Is serviced accommodation a genuine upgrade on buy-to-let in today’s market? Ant sits down with SA operator Phil Saunders to unpack the numbers, the tech stack, and the reality of running SA at scale. From contractor-focused one-beds to 8-bed luxury homes, Phil shares the playbook: how to stabilise income, avoid the “Airbnb death spiral,” win more direct bookings, and navigate UK regulation. Includes a full case study of an 8-bed Grade II farmhouse (bought ~£300k; ~£130k–£140k gross; ~£40k+ net) — plus why adding a hot tub can add ~£40k/yr to revenue.
You’ll learn:
Why SA can deliver 2–3x BTL cashflow (with the same asset)
How to structure operations so it doesn’t become a second job
The two essential systems (channel manager + dynamic pricing)
Direct bookings strategy to keep 15–20% OTA fees in your pocket
Reviews, Superhost status, and safeguarding your listing performance
Regulation in Scotland/Wales/England — threats and opportunities
Market due diligence with AirDNA and why bigger homes can win
Links & Resources:
Phil on LinkedIn: “Phil Saunders”
Email: info@airbnb-masterclass.co.uk
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Is serviced accommodation a genuine upgrade on buy-to-let in today’s market? Ant sits down with SA operator Phil Saunders to unpack the numbers, the tech stack, and the reality of running SA at scale. From contractor-focused one-beds to 8-bed luxury homes, Phil shares the playbook: how to stabilise income, avoid the “Airbnb death spiral,” win more direct bookings, and navigate UK regulation. Includes a full case study of an 8-bed Grade II farmhouse (bought ~£300k; ~£130k–£140k gross; ~£40k+ net) — plus why adding a hot tub can add ~£40k/yr to revenue.
You’ll learn:
Why SA can deliver 2–3x BTL cashflow (with the same asset)
How to structure operations so it doesn’t become a second job
The two essential systems (channel manager + dynamic pricing)
Direct bookings strategy to keep 15–20% OTA fees in your pocket
Reviews, Superhost status, and safeguarding your listing performance
Regulation in Scotland/Wales/England — threats and opportunities
Market due diligence with AirDNA and why bigger homes can win
Links & Resources:
Phil on LinkedIn: “Phil Saunders”
Email: info@airbnb-masterclass.co.uk
EP168: Starting in Property: What We’d Do If We Were Starting Again in 2025
Your Property Podcast
44 minutes 19 seconds
3 months ago
EP168: Starting in Property: What We’d Do If We Were Starting Again in 2025
In this episode of Your Property Podcast, Ant Lyons and Alex Daley dive into what they’d do if they were starting (or restarting) their property journey from scratch today.
With nearly 30 years of combined experience, Ant and Alex share real-world insights, strategies, and golden rules for beginners — or those stuck at one or two buy-to-lets — looking to gain clarity, confidence, and momentum.
They cover:
How to avoid paralysis by analysis and finally take action
The key questions to ask before choosing a strategy
Why your first deal with intent matters
Proven tactics for adding value and recycling cash
Personal case studies from buy-to-let, HMO, and flat conversion projects
What to do with £60k–£100k of starting capital
How to balance buying to hold vs. buying to sell
Whether you're starting your property investing journey or hitting reset with more purpose, this is an honest, practical discussion to help you take the next step.
Don't forget to download the YPN's Maximising Tax deductions guide for UK residential landlords here: https://bit.ly/ypn-Tax-Guide
Your Property Podcast
Is serviced accommodation a genuine upgrade on buy-to-let in today’s market? Ant sits down with SA operator Phil Saunders to unpack the numbers, the tech stack, and the reality of running SA at scale. From contractor-focused one-beds to 8-bed luxury homes, Phil shares the playbook: how to stabilise income, avoid the “Airbnb death spiral,” win more direct bookings, and navigate UK regulation. Includes a full case study of an 8-bed Grade II farmhouse (bought ~£300k; ~£130k–£140k gross; ~£40k+ net) — plus why adding a hot tub can add ~£40k/yr to revenue.
You’ll learn:
Why SA can deliver 2–3x BTL cashflow (with the same asset)
How to structure operations so it doesn’t become a second job
The two essential systems (channel manager + dynamic pricing)
Direct bookings strategy to keep 15–20% OTA fees in your pocket
Reviews, Superhost status, and safeguarding your listing performance
Regulation in Scotland/Wales/England — threats and opportunities
Market due diligence with AirDNA and why bigger homes can win
Links & Resources:
Phil on LinkedIn: “Phil Saunders”
Email: info@airbnb-masterclass.co.uk
