27/05/2026
It's been a while since I shared a proper update, so here goes... the good, the frustrating, and everything in between. 🥴
▪️The one that hurt 💔
I spent nearly two months working a portfolio of 5 properties in Bishop Auckland, all sourced direct from a retiring landlord with 17 units. I sold all five deals within an hour of agreeing prices. Then conveyancing stalled. Then stalled again. Then in early May, the vendor pulled out without warning. £15,000 in fees. Gone. We are now working with the investors who missed out to find them replacement opportunities.
▪️But the wins kept coming ✅
On 22nd May we completed the sale of a maisonette in Birkenhead, RICS valued at £90,000, sold at £48,500 including sourcing fees. What makes this one particularly special is that it nearly didn't happen. The original investor had been in legals since 9th January 2026, only to be turned down for funding on 12th May. On the same day, I found a replacement investor who stepped in and completed on the 22nd. This is now the second deal that investor has purchased from us within six months. I am incredibly proud of their progress and their trust in us.
Sold last week, a BMV flat in Dawlish, Devon sold within the hour of it landing on my desk. Speed matters when the deal and discount is right.
▪️In the pipeline 🔄
We have a significant site in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, 17 bedsits and 5 self-contained units, in conveyancing at an agreed BMV price of £900,000, with real upside potential through title splitting or a commercial valuation.
A development opportunity in Watford (option agreement / subject to planning) has been grinding through legals since February 2025, over 15 months. We're nearly at the end of that process now, which means we can finally raise our first invoice. It'll be paid in two instalments, one when the option agreement commences, one when planning is achieved. Long road, but we're nearly there.
▪️Own Portfolio 🏡
We've recently purchased another short lease flat in Derby, extended the lease to 999 years, and we're working through some lender challenges to get this refinanced on to a BTL product. Hopefully all will be resolved in the next few days.
We are also due to complete on a BMV acquisition in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire imminently, which is another exciting addition to the portfolio.
▪️Mentorship... the part I'm most proud of 🎓
Since launching my mentorship programme in early April, I've onboarded 5 mentees and have another client who has booked a 1-2-1 consultation with me on the 2nd July.
In a short space of time, my mentees have secured BMV properties and rent-to-rent units, raised investment, onboarded investors, and built relationships with local professionals who are already discussing ways to pass them off-market deals. Their wins deserve their own post, and that's coming.
▪️Jon Sol Lettings 🏠
Three new landlords onboarded last month to our nationwide 5% letting agency. Simple, transparent, growing.
▪️Angel Investment via SSAS 💼
A loan I made via my SSAS pension is due for repayment on 31st May. The borrower overran, which is rare for them, but I understand their reasons. Once I have received funds, I will be looking to support my mentees and investor clients with their property investment journeys.
▪️The honest truth?
Property investment is complex, whether you're sourcing, buying, lending or borrowing. There are always moving parts, always setbacks. What makes the difference is having the right mentor, the right support, and the right power team around you.
If you're navigating this space and struggling, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to have a conversation.
