The Financial Freedom Podcast

In this episode, we break down the recently passed Renters’ Rights Bill and what it means in real terms for landlords, HMO operators, and portfolio builders across the UK. Joining us is Amber Chadwick, who manages nearly 400 tenancies across Greater Manchester. Between lettings, compliance, and tenant management, she’s on the frontline of these changes. This isn’t scaremongering. It’s a practical...

In this episode, Phil shares that since 2021, we’ve completed 38 planning applications, with a strong success rate, but still a few refusals along the way. And that’s the key message: you can be excellent, have experience, work with professionals… and still get a “no” sometimes. This is the big one for most small developers, moving between use classes (e.g. Class E to C3) which often needs plannin...

From scaffolding to site sourcing, Sam Bastow’s journey is anything but typical. In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we sit down with Sam Bastow to explore how he transitioned from a hands-on construction career to running his own property development business , all while navigating the challenges of raising a young family and growing a new venture. It’s a grounded and inspiring conv...

If only we all had a Crystal Ball, Do the current market trends and changes tell us anything about what will happen in the future? In this episode, Phil and Tim discuss the current market outlook, what's happened in the past, and put their best guestimates forward. Will they be right or will they have egg on their face 12 months from now? This podcast is sponsored by Property Filter register.p...

Why do some people seem to move forwards while some people get stuck in the mud. Phil and Tim sit with Guillame Black the CEO of Property Filter who’s system Property Filter has seen more than 3000 property deals since 2022. Guillame breaks down the behaviours and habits that the most successful investors have and why some people fall away and don’t end up doing any deals. Theres nothing new in pr...

This is one of our technical episodes, where we strip back the hype and talk honestly about what no money down and no money left in deals really mean in today’s market. From where the phrase actually came from, to why many of the old tactics no longer work, this episode breaks down the practical realities of creative finance, refinancing, vendor finance, and the risks most people don’t talk about....

In this Six Rounds episode, we sit down with Steve Hammond, builder, developer, landlord, and co-host of the Developers Network in Birmingham. Steve never planned to work in construction. One unexpected project led to another, and before he knew it, he’d built a career spanning extensions, developments, and a growing property portfolio. In this conversation, he shares the real turning points: scal...

In this episode, we sit down with Vicky Sherwood, a pharmaceutical professional and driven property investor building a serious portfolio alongside a full-time career and family life. Vicky is an example of how to expertly play the property game to achieve Financial Freedom. Haste not Speed, Laser Focus not Shiny Penny. Vicky shares what it really looks like to chase financial freedom when you’ve...

In this episode, we sit down to unpack Article 4 directions and what they really mean for property investors and developers. We break down, in straightforward terms, how Article 4 works, why so many councils across Greater Manchester are adopting it, and the impact it has on C3–C4 HMO conversions. From tighter planning controls to protected asset values, changing supply, and rising barriers to ent...

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Lawrence, one of the UK’s most experienced property entrepreneurs, with close to 900 property deals under his belt. Adam’s story is far from typical. From bar work and fruit machines… to Oxford University… to now running one of the largest JV-based portfolios in the country, he shares a refreshingly honest look at the realities of building long-term wealth in...

In this technical episode, we sit down with Louise Wynn, founder of WildKind Interiors, an interior designer who specialises in small-scale developments, HMOs, flat conversions and staging for developers. Louise shares how she went from an HR career she hated to discovering her passion for interiors, and how 20 years of hands-on experience shaped the work she does today. we dive into: Why interior...

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we sit down with Dan Norman, property investor, mentor, and the man known across the UK property scene as “the nice guy in property.” With nearly three decades of experience, Dan has seen it all, from the highs of successful developments to the lessons learned during the tough times. He shares how his journey went from DJ decks to property deals, w...

Refurb is dead, long live the Development king! In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we dive into why the BDRR strategy (Buy, Develop, Rent, Refinance) is now more relevant than the traditional BRRR method in 2025. Once refurb was the way, now with increased costs, increased regulation and increased compliance to have the same impact you need to have development level systems to ensur...

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Fitzgerald, a hands-on property investor, mentor, and host of The Property Unleashed Podcast, who swapped the tools of the trade for the keys to financial freedom. From a start in carpentry to building a thriving property business, Mark shares the real story behind his leap from the 9-to-5 to financial freedom. He opens up about mistakes, mindset shifts, and w...

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, Tim and I dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the property world, training and mentorship. Is it really worth the investment, or just clever marketing? We open up about our own journeys through mastermind programmes, mentorships, and self-development courses, what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons we wish we’d known before spending...

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we're joined by John Howard a property developer, investor, mentor, and one of the stars of Property Elevator. From standing for mayor to mentoring developers, John’s journey is anything but ordinary. He opens up about his time in politics, the madness of today’s systems, and what led him to switch gears and focus on what he knows best, buildin...

In this technical episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, Tim and I tackle one of the most debated questions in property and personal finance is your home an asset or a liability? 🏠💭 We break down both sides of the argument and share real-life examples that reveal how owning your home can either help or hinder your journey to financial freedom. Here’s what we cover: 💡 When your home becomes a...

In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we dive into our PPB Director’s personal journey, leaving a high‑pressure corporate sales role to build a life centred on freedom, family, and purpose. It’s an honest look at what happens when success on paper no longer matches success in life, and how property became the bridge to balance. This isn’t just another success story—it’s a wake-up call...

With over 70 property deals in the last five years this episodes shares the really keys elements to doing a good one.  55 of their deals have been through Property Filter who have also been sponsoring The Financial Freedom Podcast for 1 Year. It is a really key tool in the business but most people don’t get the best out of it so it’s time to share some secrets.  This session deep dives into Deal M...

How do you build a UK property business while living in the Middle East and holding down a full-time corporate career? In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast, we sit down with Jason Dowling, a facilities management professional based in Oman, who shares how he went from watching others invest to becoming an HMO investor himself, and how mindset, planning, and the right support made it al...

In our latest podcast, we're cutting through the noise and answering the question we get asked most: what does Property Portfolio Building actually do? This episode is a deep dive into our end-to-end service, from sourcing to building and managing your assets. We lay down our unique approach, why it works in our local market, and how it’s designed to tackle the real challenges landlords and in...

Most people talk about financial freedom. But very few actually define it, or live it. Is it flying first class? Quitting your job? Or is it something deeper… like not having to trade your time for money? In this week’s episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast , we’re joined by Simon Zutshi, seasoned investor, educator, and founder of property investors network (pin). We cover what financial freed...

Small-scale development isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet , it’s a real test of planning, resilience, and problem-solving under pressure. In this episode of The Financial Freedom Podcast , we explore the most common issues developers face on the ground, from time delays that push everything back to cost overruns that can wipe out your profit. More importantly, we share exactly how to keep...

From scraping through school and barely passing uni… to leading a major recruitment business as CEO. We talk: The moment that changed his work ethic forever Building through the 2008 recession Swapping the CEO chair for family life after becoming a dad to twins His approach to investing, advising, and mentoring across multiple businesses What real financial freedom means to him (and why it’s not a...

Ever wondered how it all began? In this episode, we’re lifting the lid on Tim Witt’s journey, from renting a room in Cheadle to building a successful property business and achieving financial freedom. He shares the early challenges, mindset shifts, and what it really takes to scale in the UK property world. In this episode expect real talk on: ✅ Running 10 projects while working full-time (and su...