We're delighted to announce that we won ‘Architects Practice of the Year’ at the National Property Awards 2026. Nine years, over 613+ HMO bedrooms and 136+ new homes later and a huge thank you to every client who made it possible and for everyone who voted for us!

Left too late, the Party Wall etc. Act becomes one of the most predictable causes of delay on a development programme. We look at whole-project risk, not just design and architecture and here's how to manage it as something to plan for, not paperwork to deal with once you're already behind.

Some walk into a viewing looking for reasons to fall in love with a property. Investors need to do the opposite, spotting the risks, hidden costs, and red flags before they commit capital. Here's what a RICS Building Surveyor looks for on property viewings for property development projects.

Self-managing an investment project on site can protect your margins but only if it's run properly. From agreeing a Schedule of Rates to knowing who's liable for delays, here's how to keep your build on time and on budget.

A 6-bed HMO at 5% voids vs 20% voids can differ by £8,090/year — £323,568 across a portfolio over a decade. Here's the maths and how to avoid it.

Portfolio Architects has been named a finalist for Architects Practice of the Year at the National Property Awards for the second year running, recognising our design led and commercially focused approach to property development and architecture.

Many investors guess whether a property is big enough for a large HMO. Here's how to actually check — before you make an offer.

How many flats can you actually fit in that building? Most investors guess based on floor area alone — but there's a second metric that changes the answer almost every time, and it's one of the most overlooked at the assessment stage.

When new deals get harder to find, most investors look harder. But what if the opportunity is already yours? This case study shows exactly that — redundant greenhouses on an established garden centre, turned into 7,150m² of new build office space.

A site in Leamington Spa. A derelict bungalow. Two previous planning refusals from another Architect. We went back to basics, redesigned the scheme from the ground up, and secured permission for two high-quality four-bedroom homes. A planning refusal isn't a forever refusal and here's why.

I never thought I'd say this — but I actually look forward to getting my electricity bill now. Just to see how low it is. On a bills-included HMO, energy is usually one of your biggest and most unpredictable running costs. Here's a system that can change that completely.

A derelict farm outside a village settlement boundary. Large, ugly agricultural sheds. Here's how we unlocked it through a multi-stage planning strategy and permitted development rights — and what it could mean for your site.

Many people go on property viewings looking for reasons to fall in love with a property. As an Architect, I go in looking for risks to quantify. Here are the areas I always check and our own viewing template — and why getting them right before you offer can save you thousands.

A well-designed HMO bedroom feels effortless. The furniture sits naturally, the lighting works, and the room flows. If your HMO bedrooms never quite feel right, the problem usually isn't the furniture or the finishes — it's the order in which the design decisions were made. Here is how to get it right from the start.

Planning a Sui Generis HMO conversion in 2026? Before you start, you need to know what the process actually costs. We break down every fee — from measured survey to council application for a 7-8 bed HMO — so there are no surprises when the quotes land.

What is the best property investment strategy for 2026? It’s a question every property investor is asking—but the answer depends on more than just market trends. From location and to your personal goals, experience, and available resources, this blog explores the key factors that can shape the best strategy property investment for you—and help you make smarter, more confident investment decisions.

HMO Article 4 areas often get a bad reputation among investors — but the truth is, they’re not designed to ban HMOs altogether. Most councils use Article 4 Directions to manage saturation, not prevent development. In this post, we break down what Article 4 actually means, why it exists, and how smart investors can still succeed in these areas with the right strategy.

The most successful property investors don’t just know how to spot a deal — they know how to run their portfolio like a business. In this post, we’re revealing 8 common (and avoidable) drains on your property profits — and what to do about them. Because growing your portfolio is great — but keeping more of what you earn? That’s where the real success lies.

Over the last 7+ years, I’ve worked on HMO projects across the UK—and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: most of the biggest issues start long before a pen is picked up, a sledgehammer swings, or a planning application is submitted. In this article, I share why early architectural input is critical—and introduce HMO Gold, a free 6-day email series designed to help investors avoid costly pitfalls and buy smarter from day one.

Building a property portfolio doesn’t have to mean waiting for savings to build up, salary increases or bonuses. With some strategic thinking, you can use what you already have—your home—to raise capital. In this post, we share five creative ways to leverage your own home to start or grow your portfolio! Ready to get started? Read on to discover how.