Ledger & Mortar

How we work

Four steps. No framework with a trademarked name.

We look at what you have, work out what it costs, tell you what we'd change, and hand you back the controls.

See clearly

We start by understanding exactly where your money goes. Most property investors have never actually tallied up their total cost base across all providers and subscriptions. The number is usually surprising.

Question everything

Every cost gets benchmarked. Is your management fee market rate? Is your accountant doing what you need? Is that mentorship giving you something you couldn't find in a book? We're not ideological — if something delivers value, it stays.

Simplify the structure

We look at how your properties are held, how money flows in and out, and whether there are structural inefficiencies. Sometimes the answer is 'this is fine.' Sometimes it's 'this one change saves you five figures a year.'

Leave you better off

We give you a clear report, walk you through it, and then step back. No recurring fees unless you want ongoing support. Our goal is to make you more self-sufficient, not more dependent on us.

Services

Straightforward services, scoped to what you need.

Every engagement is scoped individually. No packages designed to upsell you into the next tier. See the services page for indicative costs.

One-off engagement

Portfolio Health Check

A full review of your property operation — every service, every contract, every fee. We find out where your money is going and whether it should be.

Cost audit across all service providers

Fee benchmarking against current market rates

ROI assessment on every recurring cost

Prioritised recommendations

One-hour walkthrough of findings

Details →

One-off engagement

Company Structure Review

We assess whether your properties are held in the right structure and whether your director's loans, share capital, and tax position are set up properly. We work alongside your accountant, not instead of them.

Entity and ownership structure analysis

Director's loan optimisation review

Tax efficiency assessment

Lending readiness evaluation

Written report with clear next steps

Details →

Ongoing support

Operations Support

Lightweight ongoing support to keep your property business organised. Financial tracking, document management, and a clear picture of how each property is performing.

Monthly financial tracking dashboard

Renovation budget monitoring

Document management and filing

Cost benchmarking and provider reviews

Ad-hoc support via email

Details →

One-off setup

Landlord Tech Stack

We set up the tools your property business actually needs — accounting, financial tracking, automated reporting. Configured properly once, so you never think about it again.

Accounting software setup and configuration

Property management tool selection

Automated rent tracking and alerts

Document templates and workflows

Training session for you and your team

Details →

Questions

Things people ask before getting in touch.

Who is this for?+

Property investors with small to medium portfolios — typically 2 to 20 properties — who want to understand their numbers properly without hiring an expensive finance director or signing up to a mentorship programme. If you've ever suspected you're overpaying for a service but weren't sure how to check, we can help.

Are you replacing my accountant?+

No. Your accountant handles your tax returns, year-end accounts, and compliance. We handle the bit in between — making sure you understand your numbers month to month, that your costs are reasonable, and that your business is structured properly. We work alongside your accountant and often make their life easier.

Do you work nationwide?+

Yes. Almost everything we do is analytical and can be done remotely. We review documents, build financial models, and have calls. Property is local but the numbers are universal.

How long does the Portfolio Health Check take?+

Usually about a week from receiving your documents to delivering the report. The walkthrough is a one-hour call. Most clients tell us they've saved more than the fee within the first month of implementing the recommendations.

Is there a minimum portfolio size?+

Not formally, but if you have one buy-to-let and a straightforward setup, you probably don't need us — and we'll tell you that. We're most useful when there are enough moving parts that things start to get missed or overpaid.

How does pricing work?+

We scope every engagement individually based on your portfolio size and complexity. We'll always give you a clear quote upfront before any work starts — no surprises, no hidden fees. Get in touch and we'll give you a straight answer.

Who we are

Two people. Low overheads. Relevant experience.

We're not building an empire. We're a small consultancy with the right combination of skills for the job.

Analysis & Strategy

James Johnson

Eight years running his own consultancy, with a background in systems analysis and process improvement. Brings a methodical approach to property portfolios — reviewing company structures, modelling finances, and finding where money is being wasted. Happiest with a balance sheet and a clear question to answer.

Business Consulting · Company Structuring · Financial Modelling

LinkedIn →

Finance & Operations

Aline Cardoso

Twelve years in institutional banking at Citi and Itaú Unibanco, with an MBA and masters degrees in digital marketing and project management. Combines the rigour of institutional finance with hands-on operational experience. Manages the financial analysis, process design, and day-to-day delivery — making sure the numbers are right and the work gets done properly.

Citi · Itaú Unibanco · MBA · Financial Analysis · Operations

LinkedIn →

Clarity for property investors who prefer profits to prophets.

Four steps. No framework with a trademarked name.

Straightforward services, scoped to what you need.

Things people ask before getting in touch.

Two people. Low overheads. Relevant experience.

First conversation is always free.