Be prepared and think big a lesson in refurbishing and managing HMO’s – from Dubai

Posted on 3rd June 20153rd November 2019

Eight years is a long time in property: markets change, tenants move, lenders appear and disappear… and house prices can plummet or skyrocket. Despite such challenges to his UK portfolio, Billy Turriff has managed to not only survive but thrive since becoming an expat investor: he moved to Dubai in 2007 to help set up an HR and Management Consultancy branch for an international firm.

His property journey started in Ireland in 2002. He gradually built up a portfolio of single lets before switching to student lets in 2011 to maximise yield. In a recent conversation, he told us about some of the challenges of buying and managing HMO’s in the UK while working abroad, and how his investment strategies have developed over the years.

Read the full story here.

Listen to the podcast here.

“I met Billy on Mastermind 19 where he surpassed all expectations and was an extremely worthy winner. Billy epitomises the 'Pay it Forward' ethos supporting others and receiving support for his own projects in return. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a trusted and competent individual in the property investment sector.”

Fraser Macdonald
Investor Relations Director - Prosperity Capital Partners

“Billy’s mentoring provided a framework to structure the business and my activities and specifically helped clarify my goals and values. Without Billy’s support I would not have seen the acceleration in my activities over the last three months nor would I have secured a number of business and funding partners.”

Richard Daniels
Property Investor and Developer

“Billy was the first and only overseas winner of Mastermind to date, I was so impressed with his results from 6,000km away, he is now working with me as the PIN Host for Liverpool and is also a Coach and Mentor to other students on Mastermind.”

Simon Zutshi
CEO and Founder - Property Investors Network

“I met Billy through a networking meeting and was immediately impressed by how he had managed to build a large property portfolio in the UK whilst living abroad. With Billy's guidance and expertise I have been able to build my own portfolio of 35 student rooms in only 12 months! Billy is passionate about property and helping people fulfill their ambitions; I highly recommend working with him if you are wanting to fast track your own property journey.”

Paul Maske
Business Development Manager at CrowdProperty

"I met Billy in March 2015 and realised that Billy had strong values and was incredibly knowledgeable and experienced within the property sector. As a result I partnered with Billy and invested in his commercial to residential developments, that have provided me with a great return on my investment in terms of my interest paid and the capital was repaid early."

Simon Platt
Property Investor and Developer

“During the last 12 months Billy has worked with me to source, develop and tenant 2 x student multi-let houses. With Billy’s knowledge and team, I was able to purchase the properties at below market value and re-develop each one. This transformation added significant value to each property and enabled me to re-finance virtually all of my money back out and be left with an income generating asset. Billy is highly knowledgeable and experienced in property investment and development; he is a great person to work with; and I am looking forward to working with Billy in the future to expand my student multi-let portfolio.”

Ross Brain
Property Investor and Developer

“I purchased an off plan apartment from Billy at Hamilton Square in 2016 - not only was it finished to a great standard, it was also completed ahead of schedule resulting in significant stamp duty savings. Billy also supported me letting the apartment thereby providing a turnkey solution”

Shane Pearson-Giddings
Property Investor

“Kensington Finance has been such an easy company to work with, they make quick decisions offer flexible finance solutions to help fund your property investments. At last a finance company that makes borrowing money simple!”

Hannah Fargher
Director, Limelight Letting Ltd

“I have personally worked with Billy Turriff and Kensington Finance in the capacity of general business and private finance and can highly recommend their professionalism, products and services. All work, communications and transactions to date have been very straight forward, prompt and delivered with a high level of service. An individual and company I would recommend others to consider in the space of property investment, development, mentoring and private finance without question.”

Daniel Hill
Property Entrepreneur, Managing Director of the PPN UK Group

“I truly believe in mentorship and having the right knowledge. Billy has an analytical mind and he is an excellent businessman. He also has a very down to earth and honest approach to mentoring. Billy is the kind of mentor who can give you the right type of knowledge and he can identify where you are at on your journey and offer you key insight on the issues you are facing.”

Valter Pontes
Mentee