HEAD TO HEAD
BuildLink vs a spreadsheet: which is right for UK property investors?
A spreadsheet gives you full control of the maths. BuildLink gives you the inputs the spreadsheet assumes someone has already checked. Most UK investors end up using both: BuildLink for the data pull and risk scan, spreadsheet for bespoke sensitivity analysis.
| FEATURE | BUILDLINK OS | A MANUAL SPREADSHEET |
|---|---|---|
| Time per analysis | 60 seconds | 3 to 4 hours |
| Land Registry title check | Automatic | Manual lookup |
| EPC register cross-check | Automatic | Manual lookup |
| Comparable sales analysis | Automatic (0.3 mile radius, last 12 months) | Manual, limited |
| Article 4 and selective licensing check | Automatic | Manual, often skipped |
| Custom sensitivity modelling | Fixed inputs | Full control |
| Strategy-specific adjustments (BRRR, HMO, flip) | Preset strategies | Bespoke |
| Upfront cost | Free (15/month) | Free |
| Lender-ready memo output | One click | Manual formatting |
| Learning curve | Minutes | Hours for a good model |
RECOMMENDATION
Use BuildLink to pull the inputs and catch the risks. Use your spreadsheet to run your own cashflow stress tests on top. The fifteen free monthly analyses cover the typical solo investor. Anyone doing more than one deal a month a week saves hours.