Property Hub has been hugely influential in helping me make investment decisions

Loyal podcast listener Nicky Radley tells us how Property Hub has given her the courage to make informed investments that will provide her with the financial freedom to fund a new venture in Spain.

How did you hear about Property Hub?

I’m a big believer in doing your own research. A couple of years ago I was looking for insight into the property market. I listened to quite a few podcasts that were not very good, then I came across The Property Podcast and I’ve been listening to it ever since.

How has Property Hub helped you get closer to your investment goals?

I grew up constantly moving – not only homes, but countries too. I remember, when I was very young, my father renovated and created a wonderful home for us in Streatham, South London, before we moved to New Zealand.

Although his day job was in sales, he’d improve the properties we lived in in his spare time and I took that to be normal. So naturally my first investment was a total dump that needed full renovation. That one didn’t actually work out so well and it wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that I met my partner and we decided to invest together to achieve a mortgage free lifestyle.

Nine flips, two children, a rental property, a house on the south coast and a holiday home in Spain later and we’re in a very good position – eating dust for years has paid off.

Property Hub has educated me to see that the careful use of debt can bring really good investments. I probably wouldn’t have taken the equity out of my rental property with a view to buying another one if I hadn’t listened to Rob and Rob. They certainly gave me the courage to do it.

Property Hub has educated me to see that the careful use of debt can bring really good investments.

What has this meant for you personally?

I always thought the end goal was to become mortgage free. This used to be our strategy, but I now realise far more can be achieved by the careful use of equity.

It’s our new goal to have a passive income which gives us the financial freedom to achieve goals we’d previously only dreamt about. We plan to generate enough income through our rental properties to fund our venture in Spain which we have talked about for some time. This isn’t retirement though, it’s a lifestyle business of sea, sun and motorbikes.

What have you learnt that you didn’t know before?

So much, like how the property cycle works and the short term and long term debt cycles, and how inflation can erode away debt, so you don’t need to be scared of interest only mortgages.

Also, that there’s a community dedicated to helping people understand about property and what it can do for them. I wish Property Hub had been around when I first started out in property.

What’s your favourite thing about Property Hub?

Listening to Rob and Rob’s podcast. It’s always interesting and informative and never dull. I sometimes go back over previous episodes so that the information sinks in a bit more. I loved the Ray Dalio episode.

What’s the next step in your story?

I’m currently looking for a new rental property. I know the type of property I’m after. I tend to look for houses that are run down and in good locations so we can increase the value by making improvements, although I’m not scared to try new tactics and strategies.

What would you say to someone just starting out in property?

Live for today with an eye on tomorrow. Think about how the assets you buy can work for you and not the other way around. Be frugal and don’t conform to the masses, and take chances if you believe in them. Don’t let other people put you off, but listen anyway and don’t be scared to make mistakes. I’ve made plenty but have learned from them. Have fun and enjoy the process, it’s addictive.

If you’d like to join our friendly community of property investors – for free – you can sign up here and start your property journey today!