In this episode of Better Financial Futures, host John Boatman is joined by property investor, mentor, and author Neil Stewart. With a background in IT and self-employment, Neil shares how he turned to property as a way to build long-term income after realising he had no pension safety net.
Together, John and Neil explore the realities of getting on the property ladder, the difference between buying a home and buying an investment, and why financial education around money and property is still lacking in schools. They discuss interest rates, equity, risk, legal processes, and the emotional side of investing — including fear, overwhelm, and learning from mistakes.
This is an honest, practical conversation about property as part of a broader financial future — not hype, not quick wins, but education, experience, and informed decision-making.
More from Neil:
Find out more on his website: https://www.thebookonukproperty.com/
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How Neil transitioned from self-employment into property investing
- Why property can act as a long-term income strategy
- The difference between buying your home and buying an investment property
- Why timing the market (interest rates, house prices, tax changes) can stop people from ever getting started
- How equity in your home can potentially be used to fund investments
- The importance of professional legal support when buying property
- Why renting isn’t necessarily a financial failure
- How fear of numbers and overwhelm stops people from taking action
- Why small, consistent rent increases are better than large jumps
- The value of mentorship and learning from other people’s mistakes
John’s Top Tip of the Episode
Review your utility providers
Whether you own one property or several, regularly check the cost of your gas, electricity, water, broadband, and other utilities. Small differences in tariffs can add up significantly over time. Reviewing and switching when necessary is a simple way to reduce outgoings and improve your overall financial position.
Final Thought
No matter where you are starting from, a better financial future is possible. When we stop only working for money and start learning how money can work for us, everything begins to shift.