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Due diligence makes or breaks your serviced accommodation business. Without proper analysis, you're simply gambling with your investment capital and hoping for the best.

Successful SA operators treat each property as its own business entity, requiring thorough market research and financial analysis. This means systematically tracking competitor properties and local hotels through detailed spreadsheets, monitoring price fluctuations month-by-month to understand seasonal variations and demand patterns. Unlike traditional rentals, serviced accommodation relies on dynamic pricing – rates that fluctuate dramatically based on local events, seasons, and demand cycles. A Premier Inn near Wembley Stadium might charge £100 per night normally but command £900-1000 during major events!

Understanding your cost structure is equally crucial. Fixed costs (mortgage/rent, insurance, utilities, maintenance fund) must be paid regardless of occupancy. Variable costs (cleaning, linen, sundries) fluctuate with guest turnover, while cost of sales (OTA commissions, booking systems) directly relate to securing bookings. The smartest operators establish a monthly maintenance pot (£100/property) that accumulates over time, creating a financial buffer against unexpected repairs.

The golden rule? Your break-even point should be 50% occupancy or less. Many novices accept break-even points of 65% or higher, severely limiting profit potential. For optimal performance, target 70-75% occupancy – consistently higher rates often indicate underpricing, while lower occupancy suggests overpricing or market issues.

Ready to build a six-figure SA business? Visit thepropertyunleashed.com for free resources including training masterclasses and deal analyzing spreadsheets. For personalized guidance, check out our Clarity Day workshops where we'll help you craft a bespoke property investment roadmap tailored to your goals and circumstances. Stop guessing and start investing with confidence – your profitable SA business awaits!

VALUABLE RESOURCES:

• Visit www.thepropertyunleashed.com to explore are free Property Ebooks and guides in Rent-to-Rent, Serviced Accommodation, Deal Sourcing and and also our FREE training masterclasses to help you generating a sustainable income through property.
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/816926952556608 to meet like-minded property investors and be a part of the community.

CONNECT WITH ME:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.fitzgerald.7921
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markfitzgeraldentrepreneur/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fitzgerald-59200079/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgwQNC72nEJQ0tKkKERdQOQ
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@markfitzgeraldentrepreneur

http://www.thepropertyunleashed.com

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Throwback Thursday Episode – From Corporate Careers to Property Freedom: The Keys to Doors Journey

In this Throwback Thursday feature, we’re revisiting one of the most impactful conversations on the show—an inspiring episode with Peter from Keys to Doors, who, alongside his partner Monica, carved a new life for themselves through property investing.

Their journey didn’t begin with years of experience or a background in construction—it started with a book read on a beach during a well-earned vacation. That moment sparked a fire that led them away from the 9–5 grind and into the world of property, but not without plenty of planning, sacrifice, and lessons learned.

They began small with single-let properties, building experience and confidence. As their knowledge grew, they strategically moved into HMOs and later into commercial conversions—always taking a methodical approach and adapting when needed. Their dual business model—combining long-term asset acquisition with short-term trading income through joint ventures—gave them the financial security and flexibility to leave their corporate jobs behind. First Monica, then Peter.

But what really sets their story apart is their ability to pivot with purpose. When the COVID-19 pandemic made sourcing discounted deals nearly impossible, they didn’t stall—they shifted to supported living properties, benefiting from stronger cash flow and fewer day-to-day management demands. As the market evolves again, they’re now reintroducing flip projects, showing once more how agility is just as important as ambition.

This episode is more than just a timeline of deals—it’s a raw and honest reflection on the realities of property investing. In 2022, Peter and Monica hit burnout. That moment of realisation changed everything. They now prioritise quarterly international breaks and regular weekend retreats to maintain their energy, creativity, and quality of life.

As Peter says:

“Property investing is a long game. It’s better to be steady and methodical—and have a good balance of taking care of yourself.”

For anyone thinking about starting in property, Peter shares golden advice:

• Invest in education to reduce fear and build confidence
• Use systematic viewing strategies to accurately assess refurbishment costs
• Surround yourself with a supportive community to find JV partners and mentors

Don’t miss this powerful throwback episode filled with insight, resilience, and the mindset needed to build success that lasts.

VALUABLE RESOURCES:

• Visit www.thepropertyunleashed.com to explore are free Property Ebooks and guides in Rent-to-Rent, Serviced Accommodation, Deal Sourcing and and also our FREE training masterclasses to help you generating a sustainable income through property.
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/816926952556608 to meet like-minded property investors and be a part of the community.

CONNECT WITH ME:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.fitzgerald.7921
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markfitzgeraldentrepreneur/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fitzgerald-59200079/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgwQNC72nEJQ0tKkKERdQOQ
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@markfitzgeraldentrepreneur

http://www.thepropertyunleashed.com

Send us a text

Mark Fitzgerald shares proven strategies for attracting and working with property investors, providing a roadmap to securing funding for property deals and building trust-based investor relationships.

• Transforming the mindset from "asking to borrow money" to "sharing investment opportunities"
• Establishing clarity on your property strategy before approaching potential investors
• Avoiding amateur mistakes like offering unrealistically high returns over short timeframes
• Starting conversations by asking about current investment returns rather than directly asking for money
• Understanding investor needs by discussing their preferred return percentages and investment timeframes
• Encouraging investors to maintain a portion of their savings as security to prevent last-minute cancellations
• Building genuine relationships through regular contact and demonstrating active involvement in property
• Adopting an abundance mindset about available investment capital
• Overcoming limiting beliefs that prevent effective investor conversations

Check out our Clarity Day workshop at thepropertyunleashed.com to gain complete clarity on your property strategy. We also offer free tools, resources, and accelerator trainings to help you master different property strategies.

VALUABLE RESOURCES:

• Visit www.thepropertyunleashed.com to explore are free Property Ebooks and guides in Rent-to-Rent, Serviced Accommodation, Deal Sourcing and and also our FREE training masterclasses to help you generating a sustainable income through property.
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/816926952556608 to meet like-minded property investors and be a part of the community.

CONNECT WITH ME:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.fitzgerald.7921
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markfitzgeraldentrepreneur/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fitzgerald-59200079/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgwQNC72nEJQ0tKkKERdQOQ
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@markfitzgeraldentrepreneur

http://www.thepropertyunleashed.com