Turning £20K Amazon Side Hustle into a £250K Business… Then Purchasing 13 Properties

Scottish Property Podcast on April 20, 2026

Episode Overview

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.

Episode Highlights

  • Taking action and learning through failure is key to success
  • Simple products can become highly profitable with the right timing
  • Amazon FBA allows scalability through automation and systems
  • Selling a business doesn’t always mean exiting — equity can multiply returns
  • Property flips require significant margins to be worthwhile
  • Portfolio deals can be powerful but come with high upfront costs
  • Bridging finance can unlock bigger opportunities when used correctly
  • Systems and outsourcing are essential for scaling both business and property
  • Long-term wealth comes from leveraging opportunities, not just saving money

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Built a business before moving into property? Share what worked for you in the comments.

The Reality of Dubai Real Estate (No One Talks About This)

Scottish Property Podcast on April 13, 2026

Episode Overview

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.

Episode Highlights

  • Personal brand can generate opportunities before you even pitch
  • Confidence comes from experience — not age
  • Saying yes to opportunities creates long-term growth
  • Dubai offers opportunity but demands relentless work ethic
  • Social media success comes with both upside and risk
  • Setbacks can lead to new directions and better clarity
  • Relationships and authenticity remain the biggest advantages in business
  • It’s okay to pivot — success doesn’t follow one straight path

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

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Have you used social media to build your property business? Share your experience in the comments.

Is the Iran War About to Crash the Property Market?

Scottish Property Podcast on April 6, 2026

Episode Overview

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, property price resilience, EPC regulation changes, and the growing impact of AI on jobs and the wider economy. As always, the focus is on cutting through headlines and understanding what investors should actually pay attention to.

Episode Highlights

  • Global events can impact property indirectly through inflation and lending
  • Mortgage rates can shift quickly based on market sentiment
  • Scottish property market remains resilient due to lack of supply
  • Rental growth is slowing but demand remains strong
  • AI and unemployment may pose bigger long-term risks than geopolitics
  • Interest rates are the key driver to watch for market movement
  • EPC regulations remain uncertain — avoid reacting too early
  • Opportunities can arise during short-term market slowdowns
  • Strong fundamentals still support long-term property investing

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

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Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

What do you think will have the biggest impact on the property market: rates, regulation or the economy? Share your view in the comments.

From New Mum to 27 Properties in One Year with Emma Thomson

Scottish Property Podcast on March 30, 2026

Episode Overview

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

  • Why Emma knew early on that a traditional 9–5 career was not for her
  • How growing up in a hardworking household shaped her mindset
  • Running a deli franchise at just 20 years old
  • Moving into tech sales and building strong sales, communication and leadership skills
  • Why motherhood became the turning point that pushed Emma towards property
  • How she used the Scottish Property Podcast as her main source of property education
  • Why listening to real investor stories helped her gain clarity before taking action
  • How Emma scaled to 27 properties in less than a year
  • Moving from single lets into portfolio deals and larger acquisitions
  • Why taking action quickly helped her build confidence with each deal

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

Know someone selling a property? You could earn £1,500 by introducing them to Prime Property Auctions. Visit Prime Property Auctions

Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

What helped you take action in property — education, mindset or a major life change? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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

Scottish Property Podcast on March 23, 2026

Episode Overview

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

  • How Jordan Robb started investing in property at just 19 years old
  • Why he had to be creative with limited capital and borrowing power
  • How joint mortgages and lower-value properties helped him get started
  • Why buy-to-let became the core strategy behind his portfolio
  • The importance of buying below market value and generating cash flow
  • Why sticking to your strategy matters when outside opinions create doubt
  • How short-term thinking can lead to decisions investors later regret
  • Why Jordan shifted from chasing volume to focusing on quality assets
  • How his strategy evolved towards capital preservation and diversification
  • Why long-term property investing requires consistency, discipline and adaptability

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

Know someone selling a property? You could earn £1,500 by introducing them to Prime Property Auctions. Visit Prime Property Auctions

Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

Are you building for portfolio size or long-term asset quality? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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

Scottish Property Podcast on March 16, 2026

Episode Overview

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 should be treated as a hospitality business
  • How guest experience and fast response times affect reviews and repeat bookings
  • Why systems are essential when managing multiple serviced accommodation units
  • How Gillian grew from property investor to managing around 50 units
  • The role of partnerships, networking and local demand in scaling the business
  • Why commercial property can help diversify a wider property portfolio
  • How multi-occupancy commercial buildings can reduce vacancy risk
  • The operational challenges behind heating issues, maintenance and guest communication
  • Why reliable cleaners are one of the most important parts of the business
  • How Airbnb, Booking.com, direct bookings and contractor relationships affect occupancy
  • Why seasonality matters when assessing short-term rental income

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

Know someone selling a property? You could earn £1,500 by introducing them to Prime Property Auctions. Visit Prime Property Auctions

Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

Do you think short-term rentals are more like property investing or hospitality? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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

Scottish Property Podcast on March 9, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, the hosts sit down with Andy Hadden, 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

  • How Andy Hadden discovered the surf park concept after seeing Wavegarden technology in Spain
  • Why Lost Shore Surf Resort became one of Scotland’s most ambitious leisure developments
  • How an initial £40,000 loan helped fund early consultants and feasibility studies
  • Why land strategy and planning permission were key to unlocking the project
  • How planning helped increase the land value and attract investor interest
  • What Andy learned from raising around £3M from 52 angel investors
  • How a Goldman Sachs–managed pension fund helped unlock the next stage of funding
  • Why the sale-and-leaseback structure made the £60M development viable
  • How Lost Shore uses Wavegarden technology to produce around 1,000 waves per hour
  • What property investors can learn from persistence, fundraising and long-term vision

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

Know someone selling a property? You could earn £1,500 by introducing them to Prime Property Auctions. Visit Prime Property Auctions

Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

Would you take on a project this ambitious, or is it too big a risk? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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

Scottish Property Podcast on March 2, 2026

Episode Overview

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.

Episode Highlights

  • Fraser Kelly’s view on the UK and Scottish property market in early 2026
  • Why falling inflation could increase the likelihood of interest rate cuts
  • How lower SONIA swap rates are helping mortgage products become more competitive
  • Why sub-4% mortgage deals are starting to return
  • How Scotland’s property market is outperforming wider UK price growth
  • Why demand is shifting towards commuter towns and more affordable areas
  • What high enquiry levels reveal about buyer demand
  • Why first-time buyers are returning but still facing affordability challenges
  • How rental growth is normalising after the sharp rises of recent years
  • Why AI could change how buyers search for property online
  • What landlords need to know about Making Tax Digital

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

Know someone selling a property? You could earn £1,500 by introducing them to Prime Property Auctions. Visit Prime Property Auctions

Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

What do you think will shape the Scottish property market most in 2026 — rates, rents, AI or tax changes? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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

Scottish Property Podcast on February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Brian Smith joins the show to share a fascinating perspective on Aberdeen’s property market — shaped by decades of oil booms, crashes, and economic shifts.

From starting his career in finance at just 16 to becoming a Finance Director in oil-related businesses, Brian breaks down how global events have directly influenced local property prices — and how he’s used that knowledge to build a 17-property portfolio later in life.

This episode is packed with lessons on market cycles, strategy shifts, and long-term investing for generational wealth.

Episode Highlights

  • How Aberdeen became known as the Oil Capital of Europe
  • Why Aberdeen property prices have long been tied to oil jobs and global markets
  • What past oil crashes reveal about local market cycles
  • How Brian saw homeowners handing keys back during major downturns
  • Brian’s early property wins, including buying in 1987 and selling three years later for a strong uplift
  • How building his own home in Cults created significant value over time
  • Why Brian began serious property investing later in life
  • How he built a 17-property portfolio with buy-to-lets and serviced accommodation
  • Why his original goal was to replace income and preserve his pension
  • How his focus shifted towards generational wealth and passing assets to his son
  • Why long-term investors need to understand local market cycles before buying

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

Know someone selling a property? You could earn £1,500 by introducing them to Prime Property Auctions. Visit Prime Property Auctions

Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

Do you think Aberdeen is still a strong long-term property market, or too dependent on oil cycles? Share your view in the comments.

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

Scottish Property Podcast on February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are 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.

Episode Highlights

  • How Adam Newlands rebuilt after losing £30,000 in his early 20s
  • Why he chose accountancy over the traditional offshore career path
  • The risks of chasing rent-to-rent opportunities based on projected figures
  • How expected nightly rates compared with the reality of the market
  • What Adam learned from compliance issues and an illegal HMO investigation
  • Why relying only on remote education can lead to costly mistakes
  • How local mentoring and live education helped him reset in Aberdeen
  • Why deal sourcing became a way to generate upfront cash flow
  • How his first successful sourced deal at Jasmine Terrace built momentum
  • How Adam used investor relationships and consistent delivery to grow
  • Why he reinvested profits and built a 13-property portfolio by age 26
  • The importance of local knowledge, accountability and disciplined investing

Useful Links

Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events

Know someone selling a property? You could earn £1,500 by introducing them to Prime Property Auctions. Visit Prime Property Auctions

Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes

Have you ever learned an expensive lesson in property or business? Share what it taught you in the comments.

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.

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