
The Scottish Property Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

May 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Turning a £310K Empty Building Into a £17K/Month Business Centre with Chris and Andrew
In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by Andrew and Chris from Brightstone Property, returning two years after their first appearance to share how they went from flips and serviced accommodation to delivering a 30-unit commercial business centre in Falkirk.They break down how they financed, developed, and filled the building — including the challenges of a six-figure refurb budget overrun, raising private investor finance through a SAS pension, and how the project has now grown into a profitable commercial asset and full-time business.Whether you're curious about commercial conversions, raising finance, or building a scalable property business, this episode delivers real talk, numbers, and lessons from two investors who are making it happen.Episode Highlights🏢 From Resi Flips to Commercial ConversionsStarted with residential flips and serviced accommodationDecided to pivot to larger commercial deals for scale and shared incomeAcquired a 7,500 sq. ft. building in Falkirk for £310KTransformed it into a 30-unit business centre (Brightstone Spaces)💰 Funding the ProjectRaised finance through a private SAS pension investorStructured the deal to buy with investor funds and fund the refurb from profitsManaged a refurb budget of £260K (which went £100K over!)Maintained investor trust through regular updates and repaid on time🔧 Overcoming Operational ChallengesRefurb included full rewiring, new fire systems, secure entry, and high-spec internetFilled the ground floor in 12 weeks via a hands-on marketing approachAchieved 97% occupancy, generating £17K/month gross rentRefinanced the building at £840K with a 70% LTV📈 Growth into Property ManagementNow managing three additional commercial sites for Liberty SpaceOffering management services for other commercial landlordsBuilding a hybrid business model combining property ownership with operational incomePlanning to acquire their next building while scaling their management armFrom modest residential flips to managing over 30 commercial tenants and multiple buildings, Andrew and Chris have completely transformed their business over the past two years. This episode is full of valuable lessons on financing, scaling, and building long-term credibility — all while remaining hands-on, humble, and community-focused.----------------------------------------------------------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

May 22, 2025 • 57min
100 Properties Before 28 - The Strategy Behind the Scale with Ewan Dudding
In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined once again by serial investor and mortgage broker Ewan Dudding — who has now scaled to over 100 properties and relocated to Dubai while running a high-volume brokerage and build team.Episode Highlights:🏗️ Scaling the PortfolioNow owns over 100 units, including 17 HMOs and multiple portfoliosBuying properties every 5 days for himself and every 2.5 days for clientsRefurbs running at £100k/month with two build teams and vans on the roadTargets £300–£350/month cash flow per unit💰 Raising & Recycling FinanceStarted with £80K savings and raised his first £80K from a friendNow borrows from clients and private investors at up to 10% interestUses bridging and refinance model to pull money out in as little as 6 weeksKey advice: raise capital from people who trust you, not just property people📊 Broker Business & Mortgage InsightsTeam of five and pushing through 10–12 mortgage applications per daySpecialises in bridging, BTLs, and portfolio lending for landlordsExplains how surveyors, lender relationships, and product switches impact dealsPartnered with Go Financial and growing organically through referrals🌍 Life in Dubai & Business MindsetRelocated recently for lifestyle and productivity — not just tax benefitsSays time difference gives him focus and freedom before UK wakes upStill works 14-hour days and prefers growing his business to relaxing on the beachHasn't bought a car, lives modestly, and reinvests every pound----------------------------------------------------------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 #buytolet #bridgingfinance #portfoliobuilder #hmoinvesting #mortgagebroker #dubailife #realestateuk #landlordlife #propertyrefurbs #privatefinance #scalingup

May 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
Risking 58K on Credit Cards to Build a Portfolio with Mark Downie
In this episode, Nick and Steven are joined by property investor and construction professional Mark Downie, who shares his incredible journey from working on mega-projects in Saudi Arabia to building a property portfolio back home in Scotland.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode offers a raw and honest look at what it really takes to build a portfolio while working abroad.Episode Highlights🏗️ Mark’s Journey: Construction & Property InvestingFrom civil engineering in Scotland to managing billion-dollar infrastructure projects in Saudi ArabiaHow he transformed an 8-bed Victorian villa in Falkirk as his first big project🏠 Portfolio Building: Buy-to-Let & FlipsScaling to 11 properties in under a year with deals in Aberdeen and FalkirkUsing credit cards and investor finance to fund deposits and renovationsHis first successful flip and how off-market deals helped him get started📉 Lessons from a Failed Serviced AccommodationThe painful £18k loss on a Bathgate SA due to planning rejectionWhy it’s critical to have multiple exit strategies and check licensing rules earlyThe differences between SA rules in Aberdeen vs West Lothian💷 Financing & Lender ChallengesTips for expats navigating UK mortgages while living abroadHow Mark structures deals for better tax efficiency and cash flowRefinancing wins and losses — and dealing with down valuations🌍 Saudi Arabia Mega Projects & Life AbroadInside the $500 billion NEOM “Line” project and what it’s like building in the desertWhy working abroad offers tax advantages—but comes with family sacrificesMark’s plan to return home, scale to 30-50 properties, and support other investors with project management servicesMark’s story is a powerful example of resilience, risk-taking, and real-world property investing. Whether you’re working offshore, considering SA, or looking for ways to scale, this episode is packed with practical lessons and cautionary tales. Get the full picture on building wealth through property while navigating the challenges of today’s market.----------------------------------------------------------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

May 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
Mastering Yourself to Win Big – with Colin Campbell
In this special episode, co-host Nick Ponty sits down with Colin Campbell to delve into a refreshingly candid conversation that strays from the usual property chat and instead dives deep into the world of personal growth, mindset shifts, and life transformation.🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Colin's powerful journey of self-discovery and how personal development became the foundation for his success.Why men struggle to talk openly about emotions and personal challenges—and how breaking that silence can be transformative.The importance of showing up as your authentic self in business and life.Colin’s thoughts on masculinity, mental health, vulnerability, and purpose.Tips on how to build confidence, resilience, and inner peace, even when life gets hard.The role of daily practices like journaling, breathwork, and fitness in maintaining emotional well-being.How being part of a growth-focused community can elevate your mindset and your results.🔥 Whether you're a property investor, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to level up personally and professionally, this episode is packed with value.----------------------------------------------------------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

Apr 27, 2025 • 43min
Landlords Could Be JAILED Under Labour’s New Proposals with Nick and Steven
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

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 12min
Building a Property Business Without Experience with Sean Spalding
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

Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Scottish Broker Taking Over Dubai’s Property Market with Calum White
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.

Apr 7, 2025 • 34min
Why Dubai Might Be the Next Hotspot for UK Investors
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.

Mar 31, 2025 • 52min
How Government Policies are Shaping the Rental Market with Mark Shanta
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

Mar 24, 2025 • 47min
From Rugby to Real Estate: The Unexpected Career Shift! with Andy Cramond
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