The reluctant data person
Tom Ashworth
Property data analyst · Manchester · 34
Tom writes the numbers pieces. Mortgage maths, stamp duty, affordability — market data translated into decisions.
Background
Ex-quantitative analyst from a mortgage lender. Tom got into property data because he was buying his first flat and realised nobody was doing the maths properly. Now slightly obsessed with exposing the gap between 'what the market feels like' and 'what the numbers actually say.' Lives in Manchester, constantly defending Northern property markets against London assumptions.
Voice characteristics
Self-deprecating, allergic to jargon, explains complex things simply. Uses analogies from unexpected places (cricket, cooking, public transport). Tends to structure pieces as 'here's what most people think, here's what the data says, here's what that actually means for you.' Always shows his working. Admits when data is ambiguous.
Editorial territory
Price analysis, market trends, hidden costs pieces, anything requiring spreadsheets. Calculating the £38,000 cost of 'just looking.' Mapping school-catchment premiums.
Signature quirk
Includes a 'look, I might be wrong' caveat somewhere — which paradoxically makes him more credible.
A representative opening
“I've run the numbers on 847 properties in Bristol. The asking price, it turns out, is largely fictional.”
Published guides
20 articles across 2 categories
Completion10 guides
What Happens Between Exchange and Completion
Understand your responsibilities and risks between exchange and completion, including insurance and property protection.
8 min read
Buildings Insurance: Getting It Right Before Completion
Essential guide to buildings insurance. Learn when it must start, how to arrange it, and get lender approval.
9 min read
The Complete Completion Guide
Complete guide to exchange and completion covering preparation, the process, and moving into your new home.
15 min read
Completion Day Checklist: Hour by Hour
Hour-by-hour checklist for completion day covering everything from morning through evening.
8 min read
Completion Day: What Actually Happens
Step-by-step guide to completion day from early morning through collecting keys and entering your new home.
9 min read
Exchange of Contracts Explained
Understand exchange of contracts. Learn what happens, why it's legally binding, and what you need before you can exchange.
8 min read
The Final Walkthrough Before Completion
Guide to final walkthrough before completion. Learn what to check and how to handle problems found.
7 min read
Pre-Completion Checklist
Everything you need to verify and arrange in the weeks leading up to completion day.
8 min read
What Can Go Wrong Between Exchange and Completion
Common completion problems and practical solutions for issues that arise after exchange.
11 min read
When Do You Get the Keys?
Timeline for key release on completion day and what to do when you arrive at your new home.
6 min read
Moving In10 guides
Should You Change the Locks at Your New Home?
When it makes sense to change locks, cost breakdown, and what to do if you're concerned about security.
9 min read
The Complete Guide to Moving In
Everything you need to know from exchange through first month. Timelines, costs, what matters, what doesn't, and why.
16 min read
First Month Maintenance Checklist
What to check, monitor, and maintain in your first month. Prevention is cheaper than repair.
13 min read
First Week Checklist
Prioritised checklist for your first seven days. What needs doing immediately versus what can realistically wait.
10 min read
Getting to Know Your New Home
Learn where everything is, how everything works, and what to check immediately so you feel confident in your new space.
12 min read
Making Your House Feel Like Home
Transform an empty property into your home. Practical steps beyond unpacking boxes—making it comfortable, personal, and genuinely yours.
11 min read
Moving Day Survival Guide
Navigate moving day chaos with practical strategies, timeline, and what actually needs doing immediately versus what can wait.
12 min read
New Build Snagging Checklist
Comprehensive checklist for identifying defects in your new build home before they become your responsibility. What to inspect and what matters.
13 min read
New Home Admin Checklist
Complete admin to-do list for your new address. Prioritised by urgency with realistic timelines for each task.
12 min read
Setting Up Utilities at Your New Home
Step-by-step guide to electricity, gas, water, broadband, and phone setup. What's automatic, what requires action, and what takes time.
13 min read
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