How to Get Started in Property (Without Losing Your Mind)

George Samoila
Sep 30
3 min read

So you want to get started in property?

You’ve probably already been down the YouTube rabbit hole, joined a few Facebook groups, and maybe even saved some shiny properties on Rightmove. It all looks exciting… until you realise there are about 10 different strategies, and you’re not sure which one to pick.

Let’s simplify.

This blog post will walk you through the no-nonsense path to getting started in UK property — especially if you’re based abroad or time-poor.

1. Start With Your “Why”

Before you look at properties, yields or spreadsheets, ask yourself this:

Are you looking for cash flow or long-term growth?
Do you want to replace your income, retire early, or just build wealth slowly?
How involved do you want to be — hands-on, or as hands-off as possible?

Understanding your goals will help you avoid being distracted by strategies that don’t match your lifestyle.

If you’re time poor or live overseas, strategies like standard BTLs or leased HMOs to social housing providers can offer great returns without the chaos.

2. Pick One Strategy (Ignore the Noise)

Here’s a quick rundown:

Buy-to-Let (BTL):
Solid, predictable, and easy to manage — especially when leased to social housing providers.
HMO (House of Multiple Occupation):
Higher income, more rooms = more work. Great if managed by a housing provider.
Serviced Accommodation (SA):
High returns, high effort. Think Airbnbs. Not beginner friendly unless you have a team.
BRRR (Buy, Refurbish, Rent, Refinance):
A favourite among seasoned investors — but needs time, cash, and a power team.
Lease Options / Commercial Conversions:
More advanced, and often over-complicated when you’re just starting out.

✅ If you want cash flow and low hassle, BTL with a social housing lease is one of the most beginner-friendly routes — even if you’re based abroad.

3. Build Your Power Team Before You Buy

This is where most new investors go wrong.

They focus on the deal… not the people who’ll make it work.

Here’s who you need on your team:

A mortgage broker who understands investor lending (especially for HMOs or social housing)
A solicitor who works with investors and doesn’t take 18 weeks to reply
A letting agent or social housing provider who knows the local market
A sourcer/project manager if you’re not local

“The deal isn’t the hard part — managing it after you buy is.”

4. Beware the “Best Rate” Trap

We had a client recently who insisted on using their own broker.

They found the “best” interest rate on paper — but chose a lender that didn’t understand social housing leases. The result?

❌ Nil valuation.

❌ Wasted time.

❌ Stress all around.

Always work with brokers and lenders who understand your strategy.

The cheapest rate doesn’t always mean the best outcome.

5. Consider a Turnkey, Hands-Off Option

If you’re overseas or don’t want to deal with refurbs, tenants, and spreadsheets — leased property with social housing providers could be the best-kept secret in UK property.

You get:

3–5 year government-backed leases
No tenant management or voids
Fixed rental income
Higher-than-average yields
Fully sourced, fully refurbished properties

We call it: smart investing with less stress.

Final Thoughts

Getting started in property doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The key is to:

✅ Know your “why”

✅ Pick a strategy that fits your lifestyle

✅ Build the right team

✅ Choose quality over hype

✅ And remember: it’s a long-term game

Want help getting started?

Whether you’re a UK-based first-time buyer or an overseas investor, I can help match you with deals that fit your goals — from BTL to turnkey HMOs leased to social housing providers.

📩 Get in touch or book a quick call.