The Scottish Property Podcast

Nick Ponty and Steven Clark

A weekly podcast focused on keeping property investors informed and educated on the Scottish property market. Co-hosts Nick Ponty and Steven Clark share their own experiences, answer questions and talk to experts in the industry.

  1. From New Mum to 27 Properties in One Year

    3 DAYS AGO

    From New Mum to 27 Properties in One Year

    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.🎙️ Episode Highlights:🚀 Starting Young — And Thinking Differently Early On -Emma reflects on always knowing she didn’t want a traditional 9–5 career, even from a young age. -Growing up in a hardworking household shaped her mindset, but she quickly realised she wanted more control over her time, unlimited earning potential, a path outside conventional employment💼 From Business Owner to Tech Sales Career -Before property, Emma had already stepped into entrepreneurship — running a deli franchise at just 20 years old. -She later moved into tech sales, where she built a strong income through commission and bonuses, developed key skills in sales and communication, progressed into leadership roles managing teams👶 Motherhood as the Turning Point -A major shift came after the birth of her daughter. -Following a difficult experience and time in hospital, Emma made a clear decision; she didn’t want to return to full-time employment, wanted full control of her time, she was determined not to miss key moments again -This became the emotional driver behind going all-in on property.🎧 Learning Through the Scottish Property Podcast -Instead of traditional property education routes, Emma took a different approach. -She listened to every episode of the podcast from start to finish, learned from real investor experiences, built knowledge through consistent exposure. -This self-education phase helped her gain clarity before taking action.📈 Scaling to 27 Properties in One Year -The most striking part of Emma’s journey is how quickly she scaled. -Within less than a year, she acquired 27 properties, transitioned from single lets to portfolio deals, completed larger acquisitions, including multi-unit buildings -Her growth was driven by taking action quickly, leveraging education and mentorship, building confidence with each deal

    1hr 5min
  2. 15 Years in Property — Lessons From Starting at 19 with Jordan Robb

    23 MAR

    15 Years in Property — Lessons From Starting at 19 with Jordan Robb

    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. 🎙️ Episode Highlights 🧑‍💼 Starting at 19 — Building a Portfolio From Scratch -Jordan began investing in property at just 19 years old, using a relatively small amount of capital to get started. -With no traditional job and limited borrowing power, he had to be creative — including using joint mortgages and focusing on lower-value properties to enter the market. -His early strategy was simple: buy below market value, generate cash flow, recycle capital where possible. This foundation allowed him to build momentum quickly in the early years. 🏠 Buy-to-Let as the Core Strategy -The backbone of Jordan’s portfolio has always been buy-to-let property. -He focused heavily on: lower-value flats, strong rental demand areas, consistent cash flow over speculation. This approach allowed him to scale steadily, without overexposing himself to risk. 🧠 The Importance of Sticking to Your Strategy -A key theme in the episode is decision-making discipline. External noise influenced decisions, he sold properties he originally intended to keep, emotions or short-term thinking impacted outcomes -His biggest lesson is to stick to your strategy and avoid being swayed by outside opinions or short-term issues. 📈 From Volume to Quality -In the early years, growth was focused on acquiring as many properties as possible. -But over time, the strategy shifted toward higher-quality assets, better locations, stronger long-term value -Jordan now focuses less on the number of properties and more on asset quality, income strength, long-term sustainability

    1hr 10min
  3. How to Start and Grow a Short-Term Let Management Business with Gillian Green

    16 MAR

    How to Start and Grow a Short-Term Let Management Business with Gillian Green

    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.🎙️ Episode Highlights 🏨 Why Short-Term Rentals Are Really a Hospitality BusinessGillian explains that many investors enter serviced accommodation thinking it’s simply another property strategy — but the reality is much closer to running a hospitality business.Guest experience, fast response times, and operational systems become just as important as the property itself.Managing guest expectations, handling issues quickly, and maintaining high standards across multiple units are key to building a sustainable short-term rental operation.📈 From Property Investor to Managing 50+ UnitsWhat began as a personal property investment journey gradually evolved into a full short-term rental management business.Gillian shares how the company now manages around 50 properties across several locations, working with property owners to maximise returns while handling the day-to-day operations.The episode explores how the business grew organically through partnerships, networking, and identifying demand in local markets.🏢 Diversifying Into Commercial PropertyAlongside short-term rentals, Gillian and her husband have invested in commercial property — including a multi-occupancy commercial building that houses several small businesses.The deal highlights the benefits of diversification within a property portfolio, particularly when it comes to spreading risk across multiple income streams.With several tenants occupying individual units, vacancy risk becomes far more manageable compared to relying on a single tenant property.🛠️ The Operational Reality of Running Short-Term LetsRunning serviced accommodation involves constant operational oversight.Gillian discusses the practical challenges that come with managing multiple units — including heating issues, maintenance problems, cleaning coordination, and guest communication.These operational responsibilities often surprise investors who expect short-term rentals to be more passive than they really are.🧹 The Importance of Cleaners and Reliable SystemsOne of the most important factors in a successful short-term rental business is having a reliable cleaning team.Cleaners play a critical role in maintaining standards, preparing properties for new guests, and ensuring positive reviews.Gillian explains that building strong relationships with cleaning teams and maintenance contractors is essential when scaling a hospitality-style property business.📊 Understanding Demand, Seasonality & Booking ChannelsThe conversation also explores the reality of demand cycles within the short-term rental market.While summer months and holiday periods can generate strong revenue, winter seasons often see reduced bookings in certain areas.Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com provide valuable exposure, but Gillian also discusses the importance of developing direct booking channels and contractor relationships to stabilise occupancy levels..

    55 min
  4. How £40K Became a £60M Surf Resort in Scotland with Andy Hadden

    9 MAR

    How £40K Became a £60M Surf Resort in Scotland with Andy Hadden

    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 🌊 From Surf Trip to £60M Development The idea for Lost Shore started in 2012 when Andy came across an internal email about a surf park feasibility study while working as a surveyor. Curious, he travelled to Spain to see the Wavegarden technology firsthand and realised the concept could work as a commercial surf resort. 📈 Turning £40K into a Multi-Million Pound Project Andy’s uncle loaned him £40,000 to pay early consultants and feasibility studies. That initial capital eventually helped secure land, planning permission, and early investors — forming the foundation of a £60M development. 🏗 The Power of Property Strategy Instead of launching straight into development, Andy focused on land strategy first. After securing planning permission, the land’s value increased dramatically — helping attract investors and reduce risk. 💰 Raising Millions from Angel Investors Andy raised around £3M from 52 angel investors, which funded early planning, engineering, and ground studies. These investors bought into the long-term vision of the project and the potential upside of the land value. 🏦 The Breakthrough Investment The turning point came in 2021, when Andy secured institutional investment from a Goldman Sachs–managed pension fund through a sale-and-leaseback agreement. This deal unlocked development finance and made the project viable at scale. ⚙️ How the Surf Park Works Lost Shore uses Wavegarden technology — a lagoon roughly the size of three football pitches powered by 52 engines, capable of producing around 1,000 waves per hour.

    1hr 5min
  5. Mortgage Rates Are Falling Again… Is Now the Time to Buy? with Fraser Kelly

    2 MAR

    Mortgage Rates Are Falling Again… Is Now the Time to Buy? with Fraser Kelly

    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. 📊 Economic & Mortgage Market Update UK inflation has fallen to 3%, signalling easing economic pressure Unemployment has risen to 5.2%, increasing the likelihood of rate cuts Strong expectation of a base rate drop from 3.75% to 3.5% SONIA swap rates are falling, with sub-4% mortgage deals returning Lenders are becoming more competitive, with lower fees and better products emerging 🏡 Scottish Property Market Performance Scotland annual price growth: +4.9% (vs UK 2.4%) Average property price: £191,000 Scotland currently outperforming the UK by more than 2x Top performing areas: South Lanarkshire: +10.3% North Lanarkshire: +9.4% High-demand locations include: Motherwell Glasgow Paisley Falkirk Kirkcaldy ➡️ Demand is shifting toward commuter towns and more affordable areas 👀 Buyer Demand & Market Behaviour Properties receiving 30–40+ enquiries per listing First-time buyers are returning but still facing affordability challenges Offers of 20%+ over Home Report still common in hotspots Example: A Battlefield flat sold 24% over Home Report 🏠 Rental Market Trends Average rent in Scotland: £1,021/month Rental growth slowed to +2.6% (down from 11.7% peak in 2023) Why demand is cooling: Fewer international students Increase in purpose-built student accommodation More renters transitioning into homeownership ➡️ Key takeaway: The market is normalising, not crashing 🧾 Making Tax Digital (Landlords) Starts: April 6, 2026 Applies to landlords earning £50,000+ gross rental income New requirements: Quarterly reporting to HMRC Digital accounting software required Full digital record keeping ⚠️ Likely impact: Increased costs for smaller landlords Potential exit of accidental landlords Further tightening of rental supply 🤖 AI & The Future of Property Search AI-powered search tools are being integrated into property platforms Buyers can search using natural language queries Image recognition and digital staging tools becoming more common However: 96% of enquiries still come from traditional portals AI adoption expected to be gradual 💡 Key insight: Personal branding and trust will become even more important as AI levels the playing field 💡

    1hr 3min
  6. £120K Flats Now Worth £50K… Aberdeen’s Property Reality with Brian Smith

    24 FEB

    £120K Flats Now Worth £50K… Aberdeen’s Property Reality with Brian Smith

    🔍 Episode Highlights 🛢️ Aberdeen: The Oil Capital Effect ​Aberdeen’s rapid growth in the 70s–80s was driven by oil wealth and international investment​The city became known as the “Oil Capital of Europe”​Property prices have always been closely tied to oil jobs, investment, and global markets📉 The Reality of Market Cycles ​The 1983 crash saw oil fall to $16/barrel​Homeowners were forced to hand keys back to banks during mass job losses​Similar downturns have occurred roughly every decade​Post-2014 crash:◦£120K flats dropping to £40–50K ◦Thousands of job losses and outward migration 🏠 Brian’s Early Property Wins ​Bought a semi-detached house for £42,000 in 1987​Sold 3 years later for £61,500 (~50% uplift)​Built his own home in Cults:◦Total cost: £135,000 ◦Revalued at £175,000 on completion 🧱 Building a Portfolio Later in Life ​Began serious investing around 2020 (age ~60)​Now owns:◦17 properties ◦15 Buy-to-Lets ◦2 Serviced Accommodation units ​Recently acquired a 6-unit portfolio block⚖️ Buy-to-Let vs Serviced Accommodation ​Selling 2 SA units could release ~£40K equity​That could fund 4–5 Buy-to-Lets​Estimated returns:◦BTL: ~£250/month each → ~£15K/year ◦SA: ~£18K/year but less stable ​Key insight: “If your SA is empty, it’s empty. Five BTLs — most are still paying.”🎯 Investing for the Long Term ​Original goal: replace income and preserve pension​Now focused on:◦Building generational wealth ◦Passing assets to his son ◦Using a company structure for tax efficiency

    1hr 5min
  7. He Lost £30,000 at 22... Then Owned 13 Properties by 26 with Adam Newlands

    17 FEB

    He Lost £30,000 at 22... Then Owned 13 Properties by 26 with Adam Newlands

    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. 🔑 Key Highlights 💼 From Apprenticeship to Investor Completed a modern apprenticeship with a large chartered accountancy firm in Elgin. Qualified as an accountant before seriously pursuing property. Took a different route from the common offshore career path in his hometown. 💸 The £30,000 Lesson Invested in rent-to-rent service accommodation in Margate and Bath. Projected £200 nightly rates turned into £90 realities. Faced significant monthly losses and compliance issues. Lost approximately £30,000 of personal savings by age 22. Learned the dangers of relying on online “guru” projections without local knowledge. 🔄 The Pivot Sought local, in-person education in Aberdeen. Prioritised community and accountability over remote training. Switched focus to deal sourcing to generate upfront capital. 🏘️ Aberdeen Opportunity Identified strong opportunities in the Aberdeen flat market. Secured their first profitable deal on Jasmine Terrace for a £1,500 fee. Built momentum by finding credible deals first — then matching them with clients. 🚀 Portfolio Growth Reinvested profits strategically. Built to 13 properties by age 26. Used early failure as fuel rather than an excuse to quit.

    1hr 1min
  8. £130k at 27 — Why He Still Walked Away From Purplebricks with Scott Miller

    9 FEB

    £130k at 27 — Why He Still Walked Away From Purplebricks with Scott Miller

    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 Highlights: 🚪 Breaking Into Estate Agency Joining Purplebricks in 2017, Scott arrived during its peak as a major industry disruptor. At just 27 years old, he was earning over £130,000 per year, handling extreme volume: 70–80 valuations per month 50–60 live sales Supported by a wider team However, the business model shifted — moving from a self-employed, high-reward structure to a salaried employed model with reduced earning potential, prompting Scott to reassess his future. 🚀 The Purplebricks Years Scott made the leap to start Miller Estate Agents on just two weeks’ notice. His approach was intentionally different: A personal agency model Only 6–10 clients per month Direct contact with Scott from valuation to completion 🏗️ Launching Miller Estate Agents The goal was simple: deliver a better service by avoiding volume overload. Scott lifts the lid on industry practices many sellers aren’t aware of: Some corporate firms make more profit from mortgage referrals than from selling homes This can create conflicts of interest when advising buyers and sellers Commission pressure can lead to overpricing just to win instructions ⚠️ The Shadier Side of Corporate Estate Agency Scott is openly critical of industry awards where agents must pay thousands for tables and sponsorship to “win”. He describes them as: Misleading marketing A racket that doesn’t reflect real service quality Designed to impress consumers who don’t know how they work Scott argues the industry needs stronger regulation: To stop underqualified people entering estate agency To prevent agents racing to the bottom on fees To protect consumers from poor advice and service 🤖 The Future of Property & AI Looking ahead, Scott discusses how AI could reshape property search, potentially allowing buyers to search across all agent websites using detailed criteria — reducing reliance on portals like Rightmove. That said, he’s clear: agents still need to be where the buyers are, and for now, that means the major portals — with social media acting as a powerful supporting tool, not a replacement.

    57 min
See All (323)

About

A weekly podcast focused on keeping property investors informed and educated on the Scottish property market. Co-hosts Nick Ponty and Steven Clark share their own experiences, answer questions and talk to experts in the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Ponty and Steven Clark
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    323
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nick Ponty and Steven Clark
  • Show Website
    The Scottish Property Podcast

You Might Also Like