Expat Investor - Episode 37: Common Pitfalls and Traps to Avoid When Investing In UK Property

In the latest episode of the Expat Investor Podcast, Tom Pewtress, Group Head of Proposition at Skybound Wealth Management, is joined by API Global's Sam Crabtree, a property investment expert, to discuss UK property as an asset class. Together, they delve into the strategies, risks, and opportunities that make UK property a cornerstone for international investors.

1. Buy and Hold vs. Quick Flips
While TV shows often glamorise property flipping, Tom and Sam emphasise a different approach for expats: medium to long-term investments. They discuss why UK property remains a low-risk, high-performing asset, driven by a strong demand-supply imbalance and historical stability.

2. Off-Plan Property: Myth or Opportunity?
Tom and Sam explore the benefits of off-plan investments, including split payment plans and potential below-market pricing. They also debunk misconceptions around guaranteed returns, highlighting the importance of careful research and working with trusted partners.

3. Turnkey Solutions and Tax Efficiency
The conversation covers how expats can simplify property investment by leveraging turnkey solutions. From legal considerations to mortgage options and tax-efficient strategies, they walk through the process of building a property portfolio tailored to individual needs.

4. The Role of Market Research
Sam highlights the importance of thorough market research, showcasing how factors like location, tenant demand, and infrastructure development drive successful investments. Regions such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool emerge as key areas offering competitive yields.

5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The episode also addresses common mistakes, such as overpaying for properties or falling for overpromised returns. Tom and Sam stress the need for due diligence and personalised advice to ensure investors make informed decisions.

About the hosts:

Tom Pewtress: Group Head of Proposition at Skybound Wealth Management, Tom is an experienced adviser who specialises in helping expats build robust investment portfolios tailored to their unique needs.

Sam Crabtree: A guest expert in property investment, Sam works closely with advisers and clients to provide tailored property solutions for international investors.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to explore property as an asset class, this episode offers actionable insights to help you build a more secure and profitable future.

👉 Listen now

Expat Investor - Episode 36: Empowering Female Expats in Financial Planning

Welcome to the latest episode of the Expat Investor Podcast. This time, we’re diving into the unique challenges and opportunities that female expats face in financial planning.

Hosted by Carla Smart, Chartered Financial Planner and Group Head of Pensions at Skybound Wealth Management, this episode brings together insightful voices from her guests, Rhiannon Bagshaw and Umarrah Shafiq, two new financial advisers at Skybound Wealth.

Carla, Rhiannon, and Umarrah share their journeys into financial planning, discussing how they each found their way into a traditionally male-dominated industry. Rhiannon speaks about following in her father’s footsteps but finding her own path and building credibility as a female adviser. Umarrah, on the other hand, discusses how her psychology background helps her connect with clients and provide holistic financial advice.

The conversation sheds light on the gender gap in financial planning and the barriers that often deter women from entering the field, including concerns about work-life balance. Rhiannon and Umarrah reflect on how the flexibility in their roles, especially with remote client meetings post-pandemic, has allowed them to thrive professionally while balancing family life. Carla adds her perspective on Skybound Wealth’s forward-thinking approach to work-life balance, a supportive environment she has valued during her 11+ years with the company.

Carla, Rhiannon, and Umarrah discuss the importance of women achieving financial independence and address specific challenges like the gender pay gap, career breaks, and lack of financial literacy. They emphasize the power of budgeting, saving consistently—even in small amounts—and the importance of financial education. They also discuss how women can support each other through mentorship, community, and open discussions about financial goals.

The episode closes with an introduction to Women Like Us, an initiative created by Skybound Wealth to support women in taking control of their finances. Rhiannon and Umarrah share their vision for growing Women Like Us in Dubai and the surrounding region, aiming to foster a supportive community through workshops, coaching programs, and collaborations with other female-led networks.

Listen in for an inspiring discussion on the value of community, mentorship, and financial planning tailored to women. If you're in Dubai or the surrounding region, keep an eye out for upcoming Women Like Us events and workshops where you can connect with like-minded women and gain valuable financial insights.

If you're a financial adviser interested in joining our team and making a real difference, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Lily Johnson, Group Head of Talent, to explore opportunities at Skybound Wealth and be part of our mission to empower clients and support women in finance.

Expat Investor - Episode 35: How Skybound Wealth Management Nurtures Talent and Builds Careers with Peter Gollogly

In the latest episode of the Expat Investor Podcast, Tom Pewtress welcomes back Peter Gollogly, Regional Director - Europe at Skybound Wealth Management. Peter shares his unique 12-year career journey, highlighting the company’s approach to nurturing talent and fostering long-term career growth in the financial services industry.

Peter’s Journey: From Intern to Executive Committee

Starting as an intern, Peter quickly climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming a key member of Skybound Wealth’s executive committee. His story serves as a testament to the company's ability to identify potential and create opportunities for its team members. Reflecting on his experience, Peter highlights the pivotal moments in his career, including his time working abroad and his involvement in key company decisions.

One major milestone for Peter was hitting his 10-year mark with the company, a rare achievement in the international wealth management space, where job-hopping is more common. His rise to the executive committee underscores Skybound Wealth's commitment to investing in homegrown talent.

Nurturing Talent: A Skybound Strategy

Skybound Wealth Management has consistently demonstrated its ability to onboard young, ambitious individuals and help them carve out successful careers in financial services. Tom and Peter explore how Skybound Wealth's approach goes beyond traditional recruitment, offering mentorship, training, and career development programmes tailored to the needs of each individual.

Peter is a firm believer in giving back to the company’s younger team members, emphasising the importance of patience, mentoring, and skill development. "We've got a lot of selfless people who dedicate time to nurturing and developing others, which is a real cornerstone of our culture," he says.

The Future: Formalising Career Pathways

Skybound  Wealth Management has developed a blueprint for it's career pathways, transforming what was once an "accidental academy" into a structured programme designed to bring the best talent into the company and guide them through their careers. Peter shares the exciting developments in creating an industry leading training academy, allowing young professionals to gain the qualifications and experience they need to thrive in the competitive world of financial services.

What Skybound Wealth Looks for in Talent

When it comes to recruiting new team members, Skybound Wealth Management looks beyond traditional qualifications. While a strong academic background is beneficial, Peter emphasises that passion, drive, and a genuine interest in financial services are far more important. Whether you're from a finance background, the military, or even recruitment, Skybound values the diversity of experience its team members bring.

"At the end of the day, you've got to love what you do," says Peter. "If you're passionate about financial services, you'll thrive here."

Final Thoughts: The Right Fit

Peter offers one key piece of advice for anyone starting their career in financial services: pick the right company. "Your first company shapes your career," he advises. "Make sure it’s a place that aligns with your values and offers the right opportunities for you to grow."

Expat Investor - Episode 34- Exploring Property Investment: Leveraging, Risks, and Strategic Planning 

Welcome back to the Expat Investor Podcast! This week, we're diving deep into the world of property investment with your host, Tom Pewtress, Head of Global Partners at Skybound Wealth Management, and special guest Simon Athwal, a seasoned financial advisor with many years of experience in the Middle East.

Why Property?
In this episode, Tom and Simon tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in the world of wealth management: Why is property such a popular asset class? They explore the tangible allure of real estate, the cultural influences driving property ownership in the UK, and the historical performance that makes property a reliable long-term investment.

The Power of Leverage
Tom and Simon break down the concept of leverage in property investment, illustrating how you can control a large asset with a relatively small capital outlay. They discuss how leveraging can significantly amplify returns and why it’s such a powerful tool for building wealth over time. Using practical examples, they demonstrate how even modest increases in property value can yield substantial returns when leveraged correctly.

Navigating Debt and Risk
Understanding debt is crucial to successful investing. Tom and Simon delve into the differences between good debt and bad debt, particularly in the context of property mortgages. They compare interest-only and capital repayment mortgages, providing insights into which might be best depending on your financial goals and life stage. They also discuss the importance of having a robust financial plan, especially when dealing with leverage and long-term debt.

Diversification and Market Risks
While property is a strong investment, Tom and Simon caution against over-reliance on any single asset class. They discuss the importance of diversification, explaining how spreading investments across different assets can protect against market volatility, maintenance costs, and rental income fluctuations. The duo also highlights specific risks within the UK property market, such as interest rate fluctuations and tax implications, and how to mitigate these risks.

Off-Plan vs. Completed Properties
Are you considering investing in off-plan properties or completed ones? Tom and Simon explore the pros and cons of each, helping you understand which option might align best with your investment strategy. Whether you’re early in your wealth accumulation journey or looking for immediate rental income, they provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making.

Strategic Retirement Planning
For those planning for retirement, this episode offers essential advice on creating reliable income streams through property investment. Tom and Simon explain how property can serve as a stable source of income that complements other investments, helping to extend the longevity of your retirement savings. They also discuss property as a hedge against inflation, ensuring your income keeps pace with rising costs.

Expat Investor Episode 33: Planning As An Expat Parent

The Expat Investor Podcast takes a slightly different approach in this episode. Skybound Wealth Financial Advisor, Max Gerstein sits down with a Zee, a South African expat living in Dubai desperately trying to strike a balance between enjoying the present, whilst planning for the future. Dubai is famed for its high living costs and dynamic lifestyle, and Zee shares her personal journey and challenges in achieving financial stability amidst these factors.  

Challenges and Goals: Zee, a mother of three navigating life in Dubai, discusses the financial hurdles faced by many expatriates. Working in real estate, she highlights the uncertainties of fluctuating income and the importance of maintaining an emergency fund. Zee reflects on past experiences with credit card debt, emphasising her newfound aversion to credit and the need for disciplined financial habits. 

Financial Strategy and Vision: Her income primarily supports her children's education and extracurricular activities, with less focus on tracking other expenditures, leading to unexpectedly high monthly spending. Despite these challenges, Zee remains determined to build a property portfolio to secure her family's financial future. 

The Role of Financial Planning: Max explains the pivotal role effective financial planning plays in achieving long-term goals such as property ownership, funding her children's education, and ultimately attaining financial independence. She discusses the transformative impact of structuring priorities and savings strategies under expert guidance.

Key Insights and Takeaways: In this candid conversation with Max, an experienced financial advisor and fellow expat, Zee explores optimised savings strategies aimed at early retirement.  The pair discuss the significance of dividing resources between immediate financial needs and long-term investments, providing clarity and control over her financial journey. As a result, Zee leaves the session feeling empowered and focused, ready to implement practical steps towards her financial goals.   Zee’s story serves as an inspiring, if all too real, case study for expatriates in Dubai and beyond. By highlighting the importance of proactive financial management and setting clear priorities, Max offers valuable insights for other expats to apply to their own situation as they strive to secure their financial futures.

Expat Investor Episode 32 - Tom Pewtress, Group Head of Technical at Skybound Wealth and Olympic Medalist & World Champion Jamie Baulch

In a departure from our usual podcast format, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jamie Baulch, a retired Olympic Sprinter with an illustrious career. Jamie's journey is not just about his athletic triumphs but also the valuable lessons he learned along the way, particularly in the world of finances.

Expat Investor Episode 31 with Tom Pewtress and Max Gerstein - Insurance Planning

Today I don’t want to talk investment management. I want to talk about insurance planning. Last year I covered this topic on a number of occasions, but over the course of the last 12 months I have witnessed scenarios when planning was done well, planning was done to some extent and planning had not been done at all – sadly all cases needed the best planning to be in place but not all did.

Expat Investor Episode 30 Market Review And Outlook With Tom Pewtress and Jabir Sardharwalla - Planning On Purpose With Tom Pewtress and Paul Butler

Episode 29: A Look At The Markets with Edmund Teasdale and Special Guest, Oliver Harwood from Quilter Cheviot.

Episode 28: AI is taking over. Are emerging markets set to benefit?

With Tom Pewtress and special guest, Olivia Wingrove from LGT Wealth Management