ZEN Properties Podcast

Ben Richards — Masters degree in Architectural Engineering, founder of Aura Architecture & Interiors, and co-host of the XP Property Podcast — joins us to break down what great design actually does for your numbers.   What we cover: What most SME developers still get wrong about architects and design The fundamentals that never change, no matter the scale of the project Exactly how Aura works with...

We turned a derelict cottage into a high-end holiday let — and the numbers might surprise you.   What we cover: • Full acquisition breakdown (£543k purchase) • Build cost reality (£430k+ SOW) • Finance costs over 10–12 months • Total project cost: £1.15m+ • Conservative vs expected exit scenarios • 75% LTV refinance strategy • £36k–£42k annual net profit projections • 13.5% vs 29% yield explained...

Most HMOs are average. Central Suites aren't. In this episode, Jack and Rob break down how they build design-led co-living homes that young professionals actually choose — and how they scale without chaos.   What we cover: What Central Suites really is (beyond "just HMOs") The brutal lessons from their first property How they split roles and run multiple businesses The exact tenant profile they ta...

This episode is a no-BS portfolio and business update — what's working, what's breaking, and what we're changing going into 2026.   What we cover: Real portfolio updates from Mawsley, Cotswolds and Swadlincote What actually rents fast vs what looks good on paper Lessons from being £70k over budget (and how it could've been avoided) Why we're restructuring our serviced accommodation businesses ZEN...

Most property projects don't fail on bricks and mortar — they fail on compliance, energy performance, and details developers underestimate.   In this episode, we sit down with Productive Energy founder Nate to demystify SAP, EPCs, ventilation, airtightness, and sound testing — and show you how to get them right first time.   What we cover: What SAP assessments really are — and why they matter more...

PD conversions are heating up. Ben Richards & Jack Jiggens from XP Property explain how they've used Permitted Development to deliver £100m+ worth of projects — covering sourcing, finance, development, exits, and the future of PD in the UK.

Learn how to take professional, high-impact real estate photos without hiring a photographer. This practical 2025 guide covers gear, settings, HDR bracketing, composition rules, editing workflow, and everything you need to produce magazine-worthy images that boost bookings, valuations, and sales.

What makes more sense - contractors SA or high end SA? Should you make your SA unit profitable enough without overinvesting, launch fast, keep simple VAT structure and move on to the next project or should you create stronger cashflow per unit by spending more time and money on reconfiguring, finishes and amenities at the expense of having more demanding guests and complicated company structure? J...

I'll focus on my business when my kids are older. Now it's not a good time. BULLSHIT! Cut the excuses. You can build your business having kids, babies, cats and no one outside your closest family bubble supporting you.

You have decided to become a property investor. Great! But where do you start? How do you scale? Understand your investment strategy choices and make an informed decision about your next steps.

Run or think of running an SA business? Tune in to learn how to streamline your SA operations and maximise your SA income.

We've made tons of mistakes across our businesses. Don't make the same mistakes. We share what didn't go as planned across our projects and how to avoid fruckups. Discussing corp structure, development hurdles about delivery time, contingency, planning, leaseholds, VAT, finishes and more.

Where to start as a property investor. We cover company structure basics, compliance, high level overview of property investment strategies like Rent to Serviced Accommodation (R2SA), Buy to Serviced Accommodation (B2SA), Buy to Let (BTL) and Commercial Conversions (CC) to Residential.

How to approach a commercial conversion from start to finish. Unbiased numbers, step by step process and practical, actionable tips. What would we have done differently after delivering our first conversion from office to flats.

How to define your end game goals and how to get there through building your own real estate portfolio. Packed with actionable tips and practical knowledge around small conversion projects and serviced accommodation business.