014 Derelict cottage conversion to holiday let

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 & Property Management

  • 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 

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015 Design That Pays: Architecture, Interiors & GDV with Ben Richards

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013 Master HMOs – Central Suites Style