Creating their own property portfolio

Creating a property portfolio in excess of £1 million that returns a healthy rental income of £135,970 a year sounds too good to be true. But Jane and Simon Gillate are proof that with the right training and support, anything is possible.

Jane, an ex-Paediatric nurse who spent the last twenty two years focusing on family life, and her husband Simon, a Project Risk Consultant in the construction industry, shared a passion for property. Following Simon’s redundancy in 2009, the Gillates felt the time was right to research building a passive income from property, both as an appreciating asset and as a ‘nest-egg’ for their children. Their concerns were the diminishing returns held in savings and the liquidation of various assets in order to sustain an adequate income.

Whilst attending the British Franchise Show, Jane visited the Platinum Property Partners stand, learning about their business model and opportunities available to Franchise Partners.

Jane and Simon reviewed the information and despite initial scepticism, attended a Discovery Day to find out more. There they met with the team and learned from existing Franchise Partners how they had succeeded by following the business model to create and manage successful property portfolios. Suitably impressed, Jane and Simon subsequently attended a Directors Meeting, and while there decided to become Franchise Partners in the South East London area.

As Jane says, “...we had seen the proof and met the people. We knew we were making the right decision, so we just went for it.” Within six months, the couple had purchased three properties, and were managing the redevelopment works to turn the detached houses into luxury accommodation for professional sharers. The majority of bedrooms across all three properties were redesigned to include an ensuite bathroom. Jane and Simon followed PPP’s tried, tested and proven system which soon led to exceptional demand for their rooms, and market leading rental income profits.

Jane and Simon are now advocates of the Platinum Property Partners business model; “We could not have achieved this without Platinum Property Partners. From the first Discovery Day, we felt comfortable that the people we were working with had our best interests at heart and we were also reassured that the other potential and current Franchise Partners we met were just like Simon and I. We wanted to find something that would use both our skill sets – I have a real interest in interior design and I’d like to think I’m really good with people, whilst Simon is very organised and methodical. The Franchise Opportunity with PPP suited us both, and has given us something to focus on and work at together, whilst also providing us with a good level of income.”

Total Portfolio Value: circa £1 million

Annual Rental Income: £135,970

Annual Operating Profit: £75,860