Process for UK Property AuctionsTimed Online Auctions vs. Live Auctions in UK PropertyPre-Auction Offers: Securing UK Property Bargains EarlyGuide Price Strategies for UK Property AuctionsRole of Factors in Scottish Freehold FlatsNavigating Factoring Companies in UK Property InvestmentsMotivated Sellers: How to Spot Them in AuctionsLandlord Challenges in Scottish UK Property MarketExit Trends for Small UK Property LandlordsRise of Large Portfolio Investors in Scottish PropertySourcing Property Deals and Referral Fees ExplainedSNP Policies: Tenant First Refusal in UK Property SalesStamp Duty and LBTT: Comparing UK and Scottish Property TaxesKeywordsUK property, UK property investment, Scotland property market, UK property auction, Expat property investment, Scotland property auctions, Scottish home report, Freehold vs leasehold UK, LBTT Scotland (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax), Stamp duty UK, Buy to let Scotland, Overseas property investors UK, Scottish rental regulations, Property sourcing UK, Property factoring Scotland, How does the home report work in Scottish property, Differences between Scottish and English property auctions, Investing in freehold flats in Scotland, Stamp duty vs LBTT for expat investors, Working with property sourcers in Scotland, Best places for cash property purchases under £40,000 UK, Impact of rent caps on Scottish landlords, Selling tenanted property at auction in Scotland, Tips for buying property at auction as an expat, Advantages of investing north of Newcastle in UK propertyCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

May 31, 2026Episode 29610 min

Expat Mortgage News: Interest Rates, Product Fees, and Lending Insights

#296In this month’s Mortgage Monday, Shaz Ahmed, founder of Elan Property Finance (better known as @Whereshaz), returns for his regular lending update.With interest rates holding steady after the latest Bank of England meeting, Shaz explores what this means for borrowers.And we disuss the shifting landscape of mortgage rates and fees, and Shaz offers insights on choosing between different lending products. We also look at the impact of the Renters Rights ActAnd we discuss the rise in alternative letting strategies like Serviced Acommodation and social housingFinally, we highlight the latest news from the specialist lending market following the collapse of specialist bridging lender Market Financial Solutions (MFS)Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWe discuss:UK Property Podcast: Expat Property Story Mortgage MondayBank of England Interest Rate Decision Impact on UK PropertyUK Property Market: Inflation, Recession, and Interest RatesMortgage Rate Predictions for UK Property InvestorsSwap Rates Trends Affecting UK Property LendingTwo-Year UK Mortgage Rates: Current Market AnalysisFive-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages in UK Property MarketRising Mortgage Product Fees for UK Property LoansShould UK Landlords Choose Low Rate or Low Fee Mortgages?UK Property Refinancing: Two-Year vs Five-Year DealsImpact of Property Renovation on UK Mortgage ChoicesCash Flow vs Leverage Strategies in UK Property MortgageCommercial Mortgages for UK HMOs: Expert AdviceTracker Mortgages Trending in UK Property FinanceEarly Repayment Charges on UK Property Tracker MortgagesRenters Right Act Implementation in UK Property MarketAirbnb and Alternative Lettings for UK PropertiesSocial Housing Contracts: UK Property Lending ConcernsRisks of Misclassifying Tenants as Guests in UK PropertyMFS Collapse: Effects on UK Specialist Lending MarketsKeywordsUK property, UK property market, UK property investment, UK mortgages, UK property finance, Buy-to-let UK, UK property lending, Mortgage rates UK, UK property investors, UK rental market, UK property podcast, Expat UK property, UK property recession, UK housing market, Remortgage UK, UK property trends, UK fixed rate mortgage, UK tracker mortgage, UK property law, Renters Rights Act UK, How does the Bank of England base rate affect UK property?, Mortgage options for UK property investors, Is it better to choose a five-year fixed mortgage in the UK?, Impact of UK politics on mortgage rates, Buy, refurbish, refinance strategy in UK property, Social housing investment UK advantages and risks, Airbnb and alternative letting strategies for UK landlords, What fees are involved in UK property mortgages?, Best tracker mortgages for UK rental properties, Expat investors navigating UK property finance, Challenges with specialist and bridging lenders in UK property, Importance of lender quality for UK property finance, Impact of the Renters Rights Act on UK landlords, How to ensure compliance as a UK landlord, Risks of changing letting strategies for UK mortgagesCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

May 27, 2026Episode 29533 min

The Inside Scoop on Empty Property Bargains

#295Do you get frustrated, spending hour upon hour trawling through property portals ooking for a deal, only to find there’s lots of other investors chasing the same lead?Wouldn’t it be nice if you could find deals that have little or no competition?In this episode, we’re plugging another gap in the archives as we tackle long-term empty homes.Simon Taylor is founder of Empty Property Hunters, a business that finds long‑term empty homes across the UK, tracks down the owners, and helps bring those properties back into use through quick, off‑market sales.Download and listen to see how you can do it too.Check out our shorts on YouTubeOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWe discuss:How to Find Off-Market UK Property DealsChallenges of UK Property Portals for InvestorsUnderstanding Long-Term Empty Homes in the UKUK Property Expert Simon Taylor’s BackgroundBusiness Model for Sourcing UK Empty PropertiesIncentivising Lead Submission in UK Property MarketMethods to Track UK Property OwnersUsing Genealogy for UK Property Owner TracingCommon Reasons Homes Become Empty in the UKProbate and UK Property Investment ChallengesTechniques for Detecting Vacant UK PropertiesRole of Delivery Drivers in UK Property SourcingConversion Rates for UK Property LeadsJoint Ventures in UK Property InvestmentExit Strategies for UK Property InvestmentsPricing Model for UK Property AcquisitionFast Exchange Process in UK Property DealsDIY Tips for UK Property Investors OverseasCompliance and Data Protection in UK Property DealsImportance of Follow-Up for UK Property InvestmentKeywordsUK property, UK property investment, UK property market, UK real estate, UK property deals, UK property sourcing, Buying property in the UK, UK property investors, UK vacant homes, UK empty homes, UK property strategies, UK direct to vendor, Remote property investment UK, UK property refurbishment, How to find off-market property deals in the UK, Investing in long term empty homes UK, Bringing empty homes back to market UK, Step-by-step guide to sourcing UK property remotely, Tips for overseas investors in UK property, UK property finder services for expats, How to contact owners of empty homes in the UK, UK property joint ventures for remote investors, Tools for identifying empty properties in the UK, How to do due diligence on UK property deals remotelyCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

May 24, 2026Episode 2948 min

Regional Differences and Seasonal Changes in UK Property Auctions

#294This episode is our monthly review of what's going on in the world of UK Property auctions, featuring Jay Howard from Hammered AuctionsThe three main topics tackled are:EIG's latest figures which reveal that auction activity rose 9.5% year-on-year but the percentage of lots sold in April 2025 has decreased slightly compared to the April 2025.Seasonal trends and how they're changingAuctions in the North-WestOur WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupWe also discuss:UK Property Auctions Activity Up 9.5% Year on YearResidential Lots Sold in UK Property Auctions Rise 8.1%UK Auction Sales Hit £5.9 Billion in 2025Decrease in UK Property Lots Sold Percentage in AprilRegional UK Property Auction Trends for 2026COVID Impact on UK Property Auction GrowthAccessibility of UK Property Auctions Post-PandemicMore UK Properties Offered at Auction in 2026UK Auction Market Volume Outpaces Last YearChallenges Facing UK Auction Properties with Tenanted FlatsUK Commercial Property at Auction Facing HesitancyMay vs April: Best Months for UK Property AuctionsSeasonal Trends in UK Property Auction MarketHoliday Periods Impact UK Auction Buying BehaviourTechnology and Automation Shaping UK Property AuctionsUK Property Market Shifting Towards Data-Driven SalesComparing UK Auction and Private Treaty Property MarketsNorthwest UK Property Auction Listings Surge in AprilKey Auctioneers in Northwest UK Property MarketLiverpool Treated as Distinct UK Property Auction MarketKeywordsUK property, UK property auctions, UK residential property market, UK commercial property, UK auction market trends, UK property investment, Property auctions in the UK, UK real estate market report, Buying property at auction UK, UK auction activity statistics, UK auction house companies, Property investment UK, UK auctioneers, UK housing market 2026, How to buy property at auction in the UK, Best months to buy property at UK auctions, UK auction market growth since COVID, Selling property at UK auction, Differences between UK property auction houses, Regional auction trends UK (e.g., Northwest, London, Northern Ireland), Increasing number of lots in UK property auctions 2026, Percentage of properties sold at auction UK statistics, UK rental investment opportunities in auction properties, Accessibility of online UK property auctions, Effects of seasonal trends on UK property auctions, Challenges of investing in tenanted properties at auction UK, Property trading strategies UK auctions, Most active property auction regions in the UK, Top auctioneers in Northwest UK property marketCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

May 20, 2026Episode 29341 min

How to Get the Best Price When Selling Property at Auction

#293In today’s show, I have an imaginary 3 bed semi I’m looking to sell at auction for profit.Helping me to maximise my gain is Olivia Boulting, also known as The Queen of the Gavel, Regional Manager and Auctioneer for Auction House South West.This episode is jam packed with fantastic advice on how to get the best results at auction as a seller.As a result, there's plenty to learn for buyers too!Olivia is also host of a new podcast with ex guest Jade from Docuwise called TheAuction Edit. Our WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideWe discuss:UK Property Auction vs Traditional Sale: Key DifferencesSetting Guide Price and Reserve for UK Property AuctionsAttracting Multiple Bidders for UK Property SuccessBanded Guide Price Strategy in UK Property AuctionsPreparing UK Property for Sale: Photos and MarketingVideo Tours and Drone Footage for UK Property ListingsLegal Pack Essentials for UK Property AuctionsSearch Pack Timelines in Selling UK PropertyEnvironmental Searches: Radon Issues in Southwest UKMaximising UK Property Price: Auction House TipsManaging Completion Timescales for UK Property AuctionsFee Structures: Seller vs Buyer Costs in UK PropertyAnti-Embarrassment Clauses in UK Property SalesDrip Feeding Legal Pack to Attract UK Property BuyersPost-Auction Sales Strategies for UK PropertySelling UK Property Prior to Auction: When and WhyThe Impact of Auctioneer Skills on UK Property PriceChoosing the Best Auction House to Sell UK PropertyRegional Differences in UK Property Auction PracticesLive Stream vs Timed Auctions for UK Property SalesKeywordsUK property, UK property auction, Sell property UK, UK property market, Selling property at auction UK, UK estate agents, Auction house UK, Property auction process UK, Guide price UK auction, Reserve price UK auction, UK property marketing, Legal pack property auction UK, UK property completion timescales, How to sell a house at auction in the UK, Maximising price at UK property auction, Best auction houses for property in the UK, Preparing a legal pack for UK property auction, Difference between guide price and reserve price UK auction, Marketing strategies for property auction UK, Post-auction property sales UK, Selling probate property at auction UK, Attracting remote buyers to UK property auctions, Common mistakes in UK auction legal packs, Impact of reserve price on UK auction success, Typical fees for selling property at auction UK, Fastest way to sell property in the UK, Banded guide price UK auction, Selling a three bed semi at auction in PlymouthCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

May 17, 2026Episode 29210 min

61% Capital Gain in Five Years

#292Once a month I’m joined by Darren McNeill from our sponsors FMP to look back at a deal he sourced for a client 5 years ago.This month, we discuss a deal in Bacup, Lancashire OL13 8BSFinnigan McNeill Property specialise in high-yielding turnkey properties in the Northwest for under 125K.Our WhatsApp groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideWe discuss:FMP’s focus on UK buy-to-let propertiesBack-to-back terraced houses explained in UK property contextProperty deal review: Holmes Lane, Bacup, UKTwo-bedroom terraces in the UK property marketUK property purchase price: £65,000 in 2021Rental forecast vs. actual rents UK propertyAttic bedrooms in UK back-to-back homesUK property on three floors: Investment benefitsUK rental market: £525 achieved over £475 forecastFMP information sheets for UK property investorsFive and ten-year UK property forecastingKey UK property market statistics and EPC dataBacup UK property price growth since 2017UK capital growth: 37% in Bacup since 2020UK rental yields: North West outperforming national averageUK property yields: FMP targets 9–10% minimumCapital growth surprise in Northern UK propertyUK cash flow vs. capital growth investment strategyBurnley: Top UK property investment locationBurnley’s regeneration and impact on UK property valuesKeywordsUK property, UK property investment, UK property market, Buy to let UK, Northwest property investment, Greater Manchester property, Burnley property investment, Bacup property market, UK rental yields, UK capital growth, Buy to let under 125,000, UK property cash flow, Rental Barometer Fleet Mortgages, UK landlord advice, Back to back terrace property UK, Burnley buy to let opportunities, Northwest England investment properties, UK two bedroom rental yields, Holmes Lane Bacup property, UK property investment for expats, Best areas to invest in Northwest UK, University of Central Lancashire property investment, UK property projections and forecasting, UK property remortgage rates, UK property information sheets for landlordsCheck out our new YouTube Channel @ExpatPropertyStory

May 14, 20262 min

Expat Property Story Trailer 2026

We've released 278 episodes since our last trailer.So it's time for a refresh.We're also starting a YouTube channel to show short video clips from our more recent episodes.Details to follow later.