In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Elaine McLaren, chartered management accountant turned property investor. Elaine shares her journey from growing up in Scotstoun with early exposure to renovations, to leaving behind the corporate mould and building a portfolio designed to give her family more freedom and flexibility.

From watching Homes Under the Hammer to investing £15,000 in property training, Elaine reveals the importance of vision boards, long-term planning, and staying focused on why you started. She also opens up about her successes, lessons learned, and her evolving strategy — from building buy-to-lets to flipping properties and taking on HMOs.

🎙️ Episode Highlights

🌟 Early Influences & Corporate Life

Growing up around property thanks to her father’s renovation projects
Pursuing a corporate career as a chartered management accountant
Realising she didn’t fit the corporate mould and wanting more flexibility

🏡 Getting Started in Property

Inspired by a colleague with 13 properties and Homes Under the Hammer
Investing £15,000 in training and waiting a year before buying her first deal
Why she believes education was worth the investment

🎯 Building a Vision & Portfolio

Setting her first goal: 12 properties to leave her job and focus on family life
The power of vision boards to stay motivated and productive
Growing her portfolio with her husband, including four properties in St Andrews

🔑 Lessons & Advice

Do your due diligence before investing in training programmes
When planning for retirement, set your financial target — then add two more properties
Why involving your partner can strengthen your property journey

🚀 Current Focus & Future Plans

Working on flips and managing an HMO
Feeling like she’s “drifting” without a strong new vision
Setting her next big goal: helping her husband retire so they can enjoy more holidays and freedom together

From Corporate Life to Property Freedom: Elain McLaren's Story