Plain English, real numbers

Investor guides.

The strategies behind the Deal Shaper, explained — so you know why the numbers move, not just what they say.

Title splitting a block of flats

Why a block sells for less than the sum of its flats — and how splitting the title creates value you can refinance against.

Bricks-and-mortar vs commercial valuation — why net rent ÷ yield can value a licensed HMO well above the house next door.

Buy, refurbish, refinance — the strategy behind most portfolio building, with the maths of pulling your cash back out.

Which funds your deal? Speed vs cost, refurb drawdowns, specialist lending — and how the exit decides the entrance.

Buy six or more dwellings in one transaction and pay non-residential rates — routinely a five-figure saving on a block.

Section 24, corporation tax, and the 125% vs 145% ICR difference that lets a company borrow more on the same rent.

Traditional vs modern method, the 28-day clock, legal packs and fees — and how to set a maximum bid before the room heats up.

Rules of thumb that keep deals honest — budget tiers, line-item ranges, HMO costs per room and the contingency rule.

The two numbers investors mix up — what each measures, why leverage changes everything, and which one decides.

From works complete to cash out — the six-month rule, winning the valuation, the ICR check and redemption day.

The minimum-E rule, the proposed move to C, and why the EPC is a deal-analysis input — not paperwork.

The four hurdle numbers — cashflow after stress, return on cash, cash left in, margin on cost — and your kill criteria.