Send us Fan Mail

In this week's episode, Dan fills us in on the RETCON real estate technology and innovation conference he attended and tells us why the UK are so far behind the US when it comes to using AI in this sector.

We're are also discussing:
- Attitudes to renting are changing — but is the sector keeping up?
- Does student accommodation still equal thriving high streets?
- And flexible living sounds great, but how can it really be achieved?
- The latest Zoopla rental data analysis

The reports discussed on this episode include:

Will I ever own a home

Universities have a responsibility for the high street too - Wonkhe

Flexible learning needs flexible housing - Wonkhe

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via the website and LinkedIn page

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast. This was a jointly sponsored podcast.

Send a text

Sarah, Dan and Deenie are discussing:
- BTR viability warning
- Catastrophic warning signs for the housing market
- Scaremongering headlines (again)
- Is the cost of first year student accommodation influencing commuters?
- Study visa changes

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via the website and LinkedIn page

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast. This was a jointly sponsored podcast.

Send a text

With a deep dive into two different industry reports; hereSAY BTR leasing benchmarking report and COHO - The UK Loneliness Report 2026.

We discuss:
- Is the sector lacking in sales skills?
- Is blended living actually wanted?
- The Unite Students barometer of PBSA health
- The simple solution to reduce loneliness in shared living.

We are also celebrating reaching 25,000 downloads this week 🙌 so a big thank you to everyone who has tuned in since our first episode over two years ago!

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via the website and LinkedIn page

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast. This was a jointly sponsored podcast.

Send a text

This week, we're catching up on the numerous events we've recently attended including; the Sheppard Robson PBSA round table 'How can fresh thinking unlock viability?', the Amber webinar hosted by Urban Living News on all-inclusive energy and the QX Global Group Student Accommodation Insights Evening.

We are also talking about the latest white paper by Utopi; The AI Influence in Real Estate - are we moving to the dark side? Download this report via link in comments.

The questions we cover this week:
- Does investing in AI make rent cheaper or more expensive?
- Are commuting students a commercial opportunity or a risk?
- A plea for positive PR about the value of renting
- Is all-inclusive bills cheaper?

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via the website and LinkedIn page

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast. This was a jointly sponsored podcast.

Send a text

With Dan Smith back from his trip to PropTech Connect in Dubai (and nearly staying until 6th March - full story in episode!), we get the lowdown on the event as well as discussing:

- Immersive sales tools, do they boost conversion or are they are waste of money?
- The negative outcomes of rent controls; why the 'missing middle' can't be solved by slogans
- The Student Loan Scandal - implications on rented living in the future.

Announcing our new website - www.housedpodcast.com

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via its LinkedIn page

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast. This was a jointly sponsored podcast.

Send a text

In this week's episode we are are dissecting the Rental Living Salary Guide 2026 from deverellsmith and SAY Property Consultants and asking;
- How do operators balance the want for flexible working with operating buildings?
- Are the operational demands and responsibilities reflective in job titles and salaries?
- And is the sector making it clear what progression and career opportunities there are?

There's also discussions on:
- The confusing messages about BTR - is it thriving or failing?
- Should we be adding gross PBSA rooms or replacing old with new to have a net amount of PBSA but better quality (without increasing the rent)?
Plus on a slightly more positive note, Sarah Canning tell us why she was buzzing after her visit to the experimental social wellness space &Soul in Shoreditch.

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via its LinkedIn page.

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast. This was a jointly sponsored podcast.

Send a text

China is one of the most misunderstood markets for student housing, BTR, universities and the wider rental living sectors - we wanted to bust some of the myths surrounding this market and, in true Housed style, dig deeper and get some practical takeaways to share with the sector.

We learnt so much from this conversation with Sam Rason, CEO of VIVA - Mini Programs and Gabriel Nicklin, Managing Partner of TONG Global and are pretty sure our listeners will feel the same.

This episode covers:
- Why China is different?
- WeChat, platforms and direct engagement
- Marketplaces and the 'convenience trap'
- Diversifying your marketing mix
- How to practically build a direct China strategy
- What the future looks like for this sector

A big thanks to Sam and Gabriel for joining us, we felt that we only just scratched the surface of this topic - if you do have any further questions please get in touch with Sam or Gabriel directly.

And if there any other hot topics you would like us to cover on Housed - please do get in touch.

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via its LinkedIn page.

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast. This was a jointly sponsored podcast.

Send a text

We recorded this week's episode of Housed at Distorted podcast studio.

Listen to hear our views and thoughts on some of the latest news from the world of shared living and more importantly to find out whether Dan Smith actually read this week's show notes...??

Here's what we are discussing:
- How do we design rental homes that people can actually afford to love? We dig into Unite’s decision to defer two major schemes, and why we think this is a positive move in the right direction.
- Is this Build to Rents 'time to shine'? Why Build to Rent still has an upside if operators pivot from flashy amenities to daily utility.
- We question studio-heavy schemes and we think they breed transience. Mix it up: larger studios, shared apartments, layouts that support longer stays and real community.
- We break down Ireland’s rental reforms - rent caps may feel appealing, but they risk choking supply at a time when housing shortages are acute. Why The UK’s Renters’ Rights Act could learn from this cautionary tale.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mcSWsTvBQ2E

Stay up to date on Housed podcast via its LinkedIn page.

Dan Smith is Founder of RESI Consultancy and Co-Founder of Verbaflo.AI Good Management.

Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee are Directors and Co-Founders of The Property Marketing Strategists - Elevating Marketing in Property.

Thank you to our season four sponsors:
Mystudenthalls.com - Reach thousands of students searching every month with 0% commission student accommodation listings.

Utopi - The smart building platform helping real estate owners protect the value of their assets.

Washstation - Leading provider of laundry solutions for Communal and Campus living throughout the UK and Ireland.

Howden - With a lifetime of expertise, Howden provides tailored insurance, property risk management, and wellbeing solutions for accommodation providers across the UK.

Who this episode is for:

• PBSA and student accommodation professionals
• BTR, co-living and rental operators
• Property developers and investors
• University and higher education leaders
• Anyone working in or around housing policy and shared living

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, organisations, clients, or partners. This podcast is for general discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or investment advice. While we aim to be accurate, we make no guarantees and accept no liability for decisions made based on the content of this podcast.