Crossword Genius

What landlord has to say about beer to start with (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

real estate

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'what landlord has to' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'about beer to start with' is the wordplay.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'beer' becomes 'ale' (type of beer).
'to start with' becomes 'restate' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'ale' going into 'restate' is 'REAL ESTATE'.

'say' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for real estate that I've seen before include "land in New England" , "US-style spread?" , "Land (mainly US)" , "Land in America" , "Property, land (esp. US)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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