From Zero Experience To Profitable Serviced Accommodation

The Property Unleashed Podcast

The Property Unleashed Podcast
From Zero Experience To Profitable Serviced Accommodation
Feb 12, 2026 Episode 361
Mark Fitzgerald

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Ready to rethink what’s possible with serviced accommodation? 

We unpack a real case where a first-time buyer with low income and a gifted deposit bought a property and turned it into a profitable Airbnb—legitimately, with the right mortgage, and without complex renovations or bridging finance. 

Rob Peters, our go-to mortgage expert, walks us through the lender mindset, the product selection, and the exact numbers that made the deal work.

We start by clarifying why standard residential and vanilla buy-to-let products often prohibit short-term letting and how the right serviced accommodation mortgage changes the rules. Rob details the client’s profile—no assets, living with parents, limited earnings—and explains how lenders evaluate risk when a borrower lacks experience. 

Then we dive into the mechanics: a £124,000 purchase with a 25 percent deposit, an interest-only loan around £93,000 fixed near 4.99 percent, and zero product fee with a free valuation to de-risk the process. 

You’ll hear the monthly math side by side: roughly £800 as a long-term let versus about £2,300 on Airbnb, a mortgage payment close to £386, and an estimated £600 in operating costs, leaving about £1,300 profit each month.

Beyond the headline figures, we focus on execution. You’ll learn how to present a clean case to lenders—documenting demand drivers, using conservative occupancy, and proving you can operate like a business with proper cleaning, pricing, and guest management. 

We talk risk buffers, compliance, and the importance of a power team: a broker who knows SA products, a solicitor who keeps timelines tight, and a community that helps you avoid rookie mistakes. 

If you’ve ever thought lenders would shut the door because you’re new, this story shows how the right structure can open it. If this sparks ideas for your next move, subscribe, share with a friend who’s SA-curious, and leave a quick review to help more investors find the show. 

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Episode Artwork From Zero Experience To Profitable Serviced Accommodation 11:22 Episode Artwork Stop Scrolling And Start Sourcing: Turn Social Media Into A Deal Machine 15:14 Episode Artwork Flip Without Buying: Assisted Sales Explained 25:08 Episode Artwork Building A Rent-To-Rent Business And Leaving Their Jobs, Jaydee & Paul Tell Their Story 52:52 Episode Artwork Win £10k In Property Training 10:46 Episode Artwork How A 75-Hard Challenge Rewired My Habits And Business Discipline 22:58 Episode Artwork Four Steps To Change Your Life 23:56 Episode Artwork Stop Waiting Six Months: How To Finance, Refinance, And Scale Without The Usual Roadblocks 16:35 Episode Artwork Make 2026 Your Property Breakthrough 13:52 Episode Artwork The Renters Right Act, Explained 52:22 Episode Artwork Turn Your Properties Into Supported Living & Make It A Win/Win 13:25 Episode Artwork The Truths Landlords Need Right Now 55:16 Episode Artwork Scaling Short-Term Rentals the Smart Way with Graham Lindley 53:45 Episode Artwork Rethink Rent-to-Rent 8:54 Episode Artwork From Lettings to High-ROI Serviced Accommodation and Social Housing Strategy, With Emily McAtamney 49:16 Episode Artwork Let Me Teach You How To Get Agents & Landlords To Do Deals With You, Live Coaching From Mark Fitzgerald 30:56 Episode Artwork How Bolaji Rebuilt His Property Business Using Rent-to-SA, In Our Property Investing Community 54:14 Episode Artwork Why Would Anyone Hand You Their Property? 13:32 Episode Artwork Trust Your Gut, Property Success Through Self-Belief WITH Nic & Matt Reeves 54:19 Episode Artwork You Don't Always Need a Massive Deposit to Start Property Investing 9:46 Episode Artwork No Deposit? No Problem! The Magic of Purchase Lease Options 10:45 Episode Artwork The Landlord's Guide to Selling Properties While Protecting Your Investment 41:30 Episode Artwork Beyond the Day Job, Creating Financial Freedom Through Property With David Denton 51:19 Episode Artwork The Financial Blueprint for Flat Portfolios & Mortgage Update With Rob Peters 26:21 Episode Artwork What's Your ETA? Charting Your Course in Property Investment 22:04