005 Top serviced accommodation tips for 2025

Running or thinking about running a Serviced Accommodation business? In this episode, we break down our top SA tips for 2025 — from portfolio strategy and pricing to systems, structure, operations and protecting your neighbours.

What we cover:

  • Why small SA portfolios struggle — and when to scale

  • High-end units vs cheaper stays (and which win financially)

  • Standing out with amenities to avoid the price race

  • Best UK locations for high-end and contractor SA

  • Choosing the right property size for each market

  • Protecting neighbours: noise, CCTV, policies & automation

  • Why renting SA units is risky and buying is safer

  • How to structure R2SA and B2SA correctly (PropCo/OpCo)

  • Contracts that protect you and prevent surprises

  • Understanding your financial performance & pricing

  • Streamlining ops: cleaning, linen, maintenance, security

  • Essential tools: Airbnb, BDC, Hospitable, PriceLabs, Minut, Xero

Our companies:

  • ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation

  • ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity

  • ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate

Sponsorship:

  • This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties.

  • We develop and convert property across the UK.

  • Investors earn 11-15% annual, asset-backed.

  • Find out more: zenproperties.uk 

If you enjoyed this episode:

  • We work with investors seeking secured, asset-backed opportunities in UK property. If you’re considering deploying funds, let’s talk.

  • Get in front of motivated and high quality audience - insert your advert in the middle of the podcast by sponsoring future episode.

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006 Property investment strategies 

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004 Top 14 fruckups you want to avoid