Devon July 2026 Meeting 

Designing for Legacy - How smart design fuels long-term property success - Julian Maurice 

As property investors, we all strive to create a legacy, a portfolio that not only generates strong returns but also stands the test of time. Yet, the reality is stark: only a small percentage of businesses, including those in the property sector, survive beyond a decade. The key question is, how do we ensure our investments are part of that successful minority?

Julian Maurice, with nearly 30 years in the industry, faced this challenge head-on. As a project manager converting properties into HMOs, he witnessed first hand the devastating impact of the property crash. When it came time to invest his own capital, Julian knew he needed a different approach, one that would avoid the pitfalls he had seen and focus on creating a sustainable, profitable future.

Julian meticulously researched and applied strategies designed to build a resilient portfolio. Now, as his own portfolio marks its 10th anniversary, it has exceeded expectations: higher yields, consistent 100% occupancy, minimal management involvement, and ongoing profitability. His results are no accident, they are the outcome of careful planning and smart design choices.

In this presentation, Julian will share the research, strategies, and key insights that have enabled him to achieve long-term success. Attendees will gain actionable tips on how to build a legacy property portfolio, one that not only thrives in the present but also secures a prosperous future.

ALSO... 2030 Is Closer Than You Think. Don't Get Caught Out — Get Clued Up. - Jon Reynolds 

With the government's deadline for mandatory Band C EPC ratings fast approaching, landlords across the UK face some of the most significant regulatory changes in a generation. In this talk, Jon Reynolds — a qualified Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor with over 20,000 assessments to his name — cuts through the noise to explain exactly what is changing, when it is happening, and what landlords need to do now to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.

Jon will guide attendees through the transition from the current EPC system to the new Home Energy Model (HEM), unpacking what the reformed assessment methodology means in practice and how it will affect property valuations, lettings compliance, and landlord spend. Whether you own one rental property or fifty, this is essential knowledge for anyone operating in the private rented sector in the years ahead.

What you will learn on the evening:

• What the Home Energy Model (HEM) is and how it fundamentally differs from the current SAP-based EPC system
• The new MEES standards taking effect in October 2030, including fines of up to £30,000 per property for non-compliance
• Which exemptions are available, how long they last, and how to use them legitimately to protect your portfolio
• How the £15 billion Warm Homes Plan and available government funding can help offset the cost of required improvements
• Practical steps to take now — including how to engage a qualified assessor, understand your options, and prepare your properties ahead of the deadline