The Scottish Property Podcast

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven return with a jam-packed market update, covering everything from global economic trends to local property prices. They dive into the latest landlord legislation, interest rate forecasts, and the growing shift from amateur landlords to serious portfolio investors.Key Highlights:📉 Mortgage Market & Interest RatesWhy the IMF is predicting three interest rate cuts this yearHow global trade tensions (yes, Trump again) could bring cheaper goods to the UKLatest 5-year swap rate and new limited company mortgage deals from The Mortgage Works🏠 Scottish Property Price TrendsHouse prices up 5.7% annually with East Renfrewshire leading at +10.6%Steven’s flip project in Dunfermline – who the buyers will be and how the numbers stack up📈 Rental Market UpdateONS rental data shows 5.7% annual increase in Scotland, but things are coolingWhy agents are now reducing asking rents in Aberdeen and GlasgowThe impact of fewer foreign students and increased supply⚖️ Landlord Regulation & Housing BillLabour’s proposal to jail landlords for illegal evictionsDebate over rent controls, eviction rules, and the shifting narrativeWhy Nick took to the BBC to defend the landlord perspective📊 Landlord Numbers & Social Housing1,000 fewer landlords—but an increase in registered propertiesA shift from amateur landlords to serious portfolio playersThe shocking number of empty social homes despite a housing crisisAs the Scottish property market evolves, landlords are facing new pressures but also fresh opportunities. From political debates to mortgage updates, this episode gives you the full picture of what’s happening on the ground. Whether you're flipping houses, growing a rental portfolio, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with valuable insights and commentary.----------------------------------------------------------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/------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/scottishpropertypodcast**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.🤝  Visit one of our monthly networking meet-ups.  We run them on the 1st Wednesday of each month and have some fantastic guest speakers.🎟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book your place at the networking events here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Hope you find content useful and we would really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Apple podcasts or Spotify.Connect with us on social media:🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our private Facebook group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📩  Email us:Steven@steven-clark.comNick@arcproperty.uk

Steven and Nick sit down with Sean Spalding, a former 9-to-5er who transitioned into a full-time career in property. From being a listener during the early days of the podcast in lockdown, to becoming a sought-after property sourcer and refurbishment project manager, Sean shares his journey, the realities of grafting behind the scenes, and how he built a property-related business without owning a massive portfolio himself.Key Highlights:🛠️ From Sales to SourcingSean’s background in sales and how it helped him break into propertyThe skills you don’t learn in a course but must master in real lifeGoing from podcast listener to guest—what changed in 5 years🏃‍♂️ Escaping the 9-to-5Balancing a day job, family, and building a business in the eveningsHow he used flexibility in his job to view properties and educate himselfTaking the leap—using a credit card to pay for training🔍 The Realities of Sourcing & Project ManagementHow Sean got his first deal and built his early client baseThe truth about sourcing fees, mandates, and client communicationManaging multiple refurb projects: the stress, systems, and lessons📢 Marketing, Leads & Facebook AdsHow Sean learned to generate off-market leadsWhat works (and doesn’t) with Facebook ad campaignsWhy follow-up is where the money is#scottishpropertypodcast #propertysourcing #propertyrefurbs #financialfreedom #leavethe9to5 #dealpackaging #offmarketdeals #projectmanagement #glasgowproperty #propertyhustle #propertyeducation

In this special Dubai edition of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven catch up with Calum White — one of the most recognisable names in Dubai real estate. Originally from Scotland, Calum is now the CEO of one of the top brokerages in Dubai, overseeing a team of over 400 people. In this high-energy episode, he shares how he built his business from scratch, the realities of life in Dubai, and what it really takes to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive property markets.This is more than just a property chat — it’s an inside look at scaling a business, leadership mindset, adapting to high growth, and balancing ambition with lifestyle.Episode Highlights:🏢 Building Dubai’s Fastest Growing BrokerageHow Calum grew from solo broker to 400+ staff in just 4 yearsThe daily routines and leadership structure behind a high-performance cultureCreating systems, training, and accountability to support scale🚀 High Stakes, High RewardsWhy real estate in Dubai is one of the highest levels of sales in the worldThe brutal reality of commission-only performanceWhat separates top performers from those who don’t make it🌴 Dubai Lifestyle & Business InsightsThe upsides of tax-free income, luxury living, and 10-minute Coca-Cola deliveriesDistractions young agents face – and how discipline determines successIs Dubai property heading for a crash or just getting started?💼 Mentorship, Standards & GrowthWhy Calum still walks the sales floor every morningLessons from managing friends in businessAdvice for anyone thinking of making the move to DubaiThis episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, sales, and leadership from someone who’s walked the walk. Calum White's rise in the Dubai property scene is a story of hustle, systems, and focus — with plenty of inspiration and valuable takeaways for listeners across the property spectrum. Whether you're considering a move to Dubai or want to build a high-performance business anywhere, this episode is one not to miss.

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Steven and Nick are back from their first-ever international trip to Dubai—and they’re giving you the full rundown. From why they decided to hop on a plane to what went on behind the scenes, this episode sets the stage for a brand-new batch of episodes recorded in the UAE. Whether you’re a regular listener or just jumping in, this is your sneak peek into what’s coming and why it matters.Key Highlights:🇦🇪 Dubai DebriefReflections on their March trip and what stood outWhy this wasn’t just a holiday—it was a big step for the podcastHow the trip pushed them outside their comfort zones🎥 What to Expect in Upcoming EpisodesA special series featuring interviews recorded in DubaiTopics covering international investing, mindset, growth, and moreGuests from both the UK and UAE offering unique perspectives🎙️ The Value of Going InternationalWhy it’s important to see how things are done outside the UKHow networking and learning abroad can open new doorsThe benefits of expanding your property and business horizons🔜 What’s Next for the PodcastA teaser of the guests and conversations to comeThe renewed energy Steven and Nick are bringing to future episodesTheir continued commitment to giving value to the communityThis episode captures the energy, insight, and anticipation of what’s to come as the Scottish Property Podcast goes global. It’s about more than property—it’s about growth, exploration, and taking bold steps toward the future. Tune in now and get ready for an exciting new chapter.

In the latest episode, Nick and Steven welcome back Mark Shanta, an estate agent, letting agent, and property investor. This engaging episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the key issues affecting landlords, tenants, and investors alike. The conversation spans a wide array of critical topics, from the immediate impact of recent governmental policy changes to the broader, ongoing dynamics of supply and demand within the rental sectorKey HighlightsThe impact of the Scottish government's policies on landlords and the rental market.The imbalance between rental supply and demand and its effect on prices.Concerns about new housing bill proposals, including winter eviction bans, pet ownership rights for tenants, and decoration rights.The shortfall in new home construction and the government's progress toward its housing targets.Discussions around landlord responsibilities for addressing damp and mold issues in properties.The episode wraps up with a thorough examination of the current state of the Scottish property market, providing valuable insights for landlords and tenants seeking to navigate its complexities. Mark Shanta offers his expert advice and highlights the importance of fair practices and open communication in maintaining a healthy and sustainable property ecosystem. ----------------------------------------------------------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/------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/scottishpropertypodcast**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.🤝  Visit one of our monthly networking meet-ups.  We run them on the 1st Wednesday of each month and have some fantastic guest speakers.🎟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book your place at the networking events here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Hope you find content useful and we would really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Apple podcasts or Spotify.Connect with us on social media:🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our private Facebook group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📩  Email us:Steven@steven-clark.comNick@arcproperty.uk

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Steven and Nick sit down with former professional rugby player turned property investor, Andy Cramond. Andy shares his incredible journey from playing top-level rugby in France to transitioning into property investment, development, and luxury home buying. He discusses the lessons learned from his sports career, how he built his property portfolio, and his latest venture into apartment hotels and high-end real estate.Episode Highlights:🏉 From Rugby to Real EstateHow Andy's rugby career took him from Aberdeen to FranceThe impact of sports discipline on property investingMaking the tough decision to retire due to injury🏠 First Steps in PropertyBuying his first investment property in FranceThe benefits of long-term fixed mortgages in FranceRenovating and flipping properties for profit📈 Scaling in Property InvestmentTransitioning into property development in EdinburghWorking on serviced apartments and apart-hotelsThe growing demand for high-end rental properties🏡 Luxury Home Buying and Portfolio BuildingEntering the high-net-worth property marketHelping clients buy million-pound homes off-marketThe power of networking in securing exclusive dealsAndy Cramond’s story is an inspiring example of how skills from one industry can be successfully transferred to another. Whether you’re an investor looking to break into property or someone curious about high-end real estate, this episode is packed with insights!----------------------------------------------------------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/------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/scottishpropertypodcast**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.🤝  Visit one of our monthly networking meet-ups.  We run them on the 1st Wednesday of each month and have some fantastic guest speakers.🎟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book your place at the networking events here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Hope you find content useful and we would really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Apple podcasts or Spotify.Connect with us on social media:🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our private Facebook group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📩  Email us:Steven@steven-clark.comNick@arcproperty.uk

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Steven and Nick sit down with Jak Carlin, founder of Alley Up Agency, to discuss personal branding, social media marketing, and how property investors can leverage digital marketing to grow their business. From content creation strategies to paid advertising, Jak shares expert insights on what works in today’s competitive market.Episode Highlights:The Power of Personal BrandingHow to stand out in the property industryWhy consistency is key to building an audienceThe “John Scale” approach to content creationSocial Media Strategies for Property InvestorsChoosing the right platform: LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok?Why engagement matters more than followersThe biggest mistakes people make when marketing propertyPaid Advertising: Facebook, Google, and BeyondThe difference between Google Ads and Facebook AdsHow much should you spend on marketing?Why TV and radio ads still work in 2024Marketing is essential in the modern property industry, and Jak Carlin shares invaluable tips to help property professionals elevate their brand and attract more deals. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Steven and Nick sit down with legal expert Lindsey Devine from NM Legal to discuss the legal risks and best practices when it comes to private money lending in property. With more investors turning to private finance to scale their portfolios, it’s crucial to understand how to protect your investment and avoid costly mistakes.Episode Highlights:Due Diligence Before LendingWhy investors turn to private finance instead of traditional lenders.The risks involved and common mistakes to avoid.Why private investors need independent legal advice.Legal Protections & Security MeasuresHow to properly assess a borrower before handing over your money.Key checks: credit history, Companies House records, and social media red flags.The importance of a solid loan agreement and what it should include.Exits & Worst-Case ScenariosStandard security vs. floating charges – what’s the best option?The role of personal guarantees and how they impact investors.What happens if the borrower can’t repay?Lending in PropertyHow to enforce security and recover funds legally.Red flags to watch for to avoid “robbing Peter to pay Paul” schemes.Private money lending can be a powerful tool for property investors, but it’s not without risks. This episode provides invaluable insights on how to protect yourself and ensure your investment is secure. Whether you're lending or borrowing, understanding the legal aspects is key to success.----------------------------------------------------------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/------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/scottishpropertypodcast**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.🤝  Visit one of our monthly networking meet-ups.  We run them on the 1st Wednesday of each month and have some fantastic guest speakers.🎟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book your place at the networking events here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Hope you find content useful and we would really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Apple podcasts or Spotify.Connect with us on social media:🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our private Facebook group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📩  Email us:Steven@steven-clark.comNick@arcproperty.uk

In this episode, Steven and Nick welcome back Brian Gilmour from Indigo Square to discuss key updates in the Scottish property market. With rent controls changing, interest rates stabilising, and housing policies evolving, this episode is packed with insights for landlords, investors, and property professionals.Key Highlights:Scottish Property Market Updates: Changes to rent controls and what they mean for landlords. The impact of the Scottish Government’s new housing policies. Why institutional investors are pulling out of Scotland.Economic & Interest Rate Discussion: The latest Bank of England base rate changes. Inflation trends and what they mean for property investors. Mortgage rate outlook—where are they heading?The Future of the Private Rented Sector: The long-term outlook for landlords in Scotland. Why so many landlords are selling up. How portfolio buyers can take advantage of market shifts.The UK Housing Crisis & Possible Solutions: The role of the government vs. private sector in fixing the crisis. The challenges of planning and building new homes. How Scotland’s ageing housing stock is creating more problems.Scotland’s property market is in a period of transition. While some landlords are exiting, opportunities remain for investors who understand the new landscape. With changes in rent controls, economic uncertainty, and evolving housing policies, staying informed is key!----------------------------------------------------------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/------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/scottishpropertypodcast**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.🤝  Visit one of our monthly networking meet-ups.  We run them on the 1st Wednesday of each month and have some fantastic guest speakers.🎟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book your place at the networking events here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Hope you find content useful and we would really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Apple podcasts or Spotify.Connect with us on social media:🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our private Facebook group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📩  Email us:Steven@steven-clark.comNick@arcproperty.uk#scottishpropertypodcast #propertyinvestment #realestate #scottishhousingmarket #propertynews #landlords #rentalmarket #propertyinvesting #mortgagerates #housingcrisis

In this episode, Steven and Nick sit down with Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), to discuss the impact of Scotland’s short-term let licensing regulations. Fiona shares how these new policies are forcing operators out of business, damaging tourism, and creating a black market for rentals. If you're involved in short-term lets or considering investing in one, this is a must-listen episode! Why Short-Term Let Licensing Was Introduced: The Scottish Government’s reasoning behind the regulations. The unintended consequences for small property owners and investors. How Licensing & Planning Rules Are Hurting Operators: The complex approval process that’s shutting down businesses. The impact on Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies. How the cost of compliance is pushing many to leave the sector. The Rise of the Black Market in Short-Term Lets: Why some operators are ignoring regulations and continuing illegally. The lack of enforcement creating an uneven playing field. What could happen next with legal battles and political pressure. What Landlords & Investors Need to Know: Key things to check before buying a short-term let property in Scotland. How ASSC is fighting for fairer regulations and what might change. Why diversification is crucial if you rely on rental income.Scotland’s short-term let licensing has shaken up the rental market, forcing many operators to rethink their strategy or leave the industry altogether. Fiona provides a detailed breakdown of the situation and what could change in the future. Whether you’re an investor, a landlord, or someone in the hospitality sector, understanding these regulations is critical to making informed decisions.