Realised the potential in bricks and mortar

Working in the film industry for over thirty years and regularly globetrotting to far-flung destinations sounds glamorous. But Liz Bunton says, “My life was no longer my own, and I became dissatisfied with all the travelling and my hectic schedule. In 2009, as the industry got tougher following the economic downturn, I decided to try something different which would give me a better quality of life, and more time to spend at home.”

Having already invested in the stock market and property over the previous thirty years, Liz was very clear that bricks and mortar would form the basis of her new venture. As she explains, “I’ve lost more money in the last thirty years in the stock market than I’ve made. Conversely, I’ve always made money in property. To me, it’s a safe investment.” With Liz’s home in Battersea, South West London substantially rising in value since she purchased it in 1992, together with other buy-to-let investments in her portfolio, long -term capital generation wasn’t the issue. Liz’s requirement was to create a healthy monthly income.

Liz’s research led her to discover Platinum Property Partners (PPP) and start an initial dialogue with the team to find out more about the Franchise. After several long conversations with PPP, Liz felt reassured enough to attend a Discovery Day. As she explains, “I received so much advice and good quality information from the Platinum Team, which was incredibly valuable. I also met some of the other Franchise Partners and saw what they had achieved in relatively short periods of time. Without doubt, being able to get first-hand experience of what other people had accomplished was really helpful in my decision making process.”

It was the ability to generate monthly cash flow that proved to be the determining factor for Liz explains, “I saw that, with the right backing and support, I could make a good income from property, which I wasn’t achieving at the time on my own. It became apparent that PPP’s professional house sharing model was the only way forward if I wanted to generate cash flow. Crucially, I also realised I could be in business for myself, but not by myself. I would have the support and contacts I’d need to make it happen.”

With four HMO properties now in her portfolio, together with the healthy portfolio development profit of £315,000, Liz still isn’t one to rest on her laurels. “I’ll aim to buy and redevelop another two properties in the next twelve months or so,” she says. “Although having said that, I am a little busy. I’m studying the History of Art, something I’ve wanted to do for years. I had four holidays last year, and I’m able to indulge my passion for going to the Theatre and the Opera. At last, I can actually plan my life and have time for me. That’s the biggest luxury of all.” And what of her growing property empire, doesn’t that keep her busy too? “I’m at the stage now where my portfolio takes a few days a month to run. The thing that takes the most time is my accounts and my accountant does most of the hard work for me!”

Total Portfolio Value: circa £1.5 million

Annual Rental Income: £154,200

Annual Operating Profit: £73,200