Scottish Property Podcast

Are property flips still worth pursuing in 2026—or have rising costs and tighter margins made the strategy too difficult?In this listener Q&A episode, Nick and Steven examine the reality of flipping property in today's market. With Scotland's 8% Additional Dwelling Supplement, higher material prices, increased trade rates, bridging costs and tax on the eventual profit, investors now need to buy at a much deeper discount and control every expense carefully.They explain why straightforward, lower-value flips have become harder to find, while assisted sales, profit-share partnerships with builders, larger renovation projects and properties with potential for layout changes can still produce opportunities. They also answer listeners' questions about sourcing fees, legal costs, purchasing portfolios, transferring letting agents and business banking.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS• How a previous SPP episode helped a listener reduce his maximum auction bid from £80,000 to £71,000• Why construction insolvencies and rising trade costs matter to property investors• How the 8% ADS, materials, labour and finance costs are squeezing flip margins• Why managing individual trades may be necessary to make the figures work• How assisted sales can reduce upfront costs and eliminate the ADS• Partnering with builders through profit-sharing arrangements• Why bridging delays and collapsed sales can consume the expected profit• Finding opportunities through architectural design and layout changes• Why larger family homes requiring major renovation may face less competition• Why the “low-hanging fruit” £70,000–£80,000 flips are becoming harder to find• The tax investors must include when calculating their final return• When a £5,000 or £25,000 portfolio sourcing fee could be justified• What investors should expect from a £4,000 property sourcing service• Typical legal costs and the additional charges buyers often overlook• Why Nick and Steven use multiple business banks• Due diligence when purchasing a portfolio with an existing letting agent• Whether Nick should buy or rent his next officeCHAPTERS00:00 - Listener Q&A and a property deal saved by due diligence01:37 - Are property flips still viable in 2026?02:10 - Construction insolvencies and rising trade costs03:45 - Why flips have become more labour-intensive04:53 - Assisted sales and profit-sharing with builders05:46 - ADS, bridging finance and holding costs07:13 - Finding creative opportunities in the flip market09:14 - Are the easy property flips disappearing?10:41 - The time, risk and rewards involved in flipping11:32 - Tax and first-time-buyer flipping strategies13:26 - What is a reasonable property sourcing fee?14:17 - Typical sourcing fees and VAT15:00 - What should investors receive for a £4,000 fee?16:46 - Typical legal fees when buying property17:30 - Business banking and spreading financial risk19:29 - Buying a portfolio with an existing letting agent24:30 - Nick's search for a new office26:17 - Buying commercial property versus rentingNETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

Amy Russell has built a seven-figure property portfolio—but with her money continually being reinvested, she still describes herself as “skint”.Her biggest cash-flow scare came from a sourced property bought for £62,500. The refurbishment was expected to cost approximately £20,000 but finished closer to £30,000, with little warning from the project manager. Amy then received an £85,000 valuation—despite the property having a Home Report value of £80,000 before the work began—leaving her needing to find additional money to exit the bridging loan.Amy shares what she learned from the experience, how she built a portfolio of eight buy-to-lets and one serviced accommodation property, and why she may not purchase another standard buy-to-let. She also discusses property sourcing, guaranteed-rent contracts, her first planned flip and the reality of building assets without always having cash available.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS• How Amy built a medical-device compliance consultancy before entering property• Why she began investing as a long-term alternative to relying solely on a pension• Buying her first Hamilton buy-to-let with cash in 2021• Growing to eight buy-to-lets and one serviced accommodation property• The sourced property bought for £62,500 against an £80,000 Home Report• How a £20,000 refurbishment estimate increased to approximately £30,000• Why poor communication from the project manager created a serious cash-flow problem• Receiving two £85,000 valuations before successfully appealing to £90,000• The additional bridging costs caused by the delayed refinance• Why investors must independently check refurbishment estimates and comparable properties• Amy's Byres Road flat bought for £165,000 and later refinanced at approximately £220,000• Her first planned flip: an £85,000 purchase with a £20,000 refurbishment and targeted value of £140,000–£150,000• Transforming a heavily damaged South Queensferry property bought for £115,000• Refinancing that property at £175,000 after spending approximately £30,000• How a five-year guaranteed-rent contract provides around £1,700 per month• The pressure tactics some property sourcers use to secure fees quickly• Why the most expensive sourcing fees do not always come with the best deal packs• Achieving strong direct bookings and approximately 70%–100% occupancy in serviced accommodation• Buy-to-let versus serviced accommodation—and why Amy wants more cash flow• Her ambition to attract private investment for larger commercial projectsCONNECT WITH AMYAims Property Group: https://aimspropertygroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-russellphd/Instagram: @aims_property_groupTikTok: @aims.property.groNETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

Scotland-wide rents have fallen slightly—but some local markets are still recording strong growth. So where is tenant demand holding up, and what should property investors take from the latest figures?In this August market update, Nick and Steven examine the latest Citylets rental data and Zoopla house-price figures. They discuss why Glasgow's one-bedroom flats are outperforming the wider market, how rents in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee compare, and why investors must research the specific area and property type rather than relying on national averages.They also discuss England's response to Scotland's experience with rent controls, the importance of reinvesting in ageing rental properties and whether younger people should buy their own home first—or use that money to build an income-producing portfolio.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS• Why England is reconsidering rent controls after Scotland's experience• Scotland-wide rents falling marginally by 0.2%• Why demand for one-bedroom flats remains strong in Glasgow• Average one-bedroom rents of approximately £912 in Glasgow and £1,095 in Edinburgh• Why Aberdeen's rental growth is now outperforming Glasgow and Edinburgh• Dundee rents rising by approximately 2.7%• South Lanarkshire recording 6.4% growth across all property types and 10.5% for one-bedroom homes• Why national property data can hide significant differences between local markets• The dated rental properties struggling to compete with refurbished homes• Why landlords must budget for new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and ongoing improvements• Scotland's house prices rising by approximately 2.8% over the year• Why Aberdeen remains one of the UK's few areas recording falling house prices• Higher mortgage rates reducing buyers' purchasing power• Nick's frustration with property sourcers who ignore clearly defined investor criteria• Is your own home really an asset—or should younger investors build a portfolio first?• How one investor built approximately £10,000 in monthly portfolio cash flow before buying his own homeCHAPTERS00:00 - August market update and summer catch-up08:27 - Rant of the month: finding suitable property deals13:01 - Steven's rant about business and life in the UK17:37 - Property news and the summer slowdown19:04 - Why England backed away from rent controls22:41 - Scottish rents fall by 0.2%23:22 - Why Glasgow's one-bedroom flats are bucking the trend25:36 - Rental growth in Aberdeen, Dundee and surrounding areas27:14 - Why landlords must reinvest in their properties30:19 - Scotland's house prices rise by 2.8%32:12 - Buyer demand, property sales and mortgage affordability34:11 - Is your own home an asset or a liability?37:28 - Should you build a portfolio before buying a home?NETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

Michael Mower built his property career by taking on the projects other people avoided—from tired Glasgow flats to fire-damaged auction purchases. After years of running a stressful renovation business, he and his wife Liana decided to start building assets for themselves.That change led to successful property flips, buy-to-lets and serviced accommodation. Michael shares the numbers behind a Glasgow flat bought for £39,000 and sold for approximately £85,000, as well as a Newtown Mearns home bought for £350,000 and sold for £650,000.Now, Michael is converting a long-empty B-listed building on Callander Main Street into serviced accommodation, commercial space and offices. He talks Nick and Steven through the £100,000 purchase, estimated £250,000 refurbishment and targeted £630,000 end value. He also speaks openly about alcohol addiction, rehab and recovery.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS• From plumbing apprentice to running a renovation company• Why Michael and Liana stopped renovating for clients and began investing for themselves• His first Glasgow flip: bought for £39,000 and sold for approximately £85,000• Why their one-bedroom flips typically produced profits of around £35,000–£40,000• The Newtown Mearns home bought for £350,000 and sold for £650,000• Moving from flips into buy-to-let, auctions and serviced accommodation• Michael's honest experience of alcohol addiction, rehab and recovery• Why his serviced accommodation can also work as long-term rental property• Callander units listed at approximately £270 and £210 per night• Transforming a B-listed building that had been empty for approximately 25–30 years• The planned serviced accommodation, commercial and office spaces• The £100,000 purchase, £250,000 refurbishment and targeted £630,000 end value• How extensive dry rot affected the work and bridging-finance plansCHAPTERS00:00 - Meet Michael Mower00:56 - Michael's background and early life04:58 - From plumbing apprentice to building contractor09:23 - Leaving client renovations behind11:40 - Flipping property in Glasgow's south side17:08 - The figures behind Michael's flips18:28 - Moving from flipping to holding property20:11 - Launching a salon and renovating in Newtown Mearns23:16 - Buying property at auction25:46 - Alcohol addiction and the road to recovery34:35 - Michael's property portfolio today35:25 - Moving into serviced accommodation37:28 - Nightly rates for the Callander units39:45 - The Callander aparthotel development42:50 - The planned layout of the building44:35 - Purchase price and due diligence46:23 - Refurbishment costs and unexpected dry rot48:23 - Funding the development49:46 - The targeted £630,000 end value50:58 - Local reaction and the planned opening53:24 - What comes after the development54:20 - Where to follow MichaelCONNECT WITH MICHAELMichael Mower — Built by MikeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Built_By_Milke⁩  NETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

How can you scale a buy-to-let portfolio without leaving yourself dangerously exposed if the property market changes?In this episode, Nick and Steven discuss the risks of using 80% and 85% loan-to-value mortgages to grow a property portfolio. They explain how arrangement fees, falling valuations and changes to lending criteria could leave highly leveraged investors needing to inject substantial amounts of cash when refinancing.They also share practical ways to reduce risk, including investing in high-demand areas, maintaining cash reserves, stress-testing mortgage payments and using conservative end values. From researching comparable properties to calculating every purchase, renovation and holding cost, this episode explains the due diligence investors should carry out before committing to a deal.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Scaling buy-to-let safely in a changing market01:20 - The 18-year property cycle and crash predictions03:53 - Why 80% and 85% LTV mortgages raise concerns05:40 - How mortgage fees push leverage even higher07:27 - The refinancing risk across a large portfolio09:22 - BRR valuations and recovering all your money11:23 - Negative equity and product-transfer risks13:37 - Could investors become trapped on a 9% variable rate?14:38 - Investing in high-demand rental areas15:44 - Stress-testing, cash reserves and avoiding overleverage17:53 - Why longer fixed-rate terms can reduce risk18:31 - Due diligence and conservative end values19:21 - Comparing properties accurately21:08 - Testing current demand with listings and estate agents22:22 - The landlord costs investors frequently overlook23:23 - Jobs, regeneration and school performance26:43 - Getting every deal number right28:02 - Purchase costs and property holding costs30:04 - Renovation budgets and choosing quality materials31:40 - Calculating the property's true rental cash flowNETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

Is Scotland heading for a property crash—or does the country's chronic shortage of homes make that unlikely?Dr. John Boyle, Director of Research & Strategy at Rettie, joins Nick and Steven to examine the data behind Scotland's housing emergency, house prices, rental growth and the future of the private rented sector.From Aberdeen's dramatic fall and the 18-year property cycle to landlord exits, rent controls, build-to-rent and student accommodation, Dr. John explains what the latest figures reveal—and why some commonly quoted property statistics can be misleading.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS• What Scotland's housing emergency actually means and why homelessness and temporary accommodation are increasing• Why housing costs of approximately 25%–30% of gross income are generally considered affordable• How annual housebuilding has fallen from around 25,000 homes before the financial crash to fewer than 20,000• Why a new social home can now cost approximately £250,000–£300,000• Why Scotland's 2026 house-price growth forecast was revised from 3.5% to around 0%• Why the Scottish market continues to average approximately 100,000 property transactions each year• Why Dr. John does not believe the 18-year property cycle will produce a house-price crash in 2026• Why a collapse in transactions can be more damaging to the property industry than falling prices• How Aberdeen went from having higher average prices than Edinburgh to lower prices than Dundee• Why Aberdeen prices remain down while property transactions are beginning to recover• The risks of using short-term house-price figures to judge smaller towns and local markets• Why landlord registration figures do not provide a reliable picture of landlords leaving the sector• Why Dr. John describes the landlord exodus as a “trickle rather than a flood”• How rent controls encouraged landlords to raise rents to market value between tenancies• Why experienced landlords are now more likely to review and increase rents every year• How the 8% Additional Dwelling Supplement affects new landlords while producing record tax revenue• Why rent controls caused institutional build-to-rent investment in Scotland to stall• How construction costs rising faster than rents have created a viability problem for build-to-rent• Why purpose-built student accommodation can be more financially viable than standard rental developments• Whether Glasgow could eventually face an oversupply of student accommodation• How co-living developments could provide another housing option for young professionalsCHAPTERS00:00 - Meet Dr. John Boyle01:08 - Scotland's housing emergency explained04:04 - Why Scotland is not building enough homes07:08 - The rising cost of social housing10:55 - Scotland's property-market outlook14:32 - Will the 18-year property cycle cause a crash?18:25 - What could trigger the next property crash?21:39 - What happened to Aberdeen's property market?25:31 - Finding growth areas and interpreting property data30:28 - Are landlords really leaving Scotland?35:23 - How the 8% ADS is affecting investors37:47 - Why rent controls caused rents to rise40:11 - The future of rent-control zones44:57 - Build-to-rent and institutional investment53:03 - Why build-to-rent schemes are struggling56:47 - Is Glasgow building too much student accommodation?59:49 - Could co-living help address the housing shortage?01:00:52 - Where to connect with Dr. JohnCONNECT WITH DR. JOHNDr. John Boyle MRICS — Director of Research & Strategy at Rettie & CoWebsite: https://www.rettie.co.uk/NETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

What would Nick and Steven do with £40,000 to invest—and would they choose a vanilla buy-to-let over stocks and shares?In this listener Q&A episode, Nick reveals that he currently owns 12 buy-to-lets and is still aiming for a portfolio of 20 producing around £5,000 in net monthly cash flow. Steven explains why he focuses less on the number of properties he owns and more on cash flow, loan-to-value and paying down debt.They also discuss how first-time buyers can use their position to get started, what makes a BRR deal stack up, how bridging finance works, whether 5.7% is a reasonable refinancing rate and how to find a trustworthy property sourcer.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS• Nick's goal of owning 20 buy-to-lets producing approximately £5,000 in net monthly cash flow• Why Steven focuses on cash flow, loan-to-value and debt reduction instead of property numbers• Houses versus flats—and why tenant turnover, factor fees and capital growth matter• Why buying quality property can outperform chasing the maximum amount of money from every refinance• Vanilla buy-to-let versus stocks and shares: how leverage changes the potential return• What Nick and Steven would do with £40,000 to begin building a property portfolio• How first-time buyers can use low deposits, house hacking and live-in flips to their advantage• The investment criteria Nick and Steven would use when purchasing property today• Their five and ten-year plans for acquiring properties and reducing portfolio debt• The discounts, added value and refurbishment costs needed to make a BRR deal work• How bridging finance works, including arrangement fees, monthly interest and exit costs• Whether fixing a buy-to-let mortgage at 5.7% could make sense• Kitchen versus bathroom: which refurbishment is more likely to improve a property's value?• How to check a property sourcer's track record, compliance and investment figures• Why tenanted properties require due diligence on both the building and the tenantCHAPTERS00:00 - Nick and Steven answer listeners' questions01:15 - Portfolio targets and monthly cash-flow goals04:03 - Houses versus flats06:12 - BRR versus buying quality property08:21 - Loan-to-value and paying down portfolio debt10:52 - Prime Property Auctions13:09 - Buy-to-let versus stocks and shares20:49 - What would they do with £40,000?23:03 - The advantages of being a first-time buyer25:56 - Nick and Steven's property-buying criteria30:23 - Their five and ten-year property plans36:18 - How to borrow, buy and recover your investment38:32 - How bridging finance works42:47 - Is 5.7% a reasonable refinancing rate?46:10 - Kitchen versus bathroom refurbishment49:56 - How to find a trustworthy property sourcer55:28 - Nick and Steven's perfect dayNETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

At just 27, Ally Wilkes was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer—an experience that completely changed how she viewed time, security and the life she wanted to build.After years working in the NHS, Ally took the leap into property. She completed a flip that made just under £30,000, used the BRR strategy to build her own portfolio and eventually left her job to run ACG Property, managing renovation projects for investors.In this honest conversation with Nick and Steven, Ally shares the numbers behind her deals, the reality of becoming self-employed, the nightmare first tenant who trashed her property and what investors should realistically expect to spend on a refurbishment today.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS• How a cancer diagnosis at 27 changed Ally's outlook on work, security and life• Why she had wanted to become a property developer from a young age• The numbers behind her first flip: bought for £81,000, spent around £17,000 and sold for £135,750• How that first project produced a profit of just under £30,000• Her first BRR: bought for £66,000, refurbished for around £30,000 and revalued at £130,000• What happened when her first buy-to-let tenant trashed the property after only eight weeks• Leaving the NHS and adjusting to the lack of routine that comes with self-employment• How networking and sharing her journey online helped Ally secure her first clients• Why Ally charges 15% of the refurbishment cost for project management• Why Ally budgets roughly £15,000–£20,000 for a good two-bedroom refurbishment with kitchen and bathroom upgrades, excluding electrics, windows and boiler or heating work• The hidden problems investors cannot always spot before work begins, including thermal bridging• Why Ally prioritises good-quality assets instead of growing a portfolio for appearancesTIMESTAMPS00:00 - Meet Ally Wilkes01:47 - Wanting to work in property from a young age06:38 - The cancer diagnosis that changed everything15:37 - Why property became Ally's next chapter18:27 - The numbers behind her first flip21:49 - Moving from flipping to BRR and buy-to-let22:16 - A £66,000 purchase revalued at £130,00022:53 - The nightmare first tenant27:23 - Leaving the NHS for property full-time33:26 - How networking brought Ally her first clients35:42 - Building a personal brand by being authentic38:19 - Why investors use a project manager39:27 - Project-management fees and realistic budgets43:17 - What a two-bedroom refurbishment costs today45:09 - Thermal bridging and other hidden problems48:12 - Kitchens, bathrooms and timeless design51:53 - Managing a refurbishment for a remote investor53:23 - Ally's plans for ACG Property and her portfolio- 55:29 Where to connect with AllyCONNECT WITH ALLYAlly Wilkes — ACG PropertyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allywilkesproperty_inhaus/NETWORKING EVENTSFirst Wednesday of every month

Most investors look at a floor plan and see a two-bed. Ross McIlvean looks at the same floor plan and sees £15,000–£20,000 of hidden value nobody else spotted.

He's your accountant by day and a 54-unit landlord by night. And he charges less than you'd spend on a Friday night out.

He built a short term let business to 70 units and 20 staff — then walked away at 29 to start from scratch. The very next day he went to view a hotel.

Pension funds are quietly buying up rental homes across Scotland. If buy-to-let was dying, nobody told them.

He had $300 to his name, sleeping on a mate's floor in Perth, Australia. Then a stranger in an empty pub changed everything — and 23 years later he owns 46 properties and manages 800 more.

A complicated miscarriage. A goodbye in a hospital room. Two years of everything going wrong. Then they bought their first property — Claire eight months pregnant, the world in lockdown.

He owns 12 properties. He lives in his mate's spare room. And he accidentally bought a Chinese restaurant from an airport while flying back from Japan.

The last time Scotland launched this fund it had £60 million and it was gone in eight days. This time they've got £100 million. Nick and Steven give it two weeks.

No guests. No filter. Just Nick and Steven saying what everyone in property is thinking. From deal sourcers pressuring investors to buy in minutes, to buyers pulling out of flips at the last second, dodgy sourcers, LinkedIn inbox chaos, ego-driven cliques in the Scottish property community, and yes — American tipping culture at Starbucks drive-throughs.This is the Scottish Property Podcast rants episode. It always does well. You'll know why by the end.

17 years in the Royal Air Force. Iraq. Afghanistan. The Falklands. Then he walked away — 3 years short of a guaranteed pension — to go all in on property.

At 23 years old, Taylor McNeillie has built a £700k property portfolio — mortgage free — while running a retail business doing over £1 million a year. And he still lives at home.

The Scottish election is days away — and if you're a property investor or landlord, what happens on May 7th actually matters.

No inheritance. No safety net. No excuses.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Adam Boyd — entrepreneur, Amazon FBA operator, and property investor. Adam shares his journey from experimenting with multiple failed business ideas to building and selling an Amazon business for a life-changing sum, before scaling into a portfolio of e-commerce brands and property investments. From selling hand sanitiser during lockdown to spotting an opportunity in simple spray bottles, Adam's story highlights the power of taking action, learning through failure, and recognising opportunities at the right time. He also opens up about transitioning into property, completing multiple flips, and acquiring a 13-property portfolio with minimal money left in the deal.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Emily Henaghen — estate agent, entrepreneur and social media personality — to unpack her journey from university and early property exposure, to building a personal brand, launching her own estate agency career, and taking a bold leap to Dubai. Emily shares the realities behind social media success, the challenges of working in Dubai's high-pressure property market, and the lessons she's learned about resilience, confidence, and carving your own path in business.This episode offers a raw and honest look at what it really takes to succeed as a young agent — from overcoming imposter syndrome to building a brand that attracts clients before you even walk through the door.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven return for a market update, diving into one of the most uncertain global backdrops in recent years. From rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to mortgage rate volatility, inflation risks, and shifting investor sentiment, this episode breaks down what's actually happening — and what it could mean for the UK and Scottish property market. Alongside global events, the discussion also covers rental trends

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by Emma Thomson, a property investor who went from zero to building a 27-property portfolio within her first year — all while navigating maternity leave, redundancy, and a complete career pivot.Emma shares how she transitioned from a high-paying tech sales career into full-time property investing, using a mix of education, calculated risk-taking, and investor funding to scale بسرعة. The episode dives into mindset, resilience, and the realities behind rapid portfolio growth — including the pressure, cash flow challenges, and personal sacrifices along the way.This is a powerful, honest conversation about building a property business quickly — and what it really takes behind the scenes.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick is joined by Jordan Rob, a long-term property investor who built his portfolio from the age of 19 and has spent over 15 years growing, refining, and diversifying his investments.Jordan shares how he started with a small pot of capital and scaled into a substantial buy-to-let portfolio, while also exploring flips, HMOs, and alternative investments. The conversation dives into risk management, long-term thinking, and how his strategy has evolved from aggressive growth to capital preservation and diversification.This episode is a powerful insight into building wealth through property over the long term — without hype, but through consistency, smart decision-making, and adapting as life and markets change.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by Gillian Green, a property investor and short-term rental operator who has expanded from traditional buy-to-lets into serviced accommodation, commercial property, and an apart-hotel project.Gillian shares how her journey evolved from building a personal property portfolio to running a growing short-term rental management company with around 50 units under management. The conversation explores the realities of operating in the short-term rental space, why it's more hospitality than property investing, and the operational challenges that most investors underestimate.This episode offers a practical look at scaling a short-term let management business — from sourcing deals and managing guests to handling cleaners, maintenance, and fluctuating seasonal demand.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, the hosts sit down with Andy Haddon, founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, the £60M surf park development just outside Edinburgh.What started as a bold idea after a visit to a secret surf technology test facility in Spain became one of the most ambitious leisure developments in Scotland. Today, Lost Shore has been voted Best Surf Park in the World for Customer Experience and Most Innovative Surf Park, competing against nearly 40 surf parks globally.Andy shares the full story behind the project — from early career setbacks and raising the first £40,000, to securing institutional investment and navigating the enormous challenges of building something that had never been done in Scotland before.This episode is packed with lessons on entrepreneurship, persistence, fundraising, and how a passion project can evolve into a global-scale business.⭐ Episode Highlights

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Fraser Kelly, founder of Kelly Residential, returns to break down the current state of the UK and Scottish property market in early 2026.The conversation dives into falling mortgage rates, shifting buyer demand, rental market normalisation, and how AI is beginning to reshape property search and estate agency. Fraser also shares key insights on Making Tax Digital and what it means for landlords moving forward.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, we're joined by Adam Newlands, a 26-year-old accountant who rebuilt his finances and went on to build a 13-property portfolio after losing £30,000 in his early 20s.Adam shares a brutally honest account of how chasing “rent-to-rent” opportunities in England — influenced by online algorithms and high-profile property education — led to financial losses, compliance issues and hard lessons. But instead of quitting, he regrouped, refocused on Aberdeen, and built a sustainable business through deal sourcing and disciplined investing.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, accountability and why local knowledge always beats hype.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Scott Miller, founder of Miller Estate Agents, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the reality of the estate agency industry, how it's changing, and what sellers and buyers should actually be paying attention to.Scott shares his journey from dropping out of university, to cutting his teeth in a corporate agency environment, becoming a top performer at Purplebricks, and eventually walking away from six-figure earnings to launch his own independent agency built around trust, service, and transparency.This episode pulls back the curtain on the parts of estate agency most people never see — from upsells and awards, to commission pressure, portals, and the growing role of AI.Scott explains how he entered the industry after leaving university, starting out at a family law firm–linked estate agency.Over four years, he learned prospecting, valuations, and negotiation in a highly corporate environment — gaining volume experience but also seeing the limitations of the model.

Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, we're joined by Mark Shanta, property expert, letting agent, and returning guest, for a deep dive into the Scottish property market at the start of 2026.Together, we unpack what's really happening across sales, rentals, tax policy, and regulation — cutting through the noise to give landlords, investors, and property professionals a clear, on-the-ground view of where the market stands and what's coming next.From flatlining rents and budget uncertainty, to Aberdeen's standout performance and the rise of alternative investments like paddle courts, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by John and Luis from Prime Property Auctions to break down how their business has scaled rapidly, why auctions are becoming the go-to exit strategy for many landlords, and what really drives seller decisions in today's market.They reflect on a standout year for the business, discuss the realities behind auction volumes and growth, and lift the lid on the marketing, sales psychology, and lead-tracking systems that underpin their success. This episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how a modern auction house operates — and how investors can plug into it.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Steven is joined by Fraser Walsh, an architect with over 20 years' experience and co-founder of W9 Architects, to explore what really happens when investors move beyond buy-to-let and into commercial property and complex conversions.Fraser shares a behind-the-scenes look at commercial-to-residential projects, planning risk, listed buildings, and why even seasoned investors can get caught out when scaling up. Drawing on his experience working with major housebuilders, Scottish Government, and his own property investments, Fraser explains how projects can be de-risked, phased, and structured to stack up financially.This episode is packed with practical insight for investors looking to move into commercial conversions, apart-hotels, guest houses, and mixed-use projects — and avoid expensive mistakes along the way.Episode Highlights:Why commercial conversions are a completely different challenge from buy-to-letThe biggest risks investors underestimate when scaling upHow to buy property subject to planning to reduce exposurePlanning vs building warrant: what really causes delays and cost overrunsFire safety, sprinklers, sound insulation, and compliance costs explainedHow to assess whether a commercial building is viable — or a deal-breakerThe importance of phasing developments to create early cash flowLessons from large housebuilders that property investors can applyHow networking accelerates learning and unlocks unexpected opportunities

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Kyle Black returns one year after his last appearance to share what has been a transformational 12 months for his property business, BLK. Kyle breaks down how he scaled rapidly, built an integrated “one-stop shop” model for investors, and why accountability, transparency, and long-term relationships sit at the core of everything he does.This episode is a deep dive into real portfolio growth, business structure, and what it actually takes to scale sustainably in today's market.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven jump on the mics for a no-guest, no-filter conversation covering what they're seeing right now in the Scottish property market.From landlord sentiment and ADS frustrations, to interest rates, buyer behaviour, tenanted sales, and why so many people are quietly exiting the sector, this episode is a candid market update based on real conversations with investors, agents, and landlords across Scotland.It's an honest, boots-on-the-ground discussion about what's actually happening — not what headlines or politicians claim is happening.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by Russel Godferry, a hands-on property investor who shares an honest account of navigating the realities of property investing through changing market conditions, COVID disruption, and shifting tenant behaviour.Russel talks openly about lessons learned from deals that didn't go to plan, how his strategy evolved over time, and why resilience, adaptability, and realistic expectations matter far more than hype. This episode is a grounded, experience-led conversation that cuts through “Instagram property” and focuses on what actually happens once you're in the game.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Clark Adam, a 69-year-old property investor with one of the most fascinating life stories ever featured on the show. From growing up as a self-confessed “Ned” in Glasgow's Cardonald, to joining the army at 15, to spending 25 years overseas protecting UK diplomats in some of the world's most dangerous countries — Clark's journey is anything but ordinary.After realising his pensions wouldn't cover retirement, Clark began investing in buy-to-lets in 2008. Fast forward to today, he owns a high-cashflow portfolio in Montrose, earns close to £10,000 per month, and is part of an elite property group where only investors netting over £100k annually are allowed in. His favourite strategies now include serviced accommodation, long-term corporate lets, purchase with delayed completion, and upcoming moves into M&A and hotels.This episode is packed with wisdom, wild stories, and truly unique insights into risk, discipline, and building wealth later in life.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Scott sits down with Portolio — Scotland's specialist estate agency dedicated to selling tenanted properties. Since 2017, Portolio has carved out a unique position in the private rented sector by staying niche, focusing solely on tenant-in-situ sales, and championing transparency across the industry. In this conversation, Portolio breaks down how the market has shifted in 2025, why so many long-term landlords are exiting, and what serious investors truly look for today. From yields

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with returning guest Davy Hutton, known for his outspoken views on politics, economics, AI and society. What begins as a conversation on Budget 2025 quickly evolves into one of the broadest and most thought-provoking episodes ever recorded on the podcast.Davy breaks down the 2% tax hit on rental income and dividends, explains why the middle class feels squeezed, and discusses how global corporations and AI are reshaping wealth, work and the future of the property market.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with John Blackwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), who has spent nearly 25 years representing landlords across Scotland.John brings unparalleled insight into the private rented sector (PRS), the political pressures landlords face, and the complex legislative landscape shaping housing today. From rent controls to the Housing Scotland Bill, ADS reform, empty homes, and the moral debate surrounding private renting, this conversation offers one of the most balanced and honest breakdowns of Scotland's housing challenges — directly from someone on the front line.Episode Highlights:

In this episode, Nick and Steven sit down with Scott McFarlane, property investor, serviced accommodation specialist, and founder of Retrofit Properties. Scott opens up about his journey from a difficult childhood to military service, railway engineering, a life-changing accident, and eventually scaling a thriving SA management company and a growing property portfolio.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Adam Williams — former British Army soldier turned property investor and sales professional. Adam's story is one of resilience, discipline, and personal growth. After serving nine years in the army and being deployed around the world, he made the leap into property — building an exciting new career and completing multiple successful projects in just over a year.From the battlefield to the boardroom, Adam shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, mindset, and the power of taking action — proving that with hard work and humility, anyone can reinvent their life through property.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are back together for the November 2025 Market Update — discussing everything from their recent trip to Dubai to the latest UK housing data, rental trends, and budget rumours that could shake up the property market.From reflections on life abroad to concerns over government tax policy, this episode dives deep into what's really happening across Scotland's property landscape — with candid insights, real-life examples, and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode, Nick and Steven sit down with Wullie Thomson — entrepreneur, former dairy business owner, and now full-time property investor. Willie shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Shotts to building one of Scotland's largest independent milk delivery businesses before moving into the property world.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with David Stewart — property investor, developer, and founder of My Local Property Buyer. David shares his journey from a career in civil engineering and commission-only sales to becoming one of Scotland's most experienced direct-to-vendor specialists, flipping properties with six-figure profits and running a successful off-market property business.From being made redundant multiple times to building a thriving property brand, David's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and integrity. He opens up about the realities of the quick-sale industry, the ethics behind vendor negotiations, and the lessons learned from fires, floods, and bankruptcies along the way.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Michelle de Almeida — business coach, entrepreneur, and property investor. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from a 20-year career in hospitality and corporate management to building a thriving property portfolio and multiple successful businesses.Growing up in a working-class family near Liverpool and Manchester, Michelle learned the value of hard work early on. After managing 67 pubs across Scotland for Wetherspoons and running her own restaurant in Portugal, a major health challenge led her to reassess her life and priorities. Today, she's the founder of Lux Escapes UK and MDA Business, helping others achieve financial freedom and personal growth through property and coaching.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Ev Foster, Regional Partner for Keller Williams Scotland. Ev shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mother of four to leading the growth of Keller Williams into a nationwide estate agency brand.After facing financial struggles following a divorce, Ev explored franchising and traditional estate agency work before discovering the Keller Williams model. She explains how the self-employed agent model empowers individuals, provides flexibility, and delivers a more personal service to clients compared to the traditional estate agency model she believes is “broken.”

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Elaine McLaren, chartered management accountant turned property investor. Elaine shares her journey from growing up in Scotstoun with early exposure to renovations, to leaving behind the corporate mould and building a portfolio designed to give her family more freedom and flexibility.From watching Homes Under the Hammer to investing £15,000 in property training, Elaine reveals the importance of vision boards, long-term planning, and staying focused on why you started. She also opens up about her successes, lessons learned, and her evolving strategy — from building buy-to-lets to flipping properties and taking on HMOs.