015 Design That Pays: Architecture, Interiors & GDV with Ben Richards
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 clients — from brief to build Whether premium design and interiors genuinely moves GDV, and by how much How to select finishes — and how to avoid the "expensive reno, boring result"...
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014 Derelict cottage conversion to holiday let
ZEN Properties Podcast
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 • What nearly went wrong • Why design and positioning change everything Our companies: ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation...
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013 Master HMOs – Central Suites Style
ZEN Properties Podcast
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 target — and who they avoid What actually makes tenants stay longer How they stage rooms to outperform the local market Pricing strategy: why they charge more and still fill fast Their...
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012 Screw New Year’s Resolutions
ZEN Properties Podcast
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 Management: what it is and why we’re launching it Why New Year’s resolutions are mostly a lie — and what to do instead Reducing expensive debt without killing momentum Getting...
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011 SAP, EPCs & Building Regulations Explained
ZEN Properties Podcast
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 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 than most developers think The biggest EPC killers in refurbishments, HMOs, and conversions SAP Design vs SAP As-Built (and why missing documents can cost you money) Easy, low-cost upgrades that...
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010 PD Conversions with Ben Richards & Jack Jiggens
ZEN Properties Podcast
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.
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009 Real Estate Photography - Practical Guide
ZEN Properties Podcast
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.
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008 Serviced Accommodation battle with Ed & Lora from Hinkley Homes - contractors vs high-end SA
ZEN Properties Podcast
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? Join our discussion with Ed from Hinkley Homes to see what strategy would be better for you!
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007 Building business with kids, cats & babies
ZEN Properties Podcast
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.
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006 Property investment strategies
ZEN Properties Podcast
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.
info_outlineHow 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.