The HMO Podcast
Welcome to The HMO Podcast, the dedicated resource for HMO and Co-Living property investors and developers! Join me and my special guests to learn everything you need to know about HMO property investment, from the tips, tricks and hacks that can save you time and money, to the best practice advice, the technical 'know-how' and inspirational stories of success and failure that will help you start, scale and systemise your very own HMO portfolio or business today.
Funding HMOs in 2025: Inside the Lender’s Mind with Together Finance

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Ryan Etchells from Together. Ryan is the Chief Commercial Officer at Together, one of the UK’s leading specialist lenders. With a huge lending book, a strong appetite for HMOs, and years of experience in the sector, they really know their stuff.
What you’ll discover today is that Ryan brings a unique and valuable perspective from the lender’s side of the table. He shares some brilliant insights—and, more importantly, practical advice—that could help you strengthen your applications and build better relationships with lenders.
So, if you’r...
The 5 Strategic Mistakes Still Holding Back HMO Investors in 2025

Struggling to Get Your HMO Business Off the Ground? You're Not Alone...
In this episode, we’re tackling some of the biggest challenges investors face when trying to grow their HMO businesses. If you’re finding it hard to build momentum, if costs are rising, timelines are stretching, and the numbers just don’t look as promising as you expected—this one’s for you.
I’ll be breaking down the five most common strategic mistakes that I see time and time again, which could be holding you back from the success you’re aiming for. More impo...
Planning Permission Explained: When You Need It and When You Don’t

In this episode, we’re talking about planning permission — and how you can use permitted development rights to get the most out of your property projects. I’ll explain what you can do without needing full planning, and highlight the key caveats that can limit those rights.
We’ll also cover the types of projects that always require full planning permission, and the important considerations even when permission isn’t technically needed.
If planning has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, you’re not alone — it is a complex part of property investment. But with nearly 20 years of exper...
Base Rate Reduction, HMO Lending & Why Your Rooms Might Take Longer to Fill – with Ellie Broadhurst

In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome back our trusted specialist mortgage broker — Ellie Broadhurst.
If you've been tuning in for a while, you'll already know that Ellie’s insight into the lending market is second to none. She's right at the coalface, working with lenders and investors every day, and she has an incredible ability to cut through the noise and explain what’s really going on.
Since our last conversation, the base rate has been reduced — something we anticipated might be on the horizon. So in this episode, we unpack what that change act...
Beyond HMOs: I Get Real About Building Wealth, Health and Family

I’m sharing a recent conversation I had as a guest on The BEESPACE Podcast, hosted by my good friend Jade McNeil.
Jade and I covered a wide range of topics—not just HMOs and property—but also the bigger-picture stuff: balancing life and business, navigating challenges, and the personal shifts that come with experiences like becoming a parent or facing health scares.
It’s a really open and honest chat. If you're running a business, managing a property portfolio, or simply trying to keep up with everything life throws at you, I think you’ll find th...
How To Secure The Best Contractors At The Best Price For Any HMO Project

Whether you're personally investing in property or not, most people understand just how challenging it can be to find reliable builders and contractors. And we all know – regardless of our experience in property – how difficult it is to keep project costs sensible and under control.
But as HMO investors, we recognise that this is a crucial part of building a successful business. We need to be able to secure the best contractors at the most competitive prices.
In this episode, I’m going to share exactly how I go about doing this.
Topics...
April 2025 HMO Property Market Update: House Prices, Rentals, Mortgages & More!

In this episode, we’re breaking down the headlines and taking a deep dive into the data to uncover what’s really happening in the UK property and rental market.Â
This is your April HMO Property Market Update—covering everything from house prices and mortgage rates to changes in tenant behaviour, the rental market, and new regulations. We’re covering it all in this episode.
Whether you're a landlord, investor, or just keen to stay informed, this is your full market download to help you navigate the landscape with clarity and confidence.
Topics co...
What It Takes to Build a Multi-Million Pound Property Business With Jack Jiggens

In today’s episode, I’m really excited to be joined by Jack Jiggens of XP Property, a very experienced property investor and developer. Jack has learned a lot over the years, and today he’s sharing what it really takes to build a successful property business.
Jack shares tips on finding deals, working with partners, and getting funding. We also talk about the ups and downs of the journey, and why being flexible and always learning is so important in this industry.
If you’re in property—or thinking about it—this one’s packed with us...
The Playbook Behind Jake & Lucy's Multi-Award-Winning HMO Property Business

They’ve won awards, they’ve grown their portfolio steadily and strategically, and they’ve done it all while raising a young family. Jake and Lucy of Innova Property—mentors at the HMO Roadmap and recently crowned HMO Property Investors of the Year at the Property Investors Awards—are back on the podcast!
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s been going on behind the scenes in their business. You’ll hear how they’ve continued to grow in a tough market, and the practical strategies they’re using to stay on track and scale sust...
The 5 Most Difficult Things About Investing In HMOs (That Almost Made Me Quit)

In this episode, I shared the five most difficult aspects of investing in HMOs—and property in general. These are the challenges that have nearly made me quit on more than one occasion.
If you’ve been investing long enough, you’ve likely faced some of these issues. By being open and honest about them, we can better prepare ourselves and realise we’re not alone in experiencing them. Knowing that others face the same struggles can give us the motivation to keep going. This episode is important because the issues we’re discussing are serious.
Topic...
What I Would Do If I Had to Start Again From Scratch With ÂŁ100k [#REWIND]

In this episode, we're revisiting a popular episode where I answered a question I’ve been asked many times: what would I do if I had to start from scratch, but with ÂŁ100,000?Â
This is a common question in our community, and while the answer depends on personal goals, resources, and limitations, I’m going to share exactly how I would approach it.Â
I believe my method is adaptable to any situation, and I hope you find it useful and insightful. Reflecting on my own journey has been fun, and I’m excited to share tips and strat...
Overcoming Challenges, The Changing Landscape Of HMOs, And Risk Management With Ranjit Seehra

In this episode, I'm joined by community member Ranjit Singh. Ranjit is a civil engineer and he's been using his skills and insights and experience from civil engineering to help him build a HMO property business. I want to find out how he's been doing that, what challenges Ranjit has had to overcome to get where he is.
We're also going to talk specifically about planning restrictions, about the changing and evolving landscape of the areas that he invests in and how he has been dealing with these. If you're an investor just getting started, perhaps you're...
Leveraging Experienced HMO Developers To Build Your HMO Portfolio With Kevin & Angelina

In this episode, I’m joined by Kevin, a former mentee of mine, and his wife, Angelina. Together, they run a property business called Nouveau Living.Â
And for the first time on the show, we’ll be discussing turnkey services. Most of our guests talk about how they’ve built their own property businesses, but Kevin and Angelina are taking a slightly different approach. While they’re building their own asset-based HMO portfolio, they also offer a turnkey service.
We’ll explore what that looks like, covering everything from investing in HMOs, refurbishments, and interior design to c...
Private Finance Warning! These BIG Mistakes Could Kill Your Refinance with Ellie Broadhurst

Are you using private finance to grow your HMO property business? And are you combining that with high street or bank finance? If so, that's great! In principle, there's nothing wrong with this approach. However, if it's not set up or managed correctly, it can lead to some serious issues, especially when it comes to refinancing or trying to repay your private investors.
In this episode, Ellie Broadhurst, our specialist mortgage broker will discuss the potential consequences of getting this wrong. And trust me, it’s easy to overlook or mismanage certain aspects. In fact, a lot of...
Overcoming Start-Up Struggles With Alex & Sam From SO Properties

In this episode, we're doing things a bit differently. I'm joined by Sam and Alex from SO Properties—partners in business and in life. They’re wrapping up their very first HMO deal, and I’m excited to talk to them about that experience. We’ll be talking about the journey, the challenges they faced, and how they got started in the industry.
But that's not all—we’re switching things up a little. Sam and Alex have some questions for me, so we’re going to have a mini Q&A session. I’ll be drawing on my 15+ years...
More Deals, Planning Challenges, Completing Projects, Refinancing & More! #BusinessUpdate

In this episode, I’m excited to bring you up to speed on everything that’s been happening in my businesses over the last few months, plus a general update as well.
As many of you know, I’ve been on paternity leave recently, and when I first planned this update, I expected it to be a short episode with not much to report. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong! There’s been so much going on—tons of exciting developments and real progress.
So today, I’m giving you a full update. There's a lot...
Sourcing HMOs, Commercial Valuations & Taking Advantage of Article 4 With Kieren Goldie

In this episode, I’m joined by Kieren Goldie, a property investor focusing on the South of England, particularly in prime Article 4 areas. Kieren’s built an impressive business offering a full turnkey service—covering everything from property acquisition to project and property management.
We’ll discuss how Kieren got to where he is, the ups and downs of building a business like his, and how he’s overcome challenges such as Article 4 regulations, planning restrictions, refurbishments, and sticking to budgets. If you're looking to build your own HMO property business, this is definitely an episode you won’t want...
Project Managing HMO Refurbs: James Ashford’s Insider Secrets

In this episode, I’m joined by James Ashford of Carter Ashford, a former mentee of mine, to talk about all things project management. James has years of experience managing large residential projects, and now he’s applying those skills to the world of HMOs.
Managing HMO projects can be one of the toughest parts of building a HMO business. It’s not just about finding a great deal or managing tenants—it's about keeping your projects on budget, meeting deadlines, and making sure everything runs smoothly. James shares his insights on how to manage contractors, reduce costs, a...
Is Investing In HMOs Right For You? 10 Key Factors To Consider [#REWIND]

In today’s episode, we’re revisiting a special one—an episode I wasn’t sure I wanted to record but felt was essential. It’s important to make it clear that investing in HMOs isn’t just a highlight reel, and transparency is key when discussing what’s truly involved. HMOs aren’t for everyone, and there’s a lot to consider: Do you understand the value of cash-flowing assets? Does property investment excite you? Are your priorities focused on cash flow or equity?
If you’re already investing in HMOs, this episode will be a great reminder, and...
How To Reduce Energy Costs In HMOs With Dragons’ Den Entrepreneur Anthony Cherry

Struggling with high energy bills in your HMO? You're not alone.Â
Today, I’m joined by Anthony Cherry, an HMO landlord and the founder of Timeostat – a company that makes smart thermostats. After facing the same energy challenges in his own HMOs, Anthony couldn’t find a solution, so he created one.Â
Now, with a successful business and a Dragons Den appearance under his belt, he’s on a mission to help landlords manage energy costs better.
In this episode, we’ll talk about how to reduce energy consumption in HMOs, what the future of en...
Balancing HMO Growth, Corporate Career & Family Life With Rebecca Alcock

In this episode, I'm really excited to be joined by a former mentee of mine, Rebecca Alcock. Rebecca is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, and until the summer of 2024, she was responsible for overseeing all taxes at a FTSE100 housebuilder. Since then, she’s shifted her focus entirely to Jolly Property, a venture she co-manages with her husband, Jolly.
Rebecca and Jolly primarily invest in Sheffield, and as you'll soon hear, they've achieved some truly remarkable things. What I find especially inspiring about their story is how they've managed to scale their business while Rebecca ba...
Student, Professional And Social HMOs: Which Is Best For Property Investors? [Community Q&A]

In this episode, I’m going to answer a question that’s on everyone’s mind: which HMO strategy is best—students, professionals, or social HMOs? If you’ve saved up your hard-earned money and are ready to invest in HMOs, you probably want to know where you’ll get the best returns, which strategy works best, and how you can scale your investment.
So, where should you put your money for the best results?
Today, we’re going to look at this question, and I’ll give you the best advice I can. But fair warning—the...
What's Holding You Back From Building The HMO Business You Want? #REWIND

What’s holding you back from building the HMO business you want, and more importantly, what are you doing about it?
In this episode, I’m revisiting one of my most downloaded and valuable episodes, packed with insights to help you overcome key obstacles in building your property business.
I’ll share seven ideas that can help clear some of the biggest, yet easiest-to-overcome challenges. It’s hard to see the full picture when you're in the thick of it, but get these right, and 2025 could be the year you finally build the HMO business you’ve a...
The HMO Forecast: My Property & Economic Predictions for 2025

Happy New Year! It’s officially 2025, and in today’s episode, we’re going to look at some predictions and key trends for the year ahead.
We’ll talk about property values, the overall economy, and the rental market. I’ll also highlight some risks and opportunities that could impact us as HMO investors.
There’s a lot to cover, but I think this is an important episode and a great way to kick off the year. I’m really excited to see what our community will achieve in the property market—and especially in the HMO space—th...
Find, Fund, Fix, Fill & Get Into Flow: My 5-Step System To Scaling A HMO Business #REWIND

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
In this episode, I’m revisiting what I consider one of the most valuable I’ve ever recorded. I’ll be sharing my proven five-step system for building and scaling a sustainable HMO property business.
The truth is, it’s not hard to find a good HMO and make some profit. But to do this consistently, and scale it into a business that gives you time, freedom, and flexibility—that takes a process. I’ve been refining this system for nearly 15 years, and it’s still the approach I...
Did I Achieve My 2024 Goals? Honest Breakdown And What You Can Learn From My Mistakes

Have we hit the goals we set ourselves back in January? Have we smashed those targets, or have we fallen short?
It’s become a bit of a tradition on this podcast for me to break down my goals and share exactly how I’ve done against the targets I set. I really enjoy these episodes because, not only is it part of the accountability process, but it’s also a great way to keep things completely honest and transparent with you.
Social media—Instagram, Facebook, and the like—often turns into a highlights reel. And, if yo...
Andy Graham Gets Interviewed On The Commercial Property Investors Podcast

In this episode, I'm on the other side of the mic. I recently joined Jerry Alexander on The Commercial Property Investors Podcast, and we had a great conversation. I shared my journey, starting with HMOs, building property businesses, and progressing to buying commercial properties and undertaking bigger and better projects. We also discussed the ups and downs of buying, selling, and investing in property.
Topics covered in this episode:
02:23 How Andy’s Passion for Property Started08:36 Experience in Building a Property Portfolio12:20 Transitioning to Commercial Developments25:45 Navigating the Development & Planning Process 31:55 The Importance of Eff...Why Every HMO Landlord Should Insist On Guarantors [Community Q&A]

In this episode, I’m going to talk about guarantors and why I think they can be a great solution to many of the challenges you might face when managing HMO properties.Â
I know not everyone agrees with me but in this episode, I’ll be sharing some thoughts from our community, as well as my own opinion. I’ll also give you the information you need to make the best decision for your business. If you’re managing tenants or HMOs, this is definitely an episode you’ll want to stick around for.Â
Topics cover...
A Private Finance Masterclass With Mike Clay

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Mike Clay of Clay Properties. For those of you who follow my work, you’ll know that Mike is not only a great friend, but also one of my business partners. In fact, Mike has become a bit of a regular on the show!
Today, I’ve brought Mike back to talk about something very specific—raising private finance. This is a key strategy that has played a huge role in how Mike has rapidly and successfully built his HMO property business. It's also something that, alongside one of our...
Picking The Fruits Despite Some BIG Challenges #BusinessUpdate

In this episode, I’m excited to catch you up on what’s been happening in my businesses over the past couple of months.Â
I’m a big believer in starting with the end in mind, and while setting goals and targets for your business is key, I think it’s just as important to have goals and dreams outside of business too—those are the real reasons we build businesses in the first place.
So, I’ll share some updates from my businesses, plus a peek into my personal life. I’ll talk about the challenges...
Reaction To The Budget And Base Rate Reduction With Ellie Broadhurst

In this episode, I’m joined once again by our expert mortgage broker, Ellie Broadhurst, to discuss Rachel Reeves' recent "doom budget" and what it means for property investors. We’ll talk about the latest budget, its impact on the property market, and what lenders are saying about it.
We’ll also break down the Bank of England’s recent decisions, how rising interest rates are affecting property investment, and what to expect moving forward.Â
Plus, we’ll cover changes to stamp duty, new opportunities in commercial property, and offer some advice for property in...
6 Proven Tips to Save Time and Money on HMO Maintenance [Community Q&A]

In this episode, I want to talk about HMO maintenance. As an HMO investor and landlord, maintaining your properties is a big part of the job. It's something you’ll need to stay on top of for the long term.Â
Good maintenance is key to keeping your business—and your HMOs—profitable. If you let it slide, it can quickly lower the value of your portfolio and undo all the hard work you’ve done finding great deals and refurbishing properties.
I’ll also be sharing some insights from our community about common maintenance problems, why it’s im...
From Music To Property Investment: Kane Andrews On Building His HMO Business

Ready to build your business empire?
In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Kane Andrews, a successful entrepreneur, property investor, and founder of Rockstar Property. We discuss his unique journey from musician to property investor and how he scaled his business using investor finance.
Kane shares his expert insights on building a strong team, implementing effective systems, and navigating the challenges of property investment. Whether you’re a new investor or a seasoned pro, you won’t want to miss his invaluable advice!
Topics covered in this episode:
02:55 - Kane...
Renters Rights Bill - Essential Changes And How To Prepare

In this episode, we’ll discuss the significant changes to the Renter's Rights Bill, particularly focusing on the amendments made by the Labour party - the abolition of Section 21 evictions, the introduction of rent controls, and the implications for landlords, especially those operating in the student housing market.Â
Topics covered in this episode:
03:05 - Key Amendments to the Renter's Rights Bill05:50 - Abolition of Section 21 Evictions09:00 - Rent Controls and Health Standards11:47 - Evictions for Personal Reasons and Rent Repayment Orders15:01 - Impact on Student HMO Landlords17:50 - Challenges and Opportunities for LandlordsEpi...
Lease Operator Strategies and Better Tenant Management with Jordi Pasqualin

How do you scale a HMO business from 0 to 1,500 rooms?
In this episode, I’m joined by Jordi Pasqualin, a former professional rugby player and now co-founder of BAM Capital. We talk about the unique business model of lease operators and discuss the challenges and misconceptions in the HMO industry.
Jordi also shares his insights and experience on scaling the business through acquisitions, logical planning approaches, and the sacrifices made along the way to achieve success in the property market.Â
Topics covered in this episode:
02:48 - Jordi's transition from rug...
How To Stress Test Every Deal Appraisal—The 10 Key Points [#REWIND]

We're revisiting a classic from the vault—an episode that covers everything you need to know about stress testing your deals.
I wanted to highlight this topic again because I've noticed a surge in questions from our community lately. This uptick is likely a result of rising prices, changing legislation, and a bit of market panic.Â
Deals aren’t as profitable as they once were, and understandably, HMO property investors like you, want to plan effectively and ensure your deals are as strong as possible.
In this episode, we outline ten key points to st...
What I've Learned From This Huge Milestone in My Business

We’re celebrating the 4th anniversary of The HMO Podcast! Can you believe it?
Over the years, I’ve learned so much—not just about podcasting, but about business as a whole.
In this special episode, I want to take the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on those lessons, as many of them will be applicable to your own HMO property business.
Join me as I share the most important insights I've gained over the past four years while building this part of my business. I believe these will be incredibly valuable for you in...
How To Refurbish HMOs With Tenants In Situ? [Community Q&A]

In this episode, I'm answering a question recently asked by one of our members in the HMO community. It was a great question that led to some interesting discussions, although people had different opinions.
Steven asked how to go about buying an HMO with tenants in place that needs some cosmetic work.Â
As you can imagine, the answer isn’t simple, and there were different views. If you’re thinking about buying an HMO yourself, whether it comes with tenants or you have the option to do so, this is definitely something to consider.
We’...
Embarking On My Biggest 'Project' Yet, And How I'm Preparing For It!

Curious about what’s been happening with my HMO businesses?Â
In this episode, I’m excited to bring you up to speed on my HMO portfolio, development business, and trading groups. I’ll cover how I managed my HMO properties over the summer, share some special news, and talk about any challenges I've encountered with property deals.Â
Plus, I’ll update you on my development projects and discuss the importance of community engagement and building partnerships.Â
As I prepare for these upcoming changes, I’ll also highlight how crucial good time management and planning have...
Why And How To Get Featured In Property Publications With Blue Bricks Magazine Owner Sam Cooke

Can a magazine feature boost your HMO property business?
In this episode, I'm excited to be joined by Sam Cooke, the owner and editor of Blue Bricks Property Magazine. Sam will be sharing his valuable insights on the current trends in the property market, the benefits of being featured in magazines and publications, and how you can secure a spot in these media outlets.
If you’re looking to raise private finance, boost your opportunities, or connect with key people in the industry, this episode is a must-listen!
Want to attend the Pigeons & Pr...