The Essential Property Podcast

In Episode 29, Paul Samuda & Amanda Woodward talk about the very busy Crewe HMO market and why you should be in investing there.  Paul and Amanda talk about the impact of Article 4 in Crewe which has reduced supply and therefore increased rents with potential renters having less choice in the market. Occupancy levels at Essential Management are between 95-100% and Crewe remains a strong location f...

In Episode 28, Amanda Woodward interviews Alexandra Powell from Powell Properties.  In part two, of this two part episode, Alexandra talks about the best way to work with a building team as a property investor.  Alexandra shares her knowledge of how to spot good builders and how to build a great working relationship for mutual benefit.  Download the episode today!    Alexandra Powell Powell Proper...

In Episode 27, Amanda Woodward interviews Alexandra Powell from Powell Properties.  In part one, of this two part episode, Alexandra talks about the benefits of working alongside an Architect as a property investor.  Alexandra breaks down the area of expertise that a good architect can provide whether you are renovating a small two bedroom terrace, or striving for large developments and beyond.  D...

In Episode 26, Paul Samuda & Amanda Woodward talk candidly about the Opportunities & Threats in the market right now and the pending recession and state of the UK economy.  Paul compares the current market to the 1970's where the country had an oil crises, workers strikes and high interest raises which is a copy of where we seem to be today. Amanda & Paul talk about the pending recession on the ba...

In Episode 25, Amanda Woodward interviews Louise Allen from Meadows Property Group.  In this interview, Louise talks about her recent Butters John Bee Auction purchase of two commercial properties which she is converting into a large HMO in Stoke on Trent.  Louise breaks down the auction buying process starting with the viewing and due diligence, the nerves on the night whilst bidding against othe...

In Episode 24, Amanda Woodward interviews Craig Adams from Signature Financial Services.  In this deep dive interview, Craig talks about the current market for mortgages & bridging finance and how Signature Financial Services help to fund a variety of property transactions.  Listen to the whole episode for Craig's interest rate predictions and lots of valuable insights into the finance market righ...

In Episode 23, Paul Samuda & Amanda Woodward discuss the current property market as of May 2022. Paul shares his views on the property market and his 'rant' on the lack of support from the Government in our sector. Amanda raises the BBC & Property Mark survey and the reasons that the PRS are facing a challenging time with demand very high and rental property supply decreasing.  Listen to the whole...

In Episode 22, Amanda Woodward interviews the brilliant Jasmine Dosanjh & Priya Kripalani of Hard Hard Developers.  In this episode Jasmine & Priya openly discuss their partnership and the success they have created in their business. Jasmine touches on her student portfolio in Shelton, Stoke on Trent, the impact of covid on the market and how investing in a strong foundation builds the skills need...

In Episode 21, Paul Samuda interviews the wonderful Raquel Aparicio; architect, designer and founder at MAR Design.   In this episode Raquel, a qualified architect with a natural talent for interior design, talks about creating spaces that are not only eye-catching but also functional. Her background of working many years in hospitality projects where Raquel designed 5-star hotels, restaurants, sp...

In Episode 20, Amanda Woodward interviews property investor Sam White of Move 2 Grow Ltd Sam shares her passion for social impact investing and how she has developed a portfolio in Stoke on Trent around this strategy. Focusing on the rehabilitation process when leaving the criminal justice system, Sam works alongside a local charity to provide accommodation to those in need of supported housing. ...

In Episode 19, Amanda Woodward interviews LNPG Founder and Managing Director Nick Watchorn. Nick shares his 'accidental' idea to set up Landlords National Purchasing Group (LNPG), and how it has grown over the last 10+ years to become a vital resource for Landlords across the UK. LNPG negotiates contract pricing on behalf of it's 6000+ members so you can provide quality products at incredibly low...

In Episode 18, Paul Samuda & Amanda Woodward start 2022 with a discussion around business planning and setting yourself up for a successful year ahead.   A quick and exciting episode covering the fundamental elements of a property business plan. Reflecting on the previous year, setting goals for the year ahead, SWOT Analysis, Stop Start Continue, financials, sales & marketing, operations & technol...

In Episode 17, Paul Samuda interviews the wonderful Jessica Olsson-Zabel, Interior Designer and founder at Urban Rook.  In this episode, Jessica shares her passion for interior design and the need for investors to consider this within the service accommodation sector. Jessica also details how her design increases nightly rates, increases profitability and talks through her latest project. A fantas...

In Episode 16, Amanda Woodward interviews property developers Salik Rashid & Karishma Davdra .  In this ‘Property Developer Special’, Salik & Karishma share their commercial to residential strategy along with the success and challenges along the way. We cover the team needed execute the strategy, tips to consider when creating flats from commercial property and how having a focus approached along...

In Episode 15, Paul Samuda & Amanda Woodward talk about the current property market in Stoke on Trent and the government investment of £56 Million to 'Level Up' the city putting Stoke back on the map.  They talk through the strong local demand for HMO & Serviced Accommodation and why Stoke is still a fantastic area for property investment. A great listen for those with a keen interest in the Stoke...

In Episode 14, Amanda Woodward interviews Singapore based Property Investor Daniel Sim.  In this episode we talk through the journey of why Daniel made a decision to invest 6,000 miles from Singapore and build a property portfolio in Crewe.  Daniel talks about the mindset of an international investor, the challenges he has faced along the way and how he now helps investors based in the Far East to...

In Episode 13, Amanda Woodward  & Paul Samuda talk about the summer of 2021 and the Winners & Losers in the property business.  In this episode we take a deep dive for the first time into the individual postcodes within Stoke, Newcastle & Crewe and tell you exactly where we are investing now and will invest going forward. Paul Samuda also talks about the economic backdrop of the country and the fl...

In Episode 12, Amanda Woodward interviews Kim Firmin, a successful property investor based in Cheshire.    In this episode we explore Kim's decision to relocate from the South of England to the North West, following her passion to build a property business with her husband Keith. Kim shares the benefits of living 'on patch' and how finding new properties to buy has become much easier using her uni...

In Episode 11, Paul Samuda interviews Mags Lewko-Brzeska of Phennix Property Solutions, a successful sourcing company based in Stoke on Trent.     This is part 2 of our sourcing focus for August, where we selected a local and non-local sourcing agent to share an insight into their business for our listeners to enjoy.  Mags shares how she is still securing deals in this competitive market and very...

In Episode 10, Paul Samuda interviews Shiv Haria of Lifestyle Property People, a successful end to end sourcing company based in Leeds.   This is part 1 of our 2 part sourcing focus for August, where we selected a local and non-local sourcing agent to share an insight into their business for our listeners to enjoy.  Shiv shares his take on the current property market and some very interesting tips...

In Episode 9, Paul Samuda & Amanda Woodward share their view on the property market post pandemic.  They talk through their local perspective on BTL, HMO, SA & Commercial Conversions along with the governments plans to level up and invest in the Midlands and the North of the UK. Paul shares his views on the SA market post pandemic and the risks in the short stay hotel sector vs the security provid...

In Episode 8, Amanda Woodward talks through Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing criteria and how to apply for your HMO licence. Amanda shares the top 15 most requested documents from the local authorities to ensure you are well informed and prepared for a smooth & successful application process.    Contact Essential Property Options  Property Investment & Development www.essentialpropert...

In Episode 7, Amanda Woodward breaks down the upcoming Article 4 Direction in Crewe for Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) due to start 01 November 2021 Amanda shares her detailed understanding of the Crewe investment market, explains why and where Article 4 Direction is taking place and the next steps investors should make ahead of the changes later this year.   Contact Essential Property Option...

In Episode 6, Paul Samuda interviews Sue Jonas & Alex Jonas from Finance For Property Developers, a Stoke based Property Finance Broker who operate for clients nationwide.  Sue & Alex share their experience in both the BTL & commercial property finance world and their specialist area of development finance. A great listen for those interested in investing in the Stoke & Crewe property market.   Co...