The Scottish Property Podcast

• From Chaos to Success: Scott McFarlane’s Property Journey

  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.🎙️ Episode Highlights:🌟 From a Tough Start to Army DisciplineGrew up in Galashiels facing violence, instability, and school expulsionsJoined the Royal Regiment of Scotland, gaining structure, discipline, and resilienceArmy experience shaped his mindset and approach to business💥 The Accident That Changed EverythingSuffered a major railway accident while working as an electrical engineerForced into recovery, triggering a life reset and deep focus on long-term goalsUsed the setback to pivot fully into property🏡 Building Retrofit Properties & Discovering SABought his first properties in his early 20sLearned SA through self-study, research, and hands-on experienceNow operates high-performing SA units achieving £12k–£13k in peak months📑 Navigating SA Licensing & ComplianceExpert at securing SA licences across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and MidlothianHelps investors avoid common mistakes in planning and complianceChallenges councils when their own rules are unclear or applied incorrectly🏘️ Scaling to 13 Units & Major DealsOwns a mix of SA, HMOs, and buy-to-letsCompleted a £1.7m building purchase with Kyle Black, now valued higherGrowing a management business, strengthening partnerships, and planning future aparthotel projectsScott’s story is raw, honest, and packed with lessons — from overcoming adversity to navigating licensing, building strategic partnerships, and managing 13 units (including HMOs, buy-to-lets, and high-performing SAs). He also shares the realities of dealing with councils, neighbours, compliance challenges, and the rapid growth of his management business.

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• From the Army to Property Success with Adam Williams

  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.🎙️ Episode Highlights💂 From Army Life to Civilian CareerGrew up in Glasgow and joined the British Army at 18, serving in the infantry for nine years.Completed deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kenya, gaining leadership, adaptability, and resilience.Describes how army life shaped his mindset — the ability to work under pressure, follow structure, and lead by example.Decided to leave the military to prioritise family and create a more stable lifestyle.👨‍👩‍👧 Life Lessons & Motivation to LeaveWhile serving abroad, Adam missed significant family milestones.The turning point came when he found out he was going to be a father — this pushed him to seek a career with purpose and flexibility.Admits the transition from military to civilian life was difficult, but it gave him the hunger to find something new and meaningful.🏠 Discovering PropertyBought his first flat in Glasgow while still in the army, renting it out while deployed.This first experience opened his eyes to the power of passive income and property investing.Started reading, networking, and attending events — including the Scottish Property Podcast training sessions.Learned that property isn’t just about buying houses, but about building relationships and creating solutions for sellers and investors.🏗️ Flips, Joint Ventures & Creative DealsReinvested profits into joint ventures and property flips with David Smart.Completed standout projects such as:The Ninja Air Fryer Flip – a creative and profitable refurbishment.The Phone Booth Flip – a unique transformation of a neglected property into a stylish modern home.Achieved strong profits of £35,000–£40,000 per project, reinvesting back into new opportunities.Highlights the importance of transparency and shared vision when working with JV partners.🏚️ Working with Empty Homes ScotlandActively collaborates with the Empty Homes Partnership Scheme to bring long-abandoned properties back into use.Builds strong relationships with council officers and local stakeholders to source off-market deals.Focused on creating win-win outcomes — helping owners solve problems while revitalising communities.Proves that property can be both profitable and purpose-driven.⚖️ Balancing Family, Work & GrowthOpens up about the challenges of balancing 12-hour workdays with family life.Strives to stay grounded and present with his partner and daughter while scaling his business.Shares how discipline from his military days helps him stay focused and structured, even in a demanding sales environment.🏡 Future Goals & Long-Term VisionCurrently focused on flips and sales but plans to build a buy-to-let portfolio for long-term wealth and stability.At just 29 years old, Adam is committed to learning, growing, and reinvesting profits into future projects.Aims to mentor other ex-servicemen and aspiring investors looking to transition into property.----------------------------------------------------Know someone looking to sell? Send the guys at ⁠Prime⁠ a message now: ----------------------------------------------------⁠Follow us⁠ on all of our social media accounts and join our monthly networking events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee!

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• Budget Rumours Every Property Investor Needs to Hear with Nick and Steven

  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.🎙️ Episode Highlights:🌴 Dubai Reflections: Life, Lifestyle & LessonsBoth Nick and Steven coincidentally ended up staying in Dubai at the same time — just a few doors apart.Reflections on Dubai’s appeal for entrepreneurs: sunshine, safety, and tax benefits.The downsides: relentless heat, heavy traffic, and a lack of community or “soul”.Both agree that despite the hype, Scotland still feels like home — valuing fresh air, space, and local connection over tax breaks.🏡 Scottish Housing Market UpdateZoopla reports: buyer demand down 8% year-on-year, sales agreed down 3%, marking the first decline in two years.Scotland bucks the trend, with sales up 3% and house price inflation steady at 2%.Glasgow up 2.1%, Edinburgh up 1.6% year-on-year.Signs of a slower market rather than a crash — more cautious buyers and longer sale times.Average selling time now 37 days, up 10%, showing steady but slower movement.🔨 Steven’s Property Sales UpdateCurrently selling three renovated cottages, each around the £200k–£240k price point.Despite strong locations and quality finishes, sales slower than expected.Common feedback: EPC ratings, minor snagging, and general buyer caution.Example of real-time challenges facing property flippers in a softening market.Highlights the importance of timing, presentation, and patience in a cooling climate.🏘️ Rental Market InsightsRightmove rental tracker:Average UK rent outside London at a record £1,385 per month, up 1.5% in Q3.In Scotland, rents are still rising but at a slower pace.Tenant demand down 14%, while supply up 9% — more choice for renters.Landlords urged to redecorate and refresh properties to stay competitive.Quality homes still rent quickly; tired stock lags behind.Strongest demand for rentals under £1,000 per month — affordability is key.💼 Budget Rumours & Government PolicyDiscussion ahead of the November 23rd UK Budget, with rumours of:VAT threshold dropping from £85k to £30k — could hit small tradesmen and drive up refurb costs.Income tax increase from 20% to 22% (England only).National Insurance on rental income (8%) — potential game-changer for landlords in personal names.Capital Gains Tax on main homes worth £1.5m+ — targeting the ultra-wealthy.Nick and Steven discuss how these could trigger a mass landlord exodus, reduce supply, and hurt the rental market.Concern that government policies are anti-business and anti-growth, discouraging investment in the UK.📈 Economic OverviewInflation: steady around 3.8%.Interest rates: held at 4% by the Bank of England.Mortgage rates easing slightly, providing some relief for buyers.UK economy flat, with minimal growth heading into winter.Sentiment: cautious optimism — no crash, but slower movement and more scrutiny on deals.----------------------------------------------------Know someone looking to sell? Send the guys at Prime a message now: ----------------------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts and join our monthly networking events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee!

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• He Started Delivering Milk… Now He’s a Multi-Millionaire Property Investor (with Wullie Thomson)

  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.🎙️ Episode HighlightsFrom Milk Rounds to Millionaire MindsetGrew up in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, and left school without qualificationsWorked multiple jobs from a young age — including food delivery, labouring on sites, and driving taxisBought a small local milk delivery round at age 23 with around 350 customersScaled the business into a Scotland-wide operation with five depots, 85 staff, and 60 delivery vehiclesFocused on reusable glass bottles and local service to stand out from supermarket competitionIntroduced innovations such as direct debit payments and door-to-door canvassing, dramatically boosting efficiency and revenueBuilding and Exiting the Dairy EmpireGrown organically over more than a decade through acquisitions and community-focused marketingExpanded across the Central Belt, Perth, and AberdeenOperated 24/7 with a full management structure including operations, HR, and sales teamsIntroduced a delivery charge model that significantly increased profitsSuccessfully exited the business through multiple sales to other dairiesTransitioned from daily operations to pursuing new ventures and a better work–life balanceStarting Over in PropertyEntered property investment after selling the dairy business, looking for a new challengeFaced early setbacks:Lost £40–£50k on a piece of land due to flood risk oversightLost £35k on a hotel deal with offshore ownership complicationsJoined Steven’s property training to build knowledge, structure, and network with other investorsDetermined to grow his property business using the same grit and determination that built his previous successFirst Major Project – Arbroath TownhousePurchased a six-bedroom townhouse for £71,000Initially budgeted £70,000 for the refurb, but final spend reached £150,000Fully renovated and upgraded with quality finishes and modern interiorsConfigured for use as both a Serviced Accommodation (SA) and HMOLocated near Arbroath Harbour — ideal for contractors, large families, and holidaymakersExpected nightly rate: £150–£200, with projected annual income of £40k–£50kFrom driving taxis and delivering Chinese food as a teenager to managing 85 staff and five depots across Scotland, Willie’s story is one of relentless work ethic, resilience, and reinvention. Now, after exiting the dairy industry, he’s applying the same principles of growth and efficiency to property development and investing.--------------------------------------------------- Know someone looking to sell? Send the guys at ⁠Prime⁠ a message now.----------------------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts and join our monthly networking events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee! ⁠CLICK HERE

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• The Truth About Quick-Sale Property Deals in Scotland with David Stewart

  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.🎙️ Episode Highlights🌟 From Civil Engineering to SalesGrew up in the East End of Glasgow, born in ShettlestonChose a civil engineering apprenticeship over universityFaced several redundancies during the 2007–2008 financial crashTransitioned into commission-only sales, learning resilience and people skillsWorked in shopping centres selling gas and electricity contracts, then moved to Sky, excelling in telesales and leadership🏡 Breaking into PropertyFirst exposure came through a quick-sale estate agency roleLater joined a major auction and property buying company, learning the full process of valuations, negotiations, and acquisitionsDeveloped strong communication and listening skills — the key to converting off-market leadsSpent years understanding vendor motivations, negotiation strategies, and the ethics of buying directly💼 Building My Local Property BuyerFounded My Local Property Buyer, specialising in direct-to-vendor deals across ScotlandBalances multiple income streams — property flips, assisted sales, and sourcing feesWorks with trusted partners including auction houses and ethical investorsOperates with transparency, ensuring fair offers and honest communication with sellersSpends £1,500–£5,000 per month on online marketing to generate consistent off-market leads🔥 Deals, Risks & LessonsNorth Berwick Flip: Purchased at £138k, valued at nearly double — discovered bankruptcy days before completion and navigated the legal and financial risks successfullyAssisted Sale Fire Damage: A refurbishment project that caught fire due to a nearby caravan blaze — still turned a profit of over £20k and delivered a positive outcome for the sellerLanark Country House: Bought for £100k, invested £180k in refurbishment, expected to sell for £425k–£500kKilmacolm Commercial Conversion: Transformed a former beauty salon into two luxury flats — exploring refinancing or serviced accommodation due to slower sales⚖️ Ethics & Reputation in Quick SalesStrong focus on honesty and transparency with vulnerable sellersCondemns companies exploiting people in financial distressWorks alongside trusted solicitors and partners like Michelle Wales to maintain professional integrityBelieves small, fair profits build longer-term success and repeat businessEncourages offering sellers multiple routes — direct sale, auction, or assisted sale📈 Scaling & StrategyPortfolio of around 16 properties, including buy-to-lets, flips, and commercial-to-residential conversionsUses bridging finance, investor loans, and recycled profits to fund projectsWorks closely with business partner John, who manages refurbishments and tradesKeeps operations lean, leveraging unencumbered assets for cash flow flexibilityBalances short-term profits with sustainable business growth💬 Mindset & MotivationNot motivated by flash or status — focused on family and freedomValues work–life balance after becoming a fatherKeeps a grounded lifestyle despite success — recently upgraded from his Ford Focus only for practicalityBelieves real success in property is built on patience, ethics, and persistence

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