The Scottish Property Podcast

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Declan, founder of Vitality Property, who at just 24 years old has gone from plumbing apprentice to running a thriving refurbishment business and completing multiple property deals – including highly profitable assisted sales.

Declan shares his remarkable journey from leaving school at 16, experimenting with side hustles like Amazon FBA and crypto, to building a trusted refurbishment company that now generates off-market deal flow. From his first buy-to-let and early flips to teaming up with other investors and raising £275K in just two days, this is a masterclass in hustle, networking, and creative property strategies.

🎙️ Episode Highlights

🏗️ From Apprentice to Property Entrepreneur

• Growing up in Croydon before moving to Scotland

• Leaving school at 16 to become a plumbing & heating engineer

• How his trade background became the foundation for his property journey

💡 Early Side Hustles & First Property Steps

• Amazon FBA, crypto, and reselling – lessons learned from failed and modest successes

• Investing in mentorship and paying £6k for property training at age 20

• Buying his first flat, learning about yields, cashflow, and tax pitfalls

🔨 Flips, Refurbs, and Learning the Hard Way

• Turning a heating job lead into a profitable flip in just a few months

• The Paisley project: overspending, travel challenges, and why he’d never do it again

• Building credibility and leads through his refurbishment business

🏠 Mastering the Assisted Sale Strategy

• How assisted sales work and why they benefit sellers and investors

• Legal safeguards: charges on title, option-to-buy clauses, and ensuring all owners agree

• Case studies of successful assisted sales – including inherited properties

🤝 Collaboration & Raising Finance

• Partnering with Kyle White and the Scope Property team to scale projects

• Raising £275K in two days through networking and past clients

• Leveraging other people’s skills and networks for bigger deals

📈 Scaling Up & Diversifying

• Building a pipeline including flips, buy-to-lets, serviced accommodation, and commercial conversions

• Why collaboration beats competition in the Scottish property market

• Using social proof and track record to win trust with sellers and investors

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn trade skills into a property portfolio – or want to understand the assisted sale model from someone doing it right now – this episode is packed with actionable insights.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Edinburgh-based property entrepreneur Graham Budge, who shares how his rent-to-rent journey has evolved into something far greater than just profit—it's now helping tackle Scotland’s housing crisis.

Graham walks us through the early days of scaling serviced accommodation units with no capital, the £130k investment loss he endured trying to expand down south, and how he pivoted his entire business model to supply temporary accommodation for local councils in Scotland.

Key Takeaways:

• How rent-to-rent offers a low-barrier entry into property with little capital

• The reality of scaling serviced accommodation pre-licensing

• How partnering with local councils created a more stable, long-term income stream

• Breakdown of profit margins, costs, and risk mitigation

• Lessons learned from losing £130,000 with a failed expansion into England

• The importance of investor trust and business resilience

#scottishpropertypodcast #renttorent #propertyinvesting #temporaryaccommodation #edinburghproperty #servicedaccommodation #propertyentrepreneur #socialimpactinvesting #propertyjourney #financialfreedom

In this episode, we sit down with leasing director Harris Hiscoe, a Scotsman making waves in Dubai’s competitive real estate scene. From his roots in a 5th-generation showman family in Scotland to managing one of the most dominant leasing teams in Dubai, Harris shares the raw truth behind life, business, and building success in the UAE.

He opens up about the mental resilience needed to survive and thrive, the lessons learned from near-misses on multimillion-dirham deals, and why Dubai is attracting a growing number of UK-based property investors.

Key Highlights:

• From Scotland to Dubai: Why Harris walked away from the family business to build a life in real estate abroad.

• How he broke into the industry without any existing contacts or database – and what he did differently to succeed.

• Getting burned by a £50K commission deal that fell through – and the lessons it taught him.

• The power of leasing in Dubai: Why he believes it’s the best entry point for UK agents looking to make the leap.

• UK investors in Dubai: The typical investor profile and why the Dubai property market is booming.

• Primary vs secondary markets: What investors need to understand about payment plans, off-plan developments, and capital growth.

• What returns to expect: Rental yields, ROI comparisons, and why Dubai’s market isn’t just hype.

• Becoming a high-performer: The systems and support behind one of Dubai’s top-performing real estate agencies.

#scottishpropertypodcast #dubairealestate #ukinvestors #propertyinvestment #expatlife #dubaiinvestments #leasingdirector #propertysuccess #buildyourportfolio #financialfreedom

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Kris Dalziel, a Glasgow-based property investor and sourcer who has built serious momentum over the past 18 months.

Kris shares how he’s managed to source over 200 properties, build a portfolio of 80+ units, and generate £900K+ in sourcing fees—all while navigating the realities of fast growth, investor pressures, and the chaos that comes with managing multiple refurbs and build teams across the UK.

Episode Highlights:

📈 Massive Growth in 18 Months

• 200+ properties sourced since 2023

• 80+ units bought for himself and investors

• £900K+ in sourcing fees in 2024 alone

💸 Behind the Sourcing Business

• What it really takes to build a high-volume sourcing company

• How Kris finds deals, works with investors, and structures JV agreements

• Why transparency and systems are everything in this space

🔧 Builder & Refurb Management

• Managing multiple build teams across the UK

• Dealing with delays, pricing issues, and communication breakdowns

• The toll this takes when you’re running at full speed

🧠 Mindset, Burnout & Shifting Gears

• Why Kris is stepping back from the chaos to focus on sustainability

• The mental pressure of scaling too fast

• His new focus on paying down debt and holding long-term assets

🏢 Letting Agency Launch: Stanley Property Shop

• Why Kris started his own agency

• The benefits of bringing property management in-house

• Challenges of operating differently from traditional agents

⚠️ The Sourcing Industry – Red Flags & Real Talk

• What Kris thinks is wrong with many property sourcers today

• Key advice for anyone buying from sourcing agents or auction deals

• How to spot value—and avoid the fluff

Now, Kris is shifting focus. After a whirlwind 18 months, he’s prioritising sustainable investing, slowing the pace, and recently launched his own lettings agency to bring more control and long-term value to his business.

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In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by Taimur Malik, a former finance professional turned property investor, who shares his powerful journey from financial rock bottom to building a 7-figure portfolio.

After losing his job and facing a serious health crisis, Taimur found himself over £100,000 in debt and unable to walk. But through discipline, long-term thinking, and smart investing, he’s now on the path to full financial freedom—using a combination of property, stocks, and pensions.

This is a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation about building wealth slowly, understanding financial resilience, and why property is just one part of the bigger picture.

Episode Highlights:

📉 From Crisis to Clarity

• Losing his job at BlackRock and the moment his health collapsed

• How being in debt and housebound pushed him to take control of his finances

• Starting from scratch after moving to the UK with just £500

📈 Wealth Building Through Property

• Building a 9-property buy-to-let portfolio with a BRR strategy

• What he looks for in deals: cashflow, long-term demand, and sustainable lending

• Why he pivoted away from short-term lets in Edinburgh

📊 The Bigger Wealth Picture

• Why Taimur is just as passionate about stocks and pensions as property

• Understanding compound growth and why time in the market is more important than timing the market

• How small monthly investments add up to millions over time

🧠 Mindset & Financial Strategy

• Why more money doesn’t solve money problems—discipline does

• How to think like an investor, not a speculator

• The difference between income, wealth, and financial freedom

🧰 Tips for New Investors

• Don’t chase cashflow alone—look for balanced returns

• Invest in learning, not just property

• Think long-term and avoid get-rich-quick traps

This is a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation about building wealth slowly, understanding financial resilience, and why property is just one part of the bigger picture.

----------------------------------------------------Know someone looking to sell? Send the guys at Prime a message now: https://wa.me/447938603856----------------------------------------------------

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with John and Luis from Prime Property to explore what it really takes to build a successful career in the property industry. Fresh off a business development trip to Las Vegas, the duo shares what they learned from one of the top business minds in the world and how they’re applying it to grow their Glasgow-based business.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to work at Prime Property, how they train and incentivize their team, and why they believe building a high-performance sales culture is the key to long-term success. Whether you're a young person trying to break into the industry or an agency owner trying to attract top talent, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

💼 Lessons from Las Vegas

• ​John and Luis reflect on the $20k business mastermind in Vegas
• ​Key insight: Identify the real bottleneck holding your business back
• ​How free value leads to long-term client trust and conversions

🚀 Careers in Property

• ​The real path for young people looking to get into property
• ​Why starting in a full-time job can fast-track your growth more than deal sourcing on the side
• ​Skills that matter most: coachability, confidence, communication

📞 Inside Prime Property

• ​What makes a top performer: 10+ property sales per month and a £10k payday
• ​Their transparent commission model and training systems
• ​Creating a culture of hustle, growth, and long-term opportunity

📊 Self-Employed Estate Agency Debate

• ​The pros and cons of the Keller Williams / EXP model
• ​Why low-value Scottish properties make self-employed models risky
• ​Building security and volume through a salaried + commission structure

👥 Recruiting and Building Teams

• ​The importance of video interviews, confidence, and likeability in hiring
• ​Why Prime looks for hungry individuals—not just qualifications
• ​How they support personal property investment within the team

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career in property—or those trying to grow and lead a property business. John and Luis bring energy, honesty, and real-world insights into what it takes to succeed. If you’re thinking of joining the industry or trying to level up your team, this is the roadmap.

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Know someone looking to sell?

Send the guys at Prime a message now!

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#scottishpropertypodcast #propertycareers #primeproperty #propertyjobs #salesculture #dealflow #lettingslife #propertyinvestmentuk #propertytraining #scotlandbusiness #estateagencycareer

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by Colin Macmillan, managing director of Glasgow Property Letting, for a deep dive into what’s really happening across the Scottish property market.

With interest rates expected to shift, rents showing signs of cooling, and new legislation looming, this episode breaks down the latest data and trends affecting both investors and landlords.

Colin brings hands-on insight from managing over 300 properties, giving a grounded perspective on how landlords and letting agents are navigating the current landscape.

Key Highlights:

📉 Scottish House Prices & Sales Volumes

• Where property values are holding up — and where they’re slipping

• Why sales volumes have dropped despite buyer demand still being there

• The widening affordability gap, especially for FTBs and low-income earners

🏠 Rental Market Trends

• Annual rent growth down to 5.6% — and why that’s not a bad thing

• Signs of softening demand and increased supply in certain regions

• Why 2025 will expose landlords who haven't adjusted to market realities

📊 Lettings Insight from the Ground

• Landlords pushing unrealistic rent increases — and what agents are saying

• How tenants are negotiating harder and shopping around more than ever

• The shift towards fixed rents and longer tenancies

🏢 Student Accommodation Boom

• Record number of PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) units under construction

• What this means for HMO landlords and the wider rental market

• Will Glasgow run out of student tenants?

🔧 Legislation, Licensing & Market Pressure

• Highland Council cracking down on short-term lets

• Colin’s view on EPC requirements, ADS, and compliance fatigue

• Why government policy continues to hurt affordability instead of helping it

#scottishpropertypodcast #propertymarketupdate #rentalmarket #glasgowproperty #landlordtips #scottishhousingcrisis #propertyinvestment #colinmacmillan #studentaccommodation #hmoinvesting #ukpropertymarket #lettingagentlife

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Eoin Baillie, a former gas engineer from West Lothian who’s now one of Dubai’s top-performing real estate brokers. After years in the Scottish property scene, Eoin made a bold move to the UAE — with no contacts, no leads, and 14 suitcases to his name.

Today, he’s earning up to £100K per month in commissions, brokering multi-million-dirham deals, and running a high-performing team in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets.

Episode Highlights:

🏠 Life Before Dubai

• How Eoin got started in property in Scotland

• His experience in construction, lettings, flips, and service accommodation

• Why he decided to walk away from his UK portfolio to start fresh

✈️ Taking the Leap to Dubai

• What it really costs to relocate — and why £25K is the minimum buffer

• Leaving with 14 suitcases and no guarantee of income

• Why his first 6 months nearly broke him

💼 Building a Business in Dubai Real Estate

• The difference between “glamorous” Dubai real estate and the actual grind

• Working 14-hour days, handling rejection, and building a name from scratch

• The deal that changed everything — and pulled him back from quitting

📈 Making £100K Months in Commission

• The mindset shift needed to go from chasing rent to chasing multi-million dirham deals

• The value of showing up every day — even when the pipeline is empty

• How social media helped him stand out in a crowded market

🧠 Mindset, Struggles & Growth

• Why Dubai is a pressure cooker — and not for everyone

• The emotional toll of starting from zero

• Eoin’s honest take on mental health, family sacrifice, and staying grounded

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Know someone looking to sell?

Send the guys at Prime a message now!

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In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Angus Johnston, founder of LetUs, a Glasgow-based letting agency specialising in HMOs. Angus shares his fascinating journey from aspiring investment banker and full-time wedding singer to building a business managing over 120 properties – with a strong focus on the student HMO market in Glasgow.

Episode Highlights:

🏡 From Accountant to Letting Agent

• Why Angus walked away from PwC and investment banking to sing full-time

• How COVID derailed his music career and pushed him into property management

📈 Building an HMO Business from the Ground Up

• How he started with 7 properties (including his own and his brother’s)

• Scaling during lockdown with creative hustle and a sharp student focus

🔥 The Realities of Running HMOs in Scotland

• Why group lets, not room-by-room, are the standard in Scottish HMO setups

• How legislation, like the PRT, impacts lease structure and management

• Common tenant challenges — from broken vacuums to surprise guests…

📊 Crunching the HMO Numbers

• What it actually costs to convert a flat into an HMO (licensing, refurbs, furnishing)

• Why capital growth in prime locations like Glasgow’s West End makes it worth it

• The sweet spot for profitability (hint: 4- and 5-bed flats)

🏛️ Licensing & Council Process

• The reality of 12-month lead times for new HMO licences

• Key differences between existing vs. new licence applications

• How to avoid pitfalls with HMO layout, kitchens, and fire safety

🛠️ Maintenance, Void Periods, and Managing Expectations

• Budgeting £1,000+/year in maintenance and planning for 11-month lets

• Managing expectations with tenants, neighbours, and property owners

In this episode, Nick and Steven sit down with brothers Calum and Connor Clark, two investors who’ve built a thriving, family-run property business across multiple strategies — from buy-to-let and HMOs to commercial conversions and hospitality.

Episode Highlights:

🏘️ Starting Out in Property

• How they got into property without quitting their day jobs.

• The first flip project — and how it led to long-term investing

• Early challenges and how they gained experience through hands-on learning

💼 Building a Scalable Portfolio

• Focused on delivering high-quality accommodation in Dundee, Arbroath, and surrounding areas

• Tips for systematising property management in a family-run business

🏨 Hospitality & Guesthouse Strategy

• Operating a 6-bed luxury guesthouse in Arbroath with strong year-round occupancy

• Their approach to customer service, direct bookings, and standing out from Airbnb competition

• How hospitality feeds into their overall brand and business

🤝 Family Business Dynamics

• Balancing different skill sets and personalities as siblings

• The importance of communication, defined roles, and mutual respect

• What makes their partnership work — and how they handle conflict

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Prime Property Auctions – Sell your property with no upfront costs and control the reserve price.

Prime Property Auction: www.instagram.com/primepropertyauctions/

John: www.instagram.com/john_property_auctioneer/

Luis: www.instagram.com/luis_property_auctioneer/Visit Prime Property Auction website: https://primepropertyauctions.co.uk/

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**DISCLAIMER**Please do your own due diligence on any of our guests you may decide to do business with. We interview in good faith. However, we cannot be held responsible for any credibility issues that may arise.

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